College News - Week of Dec. 12

In 2013, the Oregon Department of Community Colleges and Workforce Development brought together representatives from Oregon’s 17 community colleges to form the Oregon Development Education Redesign Group to evaluate state developmental education policies and practices aimed at improving student retention and completion. Meeting monthly in Salem, LBCC's work group (Virgil Agnew, Vikki Maurer, Charles Madriaga, Bryan Miyagishima, and Chareane Wimbley-Gouveia) considered state and national research and promising innovations, including a number underway at LBCC such as the Accelerated Learning Project in Writing (Chris Riseley), Math Bootcamp, Math Fast Track, and and the Alternate Math Path (Bethany Pratt, Hollis Duncan, and Vikki Maurer), and RD 90 College Success and Reading Strategies (Jeanee Reichert and Sandy Fichtner).The work group's effort culminated in recommendations accepted by the Higher Education Coordinating Commission and the Oregon Community College President’s Council. The second phase is now under way, with individual colleges working on institution-specific projects. LBCC's second phase team (Mary Campbell, Victoria Fridley, Paul Hibbard, Jason Kovac, Justene Malosh, Carol Raymundo and Chareane Wimbley-Gouveia) has chosen to focus on student testing and placement. National research shows that students do not prepare for placement tests or understand the high-stakes implications of their results. Studies also show that students who are accurately placed spend less time and money in developmental classes and are more likely to finish college. Over the rest of this academic year, the team will work on developing tools, policies and resources to increase students' and advisors' awareness that placement matters.

Dale Moon, director of the Regional Perkins Program, has successfully defended his doctorial dissertation at Oregon State University. Dr. Moon’s dissertation, titled "Oregon Industrial and Engineering Teachers' Perceived Professional Development Needs," researched the need for professional development for educators, with a focus on CTE programs.

Mechatronics faculty member Denis Green was selected to lead a session presentation at the Cesar E. Chavez Leadership Conference March 6 at Western Oregon University. Attended by more than 1,500 students from more than 65 high schools, the conference is the largest Latino student leadership conference in the Pacific Northwest. His presentation, titled “Competence in the Technical skills: A Pathway to Acceptance,” will show the technical skills needed in automation, welding, diesel mechanics, machining and computers, along with the idea of teaching personal competence as applied to most trades and occupations.

On Dec. 12, LBCC Phi Theta Kappa students delivered a workshop in building eco-friendly rain gardens to fourth and fifth grade students at Tangent Elementary School, part of the Honors in Action community service project. PTK members prepared a lesson for the elementary students about how toxic urban rain water can be diverted into the soil to help filter out impurities before it finds its way back to streams and lakes, and each student was able to build a model rain garden to take home.

Phi Theta Kappa students teaching at Tangent Elementary School.

The Albany campus courtyard is now home to five handcrafted poetry birdhouses transformed by paint, ceramics, metal, or collage by local artists. Each birdhouse will have a poem on the inside of the door and a small journal for viewers to write a poem of their own, comment, or draw a response. Local poets and artists have contributed to this project, coordinated by the chair of New Art for the Arts & Aesthetics Resource Team, M'Liss Runyon, with funding through a grant from the Linn County Cultural Coalition. In February, the theater will celebrate its 40th anniversary of providing children's plays to our communities by holding a play about the Oregon Trail, Follow Coyote. Approximately 2,000 grade school students from throughout area will attend, with many schools planning to tour the poetry birdhouses after the play.

Birdhouse (right) by artist Rachel Urista
Poetry inside by J.D. Mackenzie

Hummingbird
by J.D. Mackenzie
Corvallis poet

Small gods are felt
before they’re seen

With an ethereal whoosh
that could only be my old friend
he appears out of nowhere
like a Jedi lightsaber

He wears his bling on his throat
which would look vain on anyone else
but it works on this guy

Hovering in place
where his feeder used to be
he hums a little U2
and glances at his watch

He’s come early this year
so I hurry to fix his meal
because I don’t neglect my friends

He darts off
hoping for a better offer
but he’ll be back
once the sweet red nectar cools
because the memory of being loved
is the strongest memory of all

Insider published by: LBCC Advancement Marketing Office
Writer/Editor: Lori Fluge-Brunker, Communications Specialist, College Advancement

College News -Week of Dec. 5

Statistics for Linn and Benton Counties are out for Oregon’s 40-40-20 initiative, which is to ensure that of all adult Oregonians, 40 percent have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher, 40 percent have earned an associate’s degree or post-secondary credential, and 20 percent have earned a high school diploma, modified high school diploma or the equivalent of a high school diploma by 2025. Statistics from the American Community Survey from 2011-2013 for our district show, for Oregonians 25 years or older: 10 percent of Linn County residents and 7 percent of Benton County residents have earned an associate's degree; with 17 percent of Linn County residents and 51 percent of Benton County residents earning a bachelor’s degree or higher. See the full Better Know Your Data Roadshow video on 40-40-20 at: http://www.linnbenton.edu/faculty-and-staff/hr-safety-and-other-services/institutional-research/better-know-your-data/data-roadshow

The LBCC RockSat-C Team has been selected for funding through the NASA Oregon Space Grant Consortium’s Student Research Award Program. The $8,000 award will be used to purchase supplies for the team to participate in the RockSat-C 2015 program. LBCC’s team, consisting of 11 students in various branches of engineering and physics, had its first Critical Design Review teleconference with their mentor at the University of Colorado this week, resulting in their project being approved for competition. Computer science faculty member and RockSat team mentor Parker Swanson wrote that the team’s project will provide a robust challenge for the students as they move ahead. Their project will be launched on a rocket, along with other team projects from across the country, in June 2015. Among the teams that Parker knows of, only one other is from a community college, with the rest being from four-year institutions. LBCC’s team participated in RockSat for the first time last year, launching data-gathering instruments about 100km into space from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. 

LBCC's Thanksgiving Food Drive raised $4,899.93 and furnished 121 boxes for students and staff in need. The Food Drive Committee would like to thank the LBCC community, which came up with some great ways to help, including: Lebanon and Sweet Home Centers ran a competition between the classes, getting students involved; the STEM division ran a competition between areas, raising money and food; the Hot Shot Cafe donated their tips; Miriam Edell's horticulture students helped collect food around campus, then sorted and counted the food; Leta Howell's son, a Boy Scout, and Amanda Kleiver's son, a Young Marine, collected change; and many individuals including Classified, Faculty and AAWCC members contributed money and manual labor. Thank you!

Insider published by: LBCC Advancement Marketing Office
Writer/Editor: Lori Fluge-Brunker, Communications Specialist, College Advancement

College News - Week of Nov. 21

Now that the college bond has passed, what’s next? Lou Tarnay, bond program manager, will oversee the bond projects for the next three years, developing a program management plan to be used by the newly-formed Capital Construction Advisory Committee to select contractors and designers. The architect selection process has already begun, with eight Oregon firms submitting proposals. A selection committee will review the proposals and make a recommendation for hiring. Additional details can be found in the Nov. 19 Board of Education report in Staff Paperless Office: http://po.linnbenton.edu/boardmeeting/11_19_14BoardPacket/

Advisory Committee member Pat McNeely is this year’s recipient of the LBCC Pat Atteberry Award, given at the advisory dessert Nov. 20. The award, established in 1992 in honor of Dr.  Atteberry, honors a LBCC Career Technical Advisory Committee member for his or her outstanding contribution to career technical programs. McNeely, an office supervisor with Internal Medicine at Samaritan Health Services in Corvallis, has served on the college's Medical Assistant Advisory Committee for more than 14 years, and is a key supporter of the Medical Assistant program, helping students learn skills that employers are looking for. Approximately 300 community and industry leaders serve on 33 advisory committees for LBCC’s career technical programs. Dr. Atteberry served on the Vocational Education Committee from 1977 to 1992.

Pat McNeely (center) receives the Pat Atteberry Award from
Beth Hogeland and Kathy Durling at the Advisory
Committee dessert held Nov. 20.

Kudos to the Lebanon and Sweet Home Centers for their efforts toward the college Thanksgiving Food Drive. The centers held a contest to see which class could bring in the most food. Kathy Durling’s 1 p.m. Basic Clinical Office Procedures class at the Lebanon Center, and Gretchen Schaleger's Calligraphy class at the Sweet Home Center, were the winners, with each earning a pizza party. The contest generated more than 14 boxes of food for the drive, and brought the campus communities together for a common good cause. 

About 35 years ago, long-time LBCC Biology faculty member Bob Ross and two of his nature photography students started what became known as the Bob Ross Nature Photography Show, held each fall at the college. The final show was held Nov. 14, which over the years went from showing slides made from 35mm film images, to images created digitally. Although the shows were well attended by people from all over the state, in a recent email to campus, Bob put the reason for no longer running the show in perspective: “Where are the young people that could benefit from the wisdom of the years? Are they not interested in nature and nature photography?” he asks, then answers his own question: “Yes they are. And they are doing what we first did 35 years ago: they are sharing their knowledge, enthusiasm, insights, technologies and places to go with each other, but via social media. They are doing it on a daily basis and see no reason to wait until fall to show their images just once a year.” 

Public Safety Office would like to remind staff who decorate during the holiday season to keep these safety tips in mind:

•    No open flames. Please use the flameless candles
•    Check light cords to ensure there are no cuts or breaks, and unplug them when you leave
•    Don't overload outlets with electrical devices
•    No daisy-chaining electrical strips
•    Make sure cords are not trips hazards and won't have office chairs rolling over them
•    If space heaters are used in your area, make sure they are unplugged when you leave and that they have a tip over safety feature (turn off if tipped or knocked over).

New hires, promotions, transfers, retirements and separations from Human Resources report to the Board of Education: http://po.linnbenton.edu/boardmeeting/11_19_14BoardPacket/HR%20Board%20Memo%2011-10-14.pdf







Insider published by: LBCC Advancement Marketing Office
Writer/Editor: Lori Fluge-Brunker, Communications Specialist, College Advancement
    

College News - Week of Nov. 7

The English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program is returning to LBCC starting winter term. As the program launches, the goal is to create opportunities for ESOL students not only to improve their English language skills, but also to pursue a degree or certificate through LBCC. The English Language and Culture Institute (ELCI) has partnered with LBCC as interim caretaker of the ESOL program since spring 2013. ELCI staff expertise has been invaluable in creating a new vision for ESOL opportunities in our service district, and LBCC and ELCI will continue to work together to offer intensive English programs for international students. Current ESOL students will transition to LBCC starting winter term, with a variety of classes being offered in Albany, Corvallis and Lebanon. The ultimate goal is to build pathways for ESOL students in upper-level ESOL classes to engage in degree and certificate programs in ways that leverage their bilingual ability. Instruction would be delivered in context with the student’s program of study, with supplemental instruction that builds upon their foundational English language skills. Part of the funding for the ESOL program comes from the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act of 2104, under Title II, which provides funding through the State of Oregon for GED and ESOL programs. The state will be monitoring our progress with our ESOL students and their college progression. Future federal program funding will be based on whether or not the data shows the progression is successful. The new ESOL program will be housed under Academic Foundations, and will work to help students cultivate goals that extend beyond the ESOL sequence, in support of a meaningful future for themselves, their families, and their communities.

Son Le Hughes has been named director of Budget and Accounting, and will serve as Chief College Budget and Financial Officer, replacing Betty Nielsen. Son Le comes to LBCC from the University of Oregon, where she served as director of Student Affairs Financial Services. She has over 17 years of financial management, business administration, and teaching experience. In addition to her position at LBCC, Son Le is a professor at Northwest Christian University, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, and she is an active member in the Comprehensive Doctoral Research Institution of the National/Western Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO/WACUBO). Son Le holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from UO and a master’s degree in business administration from Northwest Christian University. She lives in Corvallis with her husband, Patrick. Her hobbies include walking, yoga, playing string instrument and piano, and golfing and traveling with her husband.

LBCC’s Re-Choired Element Chamber Choir has achieved a ranking of 137 of the top 1,000 choirs worldwide by Interkultur, sponsors of the World Choir Games and official keepers of the World Choir Rankings. Rankings are based on more than 16 years of competitions and global rankings with many different factors.  A successful competition in the 8th World Choir Games this past summer landed the Chamber Choir a world champion title. The updated ranking moved the choir up over 400 places, and also placed the choir at 21 of the top 50 chamber choirs in the world. In addition, LBCC’s Concert Choir is now ranked in the top 1,000 choirs worldwide, at 963, a first for the concert choir to be officially ranked globally.





Insider published by: LBCC Advancement Marketing Office
Writer/Editor: Lori Fluge-Brunker, Communications Specialist, College Advancement

College News - Week of Oct. 31

President Greg Hamann will be heading to Puebla, Mexico Nov. 6 for a seven week professional development trip, where he, along with his wife, Rita, will attend the Spanish Institute of Puebla, a Spanish immersion program focusing on the region’s culture and language. As part of our commitment to becoming the “College of Choice” for the region’s growing population of college-aged people of Hispanic descent, Greg decided that learning Spanish would be a good way to use his Professional Development Leave. He will return to campus January 5.  Executive Vice President Beth Hogeland will serve as acting president in Greg’s absence. Read more about the Spanish Institute of Puebla at: http://www.sipuebla.com/

The LBCC Foundation kicked-off its “Mission Possible” Annual Fund Drive with a goal to raise $70,000 in employee contributions. Donation letters are being delivered to departments this week. Last year, employees gave $66,115 to the annual drive. Your donations helped the Foundation award $141,675 in student scholarships and aid, and provided funding for college programs including the Arts, Culinary Arts, Welding, Music, Mechatronics, Horticulture, Automotive, the Horse Management program, the ROV team and other student and college activities.

The LBCC Foundation team, left to right: Donna Mainord,
Dale Stowell, Cynthia Currin, John McArdle,
Paulette Myers and Jim Birken.

LBCC is transitioning this term from calling student email “Roadrunner Mail” to calling it “LBCC email.” The decision is based on student feedback on when we use “Webrunner” and when we use “Roadrunner,” resulting in some confusion. The goal is to make it clearer for students. The official name change will take place beginning winter term. Librarian Richenda Hawkins is leading the effort, with a request that faculty and staff review class materials for reference to “Roadrunner Mail” and change that reference to “LBCC email” for winter term materials.

The Career Technical Education Open House held Oct. 24 generated 34 new admissions applications, with 49 programs participating. Kim Sullivan in recruitment led the effort, which brought approximately 100 potential students to LBCC campuses and the horse center. The feedback has been positive, and they are looking to hold the event again.






Insider published by: LBCC Advancement Marketing Office
Writer/Editor: Lori Fluge-Brunker, Communications Specialist, College Advancement

College News - Week of Oct. 17

The LBCC Board of Education conferred an honorary degree to former OSU administrator Bob Bontrager, Ph.D., to recognize his leadership in developing the LBCC and OSU degree partnership program, which was established in 1998.  Recently retired from AACRAO, where he served as senior director of Consulting and SEM Initiatives, Dr. Bontrager served as OSU’s director of Admission and Orientation, and as assistant provost for Enrollment Management from 1996 to 2005. He went on to develop partnership programs between OSU and all of Oregon’s community colleges. LBCC has issued just four honorary degrees in the past 10 years. The honor is given to people who have made a contribution to the college, community, nation and/or education over a period of time.

LB iLearn Campus online programs will see its first students taking courses starting January 14. To start, iLearn programs will include a two-year degree in Business Administration, a one-year certificate in Coding and Reimbursement Specialist, and a short-term certificate in Social Media. The LB iLearn team (Ann Buchele, Linda Carroll, Stacy Mallory and Steve Smith) is working on a comprehensive website which will include information on the degrees and certificates offered, as well as the structure and design of iLearn. The target audience for iLearn is past students who have some college credit but have not taken classes at LBCC for at least two terms.

Congratulations to Business faculty member Nancy Noe on being selected as the Post-secondary Teacher of the Year by the Oregon Business Education Association at its fall conference.

LBCC received a grant for $56,000 from Community College Workforce Development for student assistance and success, through June 2015. Lynne Cox will oversee the grant, along with Carol Raymundo and Carol McKiel. The grant allowed Student Affairs to hire three part-time employees: Kate Griensewic (also working with Student Assessment and Student Life); Kim Horn (also working with Student Assessment and Center For Accessibility Services/CFAR); and Emily Dray (also working with the Career Center). This team will use their knowledge of LBCC processes and their experience as prior students to support LBCC's outreach to grades 7-12, helping students develop a vision for "going to college" and "college-going behaviors." Staff will work with underserved and/or recent high school students who need help entering college and developing the skills/tools for a positive first year at LBCC. Any LBCC employee may refer eligible students to the outreach staff for assistance with navigating college processes or having positive conversations with instructors. "Eligible students" must either be currently in high school, just arriving at LBCC from high school, or from an under-served population (minorities, persons with disabilities, veterans, persons with a modified diploma, etc.). The grant allows a small amount of funds to be awarded to help students with unexpected academic financial needs. Future plans by the team include outreach to schools, parents and future students, as well as hosting Saturday conference sessions about planning and preparing for college. For more information, or if you would like to help, contact Lynne Cox in Student Affairs. Staff will be located in Takena Hall-112 (across from the Registration Counter) and Red Cedar Hall-105. You can also contact staff via their LBCC email.

There’s a new sidewalk through the landscape in front of Madrone Hall, part of a geologic timeline in progress, which begins in front of the Activities Center building and ends with the walkway in front of Madrone Hall as the more "recent" end of the timeline. The timeline project was requested by a donor to the Science and Health Building Fund, and will be used as an educational tool. Signage will be added to mark the different geologic time periods and to explain significant occurrences during the Earth’s 4.6 billion year history. The Earth's age will be scaled out to cover the 230 meters (754 feet), giving perspective to the enormity of geologic time, with rocks and replica fossils placed at their correct age along the timeline. A dedication ceremony and ribbon cutting will be held in January.

Geologic Timeline walkway in front of Madrone Hall.

Human Resources board report, Oct. 6 - New Hires, Promotions, Separations






Insider published by: LBCC Advancement Marketing Office
Writer/Editor: Lori Fluge-Brunker, Communications Specialist, College Advancement   

College News - Week of Oct. 10

Christy Stevens (center) leads a discussion with
K-12, LBCC and OSU educators.

Educators from six local high schools, LBCC, and OSU held a joint meeting for the first time to identify learning outcomes for practicum classes. Students who want to become teachers take these classes as a pre-student teaching experience. The classes can be taken at the high school, community college or university level. The group initiated the process of identifying common learning outcomes for college practicum classes, called cadet teaching at the high school level. Christy Stevens, director of the Valley Coast Partnership for Student Success and LBCC faculty member, co-facilitated the meeting with Carol McKiel, director of LBCC High School Partnerships. Additionally, the team is identifying course content and course delivery with a specialized focus on math instruction - a goal of the Valley Coast Partnership. LBCC students may enroll in a special math practicum class spring term.

LBCC won a $10,000 student scholarship video contest held by College Scheduler, the software used to help students create their term schedules. Rob Priewe and the LBCC Advising Committee organized a video testimonial about how our students use College Scheduler, which was filmed and edited by LBCC student and aspiring videographer, Andrew Walpole. College Scheduler voted on the top three video submissions, and our college won in a random drawing of the top three. The Advising Committee and the college Foundation will work on how best to distribute the scholarship funds.
LBCC’s video submission: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93UKIRaGKoY 

Final drawing video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4cmUJsE3-I

Campus High School Programs has moved to the Career and Counseling Center. Program advisors are Larry Anderson and Tiffany Madriaga. Liliane Moynihan is support staff and Lynne Cox is managing. The High School Partnerships Program, under the direction of Carol McKiel, will remain upstairs in Takena Hall. Campus High School Programs is one way for high school students to take college classes. High School Partnerships includes College Now and Perkins, and focuses on partnerships with local schools to promote student development, college-readiness, pathways from high school to college, and student progression and completion.

LBCC’s baseball team will play its last non-conference scrimmage game Sunday, Oct. 12 against Everett Community College at 10 a.m. at OSU's Goss Stadium. Coach Ryan Gipson has a current team roaster of 33 players, with 40 percent of the players from the local area, per the initial contract agreement with the college. The team will begin its first conference season play in the spring.

LBCC Baseball Team 2014-2015

LBCC’s Foundation received a grant for $10,300 from the Oregon Cultural Trust to produce an original play, titled “Bridges,” which focuses on the lives, experiences and challenges of Latino families living in Independence, Oregon. Inspired by a request from Independence Mayor John McArdle, the play will be produced by LBCC theater instructor Tinamarie Ivey over the next year.

The college will host three information forums, open to the public, to explain the projects that will be funded by passage of Bond Measure 22-130. Below are conceptual drawings of the projects. The drawings will also be available at the forums. Forums will be held: Tuesday, Oct. 21, 5:30 p.m., Albany campus, Calapooia Center building, room CC-103; Wednesday, Oct. 22, 5:30 p.m., Benton Center, room BC-107; and Thursday, Oct. 23, 5:30 p.m., Lebanon Center Annex Building. The Samaritan campus drawing shows the LBCC Health Occupations Center building directly behind COMP-Northwest (the building is unmarked in the drawing). The ATTC drawing shows the Heavy Equipment/Diesel training building on the left.

Benton Center additions.

LBCC Health Occupations Center behind COMP-NW, in Lebanon.

ATTC in Lebanon, with Heavy Equip/Diesel building on left. 

Insider published by: LBCC Advancement Marketing Office
Writer/Editor: Lori Fluge-Brunker, Communications Specialist, College Advancement

Update, Oct. 3: Summer Staff Changes and Fall Updates

Welcome to fall term. Get caught-up in this first edition of staff news for the school year. 

Staff Changes: Several management and dean positions were filled over the summer to replace retirees and vacancies. Two new positions were also added. Michael Quiner was hired in June as chief information officer for Information Services, replacing Ann Adams who retired last year. Kim Carey was hired as manager of Applications and Systems Programming, replacing Sam Oubari, who took a position elsewhere.  Jason Kovac is the new dean of Academic Foundations, replacing Sally Moore, who was promoted to dean of Instruction, replacing Jonathan Paver, who took a position elsewhere. Sally’s office is now in the Calapooia Center Administration Office. Brian Trice joined the ATTC as manager of Alternate Fuel Transportation, a new position. And, Amy Sikora joined Admissions and Registration in the new position of assistant director of Enrollment Progression and Technology. 

Ann Buchele received a promotion and a new job title of dean of Workforce Development and Program Effectiveness. Along with her continued work with the Healthcare, ELearning and Media department, and LB iLearn, Ann will guide work on program review, working with faculty on a review process for all CTE and transfer areas. She also will lead the work on college objective eight, "Expand our Career-Technical programs in response to (and anticipation of) local industry needs” with a focus on the "Middle 40" of the "40-40-20" initiative, in partnership with the soon-to-be-created Workforce and Economic Vitality Council.

Kudos to the Horticulture department for donating approximately 600 pounds of excess produce grown in their organic garden this summer to the local food bank. The department has sent about 130 pounds of produce each week to Food Share since last August. Harrisburg Gleaners pick up the harvest and deliver to Food Share for distribution to low income people in our community.

The Culinary Arts department has outdone themselves with a beautiful remodel of the Santiam Restaurant, thanks to the generous donation through the Foundation of community members Joanne and Wayne Chambers. In celebration of the remodel, there will be an Open House in the new dinning room Friday, Oct. 17 from 2:30 to 4 p.m. The event is open to everyone, and will include refreshments, wine and snacks. The restaurant reopens for fall term Tuesday, Oct. 14.

The College Advancement Marketing team won six awards at the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations District 7 conference Oct. 9. There were 180 submissions in 30 categories from colleges throughout Oregon, Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Washington and Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Yukon Territory. LBCC won: Gold for radio ad; Gold for media success story; Silver for brochure; Silver for website; Bronze for schedule of classes; and Bronze for banners and outdoor advertising. Congrats marketing team: Dale Stowell, Joe Sherlock, M’Liss Runyon and Lori Fluge-Brunker.

As a thank you to faculty and staff for their efforts to engage students and boost enrollment, a Summer Success Celebration will be held in the DAC Thursday, Oct. 9 from 2 to 4 p.m. Stop by for cake, punch, & community. The results of these efforts are more new students, more full time students, more students awarded financial aid, more students in DG, advisers assigned at the beginning of the term and increased enrollment.

This year’s Pastega Award winners are automotive faculty member and chair Bryan Schiedler, Faculty Excellence award, and graphic designer in College Advancement office M’Liss Runyon, Classified Excellence award. Bryan began work at LBCC in 1996. He was nominated for contributions to making the Advanced Transportation Technology Center a reality. The center has been recognized both locally and nationally. M’Liss was hired in 2006, and was nominated for her positive and creative support of college marketing efforts and her participation in college leadership groups and the community. 

LBCC Foundation Development Director and Mayor of Independence John McArdle received the James C. Richards Memorial Award from the League of Oregon Cities’ during its annual conference in September. The award is given to elected city officials who serve the citizens of Oregon through an exceptional personal investment in intergovernmental affairs. John founded the Mid-Willamette Valley Mayors Coalition, serves on the board of the Mid-Willamette Valley Council of Governments, chairs the regional economic development partnership board, and is a past president of the League of Oregon Cities and the Oregon Mayors Association.

The LBCC bond measure, Measure 22-130, will be put to voters on the Nov. 4 ballot. If approved, the bond will raise an amount not to exceed $34 million. The estimated bond would replace the 2000 LBCC Bond, scheduled for retirement in 2016. It’s designed to stay at or near the current taxpayer cost of about 18 cents per $1,000 of assessed value. Funds raised will be used for expansion or improvement in the following areas: health care, automotive and diesel/heavy equipment mechanics, advanced manufacturing, machine tool, welding, college transfer and community education, and encompass facilities in Albany, Corvallis and Lebanon, and including facilities maintenance needs. For more details, go to: www.linnbenton.edu/faculty-and-staff/administrative-information/bond-information

Sneak peak of the newly-remodeled Santiam Restaurant.

Insider published by: College Advancement Marketing
Writer/Editor: Lori Fluge-Brunker

Summer Update, July 31

After a first place showing at the World Choir Games in Riga, Latvia, LBCC's Re-Choired Element Chamber Choir learned it has advanced to the finalist round of the American Prize in Choral Performance, the fifth year in a row it has done so. LBCC’s choir, under the direction of James Reddan, is the only community college choir on the American Prize finalist list, which includes 10 choral groups from around the country. LBCCs Concert Choir also advanced to the semi-finalist round in the competition for a third year. The Chamber Choir will compete for the American Prize against university choirs from California, Utah, North and South Dakota, Georgia, New Jersey, Texas Virginia, Illinois and Ohio. Winners will be announced in September. Read more about the choirs' World Games performance in the Democrat Herald article: http://democratherald.com/news/local/lbcc-choir-wins-gold-certificates-at-world-choir-games-in/article_0d223b44-110a-11e4-bec3-0019bb2963f4.html

For those wondering why we have so many weeds growing around campus, LBCC grounds manager George Van Keulen would like to shed some light on the subject. Conventional ways of spraying chemicals to kill weeds and insects on our college campuses have not been used for a few years, says George. Instead, the college implemented a statewide Integrated Pest Management system, which incorporates using little or no spray and rather hand weeding, using ground cover techniques such as chip mulch, and working to keep the soil healthy to prevent plant diseases. To help build soil health, George is working with Soilsmith Services, a local company specializing in soil amendment and conditioning using different types of compost and compost teas to reduce disease and insect problems. Although great for the environment, no-spray techniques are more labor-intensive, and George and his limited staff have a lot of ground to cover. So maybe take a moment and pull a weed or two when you’re out and about. Your effort is sure to be appreciated, and will go a long way to help our college image.

George Van Keulen discuses soil treatments with
Shep Smith of Soilsmith Services.

Summer Update, July 17

Board of Education member Keith Frome, Corvallis zone 6-7, was elected as board chair for the coming year at the recent board meeting. Board member Shelly Garrett, Lebanon zone 4, was elected as vice chair. The board also recognized Dick Running, Albany zone2-3, for his service as chair last year. The board also approved a revised policy that provides tuition waivers to the dependents of service men and women killed in the line of duty. The board revised that policy to expand the number of credits covered by the waiver from 90 to 135, to ensure that any LBCC program could be completed using the waiver. They also approved a revision that ensured that, in addition to tuition, any student fees would also be waived. 

Triathlon Training instructor Angela Smith was featured in a Gazette Times article July 12, which highlights her triathlon experience and the new Triathlon Training clinics she’s teaching this summer for Community Education in Albany, Corvallis and Lebanon. Read all about it here: http://www.gazettetimes.com/lifestyles/health-med-fit/local-triathlete-helps-others-excel-in-her-sport/article_d92e490a-097e-11e4-8390-001a4bcf887a.html

Weekly Update, June 19

The LBCC Board of Education approved a resolution at its board meeting June 18 to place a $34 million bond measure on the November ballot. The bond will pay for improvement projects that include construction of a health care occupation center in Lebanon, the second and third phases of the Advanced Transportation Technology Center in Lebanon, improvements to existing buildings on the Albany campus, and an expansion of the Benton Center in Corvallis.  If approved by voters, the general-obligation bond measure would replace a $19 million, 15-year bond measure that voters passed in 2000. The new bond measure would have the same cost of 18 cents per $1,000 of assessed value as the previous bond. Although college staff can answer questions about the measure, it is against state election law to advocate for or against the bond. As such, a political action committee (PAC), LBCC For The Community, has been formed to work in support of the bond measure, which will be co-chaired by LBCC Foundation board members Dan Bedore and Doris Johnston. You can get involved by using your personal email from a non-college computer on non-work time by emailing: LBCCforCommunity@hotmail.com

Weekly Update, June 13

Find out how many students are currently enrolled for fall term, the stats on cats vs dogs or cake vs pie, the percentage of LBCC students who say they are academically prepared to succeed in college, and more in the final season episode of Better Know Your Data at: https://infogr.am/better-know-your-data-season-one-finale?src=web (From the Institutional Research team of Justin Smith and Justene Malosh).

Faculty voted last week to adopt a one-year compensation plan for the LB iLearn Campus. The plan is based on a per student, per week model, and will allow the LB iLearn Campus to launch sometime this summer. The iLearn team hopes to learn what works and what does not using this model, and will use that data as they move forward in creating a more permanent compensation plan.

LBCC’s choir is the only community college choir in the US to qualify for the 8th World Choir Games to be held in Riga, Latvia in July. The choir, under the direction of James Reddan, will represent the US in three categories: Mixed Chamber Choirs, Musica Sacra a cappella, and Musica Contemporanea, adjudicated by an international jury. While there, the choir also will attend workshops with composer Morten Lauridsen and the King Singers. Choir departs July 10 for a performance tour through Helsinki, Finland and Tallinn, Estonia prior to arriving in Riga, Latvia. They also will participate in the parade of nations, which is televised on national television in Latvia on July 15. The choir is still in need of funding for the up-coming competition. To donate, contact James Reddan, 541-917-4550, or reddanj@linnbenton.edu.

Several retiring faculty and staff members were honored at a group reception Wednesday. Retiring in April-June are: Barbara Schafer, Mo Ableman, Karla Swiger, Audrey Perkins, Mike McKinney, Greg Jones,Virginia Brittsan, Jay Widmer, Debby Wood and Steve Pearson. Happy retirement!

Weekly Update, June 6

LBCC’s 46th annual Commencement Ceremony will be held Thursday, June 12.  1,140 degrees and certificates will be awarded to 875 candidates this year, and approximately 100 students will receive their General Educational Development certificates at the event.

Patty McMenamin, left, and
Carol Raymundo

The Office of Disability Services and the Student Assessment Office welcomed new coordinator and manager Carol Raymundo at a joint open house Thursday. Carol will manage both ODS and Student Assessment, working closely with Patty McMenamin, who is the Testing Coordinator. Carol previously worked with ODS as an Instructional Specialist with Assistive Technology. The two departments both support proctored testing for students with testing accommodations. Student Assessment also provides services such as the Computerized Placement Exam, GED exams, external college and agency exams, CLEP, and Pearson-Vue exams.

LBCC has trained its first Community Emergency Response Team, or CERT. Nine LBCC staff completed the 24-hour training last week, learning basic search and rescue techniques, medical triage and basic treatment. Marcene Olson led the team training, which included a simulation disaster on the last day. CERT teams are called to respond in the case of a major disaster until local emergency responders can arrive on the scene. Future training sessions will be offered. If you’re interested in becoming part of LBCC’s CERT, watch your email for future training dates or contact Marcene Olson. (photo, back row, left to right: John Rehley, LeAnn Schamp, Duane Jensen, and Jim Wixson. Front row, left to right: Lori Fluge-Brunker, Stella McCauley, Barb Horn, Angie Klampe and Marlene Fantus.

Two LBCC staffers, Rich Bergeman and Katherine Cellerini Moore, will have their artwork displayed in the Around Oregon Annual Juried Exhibition at the Corvallis Arts Center through July 5.  Juror Martha Lee of the Laura Russo Gallery in Portland chose their pieces, along with 42 others, from 475 pieces entered.

Weekly Update, May 30

Black Friday's first trial run for early fall term registration showed good results. By midnight Friday, 2,035 students had registered for fall, exceeding the number of students registering in the whole first week of priority registration. So many students tried to register at 7 a.m. that it crashed the system. The event was open to all continuing students, regardless of credits earned or financial holds. Data should show if this early registration helps with student retention going into fall term and if so, for which students.

The latest Initiative Leader’s Team meeting included information on the new setup for new student registration. Last year, new students had four days in the summer for fall registration, grouped by meta-major, but many students seemed to end up in the wrong session. This year, there will be two days, with one session in the morning and one in the afternoon, and students can attend whichever they choose. Students will be presented with some general information, followed by group advising with faculty, and then one-on-one registration with a student ambassador. Students sign up via EventBrite, which will let them know what they need to have done before their session. In addition, new students will be required to register for Destination Graduation for the first time starting this fall. DG will become a 10-week class, and the curriculum is being revised and will include making advising mandatory. Also discussed was a draft of the new placement testing information website. A statewide committee, through CCWD, has recommended that all students should prepare for their placement exams.

Dave Becker has accepted the position of dean for the Business, Applied Technology and Industry division, replacing outgoing dean Dan Lara. Dave has been in the position as interim dean for the past six months. A faculty member in the Computer Systems department for the past 13 years, Dave has served as the Faculty Association president, Workload Task Force co-chair, and as the advisor for LBCC’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Prior to LBCC, Dave was an officer in the United States Marine Corps, where he worked with international governments and military organizations and humanitarian deployments. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after twenty plus years of service. Dave earned a bachelor's degree in business and a master's degree in computer science from Oregon State University,

Ryan Gipson has been hired as the new baseball coach, starting June 2. The college is invited to meet Ryan at the "Baseball is Back" event Tuesday, June 3, from Noon-1 p.m. in the courtyard. There will be a brief presentation on the reinstatement and future of LBCC Baseball, games and free hot dogs. Ryan served two years as assistant baseball coach at Dixie State University in Utah. He also served as evaluator and instructor at Baseball Northwest, an undergraduate assistant coach at OSU, and as the Head Coach of the Eastern Hills Hornets of the Western Australian Provincial League in Perth. He graduated from OSU, and played for OSU on the College World Series Championship team in 2006, and was a professional player for the Eastern Hills Hornets in Perth, the Yuma Scorpions of the Golden Baseball League in Arizona, and the Rockford River Hawks of Frontier Baseball League in Illinois.

Weekly Update, May 22

The LBCC Board of Education heard a presentation on the capital facilities improvement package at its May 21 meeting. The board will decide in June whether to ask for voter support of placing a general obligation bond measure on the November 2014 ballot to make the capital improvements to meet community needs and support the economy by expanding student capacity in program areas where there is workforce demand. Projects include instructional and parking capacity improvements at the Benton Center, completion of the final phases of the Advanced Transportation Technology Center in Lebanon, construction of a new Health Occupations Teaching and Learning Center in Lebanon, and major repurposing of career and technical, general instruction and student support services spaces on the Albany campus. 

College Advancement Marketing office has created a program spotlight promotional web site designed to provide support for recruiting efforts in programs that have enrollment capacity. The accounting program is the first program to be spotlighted (http://www.linnbenton.edu/future-students/get-to-know-us/progam-spotlight), with a new program featured monthly as the need arises. This new support effort will be evaluated through tracking page visits using web analytics and tracking the number of inquiries to the contact person listed on the page.

Three LBCC students will be attending a NASA Rocket conference in Florida this June. Hazel Betz, Ariel Stroh and Ashley Trout will spend a week at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility on the Virginia coast, June 21-26, at a RockOn workshop where they will build and launch (sub-orbital) a microcontroller-based instrumentation on a NASA rocket. Parker Swanson, computer science instructor, will accompany the team as "mentor." All expenses are paid by NASA's educational outreach program through the Oregon Space Grant Consortium (OSGC), of which LBCC is an affiliated higher-ed institution. Ashley graduates in June with her AAS in Mechatronics. Hazel is working on a physics degree, and Ariel is working on an industrial manufacturing and engineering degree.

Weekly Update, May 9

Congratulations to Suzanne Gaulocher and Dale Stowell, named LBCC’s Distinguished Alumni at the annual Alumni Reception May 7. Suzanne, of Menlo Park, Calif., is the director of Community Engaged Learning at Stanford University. She was nominated by LBCC counselor Mark Weiss. From Arizona, Suzanne attended LBCC from 1992-1994, then transferred to OSU where she earned a bachelor’s degree in cultural anthropology. She earned a master’s in public health and interdisciplinary studies, and a doctorate in environment and resources from the University of Wisconsin. Dale is the executive director of LBCC Institutional Advancement and Foundation, hired for the position in 2012. His nomination originated from the LBCC Foundation board. From Philomath and residing in Albany, he attended LBCC from 1977-79, studying journalism, then transferred to Portland State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in English. Dale came to LBCC after a 17-year stint in the Washington State community college system.  

The Destination Graduation team is currently beta-testing software changes that will help make it a mandatory class. When students register, the system will first check to see if they have the DG attribute (which all new students under 24 credits should have). If they have the attribute, but haven't picked a DG section, the system won't let them register but instead will give them a popup telling them to select a DG section. If students drop DG after registering, another popup will tell them they have 24-hours to re-add a section or they will be dropped from all their classes. Staring this fall, visiting their advisor and completing an education plan will be mandatory for students to pass DG. All DG sections are moving to ten weeks (one hour per week), and an online option is in development, but won't be ready for fall term.

Dave Henderson was hired May 1 as the new vice president of Finance and Operations, replacing outgoing VP Jim Huckestein. Dave has served as interim vice president for the past two months. He will be responsible for the college finance and budget, information technology, institutional research, facilities management, public safety and risk management, food services, bookstore and printing operations. He comes to the position with 13 years of experience working on major programs with the state legislature, and four years with Marion County working on capital and IT projects. His past experience includes directing all operations of three Oregon offices of U.S. Representative Greg Walden, directing the business services department of Marion County, and serving as the administrator for the Oregon State capitol, leading its five support units. He has extensive leadership in facilities management, facility services, financial services, human resources and risk management. Dave has a bachelor’s degree from OSU, a certificate in public management from the Atkinson Graduate School of Management at Willamette University, and a certificate in management and supervision from Portland Community College.

Carol Raymundo has accepted the position of coordinator for Disability Services and Student Assessment, a promotion from her current position as instructional support for disability services. Carol has a master's degree in Instructional Design and Technology, a bachelor's degree in Business and Organizational Leadership, and is working on her reverse LBCC associate degree. Carol has experience with the laws related to equity for our broad range of learners and disability access, knowledge of our student assessment programs, and the ability to strategize about teaching and learning design.

Weekly Update, April 25

Achieving the Dream coaches’ recent visit to the college resulted in several recommendations, with a top-of-the-list suggestion to increase communications between all levels of faculty and staff. Coaches also commended the college on combining orientation and student success curriculum in the Destination Graduation class, and firmly tying it to advising and making it mandatory starting fall term 2014.

Nominations are open for the annual Pastega Faculty and Classified Awards and the Distinguished Staff Award. Nominations must be received in the Institutional Advancement Office by 4:30 p.m. Thursday, May 15. Nomination forms and criteria are available online in the paperless office under Forms, Pastega and Distinguished Staff Nomination Applications (po.linnbenton.edu/forms), or by contacting Dale Stowell via email or in CC-105. Awards will be presented at fall Inservice in September.

Did you know LBCC’s graduation gowns are made from 100 percent recycled material, specifically plastic water bottles? According to Tammi Drury in Admissions, this is the third year the college has purchased the recycled gowns. The Bookstore is also implementing a new “greener” product, switching from traditional "Blue Books" for student testing to a 100 percent recycled “Green Exam” book.

Retired LBCC baseball coach Greg Hawk and his 1988 team will be inducted into the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges Hall of Fame May 29. The 1988 LBCC team, league championship winners, will join former coach and athletic director Dick McClain’s title-winning 1971 team in the NWAACC Hall of Fame.

The following LBCC employees were recognized with 2013-2014 Longevity Awards during spring Inservice:

5-YEAR AWARDS:

Danny Aynes
Tonia Benham
Kim Boone
Glen Brumbach
Mike Budke
Sheryl Caddy
Jason Christian
Jeff Davis
Gary DeWall
Barbie DuBois
Victoria Fridley
Stehanie Kerst
Lawrence LaJoie
Nancie Meyer
James Reddan
Mike Storrs
Fred Stuewe
Bill Thomas
Jason Wells
Cathy Williams
Lynnette Wynkoop


10-YEAR AWARDS:

Rhonda Anglin
Ann Custer
Hollis Duncan
Kathy Hannahs
Barb Horn
Scottie Hurley
Sally Kohler
Patti Larsen
Twila Lehman
Bethany Pratt
Stefan Seiter
Jane Walker
Carlena Weeks


15-YEAR AWARDS:

Arfa Aflatooni
Alice Burnett
Perry Carmichael
Linda Carroll
Margarita Casas
Dodi Coreson
RJ Ehlers
Analee Fuentes
Steve Gribble
Linda Hobson
Tony Holmes
Duane Jensen
Vickie Keith
Phil Krolick
Audrey Perkins
Barb Newton Schafer
Steve Skarda

20-YEAR AWARDS:

Kathy Chafin
Sandy Corliss
Dean Dowless
Mike Lloyd
Elaine McDougal
Sue Peterson







25-YEAR AWARDS:

Mo Ableman
Kathy Body
Jack Giles
Dori Litzer
Roger Maurer
John Sweet



30-YEAR AWARDS
Mike McKinney
Patty Petzel

HONORABLE MENTIONS-OVER 25 YEARS
(no awards presented)

26 Years:
Linda Dompier
Billie Giddens
Anne Green
Vern Jackson
Lorrie Peterson
Teresa Woods

27 Years:
Margi Dusek
Janet Jackson

28 Years:
Paul Hawkwood
Kathy Withrow

29 Years:
Angie Klampe

31 Years:
Mary Sue Reynolds

32 Years:
Polly Hainz
Russ Rinker

34 Years
Ron Sharman
Jay Widmer

36 Years:
Teresa Patterson

Weekly Update, April 11

Former LBCC head coaches Dave Dangler (1977-1983), left,
Dick McClain (1971-1976), center, and Greg Hawk (1984-2013).

LBCC plans to re-establish its baseball program next spring, with a focus on student success and community support. The decision came after months of discussions and work with community members to create a program structure that fosters high completion rates among student athletes and generates significant involvement of the community in supporting the program. A yet-to-be determined women’s sport will be added by the 2015-16 season. The measurements chosen for baseball will guide other LBCC programs, both athletic and academic, as the college continues  to strive for a 50 percent increase in its completion rate and increased community support and involvement.

Students in LBCC's Site Specific Ceramic Sculpture Class completed an installation at the Benton Center called "inspired" - a 55-piece ceramic sculpture on display in the Benton Center’s south wing. Student potters included Pat Berman, Trish Browning, Annclaire Greig, Dawn Jones, Becca Lemon, Deb Sether, Gundege Snepste, and Alexis Spakoski. The ten-week class challenged students to design, construct and problem solve installation of a multi-part sculpture. After looking at several student design concepts, the class chose Alexis Spakoski's "inspired" as the best design to fit the space. The design allowed for the variety of construction styles for each student's technical capabilities. The project was approved by Benton Center Director Jeff Davis and the LBCC Arts and Aesthetics Resource Team.

Pictured, left to right: Cynthia Spencer and students Annclaire Greig, Becca Lemon, Gundega Snepste and Trish Browning,

Weekly Update, April 4

LBCC Phi Theta Kappa students honored business and accounting faculty member Jack Stone at their annual Induction Ceremony held Feb. 21. The students honor one LBCC staff each year at the ceremony.

Rich Bergeman, former journalism instructor and current LBCC Art Gallery coordinator, has published the book “Exphrasis II: A collaboration of poets and artists from LBCC." Images and poetry from the book are on display as part of an exhibit in the South Santiam Hall Gallery through May 2. LBCC's Poetry Club will sell copies of the book for $20 during the exhibit reception Tuesday, April 15 from 3-4 p.m. in the gallery, or purchase online for $19.79, plus approximately $8 shipping, at: www.blurb.com/b/5158933-exphrasis-ii

"Better Know Your Data" statistics show that 61 percent of LBCC students who started fall term 2013 are currently re-enrolled for spring term, with an average of 11 credits apiece. Stats from “Better Know Your Data” and the Institutional Research team.

Plan to attend the president's forum Thursday, April 10 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in the Forum, room F-104. Hear from President Hamann on LBCC directions, opportunities and challenges. Come prepared to ask questions.

LBCC’s landscape is a bit “greener,” thanks to grounds manager George VanKeulen and his team. The college has not used any pesticides or herbicides to combat weeds and bugs for more than a year. Instead, George's team focuses on keeping the grass cut and laying down copious amounts of wood chips to suppress weed seeds. But, you may see a few more dandelions in the grass, says George, which, by the way, are edible and quite good for you. His team also is working to remove a large number of plants around campus and at the Benton Center that died over the winter due to freezing temperatures. Those plants will be chipped and used around campus to help suppress weeds.

Weekly Update, March 20

At the recent Initiative Leaders meeting faculty and staff shared news of the progress on various projects. Most notably, Math Fast Track, the Accelerated Learning Project in Writing and the Destination Graduation and Advising initiative have seen promising results. All three programs will be expanded for fall term 2014 to benefit more students.

During spring term, the college will again participate in the Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CCSSE). Research shows that the more actively engaged students are, the more likely they are to persist in their college studies and achieve at higher levels. The survey will be administered between April 21 and May 2 in randomly selected classes to ensure a representative sample and to preserve the integrity of the survey results. Faculty members whose classes are selected for survey administration will receive more specific instructions in early April. Learn more and see results from our three previous surveys, visit the CCSSE webpage.

LBCC honor roll students Alisha Haskett and Willard W. Hucks III were selected to represent LBCC as part of the OCCA All Oregon Academic Team. They will attend a luncheon with Governor John Kitzhaber and the OCCA All Academic team in Salem April 22.  Haskett is a networking and systems administration major from Sweet Home, and Hucks is an accounting technology major from Albany. They will each receive a plaque from the OCCA and a $1,000 scholarship from Oregon State University, where they plan to transfer.  

OCCA Academic Team members Alisha Haskett & Willard Hucks.

For those wondering about the progress to fix the courtyard clock or the broken fountain by the Calapooia Center, facilities are currently in the process of repairs. The fountain may take a bit longer due to the need to replace the pump, which costs around $5,000. They are currently looking at alternatives to replacement. 

LBCC Lands Large Business of Year Award

Bryan Schiedler, right, and Gary Price with LBCC Award.

LBCC received the Large Business of the Year award from the Lebanon Area Chamber of Commerce during its Lebanon Distinguished Service Awards banquet held March 11.

LBCC has a dual presence in Lebanon with its East Linn County Center and the Advanced Transportation Technology Center. Gary Price, regional director of Linn County Centers, and Bryan Schiedler, automotive technician faculty member and department chair, accepted the award on behalf of the college.

“It was an honor to accept an award that so many of us, past and present, have contributed to,” wrote Schiedler.

Nearly 350 people attended the awards banquet held at the Samaritan Center in Lebanon. The awards recognize exceptional individuals, businesses and organizations that contribute their time and energy to Lebanon, and include: man and woman of the year; junior first citizen; senior first citizen; outstanding community group; large business of the year (49 or more employees); small business of the year (fewer than 49 employees); business leader of the year; non-profit organization of the year; and the Frankie Gray Answering a Call award.

Along with LBCC, Lebanon High School, Consumers Power Inc. and Lowe’s Distribution Center were in the running for the large business award. The award recognizes the college's efforts around its values of excellence and opportunity.

Weekly Update, March 7

Assessing Placement Testing (APT) Initiative Committee is working on ideas to reduce the percentage of students who are placed into developmental coursework as a result of taking the CPT without advance preparation. Through winter term, the APT looked at online and print information to help develop marketing strategies that insure prospective students know the importance of preparing for the CPT. The APT committee will assess whether these efforts make a difference by measuring and improving the percentage of students who report being prepared before taking the CPT. They are looking to the fall of 2014 to begin analyzing the results of the committee work.

Did you Know: 80 percent of LBCC career and technical education students responding to last year’s graduate follow-up survey report being employed within nine months of graduation. (Stats from "Better Know Your Data" Institutional Research team, Justin Smith and Justene Malosh)

The 36th annual Career Fair will be held Thursday, April 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Activities Center gym, Albany campus. More than 50 businesses, industries and government agencies will provide information on careers and employment opportunities. College advisors will available to answer questions on career and technical training programs. Employment, training and family needs agencies will be on hand to inform job seekers about their services. LBCC will offer workshops to enhance job search skills, and employment specialists will provide resume and interviewing workshops. More information at: www.linnbenton.edu/career-fair

Weekly Update, Feb. 28

Nominations are open for LBCC's Distinguished Alumni Award, accepted through April 1. Awards honor alumni who have demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in their profession or through service to their community. Nominees must have completed at least 36 LBCC credits. Nomination forms are available at linnbenton.edu/distinguished-alumni. Nominees will be honored at a reception held in their honor May 7. For more information, contact the LBCC College Advancement Office at 541-917-4784.

It was announced at the Feb. 19 Board of Education meeting that Dave Henderson would serve as the interim vice president of finance and operations until a replacement can be found for outgoing VP Jim Huckestein. Henderson, from Bend, comes to the position with 13 years of experience working on major programs with the state legislature, and four years with Marion County working on capital and IT projects. Henderson will work three days a week, mostly on college operations, while Betty Nielsen, director of accounting and budget, will be in charge of finance. The meeting also included discussion on the status of a potential bond measure for capital projects.

The LBCC Chapter of the American Association of Women in Community Colleges is accepting donations to help Annette Easdale’s family with expenses for her grandson, who was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Feb. 14.  An anonymous donor has offered to match the donations up to $100. Donations will be taken through March 7, at which time a VISA gift card will be purchased for the family to use. If you would like to donate, please give your donation to any AAWCC Executive Board member: Linda Hobson, Vickie Keith, Karin Magnuson, M’Liss Runyon, Gwen Cox, or Jeanine Howell. Checks should be made payable to AAWCC. 

The 5th annual LBCC Unity Celebration was held at the Diversity Achievement Center Wednesday, Feb. 26. The event included presentation of the Analee Fuentes Unity Awards to honor LBCC students, staff and faculty members for their contributions to diversity and social justice. Albany Mayor Sharon Konopa and Chris Equinoa with the Albany Human Relations Committee attended along with a large group of LBCC faculty and staff. This year’s recipients were student Jordan Hagle, Admission staff member Christine Baker, and Welding and Fabrication faculty members Fred Stuewe and Dean Dowless. In addition, a new award was established in honor of former art faculty member Gary Westford. The Gary Westford Community Connection Award was presented in Gary’s name for his many contributions to our community and LBCC. The first recipient will be announced at next year’s Unity Celebration. LBCC communications faculty member Dana Emerson introduced the award, and put it best by saying “When you feel like you're having a museum experience on campus, you’re actually having a Gary Westford experience.”

Former art faculty member Gary Westford was honored with the
first Gary Westford Community Connection Award at the
recent Unity Celebration in the DAC.