Illinois Valley Community College trustee Jane Goetz has been honored with the Ray Hartstein Trustee Achievement Award by the Illinois Community College Trustees Association, recognizing her 21 years of service. The college’s innovative partnership with OSF Healthcare was also celebrated for its impact on the community. Together, they’ve developed a program to train surgical technicians, directly addressing a local shortage in the healthcare workforce. The collaboration is seen as a model for blending education and industry needs, providing real-world opportunities for students and fulfilling a critical demand for qualified professionals in area hospitals.
“The Harstein award is one of the most prestigious honors that is awarded each year and Jane is so deserving of this recognition. She has served IVCC, the Foundation, and the local community with tremendous dedication and commitment and we are so thankful to have her support of IVCC for so many years,” said IVCC President Dr. Tracy Morris.
“This partnership reflects how community colleges are able to respond to local industry needs. Jennifer Scheri and her team in the Continuing Education and Business Services department were amazing in this work with the team from OSF. To be recognized at the state level is so incredible and is a testament to the work we can accomplish when we work together with our industry partners,” stated President Morris.
Every trustee brings different life experiences to the table, and “my background has been education, and I brought that experience,” Goetz said. She considers IVCC “a jewel that a lot of people do not realize.”
The Business-Industry Partnership award nomination cited the surgical technician program’s impact on the field and the area. “This collaborative approach ensures graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the field, reinforcing the program’s effectiveness in developing a skilled workforce for the region,” the nomination read.
“We identified a need for surgical technicians and there wasn’t a local program. This position is essential for surgical procedures,” Bomstad said.
The healthcare system and the college have long been strong partners in nursing and CNA programs, and Bomstad said the pair is exploring additional areas of collaboration.
In addition to Goetz and OSF Healthcare, the college recognized other distinguished individuals and students in various categories for their accomplishments. They include Walt Zukowski, Distinguished Alumni Award; Edgar Lucero Castillo, Pacesetter Award; Donald Leynaud, Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award; and Samantha Whiteaker, Outstanding Full-Time Faculty Award. IVCC students Ashton Watkins, Emma Garretson, Elizabeth Huffaker, and Maggie Yang were nominated for recognition. Past award nominees for
IVCC can be found at https://www.ivcc.edu/awards/iccta-awards.