Special
COMMENCEMENT Edition
p. 6-11
Save the Date for Our Next
Discover Day Monday, Oct. 8, 2018
Take advantage of your day off from school to visit Lewis and Clark while our campus is in full swing! Tour our programs and facilities and get more information about:
• Academic Advising and Enrollment • Scholarships and Financial Aid • Student Support Services • Student Life • Nearby Housing Options • Trailblazer Athletics …and more!
www.lc.edu/discoverdays
On the Cover:
Lynah Bontiff, right, and Ifechukwu (John) Ekwomadu, are among Lewis and Clark Community College’s Class of 2018. (p. 6-11) 2 - “Discover”
DEGREES & CERTIFICATES Transfer Degrees
Offered
These degrees are specifically geared toward students who plan to continue their education beyond L&C. • Associate in Arts • Associate in Science • Associate in Engineering Science • Associate in Fine Arts – Art • Associate in Fine Arts – Music Performance
Career Programs
These programs are geared toward students who want to begin their career after L&C. Many offer options for an Associate in Applied Science, Certificate of Proficency and/or Certificate of Completion. Learn more at lc.edu. • Accounting • Administrative Assistant • Architectural Technology • Automotive Technology • Child Development • Criminal Justice • Dental Assisting • Dental Hygiene • Drafting and Design • Education • Environmental Science • Exercise Science • Fire Science • Graphic Design • Health Information & Medical Coding • Industrial Technology • Information Technology • Instrumentation and Control Systems • Machining • Management • Medical Assisting • Music Production • Nursing (ADN) • Nurse Assistant • Occupational Therapy Assistant • Paralegal • Paramedicine • Process Operations Technology • Radio Broadcasting • Restoration Ecology • Social Media Management • Smart Grid Technology • Truck Driver Training • Web Design • Welding Technology
www.lc.edu/credit-programs
Letter From The President
This has been a summer of celebrations, kicking off with a memorable 47th Annual Commencement ceremony in May. We celebrated more than 1,000 graduates who have worked hard to achieve their academic goals, and welcomed Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Chancellor Randy Pembrook, an L&C alumnus, as our Commencement speaker to address his newest fellow alumni. The Class of 2018 included our youngest ever graduate, 13-yearold Anya Alexis Wilke, and a number of other standout students who left an undeniable mark on Lewis and Clark during their time here. We are proud to dedicate this issue to them and to all our newest alumni. Meet just a few of these Trailblazers on pages 6-11. I often consider the way in which our students embody the very definition of the word “Trailblazers.” They innovate and inspire. When they see a problem, they find motivation to get involved and make a difference. It’s a big part of what makes our students unique. This year, L&C’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa facilitated by Professor Elizabeth Grant, felt a growing concern over the rising problem of opioid abuse. Rather than sit idly by, they came to administrators and spearheaded the college’s first Opioid Crisis Summit, engaging community partners like Chestnut Health Systems to educate and counsel students, faculty, staff and guests about the challenges and possible solutions to the problem. Likewise, L&C sociology students took on the issue of race on college campuses as a class project this semester. They researched the problem, then planned and coordinated a panel to engage campus constituents and the
Table of
Contents 4-5 Bicentennial Blooms: Self guided tour map
6-11
Commencement Special Edition
6
7
Lynah Bontiff
8
John Ekwomadu
9
Katherine Schoeberle
9
10
Joe McKenzie
11
Dolly Mattenklodt
12 larger community around the necessary dialogue to help move us forward culturally. Read on to learn more about those efforts and the inspirational students behind them in the pages that follow. I can’t wait to see what the next class of Trailblazers has in store for us. Speaking of celebrations, L&C’s Monticello Sculpture Gardens is toasting Illinois’ 200th birthday with this year’s curated summer garden show, Bicentennial Blooms. If you haven’t been to campus to see that, be sure to check out pages 4-5 for a map to help guide you through our 11 celebratory pocket gardens. Have a wonderful fall semester!
13
Save on Your Bachelor’s Degree at L&C
13
Students Tackle Important Community Issues
14
NGRREC Interns Culminate Field Projects
14
15
Spring Sports Review: Golf and Tennis
15 www.lc.edu - 3
4
5 6
State Symbols
Illinois in the Making
A Monticello Moment
7
Land of Lincoln
8
Red, White & Blue!
9 10 11
American Flag Living Wall
Cardinals vs. Cubs
www.lc.edu/bicentennial_blooms 4 - “Discover�
Celebrate!
3
Illinois!
1-11
Bicentennial Blooms, the L&C Monticello Sculpture Gardens’ sixth annual curated summer garden show, is a celebration of the U.S.’s 21st state. Share your tour photos on social media using #bicentennialblooms and #illinoisproud!
Time Line Loop
Visit our pocket gardens in the following order to journey through the first 200 years of Illinois state history, past to present.
1 - Toast to 200! Time Line Loop
Flora in distinctive shapes and colors reminiscent of birthday party décor, complete with a 200th birthday cake
2 - Prairie State Plants
Highlights from Illinois’ natural prairie habitat, from native grasses to wildflowers
3 - illinois!
Carpet bed garden incorporating the outline of the State of Illinois, surrounded by radiating Red Threads Alternathera
2
4 - State Symbols
Planters representing Illinois state symbols, including the white-tailed deer, cardinal, blue gill, corn and the violet
5 - illinois in the making
An exploration of Illinois’ pre-statehood history, featuring Black-eyed Susans, geraniums and black sweet potato vine
Prairie State Plants
6 - a monticello moment
A traditional Victorian-era herb garden reminiscent of the campus’ Monticello College days
7 - land of lincoln
1
Remembering President Abraham Lincoln and the Lincoln-Douglas debate that took place in Alton in October 1858
8 - red, white & blue!
Red, white and blue plants symbolizing American industrial and agricultural development in Illinois
9 - American Flag Toast to 200!
Living Wall garden, in an interpretation of the American flag, symbolizes Illinois as the 21st state to join the Union
10 - Cardinals vs. cubs
Lighthearted red and blue flowers hint at a longstanding sports rivalry that continues to engage fans across the state
11 - celebrate!
Entrance to the Nursing building dazzles with exciting colors, including intense deep purples, greens and pinks www.lc.edu - 5
I am a Trailblazer - Class of 2018
celebrate good times
Commencement is Only the Beginning for these L&C Alum
Lewis and Clark Community College celebrated more than 1,000 members of the Class of 2018 on May 16 at the Hatheway Cultural Center’s Ann Whitney Olin Theater during the college’s 47th Annual Commencement. This year’s speaker, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Chancellor and L&C alumnus Randy Pembrook, relived his fond memories of the college and wished the graduates well with a message about home. “Home is what you take with you, in addition to what you leave behind,” he said. “You take with you an outstanding education. My hope is you will also take a resolve to change this world for the better.” Commencement may signify the end of their time at L&C, but for these bright alumni, it’s only the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. In the pages that follow, you’ll meet several of our distinguished graduates.
Watch this year’s Commencement at www.lc.edu/graduation. 6 - “Discover”
(Top left) Anya Alexis Wilke graduated from Lewis and Clark Community College with an Associate in Arts and an Associate of Fine Arts in Music Performance at the age of 13. (Top right) Graduates pose for photos in the Hatheway Gallery prior to the cermony. (Bottom) L&C faculty members watch the Class of 2018 graduate from the stage inside Hatheway’s Ann Whitney Olin Theater.
26, of Calibishie, Dominica Associate in Arts with honors, Certificate of Completion in Marketing, Certificate of Completion in Human Resources, Certificate of Completion in Social Media Marketing, Phi Theta Kappa, Minority Excellence Award, Trailblazers Women’s Basketball
Q: How would you describe your experience at L&C? A. Two words: life changing. I am the only one in my family with a college degree.
I am a Trailblazer - Class of 2018
Q&A Lynah Joeanna Bontiff Q: Which faculty or staff member had the greatest positive impact on you?
A. There are several. I’m a basketball player, so Coach Jaron
Young, my teammates and trainer Don Lentz. I’m thankful for Coach Young, (Administrative Assistant) Dionne McElroy and (Coach) Ronda Roberts. They worked for four years to bring me here. They have a special place in my heart along with (Coordinator of Diversity and Inclusion) Adrienne Reed and (Administrative Assistant in Student Life) Christine Strotheide.
Q: What’s next? A. I’m at home in the Nature Isle of the Caribbean,
Dominica, but I intend to continue school in the United States as an athlete. I would like to have a career in the business field.
Q: You won “Dominica’s Next Supermodel” in 2013. What effect did that have on you?
A. Because of this experience, I am more outspoken.
My confidence level increased because I was a very shy individual. I also grew to love wearing dresses and heels.
Lynah competed in a modeling competition and won the title of Dominica’s Next Supermodel in 2013. She won multiple segments, including swimwear, business attire and high fashion, and won awards for best photo model, best spokes model in interview and best dance. (Submitted photo) www.lc.edu - 7
I am a Trailblazer - Class of 2018 (Left) John, who is 6’6”, played forward/center for the Trailblazers Men’s Basketball team. A multi-sport athlete, John will transer to William Jewell College in Missouri, where he will play collegiate football. (Right) John, a member of Phi Theta Kappa, graduated this spring with honors.
Ifechukwu “John” Ekwomadu 23, of Lagos, Nigeria
Associate in Arts with honors, Phi Theta Kappa, Trailblazers Men’s Basketball
Q: Why did you decide to attend L&C? A. I wanted smaller class sizes, so I could engage and work together with other students to complete projects. I also wanted to establish close relationships with my professors. I wasn’t disappointed.
Q: Which faculty or staff member had the greatest positive impact on you? A. Athletic Director and Head Men’s Basketball Coach Doug Stotler. He did everything he could to bring me here and made
sure I had everything I needed. He even drove to Chicago to meet me at the airport. He was the reason I got this opportunity.
Q: Do you have any other mentors? A. Jesus Christ, because he embodies love. I try my best to lead a Christ-like life. My beautiful mother is also my mentor. With little to no education, she has done well for herself. She is a successful business woman in her own right and a fighter. She will never allow herself to be stopped.
Q: What’s next? A. In the fall, I will attend William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri, where I have signed to play football. Eventually, I’d like to earn a Doctorate in Psychology and have my own practice as a psychologist. 8 - “Discover”
20, of Edwardsville, Illinois
I am a Trailblazer - Class of 2018
Katherine Anne Schoeberle
Associate in Fine Arts – Art Emphasis, Associate in Arts with honors, Phi Theta Kappa (Vice President), Honors College Fellow, All-USA Community College Academic Team Nominee, Scholarship and Service Award
Q: How did you choose your major/program at L&C? A. I started out wanting to become a fashion designer and get my bachelor’s degree in fine arts. Getting my Associate in Fine Arts at Lewis and Clark seemed like the most logical choice. The financial benefit was the main reason I chose to attend L&C. I was honored to receive a full-tuition scholarship and could not pass it up. (Top) Katherine’s oil painting was featured in Northern Illinois University’s statewide community college art exhibition and earned an Honorable Mention this spring. (Bottom) Katherine, an Honors College Fellow, poses with her final project, “Lottery of Birthplace.” The project explored human rights and refugees.
Q: What are your hobbies/other things that you enjoy? A. I love to read, especially non-fiction and biographies. I also like to knit, sew, hike and go cycling. I love hiking. I’ve been to Western Canada twice and hiked mountains. I am also active in my church youth group.
Q: Would you recommend your program to a fellow student? A. Absolutely! There is so much encouragement from the professors to grow and become your own artist. The professors are great and very supportive. The other students are very inspirational and great people to get to know.
Q: What are your educational goals and long-term career goals? A. My immediate goals are to transfer to a university and earn my bachelor’s degree. In the future, I would love to get my master’s degree. Eventually, I would like to be a Foreign Service Officer with the United States State Department and a part-time artist.
www.lc.edu - 9
I am a Trailblazer - Class of 2018
Joe McKenzie 20, Alton, Illinois
Associate in Science, Student Government Association (President), A Cross Between
Q: Do you have a mentor or anyone you look up to?
A. She may not even know it, but I have always been
thankful for (Professor) Elizabeth Grant. She was my first teacher at L&C in my speech class. Her class changed a lot of my perspectives on communication. It made me more comfortable with myself and got me a lot more talkative. Just that in itself pushed me to do a lot more in college and got me to where I am now. I will always be thankful for that. The same goes for (Vice President of Student Engagement) Sean Hill. He has always been so encouraging to me as my advisor in SGA; really helped me make this last year in student government a successful. He is just a genuinely a great guy. I will miss them both!
Q: What is your favorite memory at L&C? A. Really anything student government related. I gained so many lifelong friends through it. I had so much fun through it all and would not take back a second of it.
Q: What do you like best about L&C overall? A. The faculty and staff. Due to us being a community college, the classes are much smaller. Because of that, the relationships you can build with your teachers are so much more personal than those at a university. In the end, it was one of the best and most helpful things at L&C.
Q: What are your educational and long-term career goals?
A. I am transferring to SIUE to get my bachelor’s
degree in marketing. I would love to have a job where I can travel at first. It would be a great way to gain connections throughout the country. After that, I would love to be into marketing management.
10 - “Discover”
(Top) Joe walks across the stage to receive his diploma during the 2018 Commencement ceremony at Lewis and Clark May 16 in the Hatheway Cultural Center Ann Whitney Olin Theatre. (Bottom) Joe gathers with his friends and fellow Student Government Association members during Springfest 2018.
Approximately 100 students earned their General Equivalency Diploma (GED®) through L&C’s Adult Education department and the Regional Office of Education No. 40 Adult Learning Center in 2018. Of those, 37 participated in the college’s 42nd annual GED Graduation held June 7 inside the Hatheway Cultural Center.
GED graduate Cailynn Lytle receives her diploma from L&C President Dale Chapman during the 2018 GED graduation ceremony.
Dolly Mattenklodt Q&A
GED
I am a Trailblazer - Class of 2018
L&C Celebrates 42nd GED Graduation
26, Bethalto, Illinois
Q: Why did you decide to get your GED at L&C? A. My dad told me he was going to get his GED, and I decided I
wanted to get mine as well. Neither of us had the chance to finish our high school education, and we wanted to. I thought, this will be something we can do together. I am proud of not only myself but my dad, too. We couldn’t have done it without each other.
Q: How has getting your GED helped you? A. Getting my GED definitely helped me become smarter and
sharpened my skills. I believe it will help me in the long run on my career path, whatever I choose it to be, and in everyday life in general. It also boosted my self-confidence, and I now realize what I can do when I put my mind to it.
Q: What are the most important skills you learned while participating in the GED program at L&C?
A. Marsha Morgan was an incredible teacher. She was very
helpful and always encouraging through the good and bad times. She was patient, especially with my dad. It wasn’t always easy, and she helped us get through. I learned that you should always push yourself, and you can achieve whatever goal you have in mind. You just need to believe in yourself. Also, it is never too late to learn.
Q: What advice would you give to current or potential GED students?
A. It may be hard, but you can do it. Study, study, study! You
Dolly earned her GED alongside her father, John Mattenklodt, 53, of Bethalto. The two celebrated together at the college’s 42nd GED Graduation ceremony. a lot of work, but it’s worth it. Like my dad said, if you pay attention to the teachers, they will help you through the difficult times. Soak up all the knowledge you can get from your teachers because they know what they are talking about. Go to class. Pay attention. The teachers will give you tips and tricks but you have to pay attention. You’re not alone in this.
really have to want it. Don’t go in there half-heartedly. It takes www.lc.edu - 11
$ $ $ e v Sona Your Bachelor’s Degree with L&C
Imagine you could have a bachelor’s degree from the school of your dreams, and still save an average of $17,598 by the time you graduate. By attending Lewis and Clark Community College for two years before transferring to that school, you can. Based on 2018 tuition and fees at Illinois’ public colleges and universities, a student taking a full course load (30 credit hours, typically 10 classes, per year) will save $8,799 on average annually by choosing L&C, with total savings ranging from $14,106 to $22,856. When you factor in housing and living expenses, the savings at L&C compound even further. Get the same degree, with a different price tag. Choose Lewis and Clark.
Other University
L&C
College is Just a
Click Away
Can’t get to campus? Working full time?
Lewis and Clark has a number of courses and programs that can be completed mostly online. They include: • • • •
Associate in Arts (transfer degree) Associate in Science (transfer degree) Accounting Administrative Assistant
• • • •
Child Development Criminal Justice Management Paralegal
Online courses provide the same rigor as traditional ones, and count for the exact same credit, but allow for flexibility in scheduling. Week to week, you can do the work and complete assignments and exams on your own time, from the comfort of home (in your PJs if you want). See if online courses are right for you. Call (618) 468-2222.
www.lc.edu/Online_Courses
College for Kids
Year 1
$4,440
$13,239
offers Fun Under the Sun
Year 2
$8,880
$26,478
Associate Degree
Year 3
$22,209
$39,717
Graduation Bachelor’s Degree Total Cost:
$35,358
12 - “Discover”
Bachelor’s Degree Total Cost:
$52,956
www.lc.edu/save
Lewis and Clark Community College’s College for Kids program offers summer enrichment courses to help kids discover new interests and talents, and expand their world. Classes include everything from cooking and art to science and computer programming.
www.lc.edu/c4K
Students Engage Community Lewis and Clark Community College students are diving head first into real world issues and working hard to contribute to their community. Aside from giving their time during L&C Cares, which takes place every April to coincide with National Volunteer Week,
students are coming together year round to create programming and solutions to tackle serious issues, and giving their time to make life better for their neighbors in the River Bend community.
Phi Theta Kappa Hosts Opioid Crisis Summit In an effort to address the growing opioid problem in our communities, Phi Theta Kappa organized an Opioid Crisis Summit featuring a panel of professionals from Chestnut Health Systems April 5 in The Commons. The free event aimed to educate attendees about the realities of opioid abuse and give those affected a place to feel supported and validated.
From left to right, are Coalition Coordinator Karen Tilashalski, Director of Youth Substance Use Disorder Treatment Daron Copp and Clinician Tami Buchwalter.
Sociology Project addresses Race on college Campuses Assistant Professor of Sociology Jen Cline’s Race and Ethnic Relations class planned and hosted a panel discussion entitled “Race Matters on Campus” April 25 in the Hatheway Cultural Center. L&C Instructor Mario Love, pictured, lead the event, which featured guest speakers who answered questions and shared their ideas on how racial concerns and disparities take place on college campuses and what can be done to alleviate those issues. The event was livestreamed on L&C’s Facebook page. Featured panelists, pictured from left to right, were West Elementary Principal Brian Saenz, L&C Political Science and History Instructor Mario Love (moderator), L&C Student Activities President Arantxa Salvador, L&C Coordinator of Diversity and Inclusion Adrienne Reed and Blackburn College Director of Diversity, Student Success and Inclusion Eda Watts. Not pictured: SIUE graduate student Rae’Jean Spears.
Automot ive Club
Donates Free Inspections for Seniors
Students from L&C’s Automotive Technology program volunteered at a Savvy Senior Seminar held May 23 at Senior Services Plus in Alton. The event included free auto inspections and a presentation by the Madison County Sheriff ’s Department on how to deal with scams that target seniors. L&C student Zachary Beard and Associate Instructor Benjamin Cook.
www.lc.edu - 13
The NGRREC Intern Experience
Every year, the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center’s Internship program sends dozens of interns out in the field to complete summer research projects that culminate with an Intern Symposium in July/ August. This year, 22 interns from across the country visited the NGRREC Jerry F. Costello Confluence Field Station May 21-25 to kick off the program with a short course week, complete with learning sessions, lab work and terrestrial and aquatic field work. While in Ellis Bay of the Mississippi River, Eric Ratcliff of the Illinois Natural History Survey shows the NGRREC interns a hybrid striped bass, which is a cross between a white bass and a striped bass. The fish was probably hatchery produced and found its way into the river system.
Local Experts Collaborate on Solution for Erosion at SSP
When volunteer Thom Rhanor, of Godfrey, noticed damaging erosion near the greenhouse at Senior Services Plus in Alton, he decided to collaborate with other local experts to find a solution. “I saw an opportunity to contribute my specialized knowledge about soils and to leverage my employer, Monsanto, and the people I know at Lewis and Clark to address the problem,” Rhanor said. Rhanor is the spouse of Allison Rhanor, an environmental educator at L&C’s National Great Rivers Research and Education Center. With the help of her husband, L&C Restoration Ecology Program Coordinator Scott Moss and SSP Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Becker, Allison sought funding through an Illinois American Water grant designed to improve
water quality on a watershed scale, while also involving the community and multi-organizational partnerships. The team of experts proposed creating a system of urban stormwater controls at SSP to help mitigate the surface water runoff and erosion issues and reduce the negative impact to the on-site stream that feeds into Wood River Creek. “It was a perfect fit,” A. Rhanor said. “John wrote up the SSP history, Scott wrote up a design for the rain garden, Scott and I worked on compiling a budget and Thom wrote up a piece about how Monsanto will be involved. I put it all together” Their efforts were successful, and a $3,500 grant was awarded to fix the erosion issue. Once this project is complete, SSP will serve as a permanent field trip location for the Swarovski Waterschool USA Mississippi River Program, which is housed at NGRREC, as well as a real-life example of proper stormwater management for L&C students. “Monsanto, L&C and all parties involved have been excellent partners who volunteer their time and expertise to improve our farm and help us grow,” SSP Executive Director Becker said. “They are professional and very giving of their time and experience.”
Once this project is complete, SSP will serve as a permanent field trip location for the Swarovski Waterschool USA Mississippi River Program, which is housed at NGRREC, as well as a real-life example of proper storm water management for L&C students.
www.ngrrec.org • www.ngrrec.org/internship • www.lc.edu/program/restorationecology • seniorservicesplus.org 14 - “Discover”
Women’s Tennis
Earns Sixth Consecutive Nationals Trip
After winning the championship game of the Region 24 tournament at home against Kaskaskia College on April 21, the Trailblazers women’s tennis team earned its sixth consecutive trip to the National Junior College Athletic Association’s Division I National Tournament (NJCAA) in Waco, Texas. As the top-seeded team in the region, the Trailblazers defeated the Blue Angels 8-1. They finished their regular season with an overall record of 6-2, with their only losses coming against McKendree University and Missouri Baptist University. The Trailblazers finished in 22nd place in the tournament out of a field of 28. For the second consecutive year, the title went to Tyler Junior College out of Tyler, Texas. The Trailblazers women’s tennis team poses with the Region 24 championship trophy. From left to right are Noni Updyke, Anna Holland, Marta Garcia, Laura Moore, Bailey Jarman, Ashton Tewell and Jenna Brown.
www.lc.edu/athletics/womens/tennis
Represented at NJCAA National Golf Tournament The Trailblazers were represented at the 2018 National Junior College Athletic Association Division II Men’s Golf Championship held May 21-24 at Glenlakes Golf Club in Foley, Alabama. L&C’s Alec Hilliard, a sophomore and graduate of Civic Memorial High School, earned a spot in the national tournament. Hilliard shot 78 in the opening round, landing him in a nine-way tie for 63rd place. He did not make the cut for the Alec Hilliard tournament’s final round. The tournament came to a close with Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College winning the team competition and Leon D’Souza from South Mountain Community College winning the individual tournament.
www.lc.edu/athletics/mens/golf www.lc.edu - 15
Empowering People
NON-PROFIT MAIL US POSTAGE PAID ST. LOUIS, MO PERMIT NO. 18
Lewis and Clark Community College 5800 Godfrey Road Godfrey, IL 62035-2466 www.lc.edu
To: Lewis and Clark District Postal Customer
Mark Your C alen dars!
• • • •
Soccer Alumni Games – August 11 Fall Classes Begin – August 20 Bike MS 2018 – September 8-9 Fall Discover Day – October 8
Enrolling now for Fall 2018! September is
National Campus Safety Awareness Month At Lewis and Clark Community College, your safety is a top priority. We are dedicated to creating a safe learning environment and college experience for our students.
Staying Safe on Campus Be aware of your surroundings at all times, especially at night. Learn how to defend yourself. Contact Campus Safety and Security to learn about opportunities for upcoming self-defense classes.
!
Always lock up whether it’s your apartment or your car - and don’t leave valuables where others can see them. If you see something, say something. Check out these campus resources for reporting sexual violence - www.lc.edu/4rsv
Maintain your privacy on social media - think twice before sharing your location or other information with people you don’t know.
www.lc.edu/security • www.lc.edu/4rsv
Know where you’re headed on campus and how to get there. Especially if you’re in an unfamiliar area, avoid distractions like texting or headphones.