One of the student common areas in Illinois Valley Community College’s Dr. Alfred E. Wisgoski Agricultural Education Center will be named in honor of Central Bank Illinois, which contributed $25,000 in support of the new building. Central Bank Illinois is a full-service community bank providing a complete line of banking and trust services to individuals and businesses throughout the region. Founded in 1907, the institution is headquartered in Geneseo, with branch locations in Andover, Ashton, Fulton, Geneseo, Oregon, Peru, Princeton, Rochelle, and Sterling.
“We are thrilled to partner with IVCC to help bring this new state-of-the-art facility to the area. It is a prime example of the importance of community banks supporting the communities we serve,” said Central Bank Illinois Community Bank President Neal Knauf in announcing the donation. “This partnership is especially exciting because it offers students a great chance to learn essential, hands-on agricultural skills while also strengthening our local workforce.”
In accepting the gift, IVCC President Dr. Tracy Morris noted: “We are so thankful to Central Bank Illinois for stepping up as one of our first corporate naming opportunities. The student lounge space is going to be transformational for our students and we deeply appreciate Central Bank Illinois’ support for our program and this new facility.”
The new building will help redefine the IVCC Agriculture program, outfitting the College to train and upskill agriculture workers, aid in the development of new technology and sustainable practices. Equipped with leading-edge innovation labs and technology, the 10,250-square-foot building puts students at the heart of the College’s 153-acre farm of test plots and cropland, where they can easily apply theory to practice.
The $7.6 million capital project is made possible by community support and public grants, including $3.5 million from the U.S. Department of Economic Development Administration and $240,000 from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Currently, the Ag Forward campaign has brought in more than $1.6 million in support of naming opportunities.
The building, which also features conference rooms, flexible classroom space, and room for a future greenhouse, is expected to be ready for occupancy in 2027. Dr. Alfred E. Wisgoski, for whom the building is named, was the longest serving president in the College’s history.
To learn more about the Dr. Alfred E. Wisgoski Agricultural Education Center and the IVCC Foundation fundraising effort, Ag Forward, visit www.ivcc.edu/agforward or contact Executive Director of the Foundation Tracy Beattie at 815-224-0550.
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