Project Success counselor Aseret Loveland of Spring Valley is the recipient of Illinois Valley Community College’s Connie Dzierzynski Skerston Memorial Award for Support Staff Distinguished Service.
Loveland and the other nominees – Danielle Bell, Doris Burke,Miguel Hermosillo,
Luke Olivero,Kelli Shan, and Erin Templeton – were recognized April 16 at the annual employee recognition event.
In her nomination, IVCC colleague Diane Scoma drew on Loveland’s co-workers and the students she counsels to illustrate a compassionate and driven personality who energizes and uplifts students and colleagues.
Loveland is an IVCC graduate who holds a master’s degree in college student counseling and personnel services. She joined the Admissions and Records department staff in 2015 and in 2023 became a counselor in Project Success, a federally funded TRIO program.
“Both roles let me connect with students to help them feel excited about their futures. Those interactions energize me and remind me how meaningful it is to play even a small part in their college journey by supporting and empowering them. I did not always have that level of guidance in high school and I understand how impactful that support can be,” Loveland said.
Loveland met Skerston briefly when she was interning at IVCC and remembers her energetic spirit and can-do attitude. “I like to think she left that energy behind for others to carry forward. I feel incredibly fortunate to have stepped in to a role shaped by her impact and it means a great deal to be recognized in a way that continues her legacy.”
Scoma wrote that students are naturally drawn to Loveland, who “looks for ways to build connections and team spirit and to elevate others. She is equally comfortable stepping forward to lead when needed or stepping back to allow others to shine.”
One student said Loveland’s “down-to-earth attitude and compassionate nature have made her an anchor for me.”
Quintin Overocker, once Loveland’s Admissions Department supervisor, said Loveland led the creation of enrollment, transfer and orientation activities and credited her with transforming student engagement.
Loveland is active in IVCC’s Hispanic Leadership Team and the Project Success Leadership Team. Off campus, she is involved in the Illinois Valley Hispanic Partnership Council, NCI Artworks, and the Birth to Five Council. She and her husband, David, are the parents of sons Lewis and Calvin.
This is the 26th year of the Support Staff Distinguished Service Award, which was renamed in honor of the late Connie Dzierzynski Skerston, assistant director of admissions and records.
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