Illinois Valley Times

Teachers described as "challenging students" and "caring" have captured hearts and minds at Illinois Valley Community College (IVCC), earning themselves a share of the 2017 Stephen Charry Memorial Award for Teaching Excellence, the school announced recently.

Jill Urban Bollis, a professor of educational psychology, and Promise Yong, a chemistry professor, were honored for their “outstanding service in teaching, leadership, professional development and contributions to the college and community,” according to the award’s description.

Wendy Lamboley, a professor of anatomy and physiology, won the Outstanding Part-time Faculty Award.

Urban Bollis was nominated by two students who said she challenges classes to do their best while making lessons fun and engaging. She also helps students prepare for employment and encourages them to be active in their communities.

Three students nominated Yong based on his real-world lab techniques. They also said he ensures that students understand the hows and whys of experiments so that they can master the subject matter. One student wrote that Yong is a motivating and caring teacher who is always enthusiastic when showing how chemistry impacts daily life.

Besides teaching anatomy and physiology, Lamboley is a guest lecturer for the therapeutic massage program. She began teaching at IVCC in 2003 and has been chosen to deliver the keynote address at five therapeutic massage commencements.

The student nominating Lamboley noted how she helped a student who was having difficulty in a class and said Lamboley recognizes and addresses struggles before the students even realize they're struggling. Lamboley also assists students on her days off and helps them study for state board exams, the student said.