By Andi Anderson
The Illinois Valley Community College (IVCC) Ag Forward Campaign continues to receive strong support from community members who believe in the future of agricultural education. A recent contribution from the Kreiser-Wiesbrock family highlights the importance of preserving agricultural traditions while investing in opportunities for future generations.
Retired IVCC employee Diane Kreiser, former Business Office employee and current president of the IVCC Foundation Board, donated $5,000 to the Ag Forward Campaign in memory of her parents, Laverne “Bud” Wiesbrock and Marjorie Wiesbrock of rural Leonore. Their contribution will be recognized through a mosaic bench that will bear the family name. The bench is being created by local artist Susan Burton and will serve as a lasting tribute to the family's connection to agriculture.
The Wiesbrock family has deep roots in the farming community. Laverne “Bud” and Marjorie Wiesbrock spent their lives farming in the Leonore-Lostant area. They also founded Wiesbrock Trucking, a business that has served the region for more than 90 years. Their commitment to agriculture and rural development has left a lasting impact on the local community.
Diane Kreiser has maintained her family's dedication to agriculture and education through her continued support of IVCC. This recent donation follows an earlier gift of $10,000 made in 2023. With the latest contribution, her total support for the Ag Forward Campaign has reached $15,000.
Speaking about the donation, Kreiser said, “Making this gift to the IVCC Ag Forward Campaign in my parents' honor is my way of preserving their legacy while helping students gain the education and opportunities they need to strengthen the future of agriculture in our community.”
IVCC President Dr. Tracy Morris praised Kreiser for her ongoing commitment to the college and its mission. Dr. Morris recognized both her years of service as an employee and her leadership within the community. Commenting on the tribute, Morris said, “We are so thankful that Diane has been such a tremendous supporter of our College and our Foundation. This bench will be a beautiful tribute to a lifelong family commitment to agriculture and to the Wiesbrock family.”
The Ag Forward Campaign is currently in its second phase and aims to raise $2.5 million to support the construction of the Dr. Alfred E. Wisgoski Agricultural Education Center. Community members, businesses, early donors, and local partners have already contributed significantly toward the goal, helping the campaign reach $2.179 million. Public grants have also been secured to assist with construction costs.
Once completed, the new facility will provide students with hands-on learning opportunities in a modern agricultural setting. The planned 10,250-square-foot education center will be located on the college's 153-acre farm, allowing students to connect classroom learning with real-world agricultural practices.
Expected to open in Spring 2027, the center will strengthen agricultural education, support workforce development, and prepare future farming leaders. The Kreiser-Wiesbrock family's contribution reflects how community support can help build educational opportunities while honoring generations of agricultural dedication and service.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-jevtic
Categories: Illinois, Education