From inspired to inspirational: a professor's lifelong journey of passion

THE STAR OF WVC

Standing prominently in front of his class, the science professor at WVC was eager to start teaching. Surrounding his desk were an assortment of vibrant planets and captivating models. Eyes darted back and forth until they centered on the brightest star in the room, Mr. Poskin.

As he began his lecture, he spoke lucidly, his enthusiasm transparent. His students felt empowered, his lectures acting as a compass for their motivation. By the time his first lecture had ended, Mr. Poskin had already inspired a room full of students.

FUELED BY PASSION

Richard Poskin grew up in Ashkum, Illinois, a microscopic town south of Chicago. With care and devotion, his parents raised him with an inquisitive mind. Poskin lived in a low-income household; however, that didn't trump his upbringing. He always had toys and a younger brother to keep him occupied. "I learned at an early age that you don't break a toy, because if you do, you aren't getting another one." He emphasized, "...I always try to treat everything, even my classroom equipment, with great respect."

His father, Dennis Poskin, has an infatuation with the American Old West, often seen glued to diverse Westerns on his TV. With a humorous grin, he quips, "I think my dad wants to live back in the western days, but when it comes time for medicine, he wants to move back to this period."

Poskin's mother, Diane, has worked most of her life as a part-time bookkeeper. She was employed at a lumber yard before she shifted to a carpet store, where she currently works. Dennis and Diane's diligence ignited Poskin's burning motivation. From a young age, he could comprehend the importance of passion and dedication.

Richard Poskin, in his freshman dorm, was enthusiastic to begin his first day at UIUC.

INSPIRED TO LEARN

Poskin graduated from Central High School in Clifton, Illinois, as salutatorian of his class. With a scholarship in computer engineering, he decided to attend the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). Poskin was bright and motivated, but his purpose was yet to be discovered.

He began university by taking calculus for computer engineering, but quickly found little to no interest in the field. After a brief period of majoring in business, his attention shifted to history. He was fascinated by the past and the creation of all life. Unbeknownst to him at the time, there were different subjects suited to his infatuation.

Poskin's true passion was unveiled during an arbitrary history lecture. While speaking to his professor about his interests, he mentioned the science of geology. With no prior knowledge of the subject, he was naturally curious. Further research led him to discover a new desire, to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Geology.

A newspaper segment showcases Poskin's accomplishments through his years at university.

After earning his bachelor's degree, Poskin took a break to focus on his next goal. During his time away from university, he decided to attend Eastern Illinois University (EIU) in Charleston. Being introverted and unfond of compact social events, EIU was a much better fit for him.

While attending, Poskin studied under his advisor, Dr. Edward Moll. There was a sudden spark of inspiration. Poskin envied Dr. Moll, praising his wealth of knowledge. He portrays Dr. Moll as a mentor, being "...held on a pedestal." Wanting to be just like him, Poskin began a new path.

EAGER TO INSTRUCT

After becoming a teaching assistant for Dr. Moll, Poskin's potential became clear. After he obtained his master's degree in zoology, there were discussions about him teaching. Dr. Moll commended Poskin's skills and efforts, inspiring him to become a college professor.

Graduating with a cumulative GPA of 4.0 and a master's degree in zoology, Poskin was nominated by the graduate zoology faculty and was inducted into the Phi Sigma Biological Honor Society. His accomplishments led him to accept a teaching position at Kankakee Community College (KCC).

The experience at KCC led Poskin to teach at Wabash Valley College (WVC) while also pursuing postgraduate work in astronomy. Beginning in 1999, he felt gratitude everywhere on campus. While familiarizing himself with the college, he taught in various classrooms before anchoring down in the Science Building.

Mr. Poskin's classroom has a diverse range of models hung from his ceiling. In his efforts, he is attempting to make education engaging and fun.

RELENTLESS COMMITMENT

Through his years of teaching at WVC, he decorated his classroom with vibrant planets and diverse posters/models. He hung enormous bugs and planets from the ceiling with critters scattered on his walls. Poskin recalls adding his "...eye candy..." around the room to draw attention to the lecture, centering all eyes on his notes. He wanted learning to be fun and immersive so his students would succeed.

Poskin's father helped paint the walls and even laid the flooring down in his office. His dad was proud of what his son had accomplished. With a warm smile, Poskin shared, "...he always told me he thought I'd be someone famous." Numerous students would describe Mr. Poskin as the star of WVC.

Mr. Poskin was awarded the Transfer Faculty of the Year alongside his recipient, Breanna Dudley, in 2019.

Poskin has taught for 27 years and has maintained the same inspiring energy that motivated him as a student. He aims to improve upon every lecture, stating "...my goal is just to be better, and I'll never be best at it." He elaborates, "I'll never have a perfect lecture or a perfect class, because to me that implies it's like Michelangelo's painting."

DEDICATED TO STUDENT SUCCESS

His students are his purpose. He is reminded of himself by every kid he teaches, and he cares deeply about their futures. He declared, "I have no interest in ever retiring. I'm one of the few people who just want to do it until I'm either mentally or physically unable to do it because I love it so much."

Poskin's studious nature led him to share his insight with a generation of students, with more to come. Through kindness and honesty, he has remained loyal to his values. Once in awe of his former advisor, Dr. Moll, he now resembles the person who continues to inspire him.

His undying passion connects him to every student like a constellation in the night sky. There is a bright glow emitting from his classroom that can be seen across campus. He loves his job and produces an ever-flowing fountain of effort. He may not be famous in a conventional sense, but he will be recognized for his profound impact on WVC and its students.