Everything RVC

"Cornfield Joe"

In this episode, 2021 Faculty of the Year, Professor Molly Sides, joins Amanda as co-host.  The conversation with Joe Haverly, Professor of Environmental Biology could have lasted for days.  Topic highlights include teaching style, snakes and baby chicks, love, gratitude, Mexico, music, ethics, attitudes, and so much more.

In this episode, David and Tracy take a trip down memory lane when they discover they're both Red Bird graduates from Illinois State University.  Tracy talks about how her love of entertainment, marketing, public relations, and political science led to a degree in Communications.  We learn about her passion for Safe Zones and how she plays a key role in training others in the RVC community with her involvement on the Promoting an Inclusive Community (PAIC) committee.  Keep listening for so much more about Tracy's teaching style and parenting hacks!

In this fascinating interview, we learn about Dr. Etlinger's passion for literature and poetry. We get lost talking about epic break-up songs and learn more about how she captivates her students through discussing timely and relevant topics that help them find their truths. Bonus features include a poem recital, Milwaukee, WI food and drink recommendations, and much more.

Lonnie rode the wave from cruising the country with her parents' band in the "Orange Crate" to learning the ropes of video editing in RVC Mass Com to opening her own production company. She talks about her time in Mass Com as a student and how it has helped her in her role as an Instructional Tech for the program, mentoring students and helping them find their true passion. We learn about her creatively talented family and how they influenced what she does now, and she shares some of her favorite, and unusual, jobs she has had as the head of Vixen Productions. 

Suzanne Miller, Assistant Professor of Sociology, joins us with student co-host, Morgan Pease. Suzanne takes us through her RVC journey that started in the 80's with "Jeffery the Giraffe" and continued on as a student and then transitioned into employee status being influenced by greats like Bob Betts, TJ Herman, Mike Merriman, Diane Kuehl, Cindy Luxton and Amy Diaz along with countless others. Her story is full of career twists and turns and teaches us that our professional identity is fluid and dynamic and if we can stay open to mentorship and our inner voice, we will find our calling.

Mary Flynn, Associate Professor of Education and Early Education, joins us on the podcast with special co-host, current RVC student, Morgan Pease.  Mary tells us how her RVC journey reluctantly started but, due to an amazing professor, she quickly fell in love with the college. Mary later found a career home for herself following in the footsteps of her grandparents- one of which even taught bar tending classes in RVC Continuing Education. We discuss early childhood curriculum, responding to teaching and learning during a pandemic, and have some fun getting to know Mary more personally.

Claudia tells us all about the TRiO programs at RVC and how they help students overcome barriers to their education. We learn about her own adventurous journey from aspiring archaeologist to geographic mapper to would-be teacher and how all of it eventually led her to RVC. We also find out what it's like living with a teenage daughter during the pandemic and how they keep each other entertained. 

Plus, David's guest co-host Casey Hauser unveils her dark side. 

As the Chief Development Officer, Brittany has the pleasure of witnessing up close the impact her work has on students. We learn how the RVC Foundation changes lives by awarding student scholarships, and helps the college evolve by supporting new initiatives and facilities through the support of generous donors. Brittany also tells us how her time as a college cheerleader led to her career in fundraising and why Charleston, SC is her happy place. Finally, we talk about her husband and two children and uncover some fun facts about how she and her kids got their names.

Amber shares her experience of transferring to RVC after coming to America from the Philippines and how she immediately fell in love with RVC. We learn about her passion for health and wellness and how she plans to merge that with a newfound interest in sports marketing. Her wit, wisdom, and zest for life are on full display throughout the interview.

All paths have led back to RVC for Darryl Watkins. He takes us through his experience from playing basketball at RVC to returning as an assistant coach under Misty Opat to returning yet again in his current role as Women’s Basketball Head Coach. He shares his philosophies on recruiting, coaching, giving back to the community, and making sure his student-athletes excel in the classroom. He tells us about all of the mentors who have taught him something valuable along the way, but how none were more important and impactful than his parents and grandparents.

Join us for this hysterical episode as we learn how Beef-A-Roo played a major role in Rachel deciding to take a class at RVC as a junior in high school. She speaks openly about how starting out at the university after high school wasn't a good fit, which led her back to RVC. She exudes her passion for teaching, and we learn what really blows her pedagogy socks right off. Currently Director of the Secondary Education Program at Northern Illinois University, Rachel is now playing a significant role in shaping future teachers. Stay until the end to hear about what made Rachel a less than perfect college roommate.

RVC Alumnus and passionate safety guru, Andy Stevenson, tells us how he road tripped to Alaska and ended up staying for 25 years. While in Alaska, Andy tried on many different career hats helping him build skills in leadership, industrial manufacturing, operations, sales, and inventory control. You'll also hear candid stories including how bad choices impacted his decision to make the trek back to Illinois and how a new relationship inspired him to try out Rock Valley College in his forties.

Associate Professor Konkol shares details on the college's exciting new Tech Bus initiative, and takes us on a ride through his diverse work life that has evolved from his family's farm to pastor to professor with interesting side jobs along the way, including auto body work, developing apps, and even writing children's books! He also lets us in on his family life and his proud role as "papa" to his children and grandchildren. 

MaryAnne tells us about a hidden gem at RVC, the RAISE program, and why her role as coordinator of the program has fulfilled her lifelong desire to educate and advocate for the underdog. She talks openly about redirecting her career path later in life to fulfill a personal desire to help people and why that was the best career decision she ever made. Finally, she introduces us to Lauren, a RAISE student who talks to us about how RAISE has impacted her life.

Dr. Amanda Smith takes us through her RVC journey that started as an ESL instructor and has included stops with Refugee and Immigrant Services and Adult Education, to leadership roles as an Academic Dean and now Associate Vice President. She shares some wonderful stories of students whose lives she has seen impacted, and we even find out the Breakfast Club character with whom she most closely identifies. Finally, she shares a very personal, and unforgettable, story that has led her to spread awareness on mental health issues and suicide prevention.

In this episode, Associate Professor of History Dr. Dan Blumlo shares intimate details about his childhood growing up poor in the Florida Keys and how his teachers inspired him to consider a career in history.  We learn about his uber-competitive passion for trivia and which aspects of history usually draw him in first.  He fascinates us by describing provocative books he assigns in class during the semester to invoke critical thinking and empathy for others.

Find out how Samantha's journey from pursuing an education in nursing to shifting to graphic design helped lead her from RVC student to RVC employee. She walks us through a day in the life of the "one woman show" running the college's Print Services department and what the print world has looked like during the pandemic. Finally, we discover how her willingness to unlearn things and never stop learning has been the roadmap to her better self. 

Amanda’s passion for helping new students get acclimated to RVC comes shining through in this conversation. We learn about her own journey in higher education and how she and the Getting Started Center help students navigate their first year at RVC through peer mentoring and student success workshops. As often happens on “Everything RVC,” her “Christmas tree moment” happens when she talks about her family.

This husband and wife duo has over 37 years of combined experience teaching psychology at RVC. They candidly share how they bring out the best in each other, how their teaching styles differ, and what they miss most about being in the classroom. They share great insight on their areas of expertise, including child psychology (George) and social psychology (Julie). We also find out how they met, how George turned Julie into a geek, and how Julie made George a kinder person.

Aneliia Miniiarova talks about why she came to the States from Russia, her high school experience on both coasts, and what brought her to RVC. We discuss her ability to adapt and embrace the culture in each new city she calls home, and explore what the future holds for her after graduation. 

You might be surprised to hear what the turning point was in Dr. Lanting’s life and why the community college mission has become his passion. He discusses the importance of being the same person in every facet of his life and how that serves him both personally and professionally, and we learn what a typical day looks like for an academic dean. Finally, we talk about his many travels around the globe.

Darin Monroe talks about his dual role as Athletic Director and Head Softball Coach and how striving for excellence is infused into every aspect of the athletics program, leading to unparalleled student-athlete success on the field, in the classroom, and in the community. In the spirit of competitiveness, we ask Darin which interview in his career has meant the most to him- this podcast or his appearance on SportsCenter.

Clear the way! In this episode, Professor of History Dr. Martin Quirk entertains us with a tornado of interesting stories and reflections about his life growing up and his time at RVC. He reflects on the power of mentorship, his addiction to teaching, identity and image in far western Kansas, and even food history! You will be amazed to learn where he slept the night before this podcast.

RVC Alum Dr. Jonathan Devereueawax talks about how RVC professors Sicotte and Haverly, among others, had a profound influence on his life, and how his RVC experience inspired him to become a community college professor himself. Amanda discovers she has much in common with Jonathan, including a passion for educational leadership, entrepreneurship, and helping students who are facing barriers to fulfilling their educational goals.

In the season one finale of “Everything RVC,” David interviews Amanda using the “Proust Questionnaire,” an exercise designed to reveal one’s true nature. It’s a deep dive into Amanda’s psyche that is both candid and fun.

The episode closes with David and Amanda putting a bow on season one by looking back on the first 30 episodes.

We find out the inception for Nathan’s love for filmmaking, why he strongly identifies with Peter Parker, and how his family from RVC’s Mass Com program collaborates on creative projects. His mentor Jerry LaBuy sits in as co-host with David as three self-proclaimed geeks talk movies, TV shows, and video games.

As a fan of the podcast, Lisa gets a chance to ask David some questions about the inner-workings of the show before David turns the spotlight on her. We learn about her passion for education and lifelong learning, how the accreditation process is something all of us can affect, and why it has always been important for her to leave her door open to people (or pets) that need a home.

Jerry LaBuy tells us where his passion for film began, walks us through his RVC journey and how it changed his life in every possible way, and educates us on the Mass Com program at RVC and some of his proudest student success stories. We’re also treated to some impressive anecdotes on Jerry’s brushes with fame.

In this episode, we learn how current RVC student Cesar De la Rosa found his way to Rock Valley College through the dual enrollment program which ultimately landed him a Rockford Promise Scholarship.  He speaks candidly about growing up amidst violence and discrimination and how that led to his dream of becoming a criminal justice attorney.  Listen all the way through to hear how he intentionally and organically teaches about privilege.

In this episode, we talk to RVC alumna, Dawn Dundas.  Dawn's RVC story is packed with examples of both positive and challenging experiences that led her to a career in social work, specifically working with trauma and the LQBTQ+ community.  Her warrior spirit is evident in each unexpected story that speaks to how her time at RVC shaped her personal values.

Pat Young and Tricia Wagner talk about the amazing impact RVC’s Adult Education programs have on our region and the ways they feel we could be doing even more. They share personal stories of seeing lives change before their eyes, and educate us on the diverse Adult Education programs offered at RVC. By the end we learn about Pat’s happy place, and an exciting side venture of Tricia’s that just might make her famous one day.

In this episode,  RVC Foundation Board Vice-President, LoRayne Logan, talks to us about how dreaming bigger for others helps people dream bigger for themselves.  You'll learn how her life has been defined by service to those who have had the odds stacked against them and why she believes that education is the vehicle to empowerment.  Special Feature:  Find out why LoRayne named the Educational Resource Center (ERC) after Estelle M. Black.

In this episode, Adjunct Professor of Computer Information Systems, Paul Newell,  teaches us about his careers in programming and accounting.  Learn about his fascination with first-generation technology, including cell phones and digital cameras.  Stay until the end to find out how he overcame his fear of public speaking and took his talents on the road.

Working at Rock Valley College was always on Christine’s “bucket list.” Find out why it meant so much to her, and what she and her team in Records & Registration do every day to help students and faculty. We also uncover her passion for music and how it led to a magical moment at Disney World.

RVC Alumna Gretchen Beaman shares her personal story of resilience and how RVC, and specifically support from RVC faculty and staff, helped her overcome tremendous adversity and self-doubt.

VP of Student Services Dr. Patrick Peyer takes us on a historical journey detailing his career path and passion for on-boarding students into college life.  Find out what it takes to create "golden moments" for new students and learn about his leadership philosophy and orientation strategies. He also shares what class he wants to take at RVC when he finds the time.

RVC Alumna Elizabeth Branney-Gant floors us in this intellectually stimulating conversation about how attending RVC shaped her life. Learn how she credits numerous faculty members, Model United Nations, and Kohl's for leading her on the path to become an expert in fraud prevention. Stay until the end to hear her talk about her passion for peace and fighting injustice. She is an RVC star and we are so proud of who she has become.

Professor of Economics Dr. Michael Youngblood gives us an important lesson on cost-benefit analysis as we go on his journey from first-generation student at a community college to now 30-year career teaching at RVC. We also dig into his passions for music and cooking, and he shares his thoughts on the secrets to a long and healthy marriage.

Professor of Computer Information Systems Jim Conley tells us how his life-changing moment happened and how his RVC journey began. He gives us a lesson on networking and programming and how they have changed dramatically since he started teaching, and we also hear some tales about his youthful dreams of becoming a rock star drummer.

Relic: an object surviving from an earlier time, especially one of historical or sentimental interest.

Dr. Karl Jacobs, RVC’s second president (1969-1997), describes himself as an “old relic” of RVC. Based on the above definition, we agree. There is very much a historical and sentimental interest surrounding Dr. Jacobs. In this rare conversation with him, we learn about the formative years of RVC, the challenges Dr. Jacobs and the college faced to earn the public’s trust and respect, and how important it was for him to surround himself with good people. Dr. Jacobs candidly shares his greatest triumphs and his regrets from nearly 30 years as RVC’s president. It’s an RVC history lesson you will not want to miss.

A terrifying experience speaking in front of her first class was the start of Lisa Alexander’s RVC journey as an Adjunct Composition Instructor. What it became is a lifetime of fond memories, friendships, and family connections. We learn about the most memorable student paper she’s ever read, her favorite forms of writing, and authors she most admires.

Joe Woolford, Coordinator of New Student Enrollment, tells us about a new podcast he and his colleagues have started to help prospective students learn about how to get started at RVC. We also learn about his true passions and how he has found ways to incorporate those passions into his work. And we put him on the spot to choose his favorite Star Wars movie. His answer may surprise you.

VP of Workforce Development Chris Lewis joins us to talk about the work he is doing for some major RVC initiatives, including the Advanced Technology Center and the Tech Bus, and how they are going to bring hope and opportunity to those who need it in our region. He also tells us how some of the most important work we can do can happen outside of normal work hours. Finally, we end with a love story you won’t want to miss.

Associate Professor of Respiratory Care Jacki Moss shares some emotional and passionate stories about her program and profession, offers advice on how we all can be healthier, and explains how she always tries to discover the best parts at the center of all of us. We also hear about a kayaking trip gone south, and Amanda is back in the co-host chair!

In this timely conversation, Dr. Kym Blanchard, RVC's Executive Director of Online Development, Technology & Innovation, talks all things online learning, including how faculty and students can get the most out of the online experience and what her goals are for this new position at RVC. We also make her explain synchronous versus asynchronous, learn more about what keeps her busy when she's off-line, and uncover her passion for speaking for those who can't speak for themselves.

Professor Dr. George Hernandez shares his expertise in child psychology, provides some insightful advice for students and parents on how to cope with today's stresses and anxieties, and explains how friends and parents can model behaviors that can shape who we are. We also learn how he and his wife both became Professors of Psychology at RVC, and get to explore George's inner-geek with discussions on Marvel and Star Wars that are music to the ears of David and his guest co-host, Eric Wilson. 

Student Trustee Annika Vincent shares with us how fate may have led her to RVC, what she hopes to accomplish as Student Trustee, and what brings her happiness. Meanwhile, David is joined by a special guest co-host in the booth.

RVC's 2020 "Employee of the Year" shares her favorite RVC moments as she's seen them through her camera lens, reflects on the moment she realized she was the "Employee of the Year" and even gets to discuss her obsession with the Dave Matthews Band.