Illinois Central College

At ICC, Andrea combined her love for sustainable agriculture and environmental science, gaining both independence and clarity about her career path. With the guidance of ICC and mentorship from the Illinois Soybean Association, she discovered her passion for soil conservation. Now, Andrea's preparing to transfer to Illinois State University to study soil science and inspire others along the way. Read her story.

Illinois Central College proudly celebrates the achievements of the Harbinger Student Media staff, who earned eight awards at the Illinois Community College Journalism Association Conference held at Moraine Valley Community College in November: Podcast: Grace Parker and Grace Zeithammer - 1st place Front Page Design, Division 1: Charlize Ashenbremer - 2nd place Sports Photo, Division 1: Noah Markunas - 3rd place Multimedia Story: Harbinger Student Media staff - 3rd place Front Page Design, Division 1: Brennan Tuma - Honorable Mention News Story of the Year: Brock Alkire - Honorable Mention Feature Writing, Division 1: Micah Weidner - Honorable Mention Reporter of the Year: Micah Weidner - Honorable Mention Congratulations to the talented Harbinger student staff on these outstanding accomplishments.

Illinois Central College proudly celebrates the outstanding achievements of its Agri-Business Club and Collegiate Farm Bureau members at the Illinois Professional Agricultural Students (PAS) Conference. Held at Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois, on Thursday, November 14, 2024, the event showcased the skills and professionalism of ICC students as they competed against peers from both community colleges and four-year universities in job interviews and specialty contests. Congratulations to the eighteen talented ICC students who competed: Talena Sprecher, Morgan Baer, Rafael Vidal, Bryce Lawles, Kaylin Turner, Luke Schroder, Brock Byrd, Kaitlynn Whitecotton, Slone Windish, Nick Bunnell, Ty Hodel, Ayden Nettles, Gabe Stephens-Sutter, Britt Beard, Lydia Rogers, Ryan Zehr, Madeline Wallington, and Sam Zurski. Job Interview Competition Students showcased their career readiness by submitting resumes and cover letters and participating in industry-led interviews across 11 categories. ICC students excelled, earning impressive placements: Agribusiness Administration: Talena Sprecher - 1st place Agronomic Services: Morgan Baer - 1st place Livestock Production: Rafael Vidal - 1st place Agricultural Equipment and Machinery: Bryce Lawles - 1st place Floriculture, Landscaping, and Nursery: Kaylin Turner - 1st place Ag Sales: Luke Schroeder - 2nd place Agronomic Production: Brock Byrd - 2nd place Specialty Crop Production: Kaitlynn Whitecotton - 2nd place Livestock Production: Slone Windish - 3rd place Forestry and Natural Resources: Nick Bunnell - 3rd place Specialist Areas Competition Participants solved problems, completed tests, and identified specimens in their chosen fields. ICC students earned top honors in multiple categories: Landscape: Individual Awards: 1st place: Kaylin Turner 2nd place: Nick Bunnell Team Awards: 1st place: Nick Bunnell and Gabe Stephens-Sutter 3rd place: Kaylin Turner and Kaitlynn Whitecotton Crops: Individual Awards: 2nd place: Lydia Rogers Team Awards: 3rd place: Lydia Rogers, Ty Hodel, and Ryan Zehr Equine: Individual Awards: 1st place: Madeline Wallington Team Awards: 1st place: Madeline Wallington, Rafael Vidal, and Talena Sprecher ICC applauds these remarkable students for earning top honors and representing the College with distinction. Their achievements exemplify the dedication and excellence of the Agri-Business and Collegiate Farm Bureau students.

Illinois Central College is proud to celebrate the success of recent Caterpillar Dealer Service Technology graduates Gunner Dunnett and Josh Powell. Gunner earned first place, and Josh placed third in the prestigious ThinkBIG Top Tech Challenge held in November. Participants qualified to compete based on their Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) exam scores. The ThinkBIG Top Tech Challenge is a highly competitive national competition for students in the Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician training program. It evaluates students' skills in eight categories, including failure analysis, emissions and electronics troubleshooting, hydraulics, and customer service. Thanks to their outstanding performance, Gunner and Josh qualified to compete in the international Dealer Top Apprentice Program in Melbourne, Australia, in February 2025, where they will represent ICC on a global stage. Congratulations to Gunner and Josh for this incredible achievement.

Kimah transitioned from teaching English abroad to pursuing her passion for technology at ICC. With supportive instructors and an apprenticeship at Caterpillar, she's gaining real-world experience and bold aspirations in quantum computing, launching an exciting new career. Read Kimah's story.

Jesus applied for the Machine Tool Technology Apprenticeship at ICC to advance his dream of becoming a mechanical engineer. With hands-on experience, supportive instructors, and aligned coursework, he's building the skills and confidence for a future at Liberty Steel. Read Jesus' story.

Andre paused his college education to support his family, building a career at Liberty Steel. Through the Industrial Electrical Technology apprenticeship at ICC, he's gained skills, advanced his career, and inspired his daughters. Now, he's preparing for higher-wage opportunities and new possibilities, including mentoring others and starting a business. Read Andre's story.

Illinois Central College congratulates students who earned President's List honors during the Summer 2024 semester. President's List recognition is achieved with a perfect 4.0 grade point average. Congratulations to these distinguished scholars on earning this impressive academic achievement.

After earning her GED and working in the trades for several years, Cara was accepted to the competitive Machine Tool Technology Apprenticeship at ICC as Eaton Corporation's first female apprentice. With support from ICC, she's getting the training she needs to achieve her goal of becoming a journeyman toolmaker, proving it's never too late to follow your passion. Read Cara's story.

Illinois Central College congratulates students who earned Dean's List honors during the Summer 2024 semester. Dean's List recognition is earned with a grade point average between 3.5 and 3.99. Congratulations to these distinguished scholars on earning this academic achievement.

Jack's story of discovery began with the ICC Dual Credit Welding program in high school, which allowed him to gain hands-on skills and jump-start his career. Now, he has earned a Welding Operator certificate, won a gold medal at a statewide competition, and secured multiple job offers-all before graduating high school!

At just 20, Al is a successful entrepreneur and ICC graduate with two self-founded companies. After feeling uncertain about his future, he chose ICC over a four-year university. Thanks to full scholarships and a newfound focus on political science, he's now aiming to become an international diplomat. Al attributes his growth and resilience to ICC and encourages others to consider community colleges as a valuable path to success.

Ana, who recently graduated high school, is already a junior at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, thanks to the Dual-Degree program at ICC. She earned her high school diploma and associate degree simultaneously, and shared her story of overcoming challenges with support from the ICC community. Ana recommends the program for its networking opportunities and strong foundation for future success.

After dropping out of ICC, MJ discovered his passion for nursing while caring for his mother. He returned to ICC to pursue his LPN, balancing school, work, and fatherhood. MJ credits ICC with boosting his confidence and supporting his dreams of becoming a school nurse. He encourages others to explore opportunities at ICC and focus on their future goals.

Illinois Central College proudly recognizes 10 students who competed in the 60th Annual SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta, GA. The students who participated include Noah Wynkoop of Eureka, Jack Murphy of Peoria, Ian Thompson of Pekin, Trevor Vincent, Brenen Alexander, John Balster, and Eric Chaney, all of Manito, along with Tyler Olsen, Ronan Scott, and Carter Williamson, who are dual credit students from Pekin High School. The conference took place in June 2024. Trevor Vincent earned Gold in Graphics Imaging - Sublimation, and Noah Wynkoop won Gold in Diesel Equipment Technology. Congratulations to all the students for their outstanding achievements.

Six students from Illinois Central College participated in the Future Business Leaders of America Collegiate (FBLA-C) National Leadership Conference in Orlando, Florida from June 23 - 27, 2024. Competing against thousands of students from across the United States and Puerto Rico, they earned the right to attend based on their performances at the State Leadership Conference in Effingham, Illinois in April. The participating students included Shriyann Majety of Edwards, Jonathan Stalsberg of Metamora, Benjamin Tate of Brimfield, Al Cuizon, Jr., Carson Kellem, and Jeffrey Tedford, all of Peoria, along with ICC alumnus Cassie Keller of Pekin. Four of these students, and Cassie Keller, became National Finalists. Al Cuizon, Jr. secured 2nd place in Job Interview, Benjamin Tate took 3rd place in Foundations of Selling, Cassie Keller earned 7th place in Foundations of Marketing, and the team of Carson Kellem and Jeffrey Tedford achieved 9th place in Accounting Case. FBLA is one of the largest student organizations in the U.S., dedicated to preparing students to become community-minded business leaders in a global society through relevant career planning and leadership experiences.

Illinois Central College would like to congratulate the six students who attended the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Regional Convention and Honors Institute held from Friday, May 31 to Sunday, June 2, 2024 at Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield, Illinois.

Illinois Central College congratulates students who earned President's List honors during the Spring 2024 semester. President's List recognition is achieved with a perfect 4.0 grade point average. Congratulations to these distinguished scholars on earning this impressive academic achievement.

Illinois Central College congratulates students who earned Dean's List honors during the Spring 2024 semester. Dean's List recognition is earned with a grade point average between 3.5 and 3.99. Congratulations to these distinguished scholars on earning this academic achievement.

Students from Illinois Central College competed in the annual SkillsUSA Illinois Elite Career connections competition in Peoria, IL. Overall, ICC earned six gold, five silver, and four bronze medals and received the 2024 Bronze Membership Growth award. Gold medalists are eligible to compete at the National Skills and Leadership Conference in Atlanta, GA, in June.

Students from Illinois Central College competed in the annual SkillsUSA Illinois Elite Career connections competition in Peoria, IL. Overall, ICC earned six gold, five silver, and four bronze medals and received the 2024 Bronze Membership Growth award. Gold medalists are eligible to compete at the National Skills and Leadership Conference in Atlanta, GA, in June.

Students from Illinois Central College competed in the annual SkillsUSA Illinois Elite Career connections competition in Peoria, IL. Overall, ICC earned six gold, five silver, and four bronze medals and received the 2024 Bronze Membership Growth award. Gold medalists are eligible to compete at the National Skills and Leadership Conference in Atlanta, GA, in June.

Students from Illinois Central College competed in the annual SkillsUSA Illinois Elite Career connections competition in Peoria, IL. Overall, ICC earned six gold, five silver, and four bronze medals and received the 2024 Bronze Membership Growth award. Gold medalists are eligible to compete at the National Skills and Leadership Conference in Atlanta, GA, in June.

Students from Illinois Central College competed in the annual SkillsUSA Illinois Elite Career connections competition in Peoria, IL. Overall, ICC earned six gold, five silver, and four bronze medals and received the 2024 Bronze Membership Growth award. Gold medalists are eligible to compete at the National Skills and Leadership Conference in Atlanta, GA, in June.

Students from Illinois Central College competed in the annual SkillsUSA Illinois Elite Career connections competition in Peoria, IL. Overall, ICC earned six gold, five silver, and four bronze medals and received the 2024 Bronze Membership Growth award. Gold medalists are eligible to compete at the National Skills and Leadership Conference in Atlanta, GA, in June.

Students from Illinois Central College competed in the annual SkillsUSA Illinois Elite Career connections competition in Peoria, IL. Overall, ICC earned six gold, five silver, and four bronze medals and received the 2024 Bronze Membership Growth award. Gold medalists are eligible to compete at the National Skills and Leadership Conference in Atlanta, GA, in June.

Students from Illinois Central College competed in the annual SkillsUSA Illinois Elite Career connections competition in Peoria, IL. Overall, ICC earned six gold, five silver, and four bronze medals and received the 2024 Bronze Membership Growth award. Gold medalists are eligible to compete at the National Skills and Leadership Conference in Atlanta, GA, in June.

Students from Illinois Central College competed in the annual SkillsUSA Illinois Elite Career connections competition in Peoria, IL. Overall, ICC earned six gold, five silver, and four bronze medals and received the 2024 Bronze Membership Growth award. Gold medalists are eligible to compete at the National Skills and Leadership Conference in Atlanta, GA, in June.

Students from Illinois Central College competed in the annual SkillsUSA Illinois Elite Career connections competition in Peoria, IL. Overall, ICC earned six gold, five silver, and four bronze medals and received the 2024 Bronze Membership Growth award. Gold medalists are eligible to compete at the National Skills and Leadership Conference in Atlanta, GA, in June.

Students from Illinois Central College competed in the annual SkillsUSA Illinois Elite Career connections competition in Peoria, IL. Overall, ICC earned six gold, five silver, and four bronze medals and received the 2024 Bronze Membership Growth award. Gold medalists are eligible to compete at the National Skills and Leadership Conference in Atlanta, GA, in June.