Visit IV Leader online: https://ivleader.com/
Volume 61 | Issue 8| April 23, 2026
Under Construction
Microbiology lab nears completion By Jabulile Mooketsi IV Leader Staff Writer
One of the college’s most notable projects, a new Microbiology lab, is nearing completion. Campus construction projects are becoming commonplace – along with construction noise and temporary relocations around campus. This longterm improvements is designed to improve the education experience and was utilized student feedback. “We have a 10-year master plan, which we update every decade,” said Dr. Tracy Morris, president of IVCC. “But when new leadership takes place, it provides an opportunity to
In this issue: PAGE 2, 3, 7: Several staff and faculty are retiring. PAGE 9: Student government o ficers are selected PAGE 13: Art show results are announced. PAGE 16: Softball continues its winning ways.
evaluate what we should aim at regarding our institution in the future.” The renovation was planned with much thought to students’ wishes and concerns. “The existing microbiology lab worked well enough,” Morris said. “However, the issue is that there are no barriers, students are not separated from each other in their activities, and outsiders could enter the lab at any time without a reason.” Thus, although the conditions in the existing lab met the safety requirements, it still required an upgrade. See ‘Microbiology’ Page 3
IV Leader photo/Jabulile Mooketsi
NEW ROOM Microb iology instructor K eith K ing ( right) check s out his new microb iology classroom that was added through a recent construction proj ect with I V CC president Tracy Morris left and athy oss ice president of usiness and finance.
Agriculture construction continues By Jabulile Mooketsi IV Leader Staff Writer
With construction of the agriculture building in full swing, students will continue to see progress on the Dr. Alfred E. Wisgoski Agricultural building. The building, which is being constructed on the south edge of the campus, is named after the former late Dr. Alfred E. Wisgoski who was a former president here at Illinois Valley Community College. The agricultural building has been part of the 10-year campus plan. The college had received a $3.5 million grant from the U.S. department of economic development administration to help fund the proj-
ect, but additional local fund raising was needed. The construction of the agricultural building not only adds to Illinois Valley College campus but also help locals in the llinois alley get their ualifications without having to leave home to achieve their dreams. This new construction will feature a 10,250 square feet building, with innovation labs, classrooms and labs, and a lot more cool features that will be exciting to see, according to IVCC President Tracy Morris. The college also recently announced that former IVCC president Jerry Corcoran has donated money to the project.
aculty o fice in the ag center will e named in honor of Dr. Jerome and Katherine Corcoran, who contributed $10,000 in support of the new building. Corcoran’s career at IVCC spanned 33 years, including 15 years as president before he retired in 2023. Corcoran said his donation supports IVCC’s mission to respond to its community’s needs. “It had been a long time since we offered many classes in agriculture. We decided to develop a program and hired a top-notch coordinator to help it ‘take ight e went rom two agriculture courses and marginal facilities to 22 courses and 70 students annually,” Corcoran said.