Campus News

By Lynn McDonald lmmcdonald@lc.edu Lewis and Clark Community College may be a small college in a small town, but it’s reputation far outweighs its size. In fact, Godfrey trustee Sarah Woodman counts LC as the town’s “number one” asset. One thing that makes a huge impression on students and community members alike is the lovely campus and colorful gardens. This year marks the Monticello Sculpture Garden’s ninth annual garden show, Here Comes the Sun. Unlike years past, the design was created, as well as implemented, by LC Gardener Katie Piper. After the challenging times of the past year and a half, she chose to draw inspiration from a “ray of sunshine” that she sees in the future. “I knew I wanted the gardens filled with vibrant colors and pollinator attracting plants,” says Katie, “so that’s where I started. I made a list of plants with bight, warm colored blooms, bold textures that catch the eye, and features that bring in bees, butterflies, and birds.” Like the Beatles song of the same name, Here Comes the Sun is full of vibrant hope for better days. The bursts of color bring joy to those wandering across campus, helping to ease tensions and brighten spirits. “I truly feel this show’s energy is cheery and uplifting,” Katie adds. “The plantings draw people in to admire and snap photos. I know I have enjoyed watching all the bees and hummingbirds buzzing and the butterflies floating by. Being outside in gardens truly brings people joy but add swirling butterflies and munching caterpillars and the experience can be spectacular.” Located in eight different spots, one is certain to encounter a multitude of glorious blooms, no matter which part of LC is traversed. “We also love chatting with people about our gardens,” Katie adds. “I encourage all guests of the gardens to ask us questions and tell us your own garden stories so please come say hi if you see us out amongst the blooms!” For a deeper look at the gardens, free guided tours are available via appointment from Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. To request an appointment, email Katie Piper at kaepiper@lc.edu, or LC Horticulture Manager Ethan Braasch at ebraasch@lc.edu. For those who prefer self-guided tours, the gardens will be viewable through September. A map is available for download by visiting this link. For younger garden enthusiasts, a fun scavenger hunt has been created, complete with an activity sheet.

Photo by Lynn McDonald

Not only did students return to campus, but so did the beautiful flowers and insects that they attract. Photo by Krystie Morrison

Campus workers diligently planted flowers for students and staff to enjoy while taking a break from classes. Photo by Krystie Morrison

The entrance to Wade Hall was bright and shiny for the first day of classes! Photo by Krystie Morrison

A wall of life on the LC Art Gallery. Photo by Stephen Kern

Campus Photos

Flowers glowing in the sun. Photo by Stephen Kern

A butterfly rests on a flower in the LC courtyard. Photo by Stephen Kern

A second butterfly joins in on the fun! Photo by Stephen Kern

Three trees line the sidewalk leading to the west entrance of Trimpe. Photo by Linsa Dean

Campus Photos

Photography by Linsa Dean

The Bosque and “Winged Figure Ascending”, September 2021. Photo by Linsa Dean

LC Family Health Clinic: Here in Your Time of Need

By Lynn McDonald lmmcdonald@lc.edu

After more than a year of online instruction, students have returned to campus in person for the fall semester, and Lewis and Clark Community College is dedicated to providing a vast array of services to support their pupils. The Family Health Clinic is one such perk, located conveniently on the main campus in Forbes 1525, open through the week to offer medical care to Trailblazers and community members alike. Hours of operation are Monday – Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. to noon. Serving the counties of Greene, Macoupin, Jersey, Calhoun and Madison, the clinic offers a wide range of services from acute to chronic conditions. Like most primary care offices, the Family Health Clinic offers well-woman exams, school physicals, sports physicals, sick visits, flu shots, TB skin tests, and much more. The following is a list of accepted insurances: Aetna, Coventry, United Healthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Medicare, IL Medicaid. Covid-19 vaccinations are administered here, but appointments are not made from within the clinic. Individuals interested in receiving the shot must register with the health department in their county. Pfizer vaccination clinics will be held at The Commons on Sept. 8 and Sept. 29 for both the first and second doses.

The Family Health Clinic is unable to accept walk-ins, but appointments can be made by calling 618-468-6800. Upon arrival, patients should call the clinic and wait in the car until called by a nurse to proceed inside. Whatever the reason, the Lewis and Clark Family Health Clinic has you covered.

L&C Clubs and Activities

By Jordan Jones jordanjones@lc.edu

Lewis and Clark has a wide selection of clubs and student activities available for all enrolled students. Our clubs and activities are a great way to meet your fellow peers on campus, interact within the community, and maximize your fall and spring semesters at L&C.

Many students agree that college feels — albeit important — stressful at times. Running around campus all day can be exhausting, and meeting fellow peers and creating friendships is more challenging than prior schooling. Joining a club at L&C is a great way to fix this; with several incredible advisors and a diverse and inclusive group of similar, motivated peers, students seeking to relieve some of that pressure should look towards a club best suited for them.

Clubs and activities typically meet in offices or classrooms during school hours. Members within a club have a unique opportunity to work, interact, and learn about one another over a shared interest. In other words, students can meet their fellow peers who are interested in the same ideas they are. These relationships are crucial in maintaining a stable, healthy attitude leading into exams, projects, and loaded work schedules.

Still not sure if being in a club can help you? Consider these words from Jared Hennings, advisor of the Black Student Association, Student Activities, and the Student Government Association. “I think being involved in a club or organization allows students opportunities to cultivate friendships, communicate their ideas and, most importantly, work as a team in working on projects. Being involved on campus is a subset of what everyone will do as they find a career – understanding the reality of working with others to solve problems as a team. These skills learned can be listed on a resume and applications for employment or when students are seeking their next educational opportunity.”

Getting involved on campus can also offer a safe place for students, especially those seeking acceptance/ guidance within themselves. Steven Higgins, advisor of LC Pride, believes that “...the biggest benefit students get out of joining Pride is the sense of community, a realization that there are like-minded people here at Lewis and Clark that they can connect and bond with.”

Lewis and Clark strives to create an environment where all students can succeed, and clubs are a fantastic tool to help minimize the stress that comes with higher education. College should never feel like a taxing, lonely experience designed to run a student’s wallet dry. Thus, by putting a foot forward and taking advantage of the opportunities within our campus, students can form a safe and, hopefully, exciting space for themselves over the upcoming semesters.

Not sure about which club to join? How to join? You can find all that information and more on lc.edu/Activities_ Clubs/ and discover all the club advisors and diverse groups that may best suit you. Feel free to email your club-of-choice advisor and book yourself right away.