December

The National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRRECsm) is launching an exciting new free educational series for community learners.

NGRREC Launching New Educational Series for Community Learners

Sixteen students earned their certificates through the Climate and Equity Jobs Act (CEJA), which prepares them for clean energy careers. In the front row, from left to right, are Solar Photovoltaic Instructor Kyle Barber, Taryn Sensmeyer, Chris Lamere, Nick Pontello, Romeral Curtis, Matthew Purkaple, Brooke Bennett, Cameron Tyler Bartram, CEJA Transition and Support Coordinator Julie Jobryce and Clean Energy Instructor Jen Gibson. In the back row, from left to right, are Heather Lucas, Nelson Lucas, Brandon Schowengerdt, Ketra Kennedy, Jesse Brown, Jarrett Purkaple, Gage Martin, Spenser Hughes and Aiden Davis. Photo by Jan Dona, L&C Marketing/PR.

LC First Solar Energy Students Earn Certificates

An exhibition guest viewing the overall winning photograph by contestant Dale Fehr at the 2024 event. Photo provided by Route 3 Films.

Submissions Open for 2025 World Water Day Photo Contest

Lauren Williams (left) and Megan Ziegler (right) work on the Gratitude Letter Project together during the Science of Happiness class and College for Life collaboration.  JARED SMILACK/MARKETING & PR

Science of Happiness Class Partners with College for Life Students to Express Gratitude

2024 was a big year for Lewis and Clark Community College and for that, we are beyond thankful.

Happy Holidays from Lewis and Clark Community College

From left to right, L&C’s mascot Blazer, Ameren Illinois Community Relations Executive Paula Nixon, L&C Board of Trustees President Dwight Werts, L&C Truck Driver Training Program Coordinator Kent Ripperda, L&C Truck Driver Training/Instructional Planner Joe Turner, L&C Truck Driver Trainer Matthew Newman, Ameren Illinois Superintendent of West Region Gas Operations Eric Daniels and Ameren Illinois Director of West Region Gas Operations Aitor Barrio. JAN DONA/L&C MARKETING & PR

Ameren Illinois Donates Truck to LC Truck Driver Training Program

Adult Education Instructional Coordinator William Ellington conducted field research in persistence in 2024 as a part of ProLiteracy’s Innovative Research and Improvement Group (IRIG). He hopes to have his work published in the Adult Literacy Journal, an academic journal for adult and continuing education. LAURA INLOW/L&C Marketing & PR

Instructional Coordinator Presents Research on Persistence

Recruiter Daniel Nosce accepted the award on behalf of the college. The event was emceed by L&C Alumni Ambassador Mikeith Teague.

Lewis and Clark Wins Best Local College or University

Lewis and Clark Community College Criminal Justice alumnus James Krankel joined the Alton Police Department to serve people and his community.

LC Criminal Justice Alum Helps Foster and Protect Community

November

Madison County Judge Dennis Ruth meets with L&C Paralegal students in his courtroom. JAN DONA/L&C MARKETING & PR

Students Find Success in LC Paralegal Program

Fifth grade students from North Elementary School participate at an interactive learning station. JOLENA PANG/NGRRECsm

Water Festival on Wheels Visits North Elementary School

Sociology Professor Paula Kelso is the 2024 winner of L&C’s Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award. Jan Dona, L&C Marketing/PR.

Sociology Professor is LC 2024 Emerson Award Winner

Special guest speaker, Miss Trans Illinois 2024 Colton Baumgartner

TransFormation Building Community Through Stories Event

Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Laurel “Buff” Burkel gave an inspirational speech during L&C’s Veterans Day Celebration, Nov. 12, 2024 JARED SMILACK/ MARKETING & PR

LC Veterans Day Celebration

Lewis and Clark Community College’s N.O. Nelson Campus in Edwardsville will hold an Industrial Careers Open House on Thursday, Nov. 14.

LC NO Nelson Campus to Hold Industrial Careers Open House

October

RiverWatch Director and Stream Ecologist Danelle Haake (right) and a volunteer community scientist work together to take a stream measurement during a macroinvertebrate study for the Illinois RiverWatch program. Photo provided by NGRREC

Community Science Takes Center Stage at Old Bakery Beer Company

Lewis and Clark Community College welcomes veterans to attend the upcoming Veterans Day Celebration from 12:30-2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 12, in the Ahlemeyer Atrium (Trimpe 141).

Retired US Air Force Col Laurel Buff Burkel to Speak at Veterans Day Celebration

Sangamon County Assistant State’s Attorney Brittney Lehr of Carrollton is a 2016 L&C graduate. Submitted photo

LC Alumna Promoted to Sangamon County Assistant States Attorney

Library Services Assistant Julie Laakko pictured by the new 3D printer at the Circulation Desk. Photo by JARED SMILACK/L&C MARKETING & PR

Reid Memorial Library Transforms into Makerspace and Student Hangout

Students and Team Members take part in the first day of school festivities. Photo by Jared Smilack, Marketing & PR

LC Enrollment Continues Upswing

Prospective students visit a table for Reid Memorial Library during the Spring Discover day event in February 2024. JAN DONA/L&C MARKETING & PR

Discover Why LC is the Best Choice for College

September

Lewis and Clark Community College and CJD E-Cycling will host a community e-Waste event

LC and CJD to Hold eWaste Drive September 20 and21

Haskell Gate

LC Welcomes Two New Faculty This Fall

Hannah Griffis teaches RiverWatch volunteers how to collect stream-quality data. Photo by Mike Quirin

Monitor a Stream with Illinois RiverWatch this Fall

August

Pictured left to right, Jason Harrison (back left), Bradley Macon (front left) and Ashlynn Prather serve customers during opening week at the Blazer Bites Café. JARED SMILACK/L&C MARKETING & PR

Blazer Bites Cafe Brings On Campus Dining Back to Lewis and Clark

Sacred Spaces of CARE is a community organization committed to mental health advocacy and education. It is one of the many community resources featured at the fair.

LC Presents Wellness Speaker Series in Partnership with Sacred Spaces of CARE

The 2023 Resource & Wellness Fair was “Rock n’ Roll” themed. This year’s theme is “Flowers and Feelings.” JAN DONA/L&C MARKETING & PR

LC Resource Wellness Fair Aims to Energize and Empower Community

Paige Mettler-Cherry, of the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center, and John Vogel, of the Missouri Department of Conservation identify the Decurrent False Aster (Boltonia decurrens) at Columbia Bottom with Chris Sedivy, also of NGRREC (pictured on the right). PHOTO BY ALAN SHAWGO/ ROUTE 3 FILMS

NGRREC Wetlands Collaborative Celebrates Funding Success

Lewis and Clark Community College Financial Aid is offering FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Completion and Corrections Assistance during an upcoming workshop, Aug. 27.

LC Offering FAFSA Completion Corrections Workshop

L&C’s Pharmacy Tech program and Wood River Medicine Shoppe will hold a flu shot clinic from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 10, in The Commons. JAN DONA/L&C MARKETING & PR

LC Pharmacy Tech Program Wood River Medicine Shoppe to Host Flu Shot Clinic

Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias presents L&C Project READ volunteer Patrick Loftus with a Spotlight on Service award. Submitted photo.

LC Project READ Volunteer Tutor Earns State Award

Photo credit: Stock image

Real Estate Classes Offered this Fall Semester

In the front row, from left to right, are Joshua Powell, Samantha Kichline, Jacob Lakin, Shannon Hartwick, Jailaron Rogers, Shirley Rogers, Bob Biarkis and Roselyn Ellington. In the back row, from left to right, are Katie Piper, Norman Fabry, Tammy Powell, Jonathan Durr, Meg Solon, Mary McNamee, Nancy Horrell and Kathyrn Biarkis. JAN DONA/L&C MARKETING & PR

LC College for Life Hosts 3rd Annual Luncheon

Lewis and Clark Community College and Trailblazers Women’s Basketball will host a Girls Recreational Basketball League this September.

LC to Host Girls Basketball League in September

July

2024 Miss Jersey County Fair Queen Emma McCormick will attend L&C this fall. JAN DONA/L&C Marketing & PR

From Crown to Campus Miss Jersey County Sets her Sights on LC

Executive Secretary Sue Keener is the college’s newest recipient of the Pantone 286 Award, Lewis and Clark Community College’s highest honor, given to team members who embody the Trailblazer spirit. JAN DONA/L&C Marketing & PR

LC Executive Secretary Honored for Dedication to the College

The L&C FBLA Club at the Collegiate National Leadership Conference. From left to right, Christina Wickenhauser, Eva Voumard, Darran Mason Ferrell, Nicc Edwards, Vondasia Pittman and Bre Welch. Photo provided by Christina Wickenhauser

LC Future Business Leaders of America Place in Top 10 at National Leadership Conference

Ron Wall is Lewis and Clark Community College’s Chief Data and Technology Officer. JAN DONA/L&C Marketing & PR

LC Alumnus Named New Chief Data and Technology Officer

L&C will hold a Baseball Prospect Showcase on Aug. 18 for players interested in playing at the collegiate level during the 2025-2026 season. JAN DONA/L&C MARKETING & PR

LC Welcomes Players to Baseball Prospect Showcase

Sabrina Davis holding the YouthBuild USA Innovator of the Year award. Photo by Jan Dona, L&C Marketing/PR.

LC Sabrina Davis Receives YouthBuild USA Innovator of the Year Award

Katelyn Baahlmann and Rosie Ellington of L&C’s College for Life program hand out free iced coffees from Bunkhouse Joe.

LC 2nd Annual Summerfest Draws More than 1200

NGRREC NSF REU interns Nathan Palomo, Morgan Trout and Faben Tesfazion record data for aquatic microplastic analysis. JIMMY WILDERMAN/ROUTE 3 FILMS

NGRREC Presents Annual NSF REU Symposium with SIUE

June

Isaac Moore has signed on as L&C’s women’s head basketball coach. JAN DONA/L&C MARKETING & PR

LC Signs Isaac Moore as Womens Basketball Head Coach

The Rivers of Color garden features towering tropical plants this year. JAN DONA/L&C Marketing & PR

Garden Show Invites You to Cultivate Your Dreams at LC

Summerfest 2023 attendees visit with a friendly pig at the petting zoo, which is making a comeback at this year’s event. JAN DONA/MARKETING & PR

LC Inviting Community to Celebrate Summerfest

Construction campers got to work with YouthBuild AmeriCorps students and trainers. Pictured above are Jace Klein, Ja’Quavion Greer, Zakiye Gleason, Caiden Kreider, Ezra Pfleger, Darryl McElroy, Justin McBride, Bryson Bloch, Mia Marko, Janiya Gleason, Jaydin Berry, Daren Watley-Gleason Jr., Kyrie Brown, Camden Kreider, Josiah Holliday, Ryan Battles, Sirahjay Collins, Kavon Lacey, Brandon Wilson Jr., Scotty Marko, Madison Gauntt, Claire Stephens, Will Lair, Mason Smith, Jahbari Banks and Nolan Bennet. Photo by Jan Dona, L&C Marketing/PR.

YouthBuild AmeriCorps Students Step Up for Construction Camp

Attendees at L&C’s 2023 Summerfest order delicious frozen custard from the Shivers tent. PHOTO BY JAN DONA/L&C MARKETING & PR

LC Welcomes Vendors to Participate in Annual Summerfest

Trailblazers DH/C Jake Radosevich was named to the NJCAA DII All-America third team as well as to the All-Region 24 team. Photo by Jan Dona, L&C Marketing/PR.

Radosevich Earns NJCAA DII All-America Nod

Lewis and Clark has received a grant to develop a new Avionics program in the Metro East. ADOBE STOCK IMAGE

LC Lands 346k Grant to Develop an Avionics Program

Students earning a cumulative grade point average of 3.75 or higher out of a possible 4.0 are named to the President’s List. Those students earning a grade point average between 3.25 and 3.74 are recognized each semester on the Dean’s List.

LC Announces Spring 2024 Presidents and Deans Lists

Illinois High School Diploma 2023 Graduate Cayan Moore poses for a photo with his parents, Eric and Crystal Stevens, at last year’s graduation ceremony. JAN DONA/ L&C Marketing & PR

LC to Celebrate Illinois High School Diploma Graduation Thursday June 6

May

OTA Alumna Amy Jun, her father William ‘Buzz’ Smith and occupational therapist Breanne Edwards. PHOTO BY JARED SMILACK/L&C MARKETING & PR

LC OTA Alumna Amy Jun Makes a Difference Through Occupational Therapy

The National Great Rivers Research and Education Center presents Mississippi & The Mac, their newest STREAM Series event, in collaboration with the Macoupin Art Collective.

NGRREC Presents Mississippi and The Mac with the Macoupin Art Collective

Bob DiPaolo is pictured in his classroom with students. LC file photo

LC Remembers Two Retired Business Faculty for their Lasting Impacts

Student participants in a hands-on activity during last summer’s NURS 129 course. Photo by DIANE MCDONOUGH/LEWIS AND CLARK COMMUNITY COLLEGE

LC Nursing Program Offers Job Shadowing Course for Prospective Nurses

Sam Weller, two-time Bram Stoker Award-winner of fiction and nonfiction and authorized biographer for legendary writer Ray Bradbury.

Two Time Bram Stoker Award Winning and Best Selling Author Sam Weller to Visit LC

Paralegal Studies Program Coordinator Becky Gockel (left) and student Audrey Haas review notes at the Madison County Courthouse.

LC Paralegal Program Offers Quick Path to Certification

L&C Alumna Shannon White receives the Roster of Honor award from the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). On left, President of the AOTA Alyson Stover, MOT, JD, OTR/L, BCP. Photo provided by Shannon White

LC Alumna Shannon White Receives the Roster of Honor Award from the American Occupational Therapy Association

Jeannette Carrington of Edwardsville submitted the winning design in L&C’s 2024 Interactive Mural contest. JAN DONA/L&C MARKETING & PR

LC Elects Carrington Design for 2024 Interactive Mural

Photo by Jared Smilack/L&C Marketing & PR

Student Ambassador Nathan Gilbert Finds His Path at Lewis and Clark

A College for Kids student learns about the wonders of magic tricks. LAURA INLOW/L&C MARKETING & PR

LC College for Kids Gears Up for a Summer of Learning and Fun

April

On Feb. 8, L&C celebrated its students by holding a Student Appreciation Day in River Bend Arena. Students got to meet with L&C alumnus and I Heart Radio host Mikeith Teague. Teague is the college’s brand ambassador and the star of this year’s student enrollment marketing campaign “Find Your Path.” Jan Dona, L&C Marketing/PR.

Second State of Trailblazer Nation to Highlight LC Progress

Team M3, a group of area homeschool students, finished first in this year’s reporting competition. From left to right are Caroline Blaymaier, Blake Schaper, Eli Hawk, Jacob Schaper and Abi Zimmerman.

Jersey Homeschoolers Top LC Trebuchet Competition

Pharmacy Technician Assistant Professor Kaycilee Sackmann supervises the work of student Jasmine Williams. JAN DONA/L&C MARKETING & PR

LC Pharmacy Tech Program Puts Students on Fast Track to State Certification

Lewis and Clark Community College Alumnus Kevin Edwards, left, and L&C President Ken Trzaska, pose for a photo on the red carpet prior to the 2024 Always Late TV Movie Awards held in the Hatheway Cultural Center this past March. JAN DONA/L&C Marketing & PR

Alumnus Kevin Edwards to Speak at LC 53rd Annual Commencement

Send Silence Packing: Behind the Backpacks. Photo provided by Active Minds

Traveling Exhibit Aims to End the Silence that Surrounds Mental Health and Suicide

Bird-voiced treefrog, submitted by Leslie Gittemeier

2024 NGRREC STREAM Series Presents FrogWatch USA Training

PTK Sponsor and Speech Professor Elizabeth Grant (left) with “You Have a Voice!” winner, Belle Blackorby; second-place finisher, Madeline Bouillon and third-place contestant, T.K. Queenster. James Pepper, L&C Marketing/PR.

Blackorby Wins You Have a Voice Speech Competition

L&C Nursing students practicing on a simulator. Jan Dona, L&C Marketing/PR

LC Nursing Program Invites Prospective Students to Open House

March

Jessica Snyder is one of Lewis and Clark Community College’s Student Ambassadors .JARED SMILACK/ L&C MARKETING & PR

LC Student Finds Her Voice as Student Ambassador

Job Fair attendees meet with potential employers. JAN DONA/L&C MARKETING & PR

LC Career Services Hosting Annual Job Fair April 3

Lewis and Clark Community College’s Women’s Basketball team is hosting a new Girls Basketball Recreational League for players in grades 8-12.

Trailblazers Womens Basketball Launching Girls Recreational League

L&C’s Career Closet provides free professional clothing for students. The Career Closet is only one of the free services being offered to students at this month’s Career Readiness Day. Submitted photo

LC Career Services Presents Career Readiness Day for Enrolled Students

St. Louis icon Mary Jayne returns to host the ALTV Movie Awards, March 23-24, at Lewis and Clark Community College.

Always Late TV Movie Awards Returns to LC

February

Brandon Hayes Jr. pictured outside of Wade Hall on the Godfrey Campus. JARED SMILACK/L&C MARKETING & PR

Brandon Hayes Jr Thrives in Role as LC Student Ambassador

Lewis and Clark Community College students will have the opportunity to mingle with representatives from various colleges, universities and military branches during Spring Transfer Day 2024

Transfer Students to Explore Options at LC Spring Transfer Day 2024

Madeline Bouillon, winner of last year’s “You Have a Voice!” humanities speech competition. JAN DONA/L&C MARKETING & PR

LC Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Presents ‘You Have a Voice!’ Humanities Speech Contest

L&C Dental Assisting and Hygiene Associate Professor Meghan Becraft has been nominated for the ICCTA Outstanding Full-time Faculty Award. JAN DONA/L&C MARKETING & PR

Becraft Earns ICCTA Outstanding Full time Faculty Award Nomination

Scholarships

Lewis and Clark 2024 2025 Scholarship Applications Now Open

January

Haskell Gate

LC Community Education Offers Private Pilot Ground School Class

Historian J.E. Robinson led a full bus on a tour of Alton stops on the Underground Railroad Feb. 14, 2019. The tour culminated with a visit to the Lovejoy Monument and the grave of abolitionist Elijah Lovejoy. L&C file photo

LC Gears Up for Black History Month 2024

Lewis and Clark Community College has released the lists of full- and part-time honors students for the Fall 2023 semester

LC Announces Fall 2023 Honors Lists

The National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC℠) continues to welcome submissions for its World Water Day Photo Contest

Submissions Open for NGRREC World Water Day Photo Contest

Al Womack, who is director of the Alton Boys and Girls Club, as well as a member of the Alton Board of Education, was the keynote speaker at L&C’s MLK Commemoration this year. JAN DONA/L&C MARKETING & PR

Local Leader Addresses Crowd at Martin Luther King Jr Celebration

Boys and Girls Club Director Al Womack will be the keynote speaker.

LC Annual MLK Jr Celebration to Feature Keynote by Al Womack

New L&C Students Attend Spring 2024 Orientation

New LC Students Attend Spring 2024 Orientation

L&C continues to expand its Paralegal Studies program with the addition of Elder Law and Electronic Discovery courses. Jan Dona, L&C Marketing and PR.

LC Paralegal Program Adds Elder Law and Electronic Discovery Courses

All three classes are in-person or online on the Godfrey Campus and will be taught by local real estate professional Kevin Botterbush, ABR.

Real Estate Classes Offered this Spring Semester

Andrew (Drew) Vincent pictured in front of the stained glass angel in Reid Memorial Library. JARED SMILACK/L&C MARKETING & PR

Trailblazing Student Ambassador Plans to Study Public Relations at SIUE