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Lincoln Trail College welcomed high school students from across the region on March 6 for the Young Women LEAD conference, an event designed to inspire and empower young women. The highlight of the conference was a keynote address by Jen Bricker-Bauer, a nationally recognized acrobat, aerialist, author, and motivational speaker with deep roots in Crawford County.

Lincoln Trail College partnered with Twin Rivers to host a Career Day event, giving seventh graders and sophomores from three counties an opportunity to explore career pathways and engage with local business and industry leaders. LTC President Tona Ambrose welcomed students to campus, emphasizing the importance of career exploration at a young age. Regional Superintendent Jeremy Brush served as the keynote speaker, encouraging students to think about their futures and the skills they will need to succeed in the workforce.

High school artists from several area schools gathered at Lincoln Trail College for Celebrate Art! Day, an event designed to inspire and recognize young talent. Students had the opportunity to learn from award-winning graphic designer and educator Samantha Tableriou, participate in a creative exercise, and showcase their work in the Celebrate Art! show.

Mt. Carmel, IL – Wabash Valley College (WVC) is proud to announce that Mireya Rose has been elected as the Student Trustee for the 2025-2026 term. This prestigious position rotates annually among the four Illinois Eastern Community Colleges (IECC) campuses—Frontier Community College, Lincoln Trail College, ���챬��, and WVC.

���챬�� is taking measures to ensure the campus’ white squirrel population continues to thrive by installing nesting boxes near the Applied Technology Center construction site. 

���챬�� is once again receiving high marks for its outstanding academics, earning a spot on University HQ’s list of the Top 25 Best Associate Degree Programs in Illinois for 2025.  An independent online resource, University HQ is recognized for providing students with comprehensive resources for researching top-ranked colleges and universities, scholarships and career information. This is the second consecutive year OCC has received this honor.

Some love stories begin with a grand gesture or a chance encounter in a far-off place. For Ross and Nikki Westdorp, it all started in the halls of Lincoln Trail College—between classes, on the ballfields, and in the quiet moments of campus life. What began as a simple friendship grew into something greater, standing the test of time, distance, and the challenges of college athletics. Years later, they returned to the place where it all began, not as students, but as husband and wife—saying “I do” on the very field that had been their home for so many innings.

���챬�� is hosting upcoming information sessions for students interested in applying for Fall 2025 admission to the Associate Degree Nursing Program. The one-hour meetings are at 3 p.m. on February 19 and at 2 p.m. on February 26 in Dr. Kent L. Wattleworth Hall, Room 213. All applicants are required to attend an information session before submitting their applications.

Wabash Valley College (WVC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Samantha (Sam) Newkirk as the new Executive Director of the Wabash Valley College Foundation. A lifelong member of the Mount Carmel community, Newkirk brings a deep connection to both the college and its mission.

Felipe Silva (‘23) has always had soccer in his blood. Growing up in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the sport was more than just a game—it was a way of life. His dream, like many young athletes, was to become a professional player. But life had other plans, and while his path didn’t lead him to a playing career, it took him somewhere just as meaningful: the world of sports journalism.