Dear colleagues,

As we prepare for a brief break, I have some December updates for you:

On December 1, the LBCC Choirs and Culinary Arts both showcased their talents with end of term events. Culinary Arts hosted a sold out banquet with a theme of Cajun/southern fare. The Choirs offered an incredible performance with their “One Voice” concert. I enjoyed meeting with donors and guests at the Foundation’s pre-concert reception, as well as the choir’s featured soloist.

The Albany Chamber of Commerce Youth Leadership students spent the day on our campus on December 5. The cohort of 24 seniors from local high schools visited with me and got the chance to hear from Deron Fort, Jason Dorsette and the SLC team. They also got a tour of the Mill, which they found to be very impressive. We also collaborated with the Albany Chamber on the Youth Fair, which the college hosted on the Albany campus earlier this week. Close to 800 Linn county Juniors and Seniors came to participate in a long tradition of high school students spending a day learning about options for careers after high school. Students were interviewed by local volunteers and they got feedback on their resumes and presentations during the mock interviews. Nearly 50 vendors set up in the Commons offering information on jobs, and our Recruitment team shared the many options for starting off their education at LB. This partnership is also important since it gets the students on our campus where they can perhaps see LB for the first time. I enjoyed interviewing a high school student and learning about the process. Thanks to the Committee and Recruitment staff who made this event a huge success!

Earlier this month, we held a Career Technical Education program open house to bring prospective students to campus for a tour of our facilities. Thank you to the organizers who put this together, and to faculty and staff who stayed late to talk with students and families. I know that some of those students are starting classes in a few weeks because you all helped connect them to programs and services. Well done, Roadrunners!

Last week was our monthly meeting for the Oregon Presidents Council and the Oregon Community College Association. Advocacy for the winter short legislative session was a key topic. That will include requests for enhancement of the Oregon Opportunity Grant and for support of corequisite education. OCCA will be searching for a new executive director in the coming year, and we’ll ask everyone to please circulate this posting to their professional networks when it’s available.

This morning, the Democrat Herald published a great story on our Women's Volleyball team's perfect season of 36-0! I am proud our local media recognize how community college sports create future leaders and give Coach Jayme Frazier the recognition for her work with the team. Go Beaks!

Holiday Events

There have been many holiday and fundraising events in the past few weeks. Last weekend, Allison and I attended the YMCA Gala, and got a chance to visit with many community leaders. We also enjoyed the Albany Chamber’s Wine, Women and Chocolate event at the Comfort Suites where LBCC Board Vice Chair Stacie Wyss-Schoenborn was the featured speaker. At the office, I was glad to attend the Business, Education and Liberal Arts Division Winter Warmer; in addition to the soup and conversation, I loved having a chance to play some ping pong with faculty. It turns out that my skills had gotten a little rusty, so I’ll start practicing now for next year! Another holiday highlight was seeing the LBCC Chamber Choir performing with the OSU Choirs and Orchestra last week. I’ll take that festive spirit with me into this foggy Friday.

It has been heartwarming to witness the generous campus spirit in action this month. The Salvation Army tree in the administration office suite has been surrounded with piles and piles of gifts for local families in need. To all who adopted families and fulfilled their wishes, THANK YOU.

At home, we are busy writing cards to friends and family across the country (and a few international ones too) and trying to mail them to arrive in time for the holiday. Ella had a lovely choir concert this week at the Albany Performing Arts Center, and Emily finishes her final exams today. We’ve got some upcoming upcoming travel plans and are hoping for some cozy time at home too.

I hope that you and all of your families have a wonderful winter break together.

Thanks,

Lisa