RVC Students Take Their Voices to the Capitol

RVC Students Take Their Voices to the Capitol

• Students
• 04/20/2026

Members of Rock Valley College (RVC) Student Government Association took their voices to the state capitol this week, advocating for higher education and connecting directly with lawmakers during a key statewide event.

On April 16, members of the Rock Valley College Student Government Association (SGA) traveled to Springfield to participate in the Student Advocacy Day, hosted by the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB). The annual event brings together student leaders from Illinois' 45 community colleges to engage in the legislative process and share their perspectives on issues impacting community colleges.

Among those in attendance was RVC SGA President Paul Poirier. He said, "Advocacy Day was a great opportunity for us students to learn how 'We the People' can influence policy. It also gave SGA an opportunity to see the inner workings of government at the state level."

In addition to Poirier, other RVC SGA members in attendance included:

• Ibrahim Alkourdi, Vice President

• Leo Jang, Treasurer

• Sharon Priyanto, incoming Treasurer

• Isiah Blake, Student Trustee 2025-2026

• Sarah Ortiz-Espinoza, Student Trustee 2026-2027

• Emily Spencer, Cultural Excellence Senator

• Emilie Torres, Secretary

• Megan Bowen, Media and Marketing Secretary

• Marvellous Ugochukwu, incoming Vice President

The students were accompanied by:

• Alex Johnson, RVC Director of Student Life and SGA Advisor

• Luevinus Muhammad, RVC Dean of Students and SGA Advisor

• Jennifer Thompson, RVC Executive Director of College Communications

• Dr. Howard Spearman, RVC President

Throughout the day, RVC students met with several elected officials who represent communities within District 511, including State Representatives Joe Sosnowski, John Cabello, Tony McCombie, Maurice West, and Dave Vella, as well as State Senators Steve Stadelman and Dave Syverson. These conversations gave students a firsthand look at how policy decisions are made and provided an opportunity to advocate for the needs and priorities of community college students.

A highlight of the visit came when Representative Maurice West welcomed the group to the House chamber, hosting them in the Speaker's Gallery and recognizing Rock Valley College students from the House Gallery floor. This was an experience that underscored the importance of civic engagement and student voice in the legislative process.

Student Advocacy Day is designed to empower students to become active participants in civic engagement, and for RVC's student leaders, the trip offered both a meaningful learning experience and a chance to represent RVC on a statewide stage.

Media Contact

• RVC Public Relations
• (815) 921-4510
• Email RVC Public Relations
• RVC Communications Page