SVCC Alumni

10/01/2026

SVCC Alumni Engagement is hosting a TRIO Student Support Services Alumni Reception Open House on Thursday, November 12; 5:30-7:00 p.m. If you are a former TRIO student, please join us and RSVP online at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1s_dJCPJJStOF1biw4N63HxXwGxr6bOfGuQr68zwjkxM/edit

09/23/2026

Check out our September Alumni Newsletter

View the Sauk Valley Community College newsletter to keep up to date on all the happenings at Sauk.

08/27/2026

We love hearing what our Sauk alums are up to! Former Sauk Academy student Trent Heller has been on the move, advancing his career. We asked Trent about his journey after Sauk, and this is what he shared with us:

“I wanted to share a quick update on where my path has taken me since my time at SVCC. I participated in the Sauk Academy program during my senior year (F23–S24). Thanks to those credits, combined with the ones I earned during my junior year, I was able to graduate debt-free from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural and Consumer Economics in just two years.

This summer, I am returning to UIUC to pursue my Master of Science in Accountancy through their one-year program. After I graduate with my master's next May, I will most likely return to the local area and am currently looking at two job opportunities.”

Share your experiences with us! Visit svcc.edu/alumni to stay in touch.

07/28/2026

July Alumni Spotlight 🌟: Brian Garza

For our alumni spotlight this month, we had the opportunity to speak with Brian Garza. Brian graduated from Sauk Valley Community College in 1989 with an Associate in Science degree before continuing his education at Western Illinois University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing and a master’s degree in sports management. Currently, Brian serves as the Director of Ticket Services for the Chicago Cubs.

Brian noted, “SVCC is a stepping stone. It is a great first step to develop your mindset for college and become a forward thinker. SVCC was one of the best decisions I ever made. Going to Sauk saved me and gave me a chance to grow and take on responsibility.”

To learn more about Brian’s Sauk Success Story, visit saukfoundation.com/brian-garza.

07/09/2026

Congratulations to the Entry-level Automotive Technician Program students for completing the 7-week program. Each student received a furnished tool box funded by ICCB's Non-credit Strategies at Work Grant to assist them in the workforce. Pictured L to R: Instructor Mr. Hare, Kelsey, Ivan, Landyn, Morgan, Matthew, and Stephen. Missing from the picture: Trinity. Information about the program can be found at svcc.edu/auto.

05/28/2026

May Alumni Spotlight 🌟: Joyce Schamberger

This month, we had the honor of speaking with our Distinguished Alumni recipient Joyce Schamberger. Joyce graduated from Sauk Valley Community College in 1979 with an Associate in Science degree before continuing her education at Northern Illinois University, where she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. She has had a 39-year career in education as an Amboy elementary teacher, dean, and principal. She has spent much of her life giving back to her Amboy community and helping operate her family’s business, Long Branch Saloon.

To learn more about Joyce’s Sauk Success Story, visit saukfoundation.com/joyce-schamberger.

05/19/2026

We celebrated our graduates last Friday, along with this year’s Distinguished Alumni, Joyce Schamberger. Joyce is a 1979 graduate of SVCC, and in honor of her outstanding career in education, leadership, and service to the Sauk Valley community, she was selected as the 2026 Distinguished Alumni.

Joyce addressed the class during the ceremony and shared, “My best advice that I can give you is to use SVCC as a springboard to find a career that doesn’t feel like work! Surround yourself with people who lift you up and make you a better person.”

Congratulations to Joyce and to the Class of 2026!

04/21/2026

April Alumni Spotlight 🌟: Ryan McKanna

This month, we had the opportunity to speak with SVCC alum, Ryan McKanna! Ryan chose Sauk Valley Community College because he qualified for the Sauk Scholar Program, which made college affordable by providing tuition support. After graduating from SVCC in 2011 with an Associate in Science in Criminal Justice, Ryan transferred to the University of Illinois Springfield, where he completed his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice in 2013. After school, he began his career with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, working in a jail. Currently, he serves as the Chief of Police for the Rock Falls Police Department and supervises 19 police officers.

To learn more about Ryan’s Sauk Success Story, visit saukfoundation.com/ryan-mckanna.

03/04/2026

Calling all Health Professions grads! Don’t miss our first-ever alumni event, an evening to reconnect, network, and tour our updated classrooms, labs, and new Sonography area.

Kindly RSVP by March 16 at: hi.switchy.io/hpalum26

We hope to see you there! Questions? Contact Brenda Helms at [email protected] or call 815-835-6212.

02/26/2026

Know an SVCC grad making a difference in the Sauk Valley? Nominate them for the SVCC Distinguished Alumni Award! Nominations are open now. Submit yours by March 16!

Submit your nominations online at hi.switchy.io/qJsK