Discover Summer/Fall 2015 by Lewis and Clark Community College

Table of Contents Page 4 #finish_it at L&C

Page 5 Award Winning Faculty and Staff

Pages 6-7 Truck Driver Training Program

Pages 8-9 Art Faculty Exhibit

Page 10 Alton School Cases

Page 11 Adult Education Spotlight

Pages 12-13 NGRREC Solar Arrays

Page 14 Process Operations Technology

Page 15 Trailblazers and the Community

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Letter From The President With each new semester, I hear countless stories of Lewis and Clark Community College students who are overcoming adversity on their way to earning their degrees, and of accomplished alumni who have found success in the wake of tough times, thanks to a community college education. Former students like Christine Poe-Garrison, who never let life get in the way of completing her education and pursuing her dream job, and Fred Pollard, who didn’t let his status as a non-traditional student intimidate him from returning to college, serve as an inspiration to others who are just starting their journeys. You can read more about both in this issue. Part of Lewis and Clark’s mission of empowering people means sharing these success stories and helping current and future students achieve similar goals. We encourage you to share your goals and success stories with us on Facebook and Twitter (@lewisandclarkcc) by using #finish_it or #finished_it. If you’re considering furthering your education, let our award-winning faculty and staff guide you on your journey from start to finish by enrolling in one of our career or transfer programs this fall. From the college’s outstanding fine arts program to its nationally accredited Process Operations Technology program, Lewis and Clark has the tools to empower you, whether your interest is transferring to a four-year institution or starting a career right away. If you’re looking for a career change, one of our newest career programs, Truck Driver Training, has a 100 percent employment rate so far for graduates, and the outlook for future graduates looks as bright, according to Program Trainer Davie Metzger. With a shortage of almost 150,000 drivers in the industry, we are filling an immediate need for skilled workers. Thanks to recent equipment donations from Cassens Transport Company and Con-Way Freight, we

On the Cover:

are the first college to train in twin trailer operations and car hauling. Such specialized training capabilities help make our graduates uniquely qualified to go right to work after completing the program in just eight weeks. Not only are individuals and businesses reaping the benefits of community colleges these days, but so is our national economy, according to a recent National Impact Study, conducted by Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI) for the American Association of Community Colleges. The study shows that community colleges add $809 billion to the national economy over the course of just one year – that’s 15.5 million jobs that wouldn’t be there otherwise. Because community college educated workers are entering the workforce with skills they wouldn’t have otherwise, employers are making more profits, and employees are earning a higher wage. Read about some opportunities that await you at Lewis and Clark in the pages that follow, and #finish_it with L&C.

L&C began offering its Truck Driver Training program in Fall 2014, and saw its first graduating class later that same semester. Learn more or get started today at www.lc.edu/program/truckdrivertraining.

L&C By The Numbers

Trackable solar arrays have been installed at NGRREC’s Field Station (p. 12)

Artists featured in this year’s Art Faculty Exhibition (p. 8-9)

$50,00080,000 Range of starting salaries for graduates of L&C’s PTEC program (p. 14)

Number of Illinois Supreme Court appeals Scott Bibb won from 1897-1908 to desegregate Alton schools (p. 10)

Size, in feet, of L&C’s truck and trailer, used to train students in the Truck Driver Training program (p. 6-7) www.lc.edu - 3

at L&C

Lewis and Clark Community College is committed to helping you #finish_it, whether “it” is earning your degree, transferring to a four-year school or obtaining the career of your dreams. If you haven’t begun your journey, enroll this fall and let Lewis and Clark help you to the finish line. Already #finished_it? Let us hear your success stories!

Tag Lewis and Clark Community College (@lewisandclarkcc) and use #finished_it. twitter.com/lewisandclarkcc www.facebook.com/lewisandclarkcc

www.vimeo.com/lewisandclarkcc www.flickr.com/lewisandclarkcc

L&C Helps Editor Find True Calling in Media AdVantage News Managing Editor Fred Pollard always knew he wanted to go back to school, but life just kept getting in the way. “I was not happy with my current job,” Pollard said. “I had always wanted to write, and it occurred to me I was at the perfect crossroads to make a change.” When Pollard enrolled at L&C, he worried he wouldn’t fit in. “I had a picture in my mind of how a 33-year-old would be looked at going to college with a bunch of kids just starting on their paths, but that is not what I experienced at all,” he said. “If anything, I think I was more welcomed and made to feel at home with both fellow students and faculty. I felt I had something in common with each.” During his time at L&C, Pollard served as a reporter and then editor for The Bridge, Lewis and Clark’s student-run newspaper. Ultimately, he received an unexpected education and earned his Associate in Arts degree in 2007. “I went into a community college situation with a bit of a haughty attitude, thinking there was nothing they could teach me there that I didn’t already know,” Pollard said. “On the contrary, I learned so much during my short time at L&C.” While still in school, Pollard got a job in the circulation department of The Telegraph, which eventually led to a position as a full-time freelance writer and then business editor. After nine years, Pollard took advantage of a new opportunity at the AdVantage News. “Don’t give up on your goals. You will find your niche,” Pollard said. 4- “Discover”

www.youtube.com/lewisandclarkcc

Recent L&C Grad Overcomes Struggles to Become Nurse After struggling to complete her education, a chance meeting with an L&C instructor introduced recent graduate Christine Poe-Garrison to L&C’s Nursing program. Poe-Garrison began her journey as a part-time college student in 1992, while she was a new mother who also worked full time. Another pregnancy, family health issues and more kept her out of school and off the track to becoming a nurse for years, but she remained persistent. Eventually, she completed a licensed practical nurse (LPN) program, and got a job at Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital in 2008. It was while working there that she met L&C Associate Professor of Nursing Rodney White, who was at the hospital with students for clinicals. After hearing her story, White encouraged her to visit L&C. White, who eventually became one of Poe-Garrison’s instructors, said her inspiring story makes her as an example of the American dream fulfilled. “Christine proves that if you have the drive and the insight, you can make anything happen,” White said. “She is one of those people who sets a goal and, without losing sight of her obligations to her family, makes it happen. It is a fabulous story.” Poe-Garrison, who is now the assistant director of nursing at Crestwood Health Care Center, graduated from L&C in 2014. “L&C provided me with the best training on state-of-the-art equipment,” Poe-Garrison said. “My instructors gave me an understanding of the knowledge I need to carry out my nursing skills in the real world.” Read her full story at www.lc.edu/news.

L&C is an Award-Winning Institution A number of Lewis and Clark faculty and staff members and numerous departments on campus have recently earned recognition for their achievements as the best in their fields. Congratulations to the people who help make Lewis and Clark an award-winning institution.

Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) Nurse Educator Fellowship Award Denise Caldwell, L&C assistant professor, Nursing

President of National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP) Kent Scheffel, Vice President of Enrollment Services

Discover L&C Magazine

A screenshot of the award-winning Discover L&C video depicts former student Heba Freese.

National Council for Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR) Medallion Awards • Gold Medallion, newsletter – Discover L&C Magazine, Media Services department • Gold Medallion, college promotional video – Discover L&C, Media Services department and Route 3 Films • Gold Medallion, video short – Heba’s Story, Media Services department and Route 3 Films • Silver Medallion, video short – Terri’s Story, Media Services department and Route 3 Films • Bronze Medallion, video short – Jerrell and Didrik’s story, Media Services department and Route 3 Films

Illinois Community College Trustees Association (ICCTA) Award Nomination 2014 Bobbie Brown, assistant professor, Dental Hygiene/Assisting

View the award-winning films at vimeo.com/lewisandclarkcc

For more information on any of these award winners, or for full stories, visit www.lc.edu/news www.lc.edu - 5

Training the Truckers of Tomorrow All five members of L&C’s first Truck Driver Training graduating class (Fall 2014) are now working in the field, and the program itself continues to grow and adapt to train the truckers of tomorrow. “There is a saying in the truck driving industry, that ‘Without trucks, America stops.’ If you got it, a truck delivered it,” said Program Trainer Davie Metzger. “Our program specializes in taking somebody from ground zero, introducing them to trucking, training them 100 percent to get their CDL, and having them ready to enter the truck driving workforce. So far, the companies we work with are very impressed with our drivers.” Students attend training from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday for eight weeks. The first Truck Driver Training program graduates are, from left to right, Andy Wade of Jerseyville, Mike Hawkins of Delhi, Eric Gamblin of St. Louis, James Smith of East Alton Metzger said the program is also working to and Jerry Sabaini of Fairview Heights. offer an option for students who work full or part time to complete the program over the course of 16 weeks – the CDL-A test at the DMV with the college’s equipment. three hours a day, three Metzger said there is a shortage of 150,000 drivers in the “There is a saying days a week. Class sizes industry. Many trucking companies will pre-hire L&C in the truck driving are intentionally kept students, and most successful completers of the program are industry, that ‘Without small to allow for oneable to go to work immediately. “There is a misconception that truck drivers are never home, trucks, America stops.’ on-one teacher-student interaction. but the fact is that 50 percent of these jobs are local,” Metzger If you got it, a truck At the end of the said. “It’s much more than being over the road. This program delivered it,” program, the students is an opportunity for anyone looking to retrain and get onto a - Program Trainer earn an 18-credit hour new career path.” Davie Metzger certificate, and can take

To learn more, visit www.lc.edu/program/truckdrivertraining or contact Metzger at (618) 468-5976 or dlmetzger@lc.edu *This program of study is an EEO program, and is funded by a USDOL TAACCCT grant. Visit www.lc.edu/MRTDL for more information.

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L&C Graduate Delivers Con-Way Freight Donation to Alma Mater Eric Gamblin, a member of L&C’s first Truck Driver Training graduating class, recently had the honor of delivering a donation to the very program that got him into a new career. Con-Way Freight, which hired Gamblin three weeks after he completed the program, donated a set of twin trailers and a converter, which will be used to train future students. “This donation makes Lewis and Clark the first college to train twin trailer operation for large companies like Con-Way, FedEx and UPS, and opens up even more job opportunities for our graduates,” said Davie Metzger, trainer in L&C’s Truck Driver Training program and former Con-Way employee of 28 years. “Schools that focus on truck driver training exclusively do not even teach their students this skill.” While in the program, Gamblin, who drove a smaller commercial truck before joining Con-Way, gained more the 1,000 miles of experience driving L&C’s 53-foot commercial truck.

“I love this program, and the instructors taught me a lot,” Gamblin said. “They were knowledgeable about the trucking system, and any time I needed, help they were there.”

New Program Spotlight: Logistics Management L&C students can now earn a Certificate of Completion in Logistics Management, a program which began this spring. The program consists of five required courses and one elective course, for a total of 16 credit hours, which can be counted toward an Associate in Applied Science degree in Management at L&C and even a bachelor’s degree in Management. “The need to move materials from one place to another is growing and logistics is becoming an integral part of all business,” said Douglas Schneiderheinze, L&C Business coordinator. “Materials need to be moved across the state,

across the nation and across the world. Managing the movement of this material is one of the keys to overall business competitiveness.” The certificate qualifies graduates to work as managers in the transportation and distribution fields or stock and material movers. The outlook for jobs is estimated to increase nationally by 4.4 percent over the next five years. Visit www.lc.edu/programs/logistics or contact Schneiderheinze at ddschnei@lc.edu or (618) 468-4576 for more information. www.lc.edu - 7

Art Faculty Exhibition Showcases Department’s Talent in hatheway gallery The 2015 Art Faculty Exhibition opened in the Hatheway Cultural Center Gallery on Feb. 6, and the exhibition ran through Feb. 27. Work from 15 different artists, who also teach in the L&C Art and Computer Graphics departments, was on display during the show.

Computer Graphics Coordinator Steve Campbell, who had two photography pieces in the show, socializes with L&C Board of Trustees member Pete Basola and his wife Jody during the exhibit’s opening.

Artist Samuel Preston poses with his daughter, who is also his muse, in front of one of his paintings of her.

Art Coordinator Chris Brennan speaks to the crowd during the exhibit’s opening.

The crowd that attended the exhibit’s opening listens to Art Coordinator Chris Brennan as he addresses them during the opening ceremony.

Terry Lane, foreground, associate director of Career and Veterans Services, views some paintings by L&C Art Department faculty members.

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Some guitars designed by Associate Professor Joe McFarlane were on display during the show.

L&C President Dale Chapman speaks during the exhibit’s opening.

Coordinator Among the Practicing Artists That Make up Art Department

Painter Chris Brennan was among the 15 artists showcased during this year’s Art Faculty Exhibition, which ran Feb. 6-27 in the Hatheway Cultural Center Art Gallery. Brennan, 56, of St. Louis, Missouri, is an assistant professor and coordinator of L&C’s Art Department, and has been with the college for nearly 10 years. He teaches courses on drawing, painting, basic design and introduction to visual arts. “The most rewarding part of teaching is undoubtedly the opportunity to see the growth of our students over the course of their educational experiences here,” he said. Brennan is also a practicing artist, and has been for most of his life. He has regularly exhibited his work since the 1980s. “Most of my paintings depict urban architecture,” Brennan said. “I find it interesting that a common response to my work is one of familiarity. I often hear viewers say that they are sure they have been to this place before, when, in fact, the images are really fabrications and are compilations of elements from various sources.” Brennan holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Fontbonne University and a Master of Fine Arts degree from Kansas State University, both in painting. Before coming to Lewis and Clark, he taught art at Kansas State, Washburn University and Saint Louis University. To learn more about the college’s Art Department, visit www.lc.edu/program/AFAart.

1st MidAmerica Credit Union Presents Visiting Artist Lecture Series at L&C L&C hosted its first Visiting Artist Lecture Series event, with renowned St. Louis printmaker Tom Huck, in February. The series, presented and sponsored by 1st MidAmerica Credit Union, aims to bring experienced, professional artists from local and regional areas to the college’s Godfrey campus for presentations and Q&A sessions. “The lectures will provide significant insight into the working lives of artists that is somewhat rare at many colleges, particularly community colleges,” Art Coordinator Chris Brennan said.

Sponsored by

Coming Up Noon, March 25, Hatheway Gallery – Sculptor Preston Jackson, the artist behind the Miles Davis Memorial statue coming to Downtown Alton 12:30 p.m., April 21, Hatheway Gallery – Painter Jenny Chi, who also teaches in the Art Department at Eastern Illinois University

For more info visit www.lc.edu/visitingartists

Painter Jenny Chi, Professor in the Art Department at Eastern Illinois University

Tom Huck, printmaker at Evil Prints in St.Louis

Sculptor Preston Jackson working on Miles Davis Memorial statue.

www.lc.edu - 9

L&C to Host History on Trial Program Highlighting Alton School Segregation Cases The Illinois Supreme Court Historic Preservation Commission’s History on Trial series is coming to L&C to highlight the Alton School Cases Friday, April 20, in the Hatheway Cultural Center. The Alton School Cases were a series of seven circuit court trials and five Illinois Supreme Court appeals from 1897-1908, in which Scott Bibb, an African-American father of two school-age children, resisted the newly imposed racial segregation in the Alton school system. He was joined by the Alton black community who used ties of kinship, friendship, church and community to organize their challenge of separate schools for eleven years. Despite the Illinois Supreme Court’s ban on segregated schools in the 1870s, Alton officials, including then Mayor Henry Brueggman and Superintendent Robert Haight, decided to defy the state law and segregate Alton schools in 1897. When Bibb’s children, Ambrose and Minnie, tried to go back to Washington School, they were told they must attend a newly designated school for black

Students that attended Lovejoy in 1906

children, even though they had attended Washington School the year before. Even though Bibb won all five appeals at the Illinois Supreme Court, Alton schools remained segregated for nearly 50 years after the cases. The Illinois Supreme Court Historic Preservation Commission was created in 2007 to assist and advise the Illinois Supreme Court in acquiring, collecting,

preserving and cataloging documents, artifacts and information relating to the Illinois judiciary. History on Trial is a series of presentations highlighting important, and often little known, lawsuits in Illinois and American history. The purpose is to demonstrate how the law remains a living, breathing element of society and these cases continue to have relevance today.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.historyontrial.org

Adult Education Building to Memorialize Alton Education Champion Scott Bibb Lewis and Clark is renovating and renaming the former St. Patrick’s School building in Alton in commemoration of resident Scott Bibb, who fought the segregation of Alton Schools from 1897-1908. “During the summer of 1897, the school board, city council, mayor and the superintendent at the time built two new schools for the African-American children to attend,” said Shirley Portwood, a professor emeritus of SIUE and a current SIUE Board of Trustees member who has done extensive research in Illinois African-American history. “By September of that year, they had segregated the schools, and the black community responded strongly. They sat in at the existing schools, refused to attend the two new schools and they took the case to the courts.” In what became known as the Alton School Cases, Bibb, a father of two school-age children, won all five Illinois Supreme Court appeals, but still Alton remained segregated for nearly 50 years. “Given that these significant cases took place right here 10- “Discover”

The Scott Bibb Center is expected to open in December 2015. THE SCOTT BIBB CENTER

in Alton, Lewis and Clark is pleased to share this seemingly little known history with our local communities,” said Linda Chapman, L&C Vice President of Academic Affairs. The renovated center, expected to open in December 2015, will house Adult Education programs including YouthBuild, Highway Construction, Family Education, English as a Second Language, GED courses and a community technology center.

FEBRUARY 10, 2015

YouthBuild Student Taking College Courses at 16 After graduating into the second phase of L&C’s YouthBuild program, Angel Kopp, 16, is continuing to work toward earning an associate degree. “I decided to further my education and attend L&C because I want to make something of myself,” Kopp said. “The most important thing that I learned while participating in the YouthBuild program is leadership. You can’t expect to be successful if you don’t take charge of yourself.” Upon graduating into the second phase of the YouthBuild program in December, she had earned her Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10 certificate, Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Training (PACT) certificate in facilities maintenance Angel Kopp, of Godfrey, recently graduated from the first phase of L&C’s YouthBuild and CPR/First Aid certifications. program and is now earning college credit while pursuing her GED. She also gained valuable construction and volunteer experience. “There was never a day that went by when Angel used Although Kopp cannot test for GED until she turns 17 being a female as an excuse not to do something in the years old, she is currently taking college credit courses in the construction lab or on a service site,” said YouthBuild Integrated New Media Technologies program at L&C. Director Sabrina Davis. “If anything, she has shown how L&C students can study subjects, including new media, empowered she feels as a young woman training in while earning their GEDs and college credit, too, by construction.” enrolling in one of the Adult Education department’s In fact, Kopp grew up around the construction industry. integrated programs. It’s college with support, because Her dad owns D&L Drywall and Painting. She hopes integrated classes are taught by both a technical instructor someday to pursue a career in construction, and join him in and a skills instructor to improve reading, writing and math his business. skills.

For more information on YouthBuild at L&C, visit www.lc.edu/Youthbuild

GED Courses Offered at the Bethalto CTC L&C has partnered with the Village of Bethalto to offer GED classes at the Bethalto Community Technology Center (CTC) on Prairie Street. Students began taking a new computer-based GED test in January 2014. The partnership between Bethalto and L&C provides access, both in terms of geography and technology, to help students successfully pass the new exam. “It has been one of my goals to facilitate a GED program at the Bethalto Community Technology Center since establishing the CTC in 2010,” said Bethalto CTC Founder Jeff Allsman. “Our delivery of free basic computer classes has been well-received by participants from around the area and continues to grow in popularity. This partnership with L&C allows us to join their successful team of GED providers offering opportunities for people to complete their primary education, or obtain the skills necessary to compete for a better job, or enter into post-secondary education.” For more information visit www.lc.edu/adulted.

Check out our YouthBuild videos to learn more through the eyes of one of our success stories at www.lc.edu/youthbuild www.lc.edu - 11

Solar Arrays Installed at NGRREC SM Lewis and Clark has partnered with Illinois Green Economy Network and Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to increase renewable energy production in the Metro East by recently installing more than 50kw of solar panels at the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center’s Jerry F. Costello Confluence Field Station. “With the help of DCEO and IGEN, the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center is now much closer to its LEED Certification goals,” said L&C Director of Sustainability Nate Keener. The 54kW solar array at NGRREC is expected to provide an estimated 90,000 kWh annually. That is nearly the amount of energy used by nine average homes in a year. The project, completed by Wegman Electric, involved installing 192 solar modules on eight sun-tracking units, which follow the sun across the sky throughout the day. Sun-tracking units increase the amount of electricity that can be generated by solar panels over traditional fixed mount systems. To learn more about NGRREC , visit www.ngrrec.org. SM

NGRREC Field Station Manger Ted Kratschmer stands in front of three of the eight sun-tracking solar arrays recently installed at the Jerry F. Costello Confluence Field Station. SM

NGRREC SM Hosts Weekly Seminar Series The National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC ) is now hosting a weekly seminar series featuring scientists from around the world. “These seminars will ensure our scientists are kept abreast of new and novel research being undertaken across the globe, and should be critical in maintaining and forming new collaborations towards our goal of better understanding the socioecology of big rivers around the world,” said Anthony Dell, a research ecologist with NGRREC , who will be hosting the seminar series. “They also present a fantastic opportunity for the public to come to NGRREC and learn more about the natural world and the kinds of research we undertake here.” The seminars are held at 3 p.m. each Thursday at NGRREC’s Jerry F. Costello Confluence Field Station in East Alton, and are open to the general public.

Connecting You to Nature in Your Community

To view details on upcoming seminars, visit www.ngrrec.org/seminarseries 12- “Discover”

Birds & Beyond

NGRREC’s new blog birdsandbeyond.wordpress.com

NGRREC Adds Ecologists to Research Team SM

Anthony Dell, Ecologist

John Crawford, Terrestrial Wildlife Ecologist

Ecologist Anthony Dell joined the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center in Fall 2014, and spends his days there running field and laboratory experiments, analyzing data and writing scientific papers. Dell has broad interests in ecology, but is currently focused on several larger research projects. One focuses on the ecological effects of temperature, which is critical for understanding the current and predicted effects of global warming and determining the role of animals and plants in the cycling of nutrients across the planet. Another project is the Moorea Island Digital Ecosystem Avatar (IDEA), which aims at developing the first avatar, or digital simulation, of a complete socio-ecological system. Other projects will be focused more locally, including the use of state-of-the-art infrared and thermal cameras to monitor animal communities in and around large rivers and their catchments. “Everyday is something different,” Dell said. “Each day I get to interact with interesting people about interesting things - it’s intellectually stimulating and never boring.” Dell has published almost 20 scientific articles, including in prestigious multi-disciplinary journals like Nature and the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science. Details of his research laboratory and current projects can be found at www.dellecologylab.org/research. Dell earned both his bachelor’s degree and doctorate in ecology from James Cook University in Queensland, Australia. Before joining NGRREC , he was a postdoctoral researcher at the University of California, Los Angeles, UCLA and then at the University of Göttingen, Germany.

John Crawford, a terrestrial wildlife ecologist who conducts wildlife-related research focused on non-game animals – mainly amphibians and reptiles – joined NGRREC in Fall 2014. Currently, Crawford has several ongoing research projects including the assessment of wetland quality on Illinois public lands; evaluation of ecological health and function of created wetlands; effects of invasive plants on wetland community structure and function; elevational distributions of salamanders in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and population ecology of the state threatened Jefferson salamander and state endangered silvery salamander in Illinois. “Working at NGRREC allows me to continue to ask the questions I find interesting and contribute to a collective effort to conserve and restore big river systems and the watersheds that feed them,” Crawford said. Previously, Crawford served as an assistant professor of biology at Lindenwood University, where he was named the University Scholar of the Year in 2012 for his research productivity and success. Besides his role at NGRREC, Crawford holds an affiliate research scientist position at the University of Illinois through the Illinois Natural History Survey. Crawford earned his bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, his master’s degree in biological sciences from Illinois State University, and his doctorate in biological sciences from the University of Missouri, Columbia.

Read more about Dell and Crawford at www.ngrrec.org/news Watch videos on NGRREC’s mission and community outreach efforts at ngrrec.org/videos www.lc.edu - 13

PTEC Students Benefit from NCERC Partnership Lewis and Clark’s Process Operations Technology program (PTEC) has partnered with Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center (NCERC) to provide L&C students with hands-on learning experiences. NCERC at SIUE is a nationally recognized research center dedicated to the development and commercialization of biofuels, specialty chemicals and other renewable compounds. “The partnership with NCERC elevates the hands-on portion of L&C’s PTEC program to a level that could not be achieved in a typical college laboratory,” said L&C PTEC Coordinator Alan Foster. “This enhanced, real-life plant experience cannot be duplicated by lecture or media-type learning.” At NCERC, PTEC students experience actual process operations before entering the workforce. To graduate from the program, students must complete an internship. Now, PTEC students have the option to serve as interns at the pilot plant where they get experience with the start up and shut down of the plant’s operations. “The learning environment at NCERC gives students an opportunity to observe instruction on equipment that is commonplace in all process plants not just ethanol,” Foster said. “Before, students did not get these opportunities. During internships, they were only allowed to shadow process operation technicians and observe only, for safety reasons. Safety is foremost in the internship. Safety goes beyond the classroom to the plant floor.”

NCERC Ethanol Plant Operating Coordinator Art Kotsybar and L&C PTEC student and NCERC intern Hunter Frohock, of Bunker Hill, observe the corn from the corn-cleaning equipment that will be fed into the Hammermill, where it will be ground into the corn flour used in the first step of the corn-to-ethanol process at the plant.

Process technicians learn the operation of furnaces, distillation columns, heat exchangers, cooling-water systems and distributed control systems, all the essential elements of all process industries.

PTEC Program Welcomes New Faculty Assistant Professor Linda LaCoe brings both expertise and first-hand experience to L&C’s nationally accredited Process Operations Technology program. She previously taught at Texas State Technical College (TSTC) and was nominated for the 2014 TSTC Faculty Member of the Year. LaCoe earned her U.S. Department of Labor Certificate of Completion after finishing her apprenticeship at Eastman University in Longview, Texas. She earned both her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Master in Business Administration from Colorado Technical University in Colorado Springs, Colorado. “I am focused on sharing my experience and knowledge in the process industry with my students to help them gain the education they need to secure employment,” LaCoe said. “The process technology industry is in great need of operators and predicts a future need to replace approximately 35 percent of their workforce in the next five to 10 years.” PTEC Coordinator Alan Foster said L&C graduates are highly recruited, and can expect to earn an income ranging from $50,000-$80,000 annually immediately upon completing the two-year degree program.

Learn more about L&C’s Process Operations Technology program at www.lc.edu/program/processop 14 - “Discover”

Trailblazers Invite the Community to Get in the Spirit

Octavia Wheeler, center, participates in the halftime contest at Roberts Ford and OSF St. Anthony’s Health Center Game Night on Feb. 25. Diane Schuette, of St. Anthony’s, quizzes the contestant while colleague Molly Bailey runs the timer.

McDonald’s employees (from left) Melissa Allen, Ryan Lilly and Derek Allen pose for a photograph during the McDonald’s game night on Jan. 16 in the George C. Terry River Bend Arena.

Lewis and Clark’s Athletic Department invites students, along with community residents and businesses, to jump on the Trailblazer bandwagon this season. There is enormous entertainment value in the college’s athletic calendar for the general community every year, said Athletic Director Doug Stotler, who is also head coach for the men’s basketball team. This season, Stotler has invited businesses to sponsor game nights, during which their employees are given free admission to the men’s basketball games, along with prizes, games and other giveaways. In January, McDonald’s hosted a game night, and on Feb. 25, the college welcomed St. Anthony’s OSF and Roberts Ford to River Bend Arena. “Our indoor sports – volleyball and men’s and women’s basketball – provide a very intimate venue for watching college sports,” Stotler said. “You are right on top of the action throughout the entire game. Our soccer facility rivals soccer facilities across the nation at any collegiate level, and the level of play of our soccer teams is consistently among the best in the nation. The baseball and softball teams always feature local players and provide outstanding sporting entertainment, too. You cannot beat the entertainment value Trailblazer sports provide.” L&C has 10 Trailblazers athletic teams – men’s and women’s soccer and volleyball in the fall, men’s and women’s basketball in the winter, and men’s and women’s tennis, softball, baseball and golf in the spring – and among them, numerous opportunities for the community to come out and experience the college. To view a calendar of upcoming games for every sport, visit www.lc.edu/athletics. If you are interested in sponsoring a game day/night for your employees at any home game of your choice, contact Stotler at (618) 468-6200 or dstotler@lc.edu.

Former Trailblazer Turned Pro Playing Ball in Austria When Eric Gilchrese started playing basketball for the Trailblazers nine years ago, his dream was to go pro. After a lot of hard work, he is living his dream. Gilchrese, 27, of Springfield, Illinois, plays professional basketball in Austria and has played for professional teams in Canada, China, Norway and Macedonia. He played point guard for the Trailblazers from 2005-2007, where he was All-Conference, All-Region and, in 2007, led his team to the NJCAA tourney’s Final Four. After Lewis and Clark, he played NCAA D-I basketball for New Hampshire University where he received his degree in sociology. Trailblazers Men’s Basketball Coach Doug Stotler said he knew Gilchrese was destined for great things. “Eric is a hard worker, a talented basketball player and a great young man,” Stotler said. “I’m sure he knew that following his dream to play pro would be a challenge, but

that is one thing about Eric, he is always up for a good challenge.” Gilchrese said it was his time at Lewis and Clark that laid the foundation for where he is today. Eric Gilchrese, No. 10, a former point guard, plays “The people I met at Trailblazers professional basketball for Austria. Lewis and Clark still Photo by Michael Filipovits. have an influence in my life to this day,” Gilchrese said. “Head Coach Doug Stotler was my biggest mentor, a great coach, was a father figure and is still one of my best friends.” “Without the education I received at Lewis and Clark, I don’t think I would be in the position I am today. My L&C education opened doors and jump started my career.” www.lc.edu - 15

Empowering People Lewis and Clark Community College 5800 Godfrey Road Godfrey, IL 62035-2466 www.lc.edu

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Godfrey, IL Permit No. 18

To: Lewis and Clark District Residents Mar. 16 - Online Only Registration Begins Mar. 23 - Open Registration Begins May 20 - Commencement July 18-26 - USTA Men’s Pro Tennis Classic

Coming Summer 2015 Lewis and Clark’s third annual themed garden show, titled “Garden of Eatin’,” will showcase edible (and drinkable!) plants aimed at connecting garden visitors and Lewis and Clark students with their food source. Both beautiful and productive, Garden of Eatin’ will inspire visitors to plant their own gardens and share the bounty of their harvests with friends and neighbors. Plantings will change throughout the summer season from May – September, with the peak time of show and harvest expected in late July and early August.