Illinois Valley Community College Foundation Names IVCC-LPO Hall of Fame Class of 2026
The Illinois Valley Community College Foundation has named five inductees to the IVCC-LPO Hall of Fame Class of 2026. Honorees are Susan Ruppert, Joe Devera, Gary Peterlin, Fran Brolley, and Therese Cotton-Uphaus. Their accomplishments span nursing education, paleontology, public service, college fundraising, and groundbreaking chemistry research. Ruppert is recognized for national and international healthcare impact; Devera for fossil research and education; Peterlin for justice and integrity in public service; Brolley for raising more than $2.2 million for IVCC projects; and Cotton-Uphaus for pioneering Raman spectroscopy work. The induction ceremony was held June 6th at IVCC’s Cultural Centre.
Susan Ruppert (class of 1974 and 1975) holds a master’s degree and a PhD in nursing. She is a nursing professor and associate dean and maintains a practice as a nurse practitioner. She is a first-generation college student who continues to impact patient care, education, and healthcare policy on a national and international scale. Throughout her 50-year career, she has received the most notable honor of being named a Fellow in many national organizations.
Joe Devera (who attended from 1972 to 1974) is a Principal Scientist of Paleontology at the Illinois State Geological Survey. He has authored or co-authored 59 geologic maps covering Southern Illinois, discovered new fossil species, mentored students who have gone on to publish groundbreaking research, and spent 25 years inspiring thousands of schoolchildren through fossil education programs.
Gary Peterlin (class of 1969) exemplifies a lifelong commitment to public service, education, and youth advocacy. Peterlin attended John Marshall Law School at night while working full-time as a LaSalle County probation officer and went on to serve two terms as LaSalle County State’s Attorney (1980–1988), where he was recognized for his thoughtful and prevention-focused approach to justice. As a member of the Illinois Gaming Board, he was recognized for his commitment to bringing honesty and integrity to the industry.
Fran Brolley (who attended from 1978 to 1980) is recognized for his remarkable career of service and leadership at IVCC. After 34 years, Brolley retired as the most prolific fundraiser in the college’s history, raising more than $2.2 million for transformative IVCC projects. He has inspired hundreds of donors, supported countless students through scholarships, and earned recognition as a finalist for the Illinois Community College Trustees Association Ethical Leadership Award.
Therese Cotton-Uphaus (LPO Class of 1959) was an internationally recognized chemist and research pioneer. Her groundbreaking work in Raman spectroscopy helped lay the foundation for modern virus detection (including COVID‑19), cancer diagnostics, and environmental and food safety testing. A top researcher during Iowa State’s nationally ranked analytical chemistry era, she published extensively while remaining a kind, humble, and deeply respected teacher. A tireless advocate for women in science, she created training opportunities and modeled perseverance as a non-traditional student and mother of four. She died in 1997.
Nominations are now open for the 2027 IVCC-LPO Hall of Fame class. The honor recognizes outstanding individuals connected to Illinois Valley Community College and the La Salle-Peru-Oglesby area who have made a meaningful impact through achievement, service, or leadership. A list of past inductees is available on the IVCC-LPO Hall of Fame page at ivcc.edu/halloffame. Community members who know someone deserving of recognition are encouraged to submit a nomination. For details, contact Susan Monroe, Alumni and Donor Relations Coordinator, at [email protected], or call 815-224-0549.