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Message VIEW FROM THE VALLEY VOLUME 20- ISSUE 2 MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2025 • NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION • WEEKS OF WELCOME AT WVC • OUTSTANDING NURSING PASS RATE • AND MORE!
"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." LAO TZU
TABLE OF CONTENTS Editor's Note New Student Orientation RECAP Walking out WOW Alumni Casts Abroad WVC Nursing Outstanding Pass Rate Performing Arts Series Upcoming Events 01 02 03 04 05 06 07
EDITOR'S NOTEAs another semester gets underway at Wabash Valley College, I’m reminded of the energy and possibility that fills our campus this time of year. Students are finding their rhythm, faculty and staff are guiding them forward, and our community continues to show incredible support for Warrior Nation. In this issue, you’ll read about the exciting projects, events, and accomplishments that make WVC such a special place—from student activities and athletic highlights to stories of alumni making an impact far beyond our campus. Thank you for taking the time to stay connected with us. Whether you are a student, alumni, or community member, you are part of the WVC story—and we’re glad you’re here to share it. Qu˜°n˛˝˙ˆˇ 01
NEW STUDENT ORIENTATIONRecap! 02 Wabash Valley College kicked off the fall semester with New Student Orientation on Tuesday, August 19, welcoming incoming Warriors to campus with a morning full of activities and introductions. The day began with a continental breakfast and ice breakers designed to help students get to know one another. Faculty, staff, and student ambassadors were on hand to provide guidance and encouragement, ensuring new students felt supported as they start their college journey. Students then took guided tours of campus, giving them the chance to find classrooms and become familiar with the layout before the first day of classes. To close out the day, WVC hosted a cookout and a community fair in the Art Gallery. Local businesses set up booths to share resources and opportunities, connecting students with the wider Mt. Carmel community. Orientation was a celebration of new beginnings, filled with food, fellowship, and the promise of a great year ahead. WVC is excited to see what this new class of Warriors will accomplish!
WALKING OUT WoW Wabash Valley College kicked off its Weeks of Welcome at the end of August into September, giving students a fun and engaging start to the semester. Events like the Outdoor Blast, Donut Stress with Student Support Services, and outdoor activities helped students connect, build community, and discover campus resources. “Starting college can feel overwhelming,” said IECC Dean of Students Cassandra Goldman. “These events were a fun way to help students feel informed, connected, and excited about being part of WVC.” 03 INTERNATIONAL STUDENT LAWN GAMES WVC FOUNDATION HOSTED PICKLE BALL TOURNAMENT "DONUT STRESS" WITH TRIO CHUCK-A-DUCK FIND YOUR TRIBE PIZZA AND PREPARATION
04 CASTING ABROAD, REELING IN GOLD Wabash Valley College alum Drew Gill added another milestone to his angling career by competing with Team USA in the 19th Black Bass World Championship, held September 4–6 on Arabie Dam in South Africa. Gill and his teammate delivered an outstanding performance, helping Team USA secure the team gold medal against strong international competition. In addition, Gill and partner Ott DeFoe captured the individual gold medal, reeling in several 6–7 pound bass over three days of competition. “It was an honor and a privilege to put our talents to use and bring home both gold medals for the greatest country in the world,” Gill said, also congratulating Italy and Australia on their silver and bronze finishes. WVC is proud to celebrate Gill’s continued success and the dedication he brings to the sport at the highest level of competition.
05 WVC NURSING PROGRAM MAKES HISTORIC PASS RATE Wabash Valley College is celebrating outstanding success in its nursing program, with 100% of its 2025 graduates passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). The achievement outpaces the national average of 87% and contributes to Illinois Eastern Community Colleges’ (IECC) highest-ever district-wide pass rate. For the 2025 cohort, IECC nursing students achieved a 98% NCLEX pass rate across all campuses. Frontier Community College recorded a 94% pass rate, while Lincoln Trail College, Olney Central College, and Wabash Valley College each posted a perfect 100%. Tracy Smith, Department Head of Nursing and Nursing Associate Instructor at WVC, praised the dedication of the students and faculty: “A 100% pass rate is proof of the hard work our students put into their studies and the passion our faculty bring to the classroom and clinical sites,” Smith said. “We are proud to prepare nurses who are ready to provide safe, compassionate care and step confidently into their careers.” Looking ahead, Smith emphasized the program’s momentum: “We’re proud of what this year’s graduates accomplished, but we’re just as excited about the next class,” she said. “WVC will continue offering the rigorous, supportive program that helps our students succeed.” Applications for IECC’s Nursing programs will open this fall for a Fall 2026 start.
06 ANNOUNCING THE 2025-26 PERFORMING ARTS SERIES The Wabash Valley College Arts Council (WVAC) is proud to present the 2025–2026 Performing Arts Series, a lineup that brings nationally recognized artists, community productions, and student talent together for a season of unforgettable performances. The series opens September 28 with a special “on tour” concert at the Edwards County Fairgrounds in Albion, featuring country music legend Dottsy. From there, the spotlight returns to the Brubeck Theatre on the WVC campus, where audiences will experience a wide range of performances throughout the year. Highlights include: Jimmy Fortune of the Statler Brothers (October 17) • The Ivas John Band: The Blues Experience (November 9) • A WVAC production of A Christmas Carol (November 20–23) • Holiday favorites with the WVC Strings, WVC Choir, and The Nutcracker (December 6–7) • The return of Jason Hudy’s Mesmerizing Magic (February 20) • A WVAC production of Willy Wonka: The Musical (March 12–15) • How Sweet It Is: The Music of James Taylor with Grammy-winning songwriter Steve Leslie (March 27) This season showcases a mix of professional touring artists, local talent, and student performers, offering something for every age and interest. From timeless theatre classics and holiday traditions to blues, gospel, country, and magic, the Performing Arts Series continues its mission of bringing cultural enrichment and high-quality entertainment to the Wabash Valley region. For ticket information and a full schedule, visit the WVC Performing Arts Series page at iecc.edu/wvc/student-life/arts-culture/performing-arts-series
07 UPCOMING EVENTS September 10, 2025 • Warrior Day • Volleyball Match
VIEW FROM THE VALLEY iecc.edu/wvc