Newsletter Feature Stories
Summer 2024
LCCC student Hailey Hushbeck was backstage April 23 at her first Talon Talks, a public speaking competition, waiting to go on stage. She texted her mom and asked her to come backstage.
LCCC student Hailey Hushbeck was backstage April 23 at her first Talon Talks, a
public speaking competition, waiting to go on stage. She texted her mom and asked
her to come backstage.“She came back and was like, ‘Do you need anything?’” Hushbeck said. “And I told her, ‘I’m scared.’”
It was an imposing moment for Hushbeck, who until a few months before, had never expressed an interest in public speaking. Life was all about rodeo, she said, until an injury derailed her plans to go to college in Texas on scholarship. LCCC was the backup plan; it was close to home.
But when she started classes, feeling defeated and demoralized from her injury, Hushbeck said she was determined to find a new challenge. She wanted something to occupy her mind and help her find a skillset outside the rodeo arena.
Normally a rather shy person, Hushbeck said she was surprised to find she had a growing interest in communication. It made sense to look into it, she said, because successful rodeo athletes have to talk to sports media all the time.
Going into her LCCC Public Speaking course, Hushbeck, like so many college students, assumed it would be a huge challenge. But the initial speeches she delivered went well, garnering positive feedback. What was more interesting, however, was that she enjoyed it.
“I think I just like being able to put my voice out there and be heard,” she said. “If you're speaking from your heart and about something you're passionate about, your nerves just fly away because you know a lot about the topic.”
With building confidence, Husbheck, now a part of the STEM Pathway focusing on Animal Science, decided to take her ambition to do well with public speaking a step further by participating in Talon Talks.
Each semester, LCCC hosts Talon Talks. Inspired by the well-known TED Talks series, the events offer LCCC students a platform to showcase their presentation skills and celebrate their public speaking accomplishments. Hosted by the college and the Communication & Creative Arts Pathway, the event features two categories — Compelling Voices and Creative Voices — where students can win scholarships, textbook scholarships and LCCC swag. The April 23 event was hosted at Laramie High School.
Public speaking is a skill that can be helpful in all sorts of life situations, in and outside of the career realm, said Jen DeRouchey, LCCC Human Behaviors program director. Talon Talks, she said, is an excellent opportunity to highlight the skill and celebrate the art of oration. Giving students opportunities to exercise their public speaking skills is an experience they can use to craft future success.
“I think that's the cool part about public speaking is that the more you do it, the better you get at it,” DeRouchey said.
The speech Hushbeck planned to give, "Looking for my Why," aimed to shed light on the rigorous rodeo lifestyle, including the daily dedication required, regardless of challenging circumstances. She highlighted the virtue of pushing through difficult times and emphasized the importance of not quitting, even when it seems appealing.
But when Hushbeck was backstage at Talon Talks waiting to go on, it struck her that she was about to give her speech in a different venue than she was used to in the classroom. It seemed at that moment to be overwhelming.
Her mother reassured her by reminding her of the large crowds she had performed in front of at rodeo events. She suggested Hushbeck recall a video of a packed crowd from the previous summer, emphasizing that she didn't need to win this time but simply share her story. Hushbeck's mindset began to shift, making her feel more confident.
At the night’s end, she placed first in the Creative Voices category.
For another Talon Talks participant, it was far from her first rodeo in the public speaking event.
Arianna Vali on April 23 was in her fourth Talon Talks event, having taken first place in her first appearance and second place in the following two. The remarkable results, however, hadn’t fed into Vali’s ego, as she said she made sure to keep things in perspective.
"It's definitely made me feel more confident in my voice and what I'm trying to portray, but It's also been a really humbling experience," she said.
Vali's journey in college has taken some twists and turns. She initially pursued a business management major in college, but it didn't resonate with her and she dropped out twice.
The experience left her feeling unsure about returning to college. However, everything changed when she faced serious health issues that weren't adequately addressed by traditional medicine. This frustration led her to discover natural and functional medicine, which she developed a passion for, motivating her to return to school and pursue a career as a doctor who can contribute to the field. This led to a complete shift in her academic path to LCCC’s Health Sciences & Wellness Pathway two years ago, driven by a newfound passion. With her Associate of Science in hand in December, she plans to transfer to the University of Wyoming to pursue either a Master's degree or medical school.
Taking on the Compelling Voices category, Vali delivered her speech, "Taking the First Steps Towards Authenticity," beginning with expressions of vulnerability, conveying some of her past struggles where she didn’t live up to the standards she set for herself.
The audience went on to learn about how Vali developed a stronger sense of self-confidence through self-awareness, building trust in herself through the actions she takes every day. It may have been her best execution in Talon Talks yet, evidenced by her landing the category’s top spot.
While she participated in Speech and Debate in high school, Vali said taking a Public Speaking Course at LCCC in her 20s made her realize she wasn’t as confident an orator as she’d hoped. But as she worked through the course, Vali said she reawakened a talent in herself, finding she not only had a knack for public speaking; she liked it. That led to her first Talon Talk.
Vali felt particularly anxious before the most recent Talon Talks; her past success led to her setting high expectations for herself. However, once on stage, she experienced greater comfort and confidence. In addition to being a full-time LCCC student, Vali works as a full-time licensed insurance agent for Family Heritage, the supplemental division of Globe Life Insurance. The job involves frequent public speaking and dealing with serious matters, which Vali said has significantly improved her speaking skills.
Those struggling with public speaking would do well to be mindful of their feelings, allowing themselves to experience them fully, Vali said. Conscious breathing and meditation, she said, can help speakers achieve a calm state. Additionally, Vali recommended speaking slowly, as it helped calm both the speaker and the audience.
"I am really into meditation before every performance,” she said. “I meditate before leaving my house and then again right before I get on stage. I close my eyes for a minute, focus on my breathing and heart rate, and try to get myself into a calm place. It is really beneficial."
Hushbeck and Vali both faced significant challenges that reshaped their academic and personal lives. But through their experiences in Talon Talks, they harnessed the skills they’d developed as students at LCCC and channeled the life lessons they’d learned into powerful narratives that took away the event’s highest recognition. Both know they’re harnessing a skill that will help carry them to success in their lives after LCCC.
"Looking back, my initial public speaking class was by far one of the best things that has ever happened to me," Vali said.
Go to lccc.wy.edu/cca for more information about the Communication & Creative Arts Pathway at LCCC.
Spring 2024
Contestants and teams walked away with cash for their business startups after the Everyday Entrepreneur Pitch Competition Feb. 15 at Laramie County Community College in Cheyenne.
Eight unique pitches were presented, each a reflection of the diverse talent at LCCC. The judges, tasked with allocating the $32,000 prize fund, were looking for more than just business viability; they were looking for innovation, impact and growth potential.
The finalists represented how entrepreneurship is a part of LCCC’s eight Pathways. Student finalists’ Pathways ranged from STEM to Communication and Creative Arts, with various program outcomes, including certificate programs and a bachelor of applied science student in healthcare management. The businesses ranged in stages of development, from those already testing the market and making sales to those looking to turn a hobby or side hustle into a full-fledged business, including a nonprofit.
All eight contestants and teams received cash for their startups. The top award of $8,000 went to Alejandro Romero for his startup Cultivate, LLC. Romero, a 25-year-old Cheyenne native, said he first conceived his business idea for building greenhouses out of used shipping containers during the pandemic. To harness his skills for building those greenhouses, he enrolled in the LCCC Welding Program. It wasn’t long before he found his way to the Entrepreneurship Program, which led him to the Feb. 15 competition.
Regardless of whether he won a cash award that night, Romero said it seemed like just giving his pitch was getting him on the right track.
“I walked into the lobby and I didn't know if I had won any money,” Romero said. “But as soon as I walked out into that lobby, people were coming up to me saying, ‘I loved your pitch — I want you to build a greenhouse. I want your contact information.’ First place or not, I'm meeting new people, acquiring clients. I said to myself, ‘This is a good thing.’”
The Everyday Entrepreneur Program and Fund — a collaboration between LCCC, the National Association of Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE) and the Everyday Entrepreneur Venture Fund — aims to support student entrepreneurs in bringing their innovative ideas to fruition. The program provides not just funding but also mentorship, education and access to a network of industry experts.
LCCC’s Entrepreneurship Program is designed to provide students with comprehensive training in starting and managing their own businesses. It covers a range of essential skills, including feasibility testing of business ideas, sales and branding techniques, creating business plans and digital strategies for online presence. Additionally, the program focuses on financial planning, business communications, marketing for small businesses, and is structured to be adaptable as either an add-on to other degrees or as a standalone certificate.
A Pathway at LCCC is a set of related programs grouped to allow for exploration in multiple areas with low risk of wasting credits or semesters. There are eight unique Pathways at LCCC.
For more information about the Entrepreneurship Program, go to lccc.wy.edu/entrepreneurship or contact Minden Fox at mfoxFREELARAMIE or 307.778.1279.
Winter 2024
STEM Mobile Lab takes learning on the road
Students and educators in Laramie County Community College’s STEM Pathway are hoping to bring hands-on experience and excitement to young people with the new Harry C. Vaughn STEM Mobile Science Lab, now making its way to regional events.
STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and math. The STEM mobile lab is packed with items from the science classroom that show young people what students studying STEM are working with in classrooms. Whether it’s anatomy models or tools used in a physics class, the mobile lab can carry awareness and enthusiasm for STEM wherever it goes.
Acquired by the STEM Pathway in August, the mobile lab has already made trips to local elementary schools, Girls Scouts of America events, the Wyoming Air National Guard Discovery Day and more.
“We can bring STEM activities to young people and show them what it’s about, but we can also say, ‘Hey, we offer this at LCCC; we offer biomedical sciences and engineering and more,’” said Trent Morrell, LCCC’s STEM Pathway coordinator.
Freshman Amanda Sinnott said she first became interested in science when she attended Wyoming Starbase Academy in fifth grade. The U.S. Department of Defense youth program that invites students to participate in exciting, hands-on activities in STEM opened up a world of interest for Sinnott. Today, she’s a member of LCCC’s STEAM Club, a student organization for those interested in STEM, and a biology major. Sinnott is hoping the STEM Mobile Lab will bring the same kind of engaging opportunities in STEM she had to a younger generation.
The STEM mobile lab is made possible because of a $60,000 gift from the Windy Ridge Foundation, which has provided generous funding to various initiatives supporting learning in the state.
The work with the STEM mobile lab is just beginning and Morrell said he’s excited to see young people’s enthusiasm for learning grow.
“We’re looking forward to bringing this to students to say, ‘You may want a career doing this,’” he said. “It doesn’t mean you have to be a genius; you just need to have a love for curiosity and problem-solving.”
Go to lccc.wy.edu/STEM for more information about the STEM Pathway.
Winter 2023
Alumni Spotlight - Jorge ‘Lugo’ Arenas
LCCC welcomes alumnus Lugo Arenas, as the new Golden Eagles head women's soccer coach. A Cheyenne native, Arenas has been involved in collegiate coaching for eight years, with five as a head coach, including the Waldorf University Warriors women’s soccer team and in the Cheyenne Soccer Club program. Additionally, he spent three seasons as an assistant coach for the Buena Vista University men’s soccer team in Storm Lake, Iowa.
As head coach of the Warrior’s women’s soccer team, Arenas led the team to its first winning season since 2013, narrowly missing the Association of Independent Institutions four-team postseason tournament.
During his collegiate soccer career, Arenas played for LCCC in 2010 and 2011, and Waldorf University from 2012-14. While at Waldorf, Arenas twice earned All-Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference honors, playing in 34 games. He holds a National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) national diploma and NSCAA Level 1 & 2 Goalkeeping Diplomas.
"I'm delighted for the opportunity to join LCCC's Athletic Department. The women’s soccer program carries a strong tradition and has great history, I'm eager to work with a great group of ladies and build toward the future,” said Arenas.
Arenas graduated from Waldorf University in 2015 with a degree in sports management and a minor in business.
Alumni Spotlight - Fernando Perez
Fernando Perez, an LCCC alumnus has been selected to lead the Golden Eagles man's soccer team as their new head coach. Perez has served as the interim head coach for the Golden Eagles men’s soccer team for the past year; helping to lead the team to this year's Region IX Championship. Prior to serving as interim head coach, Perez was an assistant coach for the Golden Eagles for two years and spent two seasons as an assistant coach at Montana State University-Billings (MSUB).
As a collegiate soccer player, Perez spent two years as a member of the Golden Eagles men’s soccer team in 2012 and 2013, earning All-Region IX 2nd Team honors in his sophomore year. Perez then played for MSUB where he was named to the All-Decade Team (2010-2019) and logged 1,875 minutes of playing time as a defensive midfielder.
"I am excited to continue my journey at LCCC and be able to give back to the community and the men’s soccer program, as the head coach. I look forward to continuing the tradition of having a successful and competitive program within Region IX,” Perez said.
Perez received his associates degree from LCCC and earned a bachelor’s degree from MSUB.
Fall 2022
Alumni Spotlight - Don Day
LCCC alumni makes his mark in the weather-forecasting business.
Don Day Jr. spends most of his time looking to the future. As a meteorologist and president of a meteorological consulting company, people look to him to tell them what they can expect in the hours, days and seasons to come. But when Don got his start at Laramie County Community College, his forecast for his life was a little foggy.
Don has roots in Wyoming. Growing up, his dad’s military career brought them to Cheyenne. Even though the family moved several times, they returned to the area during the summers to visit family and soak up some Wyoming sun. Once he graduated from high school in Michigan, he again returned to the Cowboy State— staying with his grandparents as he attended his first year at LCCC.
Although Don always had a passion for meteorology, it wasn’t what he first envisioned for his life.
“I’d always loved meteorology, but I was terrified of the math and physics,” Don says. “I enrolled at LCCC and took journalism classes thinking I’d transfer to the University of Wyoming for broadcast journalism.”
Don began at LCCC during the fall semester of 1986 and transferred to UW for the next year. While attending LCCC, he stayed involved in his coursework, wrote for the student-led Wingspan newspaper, took photos on campus and developed his own film. He fondly remembers braving the heat of the golden eagle mascot costume during basketball games, although he remembers the initial costume looking more like a chicken than a golden eagle.
“When I transferred to Laramie, the involvement at LCCC really got me out of my shell
and taught me that to get the full experience you had to branch out and do more than
only attending classes,” Don explains. “Part of it was the culture, but part of it
was that I had some really good instructors, and I really grasped the experience.”
When he transferred to UW, Don was encouraged by an advisor to take an introduction
to meteorology class to prepare for the possibility of being placed in front of a
green screen during a broadcast. The class reawakened his interest in the subject,
and he changed his major to meteorology.
When he graduated from UW in 1991, Don was on course to work for the National Weather Service, but a hiring freeze struck just as he entered the workforce. Fortunately for Don, his time at LCCC set him up for success in a unique business model.
Instead of waiting for the freeze to pass, which could have taken years, Don started his own meteorological consulting firm called DayWeather. He describes himself as a “weather guy for hire.” Whenever someone needs a customized weather forecast, Don is there.
June 2022
Donor Spotlight - Carol and Earl Kabeiseman
LCCC celebrated the 2022 Commencement activities on Saturday, Mary 14, on the LCCC campus. More than 700 degrees and certificates were conferred to LCCC students, including the College’s first bachelor’s degree graduates.
As part of the College’s commencement activities, we also recognized that Stalcup Student Excellence Award winner, graduate Dariia Kasymova. The Stalcup Student Excellence Award was established by LCCC supporters Jan and W.M. Stalcup in 2016, in an effort to recognize students that have gone above and beyond by engaging in the LCCC Community.
Our 2022 recipient, Dariia, began her career at LCCC in 2019, as part of the College’s Adult Education program and continued her education at LCCC, receiving her Associates of Arts in English. While pursuing her education, Dariia has served as a Student Ambassador in Student Services and a work study employee for the ACES ESL program. Dariia plans to continue her education at the University of Wyoming with the goal of returning to LCCC to work in the ESL program.
Congratulations to Dariia and all our graduates!
February 2022
Donor Spotlight - Carol and Earl Kabeiseman
As the first director of the nursing program, Carol Kabeiseman has not only participated in the growth of the of the college, but has also been instrumental in the development and transformation of our students. “In the early years we were one big family. Helping each and every student get through their program, making sure they stayed on track for graduation. We also made sure the students had the proper supplies to be a success in the classroom; books, coats, rides to campus, we were all invested in the students’ success. We wanted to remove as many barriers to education as we possibly could.”
This spirit of access to education and dedication to student success was prevalent throughout Carol’s 33 years at the college, and continues today through the Kabeiseman’s support of LCCC. Carol and Earl have chosen to support students in the Health Sciences & Wellness Pathway by establishing an endowed scholarship for nursing students, and through the creation of an endowed fund to provide equipment for the nursing program. “We have seen how an education in nursing can change someone’s life. From a single mother striving to bring herself and her family out of poverty, to a 63year-old following their passion to care for others; helping students discover a rewarding and career is truly powerful. The achievement of a student earning their degree will have an impact for generations to come. Life changing experiences are what LCCC can provide, and that is what we want to ensure continues.”
In addition to LCCC, Carol and Earl are dedicated supporters of other community organizations in Cheyenne; and the thread that ties them all together is how they make a difference in the Cheyenne community. “If you want to support this community, then support LCCC! So many of the graduates from LCCC stay in this community to raise families, work, and provide opportunities for the next generation. We feel very fortunate for all the opportunities this community provides and we want to give back in a lasting and meaningful way.”
December 2021
Donor Spotlight - Home Instead Senior Care of Cheyenne
Home Instead Senior Care of Cheyenne provides personalized in-home care and helps people age in place safely with dignity and independence. Home Instead Senior Care provides person-centered “home care” no matter where “home” is. From the family home to senior communities to rehab facilities and beyond, Home Instead is able to bring the care aging loved ones need to wherever they call home.
In 2007, Home Instead established an endowed scholarship to support LCCC students as they pursued an education in nursing. Since that time, the scholarship has expanded to benefit any student in the Health Science & Wellness Pathway, regardless of their academic pursuits. The goal of the scholarship is to empower students to achieve their dreams; providing an opportunity for students to serve their communities with compassion and care.
In addition to supporting LCCC students through scholarship opportunities, Home Instead
has chosen to partner with the Health Science & Wellness Pathway to strengthen the
program and provide for expanded student opportunities. By financially supporting
the Health Science & Wellness Pathway Endowment, Home Instead will ensure LCCC is
able to offer a transformational health care education to our students, and high caliber,
caring and compassionate health care professionals to serve our community.
The LCCC Foundation is proud to recognize General Manager Bob Maguire and the entire
staff at Home Instead Senior Care for their support of LCCC and LCCC Students!
September 2021
Alumni Spotlight - Eric Romano
Connection to the Cheyenne Community is a common trait among many LCCC graduates. That is certainly the case for LCCC Alumni Eric Romano.
Eric earned his Associates in accounting from LCCC in 2003 and is a graduate of Cheyenne’s Central High School. “Smaller class sizes and direct access to instructors and faculty were very important to me in deciding to attend LCCC.” Importance on direct access and personal connection is evident in the Eric Romano Agency; where Eric and his team serve their community and clients with individual attention. “I still have long-lasting relationships with my former instructors, and that has made a big difference in connecting with my community.”
Perhaps that is why his education at LCCC was such a positive experience. “LCCC gave me the opportunity to stay in my home town and find my way within the post-secondary education system. I wasn't sure what field I officially wanted to pursue, and LCCC gave me the opportunity to complete pre-requisite courses at a much more affordable price when compared to a university. From there all my classes transferred to CSU to complete my degree in Business Administration, with a Marketing focus. If not for LCCC, I doubt I would have completed my undergraduate curriculum. “
Eric, his wife Megan, and their two sons are very active in Cheyenne and can be spotted at LCCC sporting events, supporting local arts and attending art festivals, and as a board member of the the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce.
We are proud of the impact this LCCC Alum is making in our community, and the impact he is making on future generations of Golden Eagles. “When the time comes my children are definitely attending LCCC for college, no matter what. It just makes sense!”
May 2021
Alumni Spotlight - Jennifer (Jen) Corso, LCCC Class of 1998
Jennifer Corso (nee Breeden), attended LCCC to purse a degree in secondary education with plans to eventually become a teacher like her father. When asked about her time as an LCCC student, Jennifer said she had a great experience. Dave Zwonitzer was one of her favorite instructors. “He talked to you like you were an adult and he expected students to act like adults, which I appreciated.”
After transferring to UW, and exploring her options, she found herself on a path to a Bachelor’s in geography instead. “LCCC prepared me well for my university classes, although the large lecture classes at UW were a little surprising at first, and took some getting used to.”
Jennifer accepted a job with State Lands & Investments as a GIS Land Inventory Specialist before graduating from UW in 2001. In, 2002, she transitioned to the Cheyenne Metropolitan Planning Organization (CMPO). She is currently a Geographic Information System (GIS) Coordinator, creating maps and other transportation plans for the City of Cheyenne, Laramie County, and the State of Wyoming.
“Mapping is storytelling,” explains Jennifer. Recently, Jennifer created an interactive Cheyenne Urban Area Snow and Ice Control Guide allowing users to see snow routes through the city. She loves turning tabular data into visual stories like Cheyenne Area Crashes or the Cheyenne Area Traffic Counts. She is also compiling the newest Transportation Improvement Program, along with funding estimates for the implementation of those programs for the city.
In addition to her work at CMPO, Jennifer teaches GIS classes at LCCC stating, “I got to put my Secondary Education coursework to use after all.”
The Windy Ridge Foundation
The Windy Ridge Foundation have been a generous contributor to LCCC since 2016. Founded through the generous support and estate of Harry C. Vaughan, the Foundation has supported programs in the area of Science and STEM at LCCC.
Harry Vaughn, a lifelong learner and educator moved to Laramie, WY almost 20 years ago, after retiring from his professor role at Iowa State University. He loved the wide-open spaces; the view of the night sky – he even built a small observatory in his own backyard; and we aren’t sure if he really enjoyed the wind, but he likely enjoyed the science behind the wind. Mr. Vaughan befriended many people in Laramie, sharing his love for education and science. In an effort to continue encouraging young learners to pursue science through education and as a career, he developed the Windy Ridge Foundation to support educational opportunities in the areas that brought him such joy.
The Foundation has supported LCCC through the establishment of the Harry C. Vaughan Scholarship, the Science Research Endowment and most recently the Foundation gave a matching gift of $50,000 to the STEM Pathway at LCCC. The gift to the STEM Pathway is designed to support LCCC students and programs that are focused on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Individuals and organizations that are interested in supporting the STEM Pathway and receiving matching funds are encouraged to contact the LCCC Foundation.
The LCCC Foundation and Laramie County Community College are grateful for the support of the Windy Ridge Foundation, its board and Mr. Vaughn.
February 2021
In 2020, a generous scholarship was established by Alice Brown Theobald and Lance Theobald to benefit students on the LCCC Rodeo Team. The scholarship has been endowed in memory of Alice’s sister and her husband, Arlene and Don Kensinger.
Arlene and Don lived the rodeo lifestyle since their marriage in 1960. Don was a long-time volunteer of Cheyenne Frontier Days, and Arlene was the founder and director of the Cheyenne Frontier Days Dandies Drill Team for 29 years. Arlene’s passion for working with young people led her to start the Miss Rodeo America Scholarship Foundation, and author six books on the 50-year history of Miss Rodeo America.
Arlene had a passion for helping young women develop as leaders in their community. Through her lessons of “Discipline, Love and Fun,” Alice and Lance Theobald hope this scholarship program will impact generations to come.
The LCCC Foundation and LCCC Rodeo wish to thank the Theobald family for continuing the legacy of Arline and Don Kensinger.
October 2020
Jonah Bank of Wyoming
Jonah Bank of Wyoming was established in 2006 by a group of folks that live and work in Wyoming and care about Wyoming. The bank lives by the Code of the West and strives to use that code to guide its decisions in serving the State of Wyoming and Laramie County. Since that time, Jonah Bank of Wyoming has made a profound impact in our local community, partnering with many worthy organizations and striving to Build a Better Wyoming.
In 2019, Jonah Bank of Wyoming saw the values described in the Code of the West in the students of LCCC, and partnered with Golden Eagle Athletics. Mike Williams, Senior Vice President and Cheyenne Market President describes the recent partnership. “At Jonah Bank we recognize the benefit that LCCC provides to our community in educating our young people and more broadly the workforce that is so desperately needed to support economic development in Laramie County and the State of Wyoming.”
Jonah Bank of Wyoming’s partnership with Golden Eagle Athletics has increased scholarship opportunities for students; making the dream of achieving higher education more attainable. The partnership has also increased the awareness of LCCC athletics and the important role student athletes play in the greater Laramie County Community. “By providing funding to support these programs, the student experience at the college is enhanced, and local sports fans have a fantastic opportunity to watch student athletes compete at the next level,” says Williams. “At Jonah Bank we believe in the Code of the West and we feel strongly that supporting LCCC is an effective way to Ride for the Brand!”
June 2020
Jessica Jessen
Jessica Jessen is a passionate advocate for everything in her community. Each day she looks for ways to support Cheyenne and Southeast Wyoming, making a difference in the community that has helped support and nurture her personal and professional growth.
Jessica found LCCC twice as a student; the first time as young woman unsure of her educational direction and the second as a single mother ready to complete her degree. Jessica returned to the college as a working adult, raising children and attending classes. She felt unsure if she would connect with her faculty and peers. From her first day, she was brought into the LCCC family. "Everywhere I went, people when out of their way to help. The LCCC community did everything to keep me engaged and part of the campus. That engagement and concern for my future kept me motivated and excited each and every day."
Now a professional and community leader, Jessica looks forward to supporting the growth of the college that supported her growth and development. "LCCC does more than just deliver a quality education. The connections I made and support I received to finish my degree was key to my personal and professional development. I'm excited to return that level of support for all areas of campus."
As a proud alumnus, Jessica strives to support a number of areas on campus. From volunteering at the Western States Bank Food Pantry, to cheering on the Golden Eagle Basketball teams as a Flight Crew Member and participating in the Golden Eagle Community Connection program, Jessica wants to see all students succeed as she did. "LCCC has always felt like home. I'm excited to help others see what kind of asset the college is, and what kind of leaders the students will become for this community."
March 2020
Coach Jim Gardner
Jim Gardner completed his 19th and final season with the Golden Eagle Women's Soccer program, having helped start the program in 2002.
Gardner had an overall record of 250-70-28 at LCCC. He captured 11 Region IX Championships, 9 District B Championships, and guided his team to the NJCAA National Tournament 11 times. He has been named the Region IX Coach of the Year eight times and named the NSCAA Regional Coach of the Year in 2013. His teams have placed third three times at the national tournament.
Over the course of his career at LCCC, Gardner produced 31 All-Americans, 12 Academic All- Americans and 80 All Region IX performers.
Gardner also taught and coached for LCSD#1 for 34 years of his career. During the 10 years he was involved with the Cheyenne Sting Soccer Club, he was a coach, board member and president. For 22 years, Gardner also coached wrestling at Cheyenne East High School. In the late 80s and early 90s, Gardner coached the Jessup Elementary Jumpers jump rope team.
Rick & Diane Kaysen
Longtime Cheyenne residents and supporters of LCCC, Diane and Rick Kaysen recently established the Kaysen's Chemo Team Scholarship. The scholarship will benefit nursing students at LCCC and assist with the costs of participating in the program. Diane and Rick were looking for a way to thank the amazing nursing team that guided and cared for Diane during her cancer treatments.
Diane said “The nurses at CRMC’s Infusion Center who helped me through treatment were professional, caring and compassionate towards me and others. They treated me as their best friend and shared stories with me about their personal lives. I felt loved and honored, and I never dreaded coming into the center for treatment.”
For the Kaysens, this scholarship honors and recognizes those that provided care, and those that are training to provide treatment and care to our community members and friends. Diane didn’t always see educational opportunities in her future, but through the generosity of others, she was able to obtain an associate degree from LCCC as well as a bachelors and masters degree. Education provided self-empowerment and confidence as she continued to achieve her life’s goals.
The Kaysen’s Chemo Team Scholarship honors and recognizes the following nurses: Pat Wagner, Charge Nurse; Jessica Glaze; Tracy Kilian; Beth Martin; Stephanie Miller; Angela Murdoch; Jackie Olson; Susan Pixley; Debbie Wohllaib and Kasadee Zunker.
Finding 50
In 2018, LCCC celebrated its 50th anniversary. As part of that celebration, we highlighted 50 successful and diverse alumni and friends who make us all proud to be Golden Eagles. View Finding 50.