Come celebrate Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) with us. Learn about this holiday and celebrate with us online Nov 2 at 12pm! Learn more and get event login details at https://www.lcc.edu/calendar/index.php?eID=2805

LCC Recognized for Cyber Defense Leadership

The following content is from the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce newsletter found here: http://bit.ly/2IxxNha

“Lansing Community College, another Coalition partner, has been recognized as a National Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cyber Defense Education by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security. LCC had to meet certain criteria and provide a series of services including program guidance and oversight, general cyber defense information and the development of collaboration and outreach opportunities among students, faculty, and other institutions, most notably the Defeat the Breach Coalition. LCC’s Center for Cybersecurity will contribute significantly to the advancement of state-of-the-art cyber defense knowledge and practices. “The CAE designation is a critical step for Lansing Community College and its vision of becoming the region’s source for cyber defense training and education,” said Eduardo “Ed” Suniga, director of computer information technologies and program innovation technical careers division, Lansing Community College. “Through this effort, we are filling a crucial need in our community by creating cyber-defense and cyber hygiene minded professionals and citizens.” To qualify for the CAE designations, LCC’s programs are closely aligned with specific cybersecurity-related knowledge units, as validated by experts in the field. In addition to the academic benefits available to CAE school students, students to help bridge this gap in information available to businesses in the areas of data breach prevention and cybersecurity.” When it comes to cyberattacks, experts say it is not a problem that is solved by the IT guys. Rather, it comes with leaders understanding the threats and risks and developing effective strategies. Defeat the Breach encourages business to be prepared for cyberattacks, strengthen your organization’s resilience and be prepared to respond appropriately if you are victimized by cybercrime.”

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Also to celebrate National Cybersecurity Career Awareness Week, Lansing Community College will be hosting a Cybersecurity Career Exploration Day from 4 - 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7 at LCC’s West Campus. During the event, local professionals will share what it is like to work in the field with perspectives from a variety of industries. In addition, employers and LCC faculty will be on hand to talk about education and career opportunities.  To learn more about the event, contact Sheri Alexis at 517-483-1159 or [email protected]. #nationalcybersecuritycareerawarenessweek

Jenna Klein Awarded $1,000 Scholarship

Jenna Klein, sophomore LCC nursing student, has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship in the 2017 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar program. The award was based on her high score earned in Phi Theta Kappa’s Spring Scholarship Application competition. Nearly 1,000 applications were received for the Leaders of Promise Scholarship, and 200 scholarships were awarded nationwide.

Jenna is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, an Honor Society for two year colleges. She is also an Honors Student with LCC. The Honors Program is a two year program, with students required to take six honors classes/credits. One of the Honors classes Jenna took was for community service, where she volunteered in the emergency room at Sparrow Hospital in St Johns. Being a part of LCC's Honors Program means Jenna receives a scholarship for half of her tuition for two years. (It would be a full scholarship, but Jenna is out-of-district).

It takes about a year to earn the prerequisites for LCC's program, and there is a selective admissions process. Jenna was invited to start in the fall 2017 Nursing class.  The nursing program will be for two years, without summer courses, and upon successful completion, Jenna will have her RN license. Her next-step plan is to receive her Bachelor’s degree through U of M Flint (through the University Center) while working as an RN, and then eventually to finish her education and become a Nurse Practitioner.

“Now that I am in the program, I love it,” said Jenna. “I am busier than I have ever been, but the mixture of traditional classroom learning, alongside lab and clinical learning helps to cement the concepts and keep things interesting. We were in the lab and clinical settings right from the start, and the hands-on learning is invaluable.”

Jenna has close relatives who influenced her toward a health care career. “I have two older siblings in the medical field, and two brother-in-laws in the medical field as well. My brother is a nurse, and my sister was a nurse for about 15 years before becoming a Nurse Anesthetist. The two brother-in-laws are also nurses, and one of them is in school to become a Nurse Practitioner. My brother Michael went through LCC's nursing program two years ago and now works as a nurse in the Neuro ICU. All of my life I have listened to their stories and have seen first-hand how they use both knowledge and empathy to help others. Through them, I was able to know that this was the profession I wanted to pursue.” 

Jenna was home-schooled, along with her seven siblings, and graduated from Emmanuel Academy. All of Jenna’s siblings started their post-secondary education at a community college. One sister owns her own floral design business, one is a nurse anesthetist, one is an orchestra teacher, another is a paralegal, one is a CPA, another is in HR, and one is in nursing. For the past year, Jenna has been a student aide at LCC North.

LCC’s Chief Diversity Officer shares Compelling Personal Journey at the Heart of TED Talk Appearance

Dr. Paul Hernandez grew up surrounded by gangs and violence. For him, the poverty of his Los Angeles neighborhood was the norm, with familiar streets and corners where kids met, formed bonds and hung out. The thought never crossed his mind that there might be other ways to live.

"There was no option," says Hernandez. "You couldn't go beyond your one-mile radius to talk or try things out. You were stuck with what you got. It was the only life I knew."

Today, Hernandez leads a different life as the chief diversity officer at Lansing Community College (LCC). He holds a doctorate in sociology and is an award-winning, nationally-recognized leader in community outreach and college access. And while his life has changed since he was a youth, Hernandez has never forgotten where he came from. He has also never forgotten the teachers who took an interest in him and helped him move beyond the streets.  

"Those handful of educators were the difference makers for me," says Hernandez. "They were honest, transparent and real. They were willing to share and be vulnerable and to hit upon those universal themes of feeling angry, frustrated and lost. I wasn't willing to learn from someone I didn't like or trust, but when these particular teachers found me, they planted the seeds that grew and changed my life."

Those encounters with teachers motivated Hernandez to beat the odds and attend community college. They also form the basis of his book The Pedagogy of Real Talk: Engaging, Teaching, and Connecting with Students at Risk—which will be the framework of his upcoming presentation at TEDx Traverse City on May 17.

Hernandez will use the small group setting of the locally-organized TEDx to share his ideas for empowering educators to reach students who are at-risk of not succeeding or dropping out. His hope is to spark discussion on ways to create learning experiences, build rapport, and develop meaningful relationships with students.

"If you've ever worked in education you constantly hear talk about relationships," he says. "But the problem is, you also hear people asking 'How do I connect? How do I build those relationships? Can you train me to do that?' That's what's missing, and what I hope I can provide."

Hernandez says his research and book outline a systematic way to work with students and to use practices that can change the course of someone's life. His work can be applied by educators in K-12 and higher education, as well as to professionals in non-profit organizations. The overarching goal of his approach, he says, is not just to inspire educators—it's to motivate action.

"As educators, we all agree that relationships are key, and we share passion and commitment," he says. "That willingness to understand is commendable, but without taking action, we'll stay in the same place."

Hernandez recalls being filled with bitterness and hate, and remembers the teachers who helped him take small steps that led to larger victories. Now, Hernandez says, it's his turn to give back by building programs that empower educators to reach and mentor students at risk.

"My life changed because of people who had the courage and commitment to learn how to connect with a student like me," Hernandez says. "Sometimes the little moments are what make or break someone's life."

Hernandez has received numerous awards for his work with at-risk youth and college students, including the National Education Association Reg Weaver Human and Civil Rights Award, the Larry T. Reynolds Award for Outstanding Teaching of Sociology, and the Equity in Education award by the Michigan Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers.  

8 Essential Questions to Ask College Representatives

Deciding which college or university to attend can be overwhelming and stressful. Cut right to the chase when speaking with college representatives to cut out the stress. Get facts and focus on what’s important so you enjoy the excitement of planning your future and feel the reward of your accomplishments. The eight essential questions below will guide you in determining the college or university that best fits you and your educational goals.

1-      What are the five strongest majors at your institution?

2-      What are your admissions requirements?

3-      Are there special visitation days on your campus? How can I arrange a campus visit?

4-      What are the application deadlines for admission and financial aid?

5-      Do you accept Advanced Placement credits?

6-      What additional academic services do you offer students?                    Tutoring? Career counseling? Study skills workshops?

7-      When must I choose a major?

8-      What types of extra-curricular activities and clubs are there on campus?

Other topics to consider when searching for the best college or university are: distance from home, scholarships, on-campus vs. off-campus housing, commuter parking, student employment on campus and internship opportunities.

Speak with representatives on the phone, via email or in person at college fairs. Lansing Community College hosts several college fairs throughout the academic year. The largest is College Night, which is held during the fall semester.

Student Guest Blogger: Emma Heikkinen “LCC is my First Choice, Not my Last Chance”

Being a senior and all, I’ve had a lot of conversations with people recently about my plans for the next couple years of my life. I have decided to attend Lansing Community College (LCC) next year, and probably the year after that, too.  

Now, when people find this out, some are fine with it because it’s financially smart and it’s my choice, so it’s not like they can change that. Others don’t exactly see it the same way.

Many of the people who don’t agree with my decision to attend LCC say a lot of the same things to me. So, I’ve decided to compile some of them here along with my responses to them.  My hope is that after reading this, people will have more of an understanding and respect for my decision. Here goes nothing.

But you don’t get the college experience!

Well, here’s the thing. Much of the “college experience,” as many people refer to it as, consists of partying, drinking, smoking, and other illegal activities, most of which go against my morals.  So, if that’s what you mean, I think I’ll pass. I’d rather not make mistakes I’d most likely regret later.

That’s not all the college experience is.  Aren’t you ready to move out on your own and get away from your family and be independent?

Again, you have a point. It would be awesome to live on my own, meet new people and have new experiences, but that can wait. I love my family and don’t have a problem staying with them for a little while longer. At Michigan State, room and board is about $9,204 per year. So, I’ll be saving a lot of money.  Besides, I have friends who are going to LCC too, which will help with the social aspect of living at home.

Doesn’t LCC stand for “Last Chance College?”

No, contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t.  It stands for “Lansing Community College.”  Crazy, I know.

You’re too smart to go to community college.

Thank you?  But really, why is this even something people are telling me? If I’m “too smart for community college,” why am I making a case for it?  I’ve talked to plenty of people who attended LCC and then MSU or another university who have told me that some of the best classes they’ve ever taken were at LCC. Also, with LCC’s smaller class sizes, I believe I’ll be able to get more out of each time we meet.  

But, you could totally get into an Ivy League school.

Again, thanks. In all honesty, though, I don’t care. The prestige of Ivy League isn’t appealing to me. Besides, that’s a lot of money that I’m not willing to spend.  

Student loans aren’t THAT bad.  You can still have a normal life with them.

Well, the average student loan debt is currently about $27,000. Personally, I’d rather not have to worry about that. Besides, with $27,000 I could buy a car, or put a down-payment on a house. At LCC, each billing hour costs $85.  (According to LCC’s website, the credit hours and the billing hours are the same for the majority of courses.)  

At MSU, each semester of tuition is approximately $13,246, assuming two 15-credit semesters. That makes each credit about $440. So, LCC is financially smarter than MSU and other public university options.

In all seriousness, I’m really happy with my decision to attend LCC. I think it’ll be a really great transition point from high school to more of the “real world,” and I hope that all the haters can understand why I’m choosing this, and be excited for me because it’s something I want to do.

Art Week takes over downtown campus

Free events, competitions, movies and outdoor classes

April 28 -May 2

Aspiring artists with an eye for collegiate study can check out Lansing Community College's Art, Design and Multimedia program through a free weeklong free celebration of the arts on the LCC campus.

The first annual Art Week will take place April 28 to May 2 on Washington Square between the Arts & Sciences and Gannon Buildings, and in Art, Design and Multimedia classrooms in the lower level of Gannon. Visitors to campus will have the chance to meet and greet current faculty, students and staff in various campus art programs as well as to participate in a range of artistic activities.

Daily events include a sidewalk chalk drawing competition, open air sketching and painting classes, student and faculty exhibits, interactive displays and musical performances. A special movie night on Thursday, May 1, will also acquaint visitors with the art of film through a kaleidoscope of contemporary works by artists Matthew Barney, Gary Hill, Bill Viola, Arthur Ganson, Tim Hawkinson, William Kentridge, Paul Pfeiffer, Joan Jonas, Pipilotti Rist and more.

"Art Week is a way we can showcase the talents of our students and faculty, and provide a chance for prospective students to mix and mingle," says Peter Tascarella, faculty member and event coordinator. "It's also a great way to get inspired, be involved in creative activities, and think about what a future in the arts can hold."

For more information on Art Week, contact Peter Tascarella at 517-483-1642 or [email protected], or check out the weeklong list of free events and activities at lcc.edu/cma/art/.

Twenty students receive statewide community awards

There is little doubt that students are the power behind the name in Lansing Community College.

In mid-April, the Michigan Campus Compact—a statewide coalition of college and university presidents from 34 member campuses—recognized 20 students from LCC for their dedication to community. Mark Davis was among them.

"When I set up to do something, I don't think of receiving awards. I think of it as being something awesome I can do for others," says Davis who is a semester away from earning his associate's in psychology and further pre-medical studies. "I think of it as being something awesome I can do for others."

Davis and fellow student Joshua West received the Commitment to Service award, one of several awards granted annually by the MiCC. The award is granted to a select number of students for the breadth and depth of their community involvement or service experiences. Other MiCC award categories include the Outstanding Community Impact and Heart and Soul awards.

"I really enjoy giving back," says West, who is in the 3+1 Transfer Program for Electrical Engineering. "Giving back to the community is my way of loving the community. I just enjoy seeing people smile and the look on their face when I help them out."

Davis and West are pinnacles of student activism at LCC. Both provide leadership to LCC Program Board for Student Life, helping to organize and coordinate all student activities on campus. The two are also co-chairs of the LCC Student Advisory Committee to the President.

The scope of their community involvement doesn't stop there. Davis is chapter president of Phi Theta Kappa, and volunteers for the American Red Cross. West volunteers at the YMCA as well as his church.

"It's pretty humbling to be among just 36 students in Michigan who received this particular award," says Davis, who like West, was nominated by top LCC leadership. "It wasn't on the agenda."

Davis quickly switched the topic from his achievements to that of other LCC students—particularly the 18 who received the MiCC Heart and Soul award in recognition of their time, effort and personal commitment to their communities through service.

"I feel fortunate to be acquainted with the other honorees," says Davis. "It's empowering. It validates what we all do."

The MiCC recognized 500 students on their 34-member campuses through their April awards program. Davis and West were among just 36 students receiving the Commitment to Service Award, with up to two students each being selected from MiCC member campuses. The 18 recipients of the Heart and Soul award from LCC are Lindsey Burnside, Rebecca Christmas, Justin Hartges, Kailey Hawkins, Sarah Hewitt, Macauley Horak, Makaylin Hughes, Katherine Hunt, Kathleen Kennedy, Nicholas McMillen, Samantha Miller, Margaret Pratt, Anita Reyes, Kelly Rogers, Kerry Rogers, Douglas Tran, Nicholas Witgen, and Jessica Wenger.

For more information on the Michigan Campus Compact mission, programs and awards, visit www.micampuscompact.org.

Patti Ayers, Mark Davis II, Joshua West, and Al Nowak

300 Whiz Kids to Compete in Science Olympiad

The Regional Science Olympiad will be hosted by Lansing Community College on Saturday, March 15, this year in the newly renovated Arts & Sciences Building on the downtown campus. 

Teams from 14 Lansing area tri-county high schools will square off in brain-buster competition as will teams from 13 area middle schools. Over 300 of the region’s best and the brightest young minds will strut their knowledge of a broad discipline of science.

They're competing for medals, trophies and bragging rights for a job well done. Some of these student/scholars have put in months of preparation for the Olympiad.

The three top scoring teams from both middle and high school competitions will earn the right to test their science skills against students from throughout Michigan at the state competition at Michigan State University in April (Saturday, April 26). The ultimate cream of the crop will head to the nationals later this year in Orlando, Florida (May 16-17).

The competition runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

The students will take part in exams designed to test their knowledge of fossils, reptiles, amphibians, rocks, minerals, insects, and chemical reactions. They also must compete in hands-on events which, among other things, could require students to construct robots, boomilevers or electric vehicles. Autorotating helicopter devices that can safely transport a raw egg down a stairwell will be tested. They'll also be expected to name insects native to Michigan, and articulate the nuances of nervous system disorders such as Parkinson's Disease and Multiple Sclerosis.

 It’s a lot of fun. But that's only part of the goal. 

"Competition like this gives students a well-rounded view of science and the exposure that will allow them to see if science might be a career option for them," said Robin McGuire, the lead faculty for biology who has been at LCC for 19 years. "Over the years, programs like these have helped steer a lot of students in the direction of medical, technical or science careers."

Teamwork is a must in the demanding and ever-changing science careers of today and the Olympiad encourages the teams of students to engage in group-learning, problem solving and cooperation.

Over 14,000 schools participate nationally and the number continues to grow since the event began in 1985 with MSU hosting the national competition. That first year’s competition drew teams from 17 states compared with 49 states who field teams today.

Last year’s Regional Science Olympiad saw Holt Jr. High School take first while Washington Woods Middle School finished second and Haslett Middle School third for the B schools (6th through 8th grades).

At the high school C level (9th through 12th grades) first place was claimed by Holt High School, Haslett High School was second, and Okemos High School came in third.