From President Schaffer

Innovation. Opportunity. Commitment.When I think about the past year at Laramie County Community College, these words resonate deeply with the work we have been doing and the experiences we have been creating. These concepts aren’t new. They have been rooted in the development and foundation of the institution for more than 50 years. As Raymond Gilmartin says, “At various points in your careers, you will be called to take a risk. And I think you will find, as I have found, those will be the times of your greatest opportunities.” We have certainly taken some risks, but they have created big opportunities that continue to inspire our work at LCCC.

In this edition of the Talon Magazine, we look forward to sharing with you stories rooted in Innovation, Opportunity and Commitment:

Innovation 

is defined as a new method, idea, product, etc. At LCCC this is a tenet of who we are and what we do, seeking to modify how we serve our students, engage our community and build relationships around the state and our region. We are excited to feature the work being done through the Wyoming Innovation Partnership (WIP), an initiative of Gov. Mark Gordon and generously funded through the Wyoming Legislature. While WIP allows us to connect with those across the state, the introduction of two mobile labs has allowed us to explore how we can take learning beyond the walls of our classrooms and into the communities we serve. 

Opportunity 

is defined as a set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something. We are pleased to introduce two LCCC success stories Alejandro Romero and Adrianna True. Dedicated and passionate, these former students have worked to created circumstances that would allow them to use their LCCC education to reach a lifelong goal of developing and establishing their own businesses. Through an entrepreneurial mindset, you will see the beginning of a new greenhouse business and the expansion of theatre productions in our region.

Commitment 

is defined as the state or quality of being dedicated to a cause, activity, etc. The word commitment can be used to describe so many LCCC employees, students and friends. Join us as we take a moment to thank and recognize some of the outstanding individuals that help create an excellent environment for our students to start or continue their higher education journey. We will also take a moment to look back and feature former employees who have received the Emeritus designation for their remarkable impact on our College. 

As you explore the stories in this year’s Talon, we invite you to consider how LCCC has impacted you, your family or those you know. We also invite you to be part of the work being done at LCCC. Join us for a class, explore a lifelong learning course, engage in training or simply take time to enjoy the buildings and spaces we have at LCCC. This is your community’s college and we look forward to welcoming you and continuing to build on the foundation that so many have worked to establish.

All the Best,
Dr. Joe Schaffer
President