Table of Contents Pages 4-5 Winifred Godfrey: 40 Years of Painting
Page 6 Monticello Alumnae Return for Reunion
Letter From The President
Page 7 Office of Diversity and Inclusion
Pages 8-9 Empowering People... Impacting the Region
Page 10 Grant Awarded for Economic Development Along the River
Page 11 Houston Area Safety Council
Page 12 The Intern’s Intern
Page 13 Water Festival 2013
Page 14 GED to College
Page 15 Trailblazers Athletics 2 - “Discover”
This spring, were pleased to once again receive the maximum accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission – our regional accrediting agency. This marks our third consecutive 10-year, maximum accreditation, and this accreditation comes to us with no reporting requirements – a seal of excellence rarely bestowed by the HLC. This accreditation comes on the heels of the past two years of hard work and focused planning by a team of faculty, staff and administrators who all played significant roles in our strategic self-study analysis. We consistently hear praise from our district residents, alumni and other colleges who benchmark our programs, but it is especially rewarding to read the report written by our peers who made up our site visit team as they described L&C as “an impressive institution which has the structures, practices, financial resources, employees and culture in place to effectively serve students and the community.” In addition to this third-party acknowledgment of our academic and institutional excellence, we have also recently completed an updated economic impact study that once again shows that L&C is a quality investment for students, taxpayers and the State of Illinois. The Holliday family, pictured
on the cover of this publication, represents a story we tell often in an effort to best describe our impact on our district. L&C provides numerous career and transfer opportunities for students like Kary, who chose nursing, and her husband Don, who chose paramedicine and fire science, who graduate from and now work in the district, earning higher wages and adding to the skill level of our local workforce. What makes their story even more impressive is that now their daughter is also earning her degree at L&C with plans of becoming a pediatrician. The Hollidays are part of a growing number of students who are investing in a Lewis and Clark education, and upon graduation are choosing to live and work in the community – not only providing our district with a skilled workforce, but also providing it with an incredible economic impact. I encourage you to read more on the pages that follow about L&C, its impact on students and the district and the numerous initiatives and programs that are shaping up to make an even bigger impact on the communities and people we serve. Sincerely,
Members of the Holliday family, of Alton, (cover photo) are part of a larger network of community members who have received their education at L&C and now work in professions in our district. Pictured from left: Chelcie, a freshman at L&C, is a graduate of Alton High School and a Golden Eagle scholarship recipient who plans to study pediatric medicine. Don, her father, received his paramedic certification at L&C and serves as a paramedic at Alton Memorial Hospital and as an Alton firefighter. Kary, her mother, is a graduate of L&C’s nursing program and is a registered nurse at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Alton.
L&C By The Numbers
$23.8 million 98.1FM Amount of grant money awarded to The Mississippi River Transportation, Distribution and Logistics Consortium for economic development along the river. (p.10)
St. Louis radio station where WLCA 89.9 alumni Matt Dorman and Kevin “The Intern” Berghoff work together. (p.12)
20
10
The Higher Learning Commission has reaccredited Lewis and Clark for the maximum of 10 years.
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This year marks the 20th year L&C has named an Emerson Electric Excellence in Teaching Award recipient. (p.14)
Number of life-sized oil paintings that are displayed in sequence to form Winifred Godfrey’s “MAYAN PROCESSION.” (p.4-5)
www.lc.edu - 3
Winifred Godfrey: 40 Years of Painting The latest exhibit to be showcased in Lewis and Clark’s Hatheway Art Gallery featured the culmination of artist Winifred Godfrey’s life’s work. “Winifred Godfrey: 40 Years of Painting” ran from Sept. 15-Oct. 15, and featured oil and watercolor paintings, drawings and lithographs, including figurative work, paintings that depict the distinctive textiles of the Mayan people of the Guatemalan Highlands, and floral pieces. The centerpiece of the exhibit, “MAYAN PROCESSION,” comprised 14 life-sized oil paintings exhibited in sequence,
and was paired with a unique sawdust carpet called an “Alfombra,” which is a special tradition in Guatemala before processions. “This was a unique opportunity for people to see the amazing breadth and depth of her art,” said Jim Price, professor of art, history and culture at Lewis and Clark. Born in Philadelphia and raised on Chicago’s south side, Godfrey received a Bachelor of Science in Art and a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Wisconsin. Her artwork is included in many private, corporate and museum
collections, including that of Lewis and Clark, and has been exhibited throughout North America. Godfrey brings a decidedly 20th century look to the long tradition of floral and figurative painting. Her work is often described as photorealistic, although her interest is more with color and composition. Working with common subjects but presented large, Godfrey’s art provides a fresh view of the intricate shapes, texture and translucency of flowers. Her figurative work is presented in a unique, life-sized format.
“MAYAN PROCESSION” comprises 14 life-sized oil paintings exhibited in sequence and was the centerpiece of the exhibit.
A crowd gathers during the opening of the Winifred Godfrey exhibit on Sept. 15 in the Hatheway Cultural Center Art Gallery.
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Visitors view one of Godfrey’s floral paintings in the exhibit.
Artist Winifred Godfrey celebrates the exhibit’s opening with guests.
Artist Winifred Godfrey
To view more photos, video and more visit www.lc.edu/winifredgodfrey www.lc.edu - 5
Monticello Alumnae Return for Reunion While Lewis and Clark looks to the future of education, it also embraces and respects its storied history as a former female seminary. This fall, a little piece of the past came for a visit. Monticello College alumna Gayle Graul Kee, who was in Monticello’s last graduating class from 1970-1971, initiated a reunion for all graduates, which drew alumnae representing graduating classes between 1944 and 1971 to their alma mater’s former campus on Sept. 15. Monticello College was founded by Capt. Benjamin Godfrey in 1838. An advocate for women’s education, the village’s namesake is often quoted as saying, “If you educate a man, you educate an individual; educate a woman and you educate a whole family.” In 1970, Lewis and Clark Community College was founded, and Monticello’s campus, along with its faculty, started a new chapter. The college’s first male student, Dick Combes, made headlines when he registered for classes that year. He and other Lewis and Clark students went to school side by side with the last remaining “Monti girls,” until their graduation in 1971. After breakfast in the Evergreens, once home to Monticello’s presidents and now home of the Monticello College Foundation, the women reminisced over Monticello yearbooks, school banners, and items recovered from a time capsule
hidden in the Caldwell Hall cornerstone and reopened by L&C in October 2012. They toured campus as VIPs with L&C President Dale Chapman and Monticello Foundation Executive Director Linda Nevlin, and marveled at how the campus has changed over the years. They enjoyed visits to the Monticello Sculpture Gardens, Reid Memorial Chapel (now the library) and Caldwell Hall, where their dormitories once were – and were treated to an emotional musical performance in the Benjamin Godfrey Chapel, where they once attended church services. “The Monti alum reunion was just superb,” said Nevlin, herself a “Monti
“There was a wonderful atmosphere of camaraderie and joyfulness in a common sharing of happy memories of school days at Monticello, as well as delight in the beautiful campus of today.” – Linda Nevlin
Monticello alumnae attend a musical performance in the Benjamin Godfrey Chapel.
Monticello alumnae pose for a photo in the Evergreens, once home to Monticello presidents.
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girl.” “There was a wonderful atmosphere of camaraderie and joyfulness in a common sharing of happy memories of school days at Monticello, as well as delight in the beautiful campus of today.” In a note sent to Nevlin following the reunion, Robin Sommers, a 1953 graduate, wrote, “What a wonderful reunion! It’s comforting to know that our college’s history and its beautiful campus continue to enrich Illinois. Please accept my gratitude to you and the staff for the efficiency, courtesy and friendliness of the reunion—it perfectly exemplified Monticello’s ideals.”
Reunion attendees gather for a group picture in front of the Evergreens, now home to the Monticello College Foundation.
Minority Affairs Becomes Office of Diversity and Inclusion In an effort to modernize and expand existing student services, Lewis and Clark’s Minority Affairs office has been renamed the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. The Office of Diversity and Inclusion seeks to promote a safe and comfortable environment for students to learn and become leaders in an increasingly diverse world. The office sponsors campus organizations, programs, meetings and events that encourage the academic success, cultural awareness and advocacy of the members of the college’s diverse campus community. Allison Harper, in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, welcomes students of all races, faiths, sexual orientations, ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds to visit her in Caldwell 1331 from noon to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. “I am here to help students navigate the college experience and introduce them to diversity and cultural awareness,” Harper said. “The Office of Diversity and Inclusion welcomes all students and excludes no one. If I can’t help a student, chances are I can refer them to someone who can. It doesn’t matter where students get the help, as long as they get it.” Minority Affairs was founded at L&C in the early 1980s and traditionally focused on the college’s African American population. In addition to serving more of the student population, Harper wants to expand cultural and international initiatives like celebrating Black History Month, as well as other lesser-known heritage months, such as Asian Pacific Heritage Month. “Lewis and Clark’s commitment to inclusiveness represents a way of thinking, seeing, and behaving that shows an understanding and respect for all ethnic and
Office of Diversity and Inclusion Noon to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday Caldwell 1331
cultural traditions,” Harper said. “It includes the acknowledgment of all groups who have made valuable contributions to the history of our nation and the college.” Some upcoming projects on Harper’s radar include genealogical/ancestry workshops and presentations, ombudsman activities, building relationships with multicultural community organizations, diversity pipeline programs featuring diversity topics and speakers, and additional cultural support and community acclimation for international students. “Often international students feel isolated when joining new communities, like L&C,” Harper said. “One of my many goals is to help international students embrace their new community and take advantage of all it has to offer. I envision a future mentor program where local students will help international ones not only at L&C but also with other tasks like finding the best places to buy groceries and other items.”
To learn more about diversity at L&C, visit www.lc.edu/diversity
Discover Lewis and Clark Enroll Today!
Spring Classes Begin January 13 www.lc.edu (800) YES-LCCC www.lc.edu - 7
Empowering People…. Impacting the Region Imagine going to a bank and opening a savings account and for every $1 you put into it, you earn $7 in return over the course of your life. A savings account with an annual 28.5 percent rate of return may sound farfetched; however, a recent economic impact study of L&C and its graduates shows that investing in a degree from Lewis and Clark is just like opening that dream savings account. The report, released by Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI), demonstrates that in addition to being an economic driver for the region, Lewis and Clark is also an economic driver for its students. The report highlights that L&C graduates can expect to earn on average $7,100 more each year than someone with a high school diploma or equivalent – this equates to more than $290,000 in higher income over a working lifetime. “When you consider the average cost for full-time enrollment at L&C for one year is approximately $3,000, you can see why the investment a student makes when choosing to attend L&C can be paid back within their first year of employment after graduation,” L&C President Dale Chapman said. News headlines today often demonstrate the rising costs of a college education and the financially burdensome student loans that graduates of four-year and private institutions struggle to find ways to repay. “Seeing these headlines makes many students feel like
Don Holliday, of Alton, is a paramedic at Alton Memorial Hospital and an Alton firefighter/ paramedic. He received his paramedic certification in 2004 and his advanced firefighter certification in 2008 from L&C. Waylon Schroeder, of Godfrey, is a band teacher/director at Illini Middle School in Jerseyville. He graduated from L&C in 2000 with an Associate in Arts in Music Education.
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education is simply not an attainable option, especially for first generation college students, but as this study shows, a L&C degree is not only attainable, it’s an investment that students can’t afford not to make,” Chapman said. With 18 consecutive years of enrollment growth, an increasing number of area residents understand the value of a L&C education. L&C graduates are not only earning higher wages, but are also choosing to work, live and raise their families in the district, adding to the area’s regional economy. “Our graduates provide our region with a skilled workforce. They earn higher wages, spend more money in the district and pay more taxes locally and to the state,” Chapman said. “By earning their degree, they are also less likely to need social services such as unemployment and welfare, which also saves taxpayer money.” According to EMSI, L&C’s annual operational spending, combined with the higher wages and spending of its growing number of graduates, results in more than $338.5 million injected into the regional economy each year. This number represents 4.6 percent of the Gross Regional Product. Additionally, the study revealed that for every $1 taxpayers invest in L&C, they can expect to receive a cumulative return of $2.40, which represents an annual rate of return of 6.4 percent. EMSI calculated the total benefits to local taxpayers is $87 million. When compared to the $36.6 million cost to taxpayers, the analysis demonstrates that an
Jeff Saville, of Godfrey, is an automotive technician at Mungenast Alton Toyota. He received his Associate in Applied Science in Automotive Technology in 2003 and is ASE certified.
Alicia Rose, of Godfrey, is a registered dental hygienist at Innovative Dentistry for Complete Health in East Alton. She received her Associate in Applied Science in Dental Hygiene from L&C in 2008.
Samantha Gordon, of Wood River, is a branch supervisor at Liberty Bank in Alton. She graduated from L&C in 2009 with an Associate in Applied Science in Business.
investment in L&C actually returns more to government budgets than it costs. “Often educational institutions are seen as tax burdens,” Chapman said. “The findings from this report indicate that if L&C were not in operation, then taxes would have to be raised by 4.6 percent in an effort to make up for the economic impact the college has on its district.” Chapman added that recently the college has been recognized by area businesses and industry with numerous gifts made to further advance the workforce initiatives of the college. In addition to approximately $3 million in workforce gifts, the college recently received a grant from the Department of Labor for nearly $5 million to expand current workforce programs, such as automotive technology and process operations technology, and to develop programs in logistics and truck driver training. “We receive tremendous support from our area industry and individuals who recognize our ability to respond to the local workforce’s needs,” Chapman said. “Our recent grant from the Department of Labor also demonstrates the federal government’s investment in community colleges and our ability to develop highly skilled workers for the increasing number of technologically advanced jobs of the future.” The economic impact study illustrates how Lewis and Clark Community College not only empowers individuals but also the community as a whole. Pictured below are just a few of the L&C graduates who continue to positively impact our local economy.
Economic Impact Study Highlights • L&C students will see an increase in earnings of $7,100 each year compared to someone with a high school diploma or equivalent • Over a working lifetime, this increase in earnings amounts to a value of more than $290,000 in higher income. • For every $1 a student spends on their education at L&C, they can expect to see a cumulative of $7.20 in higher future wages. • The average annual rate of return for students is 28.5%. • For every $1 of public funds invested in L&C, taxpayers can expect to see a return of $2.40. • The average annual rate of return for taxpayers is 6.4%. • Total annual benefits to taxpayers equal $87 million (the sum of added taxes by graduates and public sector savings). • The annual actual cost to taxpayers of $36.6 million (the sum of funding L&C receives from state and local government). • The investment of state and local tax dollars in the college returns more to government budgets than it cost. • L&C adds $338.5 million to the local economy each year through the effect of college operations, student spending and the result of former L&C students employed in the L&C service area. • This added income is equal to 4.6% of the region’s Gross Regional Product.
For more information, visit www.lc.edu/economicimpact.
Brianna Markel, of East Alton, is a Madison County Deputy Sheriff. She received her Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice in 2011 from L&C.
Steve Case, of East Alton, is a process operator at Phillips 66 Refinery in Wood River. He received his Associate in Applied Science in Process Operations Technology in 2012.
Kary Holliday, of Alton, is a registered nurse at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Alton. She received her Associate in Applied Science in Nursing in 2010.
Daniel Whiteside, of Alton, is a captain on the Alton Fire Department, a paramedic and fire investigator. He graduated in 1997 with an Associate in Applied Science in Fire Science and Computer Aided Drafting.
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Consortium Representing Institutions Along the Mississippi River Receives $23.8 Million Labor Grant Consortium Lead Lewis and Clark to Receive $4.9 Million A nine-community college consortium representing eight states along the Mississippi River is set to receive $23.8 million in grant funds from the Department of Labor to advance economic development in the region. As lead of the grant, Lewis and Clark Community College will receive $4.9 million. The Mississippi River Transportation, Distribution and Logistics Consortium (MRTDL), led by L&C, is committed to the placement of dislocated and other workers in high-wage, high-skill occupations in the vital transportation, distribution and logistics (TDL) and related industry sectors. Its partners seek to establish transportation, distribution and logistics sector partnerships in communities along the river; recalibrate programs to align with employer needs; build stacked and latticed credentials and integrate evidence-based strategies to serve TAA-eligible workers (those who have suffered job loss or whose jobs are threatened due to foreign trade) and solidify the consortium for long-term collaboration. “Our consortium members aim to match worker training and education programs to high opportunity occupations within the TDL industry sectors, and to do so in a way that capitalizes on both the unique competencies of the individual colleges and the collective expertise and resources of the consortium,” said L&C President Dale Chapman. “For this project, each of the nine member institutions is focusing its resources on occupations that meet the requirements of local and regional employers and on the training and support needs of the local workforce.” L&C will utilize its funding to expand workforce training programs including: Welding, Automotive Technology (Hybrid-Electric and Conventional); Process Operations Technology; Logistics Technician, Diesel Mechanics, Truck/ Tractor Trailer Drivers and Production Technician. Over the next three years, L&C will seek to train 300 students and program participants from throughout the
community college district. Chapman added that while the funding for this grant is a key component to the nine colleges’ initiatives, a key strength of the consortium resides in the effective partnership of multiple stakeholders, including the colleges, employers, state and local workforce agencies, non-governmental and community based organizations. “Our industry and employer partners are critically important because they bring a knowledge and understanding of the skills and competencies that are needed, additional resources in the form of work-based instructional opportunities, access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, the ability to assist with curriculum design and program evaluation, and most importantly hiring and job advancement opportunities for our program participants,” Chapman said. Lewis and Clark’s industry partners include Phillips66, Olin-Winchester, Cassens Transport Co., and many others. “This collective effort brings the expertise and resources of industry, education, government and local communities to close the gap between business’ need for highly skilled workers and workers’ need for high wage, high skilled and sustainable jobs,” said Jay Churchill, Phillips66 Wood River Refinery manager. “This grant funding and possible expansion of Lewis and Clark’s Process Operations Technology program allows our long-standing partnership to add equipment and will supply our industry with the best and brightest candidates for employment from our region. It’s great to see local people get these jobs of the future.” The grant comes through the Department of Labor’s Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) Community College and Careering Training grant program, a multi-year, nearly $2 billion initiative to expand targeted training programs for unemployed workers.
Funding Requests by MRTDL Institution Lewis and Clark Community College
Godfrey, IL
$4,958,481.00
Hinds Community College
Raymond, MS
$2,249,734.60
John Wood Community College
Quincy, IL
$2,100,000.00
Mid-South Community College
West Memphis, AR
$2,065,596.00
Minnesota State College-Southeast Technical St. Louis Community College
Winona, MN Bridgeton, MO
$1,766,408.00 $2,986,981.00
Southwest Tennessee Community College
Memphis, TN
$2,854,601.00
West Kentucky Community and Technical College
Paducah, KY
$2,754,866.00
Delgado Community College
New Orleans, LA
$2,132,704.13
Read more by visiting www.lc.edu and searching keyword “TAA.” 10- “Discover”
L&C Teams Up with Houston Area Safety Council to Expand Safety Training Offerings Lewis and Clark’s Corporate and Community Learning division has expanded and improved its safety training programs for businesses and trades workers by becoming a satellite for the prestigious the Houston Area Safety Council (HASC). While the college has provided such services at a local level for almost a decade, L&C, as the largest workforce training community college in the state of Illinois, will administer nationally recognized, standardized programming to approximately 10,000 workers trained in the district each year. Program courseware, created by the Association of Reciprocal Safety Councils (ARSC), meets a significant portion of the OSHA mandated contractor requirements, increases safety training efficiency for the contract employee due to a reduction in redundant information being presented, and is reciprocally recognized with many other safety councils across the United States. “The Houston Area Safety Council is an iconic, global brand for contractor safety,” said CCL Director Kathy Willis. “Our values and mission are deeply congruent with those of HASC, and in certain respects, our Contractor Safety Orientation offerings were already modeled after Houston’s. Now we are closing any gap by becoming a direct provider of HASC training.” Currently, L&C is in phase one of the program’s implementation process,
From left, Luis Aguilar, president and CEO of the HASC, Dean of Health Sciences Donna Meyer, CCL Director Kathy Willis and L&C President Dale Chapman sign an agreement to expand safety training offerings through CCL.
during which the college is working with the locally-renowned Council of Owners and Construction Associates (COCA) to begin instructing and record keeping on workers who complete Basic, as well as site-specific, training courses and others in the safety curriculum. These regional workers and COCA members will benefit from the agreed-upon standardizations for safety classes, badging and other mutual protocols. In future phases, occupational health testing will also be offered. “When these three phases are fully deployed, Lewis and Clark looks forward to being a ‘one-stop-shop’ for contractor safety orientation needs, which is how things are set up now in Houston,” Willis said.
Map of Bethalto Training Center
For more information about this program, contact (618) 468-5787.
Leisure Learning for Adults
Choose from a wide variety of non-credit classes and workshops for adults in areas like Photography, Cooking, Computer Skills, Ballroom Dance, Art, Swim and more! View complete schedule online at www.lc.edu/CCL or call (618) 468-5701 to request a copy.
It’s what you know.
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The Intern’s Intern
Recent Radio Grad Following a Familiar Path at Y98
Matt Dorman, left, with Kevin Berghoff in the WLCA 89.9 studio at Lewis and Clark.
“The fact that Kevin and I both attended Lewis and Clark allowed us to connect in many ways. We could share stories about our experiences.” - Matt Dorman
Kevin “The Intern” Berghoff studied in Lewis and Clark’s Radio Broadcasting program from 1997-1999, and started at Y98-FM in St. Louis in the spring of 1999, where he worked to earn co-op hours toward graduation. By the summer of that year, he was promoted to part time, and then went full time in 2001 – although to this day, Berghoff is known on air as “Kevin The Intern.” This past spring, “The Intern” got an intern – also a Radio student from Lewis and Clark – named Matt Dorman. “We rarely have interns on the air, but Matt has a drive – a desire – it’s a maturity that you can’t teach. He gets along with people,” Berghoff said. “It was like looking in a mirror. Right away we could tell Matt was responsible, and he fit right in. There were a lot of hurdles, like security clearances and all that, but Matt remained calm and cool and easy to talk to. He came in when asked, stayed late, and never complained about putting the hours in.” Like Berghoff, Dorman spent twelve weeks interning with The Phillips & Company Morning Show at Y98, where Berghoff works, helping them with everything from making posts on Facebook and Twitter to even going on air with them for some games and topics. And like Berghoff, he was offered a part time job as an on-air talent following his internship. On Aug. 2, he went on air for the first time. “The fact that Kevin and I both attended Lewis and Clark allowed us to connect in many ways. We could share stories about our experiences – even on some of the on-air segments I did with The Phillips & Company Morning Show during my internship, Kevin and I talked about Lewis and Clark and joked about how similar we are,” Dorman said. Read more at www.lc.edu.
Tommy & The High Pilots Are A Hit at Hatheway California-based rock band Tommy & The High Pilots played the Hatheway Cultural Center on Friday, Oct. 11 with opening act The Giving Moon. Around 250 people attended the show, which was free to students and the community, and was sponsored by L&C Student Activities and WLCA 89.9-FM. To view more photos, visit www.flickr.com/lewisandclarkcc.
The Giving Moon
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Tommy & The High Pilots
Rainy Weather Doesn’t Dampen Spirits at Water Festival
Fifth graders Bailey Tweedy, foreground, and Peyton Brown, of St. Ambrose School, lead classmates as they carry water jugs on their heads to simulate what it would be like to collect water in rural parts of Guatemala during L&C’s 11th Annual Water Festival. Tweedy is from Murphysboro, and Brown is from Godfrey.
Despite the drizzle, hundreds of fifth graders from 10 local schools participated in Lewis and Clark’s 11th Annual Water Festival on Friday, Sept. 20. “The purpose of the Water Festival is to get children to connect with water issues, such as conservation, pollution and the presence of invasive species,” said Natalie Marioni, environmental education manager for L&C and the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center. “Through fun, interactive experiences like fishing, we are teaching children that water can be enjoyable, provide substance, and is vital for all life. The Water Festival is the perfect event to start the process of making better water stewards for our
communities.” Approximately 20 exhibits were set up to give students hands-on learning experiences, including lessons in water safety and geocaching. Special guest speaker and native Guatemalan Ruben Gomez spoke to the children about poor water quality in his native country. “You don’t know how blessed you are to be born in America,” Gomez said. “You don’t know how blessed you are to have clean water and food. Many people are going hungry all over the world, and Guatemala’s water quality is very bad. You would be surprised to learn how many children die in Guatemala due to the poor quality of the water there.” Ashley Nolen, a fifth grade teacher at St. Ambrose School, said Gomez
Keeping an Eye on the River Meet L&C’s New RiverWatch Biologist From an early age, Lewis and Clark’s new RiverWatch Biologist Matt Young has loved nature – especially rivers and streams. Today, they are an integral part of his job. Also a member of the environmental education team for the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center, Young took over the reins of the RiverWatch program in August. The Illinois RiverWatch Network is a volunteer stream monitoring program that seeks to engage Illinois citizens by training them as
Citizen Scientists. Each year at adopted stream sites in their communities, Citizen Scientists conduct habitat and biological surveys, including the collection and identification of small stream organisms called macroinvertabrates, which serve as bioindicators of water quality. “It is fun to see volunteers getting excited about their natural resources and taking responsibility for conservation,” Young said. Currently, Young is collecting and entering data from all of the RiverWatch volunteers for the 2013
made the biggest impact on her students. “I feel like kids walk around with blinders on, and I think Ruben took those blinders off, revealing what water quality is like in other countries,” she said. “After Ruben’s presentation, I think the children will be more thankful for what they have.” William Roark, a 10-year-old fifth grader from Carlinville Intermediate School, also found Gomez’s lesson captivating. “I think Ruben was very interesting, and it was sad to hear about the kids that die because of the water quality in their country,” Roark said. “I’m really grateful that I was born in America where I can have clean water to drink.” Approximately 85 volunteers from local organizations, including L&C and NGRREC, made the 11th Annual Water Festival possible. Learn more at www.lc.edu by searching keywords “Water Fest.”
“I’m really grateful that I was born in America where I can have clean water to drink.” – William Roark, Carlinville Intermediate School fifth grader
sampling season. He is also working toward on an online RiverWatch database to make data entry easier for volunteers, and make trend analysis more accessible to the public. “I would like to see the RiverWatch program grow throughout Illinois, with people from every area of the state having a chance to be involved,” Young said. “I would also like to see numerous scientific reports and studies come out of our data that promote stream conservation and rehabilitation.” To learn more about RiverWatch or to become a volunteer, call Young at (618) 468-2784 or email him at mpyoung@lc.edu. Visit
www.ngrrec.com and click on RiverWatch. www.lc.edu - 13
Adult Education Offers GED to College Options
Parents Now members explore options for earning their GEDs and college credit at the same time during a recent GED to College Fair on campus.
Lewis and Clark’s GED to College programs, an initiative of the Adult Education department, are designed to help students earn their GED, and obtain college credit while doing so. “When students complete these programs, they are enrolling and succeeding in college at much higher rates than their peers, according to preliminary data,” said Associate Dean of Adult Education Val Harris. Some of the GED programs offered at Lewis and Clark transition into associate degree programs in dental hygiene, dental assisting, exercise science, nursing, nurse assisting, occupational therapy assisting, paramedicine, medical assisting, automotive technology, computer network security and administration, drafting/CAD technology, process operations technology and welding.
For more information or to enroll today, call (618) 468-4141 or visit www.lc.edu/adultEd.
Vicki Snell Receives 2013 Emerson Excellence Award After eight years of teaching Dental Hygiene at Lewis and Clark Community College, Associate Professor Vicki Snell is the college’s 2013 Emerson Electric Excellence in Teaching Award recipient. “Teaching is a labor of love, and I don’t consider it work,” Snell said. “I’m truly grateful for this recognition.” In 2010, Snell was appointed by Gov. Pat Quinn to fill a four-year term on the Illinois State Board of Dentistry. She recently was reappointed, and will begin her second term in 2014. Snell also serves as Dental Hygiene Clinical Board Examiner for the Central Regional Testing Board, Northeast Regional Board and the Western Regional Board. “Vicki is highly regarded as an expert in the dental hygiene profession. She uses numerous teaching methodologies to engage her students and is energetic and enthusiastic when teaching and working with students,” said Donna Meyer, dean of Health Sciences at L&C. “She is an excellent practitioner who knows the importance of critical thinking and problem solving for health care clinicians and is an exemplary faculty member who demonstrates the caliber of faculty at Lewis and Clark.” Snell is a member of the American Dental Educator’s Association, American Dental Hygiene Association, Illinois Dental Hygiene Association, Riverbend Dental Hygiene Association, and Golden Key Chapter International Honor Society Member. 14- “Discover”
Hlafka Sisters Carry on Family Tradition Sports of all kinds are a Hlafka family tradition. So, it was no surprise when Brooklyn Hlafka began another tradition: attending Lewis and Clark Community College to play volleyball. Her two sisters, Michaela and Ashlyn, are following her example. All three Hlafka girls graduated from Bunker Hill High School and were fortunate enough to play sports together there. Brooklyn, currently a senior at Illinois State University, was a standout middle blocker on the court for the Trailblazers for one semester before transferring to Illinois State University. Today, younger sisters Michaela and Ashlyn Hlafka Michaela and Ashlyn are also donning Trailblazer blue. “We both always looked up to Brooklyn,” said Michaela, the court at a time. It’s a really cool feeling.” a sophomore outside hitter/defensive specialist. “She always “We bring out the best in each other on the court,” Ashlyn does well in school and is a great competitive athlete. I really said. “I am so excited to be playing volleyball with Michaela wanted to follow in her footsteps.” again at L&C.” “I have looked up to both my sisters all of my life,” said “I am also thrilled to be playing with Ashlyn,” Michaela Ashlyn, a freshman middle hitter. “My sisters both went to said. “We both get more competitive when we are playing L&C, and it just seemed natural to follow their lead.” together. A little sibling rivalry is a good thing.” “It is a lot of pressure being the oldest, and I most The sisters said their entire family, especially their grandpa, certainly think of my sisters before making decisions, big or Jim Hlafka, has had a tremendous impact on their lives. small,” Brooklyn said. “I hope that I can continue to be a “My family has always been supportive of me and positive role model throughout our lives, not only through believed in me during times when I did not believe in myself,” sports, but life in general. We may not always see eye to eye, Brooklyn said. “My grandpa is an amazing man. I tear up but I love my sisters and I wouldn’t trade them for the world.” just thinking about how supportive and loving he is toward us While at L&C, Brooklyn was named MWAC Co-Freshman girls.” of the Year and earned MWAC and MCCAC First Team “Grandpa Jim comes to every game he can,” Ashlyn said. All-Conference honors. She broke L&C’s school record with “Even if we are sitting out, he’s still there.” 492 kills and was second on her team in total blocks with 141. All three sisters chose L&C because it is close to home and “I absolutely loved my team and coaches at L&C,” has small class sizes. Brooklyn said. “We made it fun and never had a dull “The best part about Lewis and Clark for me is the small moment.” classes,” Michaela said. “My teachers know my name, and I “I am so thankful that I was able to play with my sisters in feel comfortable approaching them with any questions I may both volleyball and basketball in high school,” Brooklyn said. have.” “It was good knowing that there were more than one of us on
Seeking Athletics Hall of Fame Nominations • Accepting applications through Friday, Jan. 31, 2014 • Maximum of three individuals will be inducted in Spring 2014. • Nominations for inductees can be made by former players, coaches, college personnel, contributors and supporters of athletics and sports professionals, such as sports writers, photographers and sports editors and directors. 1996 baseball team, inducted in spring 2013.
Visit www.lc.edu/athleticsHOF/ for rules and nomination forms
www.lc.edu - 15
Empowering People
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Godfrey, IL Permit No. 18
Lewis and Clark Community College 5800 Godfrey Road Godfrey, IL 62035-2466 www.lc.edu
To: Lewis and Clark District Residents Dec. 17 - L&C Holiday Concert Hatheway Cultural Center Jan. 13 - Spring Classes Start
Enroll Today!
THE BESITGHOTF FIRST N Hatheway Cultural Center Lewis and Clark Community College
3-7 p.m. Dec. 31, 2013 www.lc.edu/firstnight Admission: $10 Children age 5 and under: Free