College News - Week of March 27

Report on student textbook affordability, from Richenda Hawkins: In January, college librarians began working on improving textbook affordability for our students. In a little over two months, it's estimated that their efforts will potentially save students $16,435 to $22,977 per year by replacing required print textbooks with an ebook edition, which is freely accessible to students through the LBCC Library Catalog and ebook databases. In addition to promoting the adoption of library resources, library staff have been collaborating with college departments and people statewide to build the necessary framework for supporting the adoption of Open Educational Resources, or OERs, at LBCC. The project is headed up by Media department manager Steve Smith and Library Department Chair Richenda Hawkins. Campus librarians have met with approximately 35 faculty, three deans, all department chairs in two college divisions, as well as student leaders and College Advancement, to explore ways to develop OER’s on campus. Several faculty members have already created OER’s, and many more are looking to adopt them for their programs. They also met with OSU to explore ways to increase OER adoption across both colleges, and are exploring a joint OER project with OSU and Central Oregon Community College this summer.

LBCC’s Board of Education approved a recommended three percent increase ($2.91) per credit hour for in-state tuition, a five percent increase ($10.20) for out of state tuition, and five percent increase ($12) for international tuition at the board meeting March 18. An increase in fees was also approved by the board, which includes a technology fee increase from $2 to $3.50 per credit hour; a student activity program athletic fee increase from $0.85 to $1.33 per credit hour; and an Associated Student Government fee increase of $0.50 for students taking 1-5 credits, and $1 for students taking 6 or more credits. The decision to increase tuition was based on the college’s current knowledge of expected state funding levels and our current budget model for the 2015-16 fiscal year. The final college budget will be approved at the June board meeting.

This year’s Distinguished Alumni Awards will be presented to Brad Gohr and Julie Huckestein, with a posthumous Alumni Award dedicated to Mary D. “Dee” Deems, who passed away Feb. 16. Each will be recognized at an Honors Reception held April 22 at 7 p.m. at the college. Brad is 1992 graduate of the animal science program. After working his way up from stocking shelves and sweeping floors, he is now president and CEO of Veterinary Services, Inc., a $175 million employee-owned animal health product distribution company with branches throughout the Western United States. Julie graduated from LBCC's business program, and was recently appointed as president of Chemeketa Community College. Her previous employment included various work in LBCC’s business office, where she served in her last position as director of Budget and Finance until 2001. Mary “Dee” Deems earned general education credits at LBCC before transferring to Willamette University to earn her bachelor’s degree. She worked in various positions at LBCC, including at the Lebanon Center, and directing the then “Albany Center." She helped to build LBCC's community education program into one of the largest community ed programs in Oregon.

Distinguished Alumni recipients Julie Huckestein and Brad Gohr,
pose with Mary "Dee" Deems sons, who accepted the award on her behalf.

LBCC Distinguished Citizen Awards will be presented to community members Bob Lowry and Doris Johnston at college Commencement in June. Bob, who will be 92 in September, is a respected and honored businessman, philanthropist, veteran and family man who is committed to making the community better for all. Bob has given generously to the Foundation over the years, and has served as a member of the Foundation Board of Trustees since 2006. His participation in the community has helped open doors for both the Foundation and the college. Doris currently serves as Board President of LBCC's Foundation Board of Trustees, where she provides vision and leadership, building strong relationships that lead to financial support for the college. As chairperson for "LBCC for the Community," Doris was instrumental in running the campaign that led to passage of the college bond measure last fall. Doris’ office at Pacific Power, where she serves as the regional community manager, became the campaign strategy site, where she organized a group of volunteers to spread the word. In addition, her list of civic involvement is long and varied, and she helps to raise funds for students and programs by serving on the college Foundation board, supporting the Boys and Girls Club of Albany, The United Way and Rotary.

Living Our Values: Occupational Therapy Assistant students invaded the state capitol for a day of learning and engagement Feb. 26. The students, with faculty members Ann Custer, Mashelle Painter and Jo Shear, attended Occupational Therapy Legislative Day, where they partnered with students and faculty from Pacific University's doctoral Occupational Therapy program, lobbyists with the Occupational Therapy Association of Oregon, and board members from Oregon's OT Licensing Board to meet with legislators about their profession. Students attended legislative sessions, toured the capitol and participated in a "Blue Sticky Wall" activity with Pacific U’s doctoral students, where they discussed individual roles and responsibilities in the OT field. LBCC students also prepared handouts for legislators on the Occupational Therapy Assistant field.

An OTA student posts to the "Blue Sticky Wall" during an activity at the state capitol,
led by OTA faculty member Ann Custer (in photo at right, standing at back).

  

College Values
Opportunity
Excellence
Inclusiveness
Learning
Engagement

College Core Themes:
Economic Vitality
Cultural Richness
Educational Attainment




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

College News - Week of Feb. 20

The Board of Education approved several new certificates and degrees at the board meeting Feb. 11. A new Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair Technician certificate (49 credits) is equivalent to the first year of the AAS Automotive Technology degree, and will provide entry-level training as well a pathway to the two-year degree. Two new certificates in business management, along with a third already offered, are designed for current retail workers, and also can be used to enhance CTE degree programs. The Retail Management certificate (already offered, 37 credits), new Event Management certificate (32 credits) and new Small Business Management certificate (19 credits) are fully embedded into a new AAS degree in Practical Business Management, providing a pathway for students to earn the two-year degree. In addition, a new AS degree in Religious Studies was approved, providing closer alignment with OSU’s program to create a smoother transition for students pursuing their bachelor’s degree.

The Grow Oregon program, part of the Oregon Small Business Development Center, and of which LBCC is a part, has helped small businesses in Oregon generate $47 million in direct economic impact since its beginnings in July 2011. In a recent article for the Oregon Economic Development Association newsletter, Marc Manley, director of LBCC’s Small Business Development Center and client advisory services field leader for Grow Oregon, wrote that the program has worked with 50 businesses throughout Oregon to date, with significant growth seen in areas of manufacturing, high tech, lumber products and the wine, beer and cider markets. Grow Oregon focuses on businesses with $1,000,000 to $50,000,000 in annual gross sales and 10 to 99 employees. LBCC’s SBDC is one of four Grow Oregon teams covering the state, along with teams in Portland, Bend and Grants Pass. For more information on Grow Oregon, contact Marc Manley.

A wait list has been established for those interested in attending the free Estate Planning Seminar being held March 10 through the college Foundation office. Although this seminar is full, an additional seminar is being planned for sometime in May. Those who are added to the wait list will be first in line for the May seminar. Watch your email for date and time. To be added to the wait list, contact the Foundation office at foundation@linnbenton.edu, or 541-917-4209. Please include your contact phone number.

There's just one week left to nominate outstanding faculty, classified staff, long-time employees and/or LBCC alumni to be recognized for their contributions and achievements. Nomination deadline is Friday, Feb. 27. Awards will be given in April. The nomination forms and criteria for the Distinguished Staff Award and the Pastega Faculty and Pastega Classified Excellence Awards are available at: www.linnbenton.edu/faculty-and-staff/hr-safety-and-other-services/college-advancement/marketing/nomination-forms
Distinguished Alumni forms at: www.linnbenton.edu/friends-and-alumni/alumni/distinguished-alumni. Form also available by contacting Dale Stowell, College Advancement, CC-105.





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

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.