The President’s Corner: Spring Term

Dear community,

It’s spring term at LBCC and a great time to visit our campus locations. Just as the cherry trees are blooming again, so are the futures of students who are persisting in their programs and looking just around the corner to their graduation day. We are so proud of them, especially knowing so many have overcome incredible obstacles this past year in order to continue pursuing their goals. This week, a student shared his experiences with me, talking about his background in finishing a computer science/networking degree at LBCC, and he has already arranged over 5 job interviews. That is the kind of success I want to make sure every student is able to have!

To that end, I want to make sure LBCC gives more people in our community that very same opportunity to bounce back from the pandemic and succeed. That’s why I’d like to tell you about two very important events coming up:

• Do you know someone who is considering college options? On the evening of April 14, please come join us on our Albany Campus for “Explore LB” – our open-house preview night. Whether you are considering going back to college or just starting your journey, now is a great time for everyone to visit with our faculty and advisors, see our beautiful campus and equipment, and of course discover LB’s array of excellent programs. From short-term training that gets you into critically in-demand fields like healthcare, two-year degrees that put you directly in contact with some of our region’s top employers, or options to cut your 4-year bachelor’s degree costs in half, we want to talk with you. All are welcome!
• I also want to invite you to a milestone event for LBCC: the Grand Opening of the new “Chinook Hall,” located at the LBCC Benton Center in Corvallis. We are incredibly excited to welcome you to this space, which expands access to excellent programs and training for all members of the Benton County community, including students who are dual-enrolled at OSU, community education students, and more. The event will be held on Saturday, April 23, from 11am to 1pm – please bring the family and stop by for a tour and refreshments. This center expansion is the final culmination of the voter-approved LBCC bond measure passed in 2014. We are delighted to celebrate this community promise fulfilled!

LBCC is constantly looking for ways to collaborate with our community on helping more people be successful. If you’d like to share your thoughts or personal story, I invite you to write to me at realfutures@linnbenton.edu. We are here for you!