Melissa Gear

A.A.S., web information technology, 2012

Rock Valley College

Programmer/Analyst

Applies standard programming procedures and knowledge of pertinent functional areas. Analyzes needs, designs, writes and tests new programs and applications. Programs developed or modified are typically linked to several other programs; (i.e., the output of one becomes the input for another). Maintains and revises existing systems and provides technical assistance to users as well as to others in ITS. Works according to approved requirements and detailed specifications. Applies judgment in devising program logic and selecting and adapting standard programming procedures; obtains advice when precedents are unclear or unavailable.

Advice to Students

While you many not have all the knowledge you need today, by pushing yourself, you can obtain the knowledge needed for tomorrow.

Danielle Addington

AAS Cisco Networking & AAS Data Assurance and IT Security

Rock Valley College

Systems Administrator

Installation/Configuration, Operation, and Maintenance of systems hardware and software and related infrastructure. Exchange/Office365 administration.

Advice to Students

As a non-traditional college student, I found it overwhelming to balance family, work, and school. My advice to students is to manage time wisely, make sure you are going to school for something that you enjoy, and have fun. That cuts the stress level way down.

Aaron Biby

ASSOCIATE OF ARTS

First Free Rockford

Communications Director

The Communications Director is responsible for the development and maintenance of all public and internal communications channels including but not limited to web, social media, print media, billboards, radio, and television. The Communications director also oversees all internal live and post production staff in audio, video and lighting, and oversees IT operations for First Free Rockford.

Advice to Students

Assume all curriculum will be relevant to your future success. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Don't loose sight of your goals. Work hard at everything.

Marc Meyers

Web Technology w/Focus on Design

CLEO; Rockford

Senior Quality Engineer

My primary goal is to be a leader in risk mitigation for our engineering organization. My core duties involve test automation, writing test plans/cases, test lab maintenance/configuration, book bill ship (fulfillment) testing and staging, and Quality Assurance SOP. I am also tasked with interviewing engineering prospects.

Advice to Students

Focus on your fundamentals and make sure they're solid. If your fundamentals are strong, you'll be prepared to take on more detailed work once the rubber meets the road in your first career.

Matthew Alley

A.A.S., Cisco Networking, 2015

Savant Capital Management; Rockford

IT Specialist

Responsible for help desk, supporting and maintaining computing, networking, and communications systems.

Advice to Students

Be an active participant of your education! Do not sit in the back of the class. Be inquisitive! You benefit yourself and the rest of your class if you actively engage your instructor and the content being taught.

Matt Becker

Associate of Arts, 2004

Regal Cutting Tools Inc.; Rockford

IT Manager

Design, develop, and maintain various database-based network applications to automate processes. Handle all day-to-day help desk tickets.

Adam Shilling

Associate of Arts, 2016

ATOS; Mason, Ohio

Engineer II

Develop, configure, and maintain Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) and custom Windows 7, 8.1, and 10 deployments for several accounts.

Advice to Students

Don't give up on your dreams. Your perfect job may not appear right after graduation, but if you work hard you can achieve whatever you want.

Dave Syverson

Business major

Illinois state

Senator

Elected to IL Senate 1992. Serve as Assistant Republican Senate Leader since 2004

Advice to Students

There will be obstacles, there will be mistakes, but with hard work there are no limits.

Lindsay Murphy

Web Design major

Clicks Web Design; Crystal Lake, Illinos

Web Developer

Design and develop functional and aesthetically pleasing websites; brand identity; graphic design

Advice to Students

Be passionate, be determined. In addition to your classes, seek out other opportunities to learn, practice and strengthen your skills while in school.

Sarah Aumann

Associate of Arts, 2013

Visiting Angels; Florida

Care Giver

Caregiving. Help clients with activities of daily living.

Advice to Students

Keep current with your skills.

Jayson Phommavongsa

Associate of Arts, 2012

Law Auto Group, Inc; Bensenville, Illinos

Marketing Director & Business Development

I am currently managing my own marketing department and currently in charge of advertising through social networks like Facebook & Instagram, billboards, and other internet ads like “CARS.COM & AUTOTRADER.COM”. I am also in charge of keeping my company's computer & network maintained weekly. This includes diagnose issues that may cause my company's business performance.

Advice to Students

Work hard in school, Whether you love it or not! go where you are most interested and Don't let money fool you. Instead, follow your passion and Always remember, you have within you the strength and the patience to succeed, and to change the world.

Michael Mastroianni

Associate of Arts, 1972

Rock Valley College

President

The president, along with the Board of Trustees and administration, must carry out the vision for RVC. The college needs to continue to develop educational programming for the current and future needs of its students and the larger community, setting priorities based on criteria such as student interest, community need, transferability, employment possibilities, chance of success, and affordability.

Advice to Students

Never miss an opportunity to learn and grow. Each class, job, and life lesson is valuable and should be embraced.

JoAnna Sawallisch

CIS & WEB COURSES

GFX International; Grayslake, IL

Project Manager

Oversees jobs, works with production floor, and clients.

Advice to Students

Don't give up. You may not see it now, but you'll end up exactly where you're supposed to be when the time is right. Hard work pays off! Follow your heart and do what you want to do in this life! You only get one [Life], and if you do it right, once is enough.

Demetris King

Data Assurance and IT Security

Rock Valley College

Technology Support Specialist

Assist Student’s, Staff, and Faculty with Software and Hardware technology needs

Advice to Students

Follow your Dreams and never give up!

Greg King

Associates in Computers and Information Systems, 2016

Illinois State University

Programming Club Advisor, Jefferson High School

Working together with CIS division professors and administration from Jefferson High School, I developed and lead a programming club designed to help high school students learn to write code and understand the logic behind software development.

Advice to Student

Use your passion to inspire others and always give something back.