Steps to Success ~ Ad Astra Per Aspera

Welded sculpture serves as teaching tool and inspirational decor.

Many people go their whole lives without thinking about welding. It might surprise them to know that welding affects an estimated 50 percent of the US gross national product. Without welding, skyscrapers, bridges, cars, rockets and ships would not exist. (Cary, 1998)

Ad Astra Per Aspera means 'a rough road to the stars'

Welding, at its core, is a way of bonding two pieces of metal together. But for Sam Devere, it's much more than that. Having earning an associate degree in welding, as well an associate in arts transfer degree in economics, he's focused on tutoring students in the welding lab, while nurturing his artistic streak.

As president of the Lower Columbia College Welding Club (which he started in January 2011), he was tasked with creating a sculpture for an evolving space in the Student Center. He and the other club members strategized how to visualize the college's brand by incorporating symbols of learning, higher education, and the 'higher and hire', slogan.


The theme of 'steps' emerged, together with 'books'. Sam felt that books as physical objects were dying, and he wanted to memorialize them.

"Ten years from now, kids will wonder what books looked like", he explained.

From left: Tim Rose, Sam Devere, Stephanie Bradford

and Marjorie Ganos in front of 'Ad Astra Per Aspera'. 

Sam and the welding students practiced essential welding skills while creating the sculpture in LCC's welding lab, then painted it with repurposed colored paints left over from previous projects. They named it 'Ad Astra Per Aspera', a Latin phrase meaning 'a rough road leads to the stars'.

"That phrase is engraved on the memorial plaque commemorating the Apollo 1 spacecraft, and has been associated with many historical characters and events," Sam explained.

"It seemed to fit this project because we are all striving towards something bigger."

Sam plans to pursue his bachelor's degree by transferring to a four-year university at some point in the future. The skills he's learned at LCC in the classroom, by working with people, and by pursuing creative endeavors, will serve him well.

"I'm having fun," he says,"and people are cool with it [the sculpture]."

The Steps to Success ~ Ad Astra Per Aspera sculpture is located on the first floor of the Student Center, just inside the West entrance (doors closest to the Quad).

Sam is passionate about what he's doing, while pursuing his dreams. For that, we salute him!

Reference:
Cary, Howard B. (1998) Modern Welding Technology. 4th Edition. Ohio: Prentice-Hall.

Digital Forensics Certificate Program Begins Winter Quarter

Computers play a prominent role in almost every workplace today to manage financial, and personnel records and communications.

On television and in real life, records and data from electronic communications devices - computers to cell phones - are used to solve questions and crimes. Just like physical evidence at a crime scene, this virtual data must be properly handled to stand up in court.

Lower Columbia College will offer a new certificate program in Digital Forensics starting Winter Quarter 2013 for computer science students, working computing specialists, law enforcement, and security professionals who want to add this specialized training to their resumes.

Businesses, government and non-profit organizations, and law enforcement all need computing specialists trained to handle issues related to these digital activities as they apply to policy, ethics and law.

The four-quarter sequence of courses is designed for individuals with some computer network training or security work experience.

The 18-credit certificate can be used to complete an Associate in Applied Science degree in Information Technology Systems or as a stand-alone certification for those with previous computer network skills.

Students will learn how to:

• Apply digital legal requirements related to the handling of evidence in an investigation.
• Demonstrate proper handling of possible evidence related to investigations following identified digital forensic procedures.
• Demonstrate skills in acquisition, recovery, analysis, and documentation of digital data from digital devices and systems.

Courses will be offered in online and in evening hybrid formats to accommodate the schedules of working professionals.

To determine if you qualify to begin the program this winter, based on work experience or college coursework, please contact the LCC Entry Center and ask for Computer Science Instructor David Rosi.

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Instructor Bio

John Leech is a senior instructor at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. He is currently assigned to the Technical Operations Division/Digital Forensics Branch, where he is the program coordinator for the Mac Forensic Training Program (MFTP) and the co-coordinator for the Mobile Device Investigations Program (MDIP). John was previously employed as a Computer Forensic Senior Professional with Computer Sciences Corporation. In that capacity, he was assigned as an instructor for the Department of Defense Cyber Investigations Training Academy (DCITA). At DCITA, John developed and delivered courses for federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies engaged in the investigation of high technology crime and intelligence gathering. He has also taught college courses in the areas of Information Technology and forensics.  

Mr. Leech is also a retired law enforcement officer. A veteran police officer with twenty years of service, John spent ten years, as a detective, investigating major crimes. During the course of his career, he acquired more than twenty commendations and letters of appreciation.

John is a Certified Technical Instructor (COMPTIA) who holds many forensic certifications from both government and industry. Mr. Leech also holds a Master's of Science degree in Forensic Studies (IT), a B.S. in Information Technology and an A.A.S. in Interactive Media.

John is a member of the International Society of Forensic Computer Examiners, the Northern Ohio Information Technology Roundtable, InfraGard, the High Technology Crime Investigation Association (HTCIA), and the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS).

Business Student Defies Odds; Puts 2nd Chance on Fast Track

Following a serious logging accident on Valentine’s Day 2007, doctors told Jeremy Fralick’s parents to plan his funeral. Two weeks later, when he awoke from a coma, they told Jeremy he would never walk or talk again. Life, as he knew it, was over.

But Jeremy recovered from his injuries and wasted no time in taking full advantage of his second chance.

A desire to help others led him to become a volunteer firefighter and an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) with the Castle Rock Fire Department. He also completed an internship with the Longview Fire Department. In addition, he decided to earn a college degree.

Fortunately, the online Associate in Applied Science degree in Business Management at Lower Columbia College is a perfect fit for busy adults.

Online business degree student Jeremy Fralick talks with
Longview City Manager Bob Gregory
at the annual LCC Foundation Scholarship Social.



“It has been a blessing to be part of LCC and a part of the online courses due to my extremely busy schedule,” Fralick said.

 A top student, he received the Baker Lumber Scholarship to help complete his studies in just 18 months and is on track to graduate at the end of Fall quarter.

Students learn the same skills covered in traditional classroom sessions, including accounting, economics, human resources, marketing and other business-related topics. Many of the online courses are offered two or more quarters each year helping students enroll in the classes they need without waiting. Several are also available in an evening hybrid format that includes a once weekly classroom lesson with online work for the remaining assignments.

Business instructor Tim Allwine reports the lion’s share of his students prefer hybrid or online classes. According to his class evaluations, over 60% report working half-time or more and 95% have high speed Internet access at home.

Anyone who has used a Smartphone or made a purchase over the Internet has the computer skills to take his online business courses, Allwine says. “It’s that simple.”

The key to success with online classes is the student’s ability to be self-directed in completing work on time, he notes.To help, Allwine provides assignment deadlines throughout the quarter and makes them clear well in advance.

Inspiring Success Story: Machinist Benjamin Perrigo Gets Hired!

"LCC is a small school with a great vocational program," Benjamin Perrigo, Class of 2012.

Benjamin Perrigo operates equipment in LCC's
Machine Trades lab.

Benjamin Perrigo is a grateful graduate, and excited about his new job at The Leatherman Tool Group in Portland, Oregon, where he's been hired as a Level 2 production machine operator. In his new position he will operate punch presses, grinders and milling machines used to make blades that go into Leatherman tools. 

Benjamin attended LCC on the GI-Bill after serving as petroleum supply specialist in the Army. His job consisted of mechanical work, a field he wanted to continue after leaving the service.

LCC's Machine Trades program was a logical fit. Benjamin wanted to hit the ground running once he obtained his degree, and he'd heard the program gave graduates good preparation for the workforce.

Manufacturing jobs have changed over the last decade, going high tech and requiring workers to have more training and computer skills. It's estimated that within five years as many as 3 million manufacturing jobs will come back to the USA from foreign soil. But they won't be the old-style labor jobs. They'll be high-skill, high-demand positions, the kind that require at least a community college degree.

Which puts LCC's Machine Trades program center stage. Benjamin earned his two-year associate in applied science degree, while learning (and practicing) many of the computer skills that have become necessary in today's manufacturing environment.

"Employers want people who can program, set-up and operate computerized machine tools", Benjamin explained.

Machine Trades instructor Kam Todd continues to enhance the college's reputation for training machinists who, upon graduating, enter the workforce with competitive skills designed to give them an edge.

At the end of Spring quarter Benjamin was voted 'Outstanding Machine Trade Student' for 2012. He also credits LCC for assisting him with his Post-9/11 GI-Bill benefits, without which he would not have been able to reach his educational goals after serving his country.

"I got amazing help from Financial Aid staff. LCC is a Veteran-friendly college" he said!

Learn more about Veterans Services at Lower Columbia College.
Learn more about Machine Trades programs at Lower Columbia College.

Benjamin Perrigo operates computerized machinery

Benjamin Perrigo and a student work in the lab.

Inspiring Success Story: LCC-City U Education Grad 'Going Home' to Teach

As early as 8th grade, Tim Shampoe was inspired by his own teachers to consider a career in education.

Tim Shampoe and son Jaiden visit the City U offices at LCC.

But life intervened. He served in the military, traveled the world, got married and became the father of three sons. Tim was successful at a variety of jobs in sales and volunteered as a motivational speaker for military groups and schools, to steer young people away from addictive behaviors.

Shortly after the family moved to Longview, he lost his job due to the economy. A friend recommended LCC as a college that was very supportive of veterans.

Thanks to a partnership between LCC and City University of Seattle, Tim is realizing his dream of teaching. After finishing his associate degree at LCC, in Fall 2010 he became part of the first cohort to enroll in the new Elementary Education and Teacher Certification program.

 

Ready for His New Job

Tim completed his CityU coursework this spring and has already found a job teaching fifth grade and coaching the Knowledge Bowl team at the same White Salmon Elementary School he attended as a youngster.

“It’s like going home again!” he said.

The eight-quarter program met locally on Tuesday and Thursday nights and Saturdays. Students also completed online assignments and lessons.

“The evening and weekend classes allowed more time for my family, plus I didn’t have to drive a long distance,” Shampoe said.

Classes were taught by area teachers who held master’s degrees.

“The local teachers with expertise in Special Education, Math and History really knew their stuff!” Tim said.

He also praised the staff at Castle Rock Elementary, where he completed student teaching, for helping him succeed.

Students chose either Elementary Education or Special Education and then selected a second area – Elementary Education, Special Education, Mathematics, Reading, or English Language Learners. The second endorsement qualified graduates to teach classes in those subjects through grade 12.

Two Endorsements

“The dual endorsement really increases the marketability of the graduates,” Tim said.

15 of the 17 students who began the program two years ago graduated with other CityU students at a regional ceremony in Seattle on June 16.

Students interested in joining the next CityU cohort in Elementary Education at LCC may contact: Ann Williamson at awilliamson@lowercolumbia.edu 360.442.2892, or Paul Denhert at PDehnert@cityu.edu for more information.

Inspiring Success Story: 4th grade visit inspires Dakota White

Dakota White smiles, remembering his Barnes Elementary 4th Grade class’s visit to Lower Columbia College.

Dakota White

“The thing I remember most was walking into a Chemistry lab—I think Adam Wolfer was doing the demonstration—and watching potassium burn in water, and thinking it was awesome. That, and playing with the clay in the ceramics lab….”

This year, the Kelso High School junior is a Running Start student at LCC, taking Wolfer’s CHEM 163, third in the General Chemistry sequence for science majors.

The future chemical engineer was also the main event for the Chemistry part of Barnes Day 2012. In Wolfer’s chemistry classroom, Dakota demonstrated a “Briggs-Rauscher Reaction,” combining three chemicals to set off a showy series of color changes, flashing back and forth.

“The first time I saw this, it was so amazing, I thought it had to be PhotoShopped.” (It’s not.)

When Dakota and his own class visited LCC for Barnes Day seven years ago, he was already thinking science was the way to go. The chemistry included in his seventh grade science class encouraged him, and high school chemistry was great too. “I realized that I really enjoyed it, and that I was good at it.”

College was definitely on his horizon.

“I wanted to grow up, go to a 4-year college, get a good job and have a career. As a person, I like to have a plan.”

This year, he took honors classes at KHS, and Chemistry at LCC. Next year, he’ll take Calculus and Organic Chemistry at LCC. Next, he hopes to finish his bachelor’s degree at the University of Washington, then add an MBA.

Chemistry is all around us, Dakota points out.

“It’s in our everyday life, right down to washing your dishes; what kind of soap you use. Science is pushing forward and it will keep going and going. In areas like energy, these things have to be found, and people have to find them. We need more people going into science and progressing.”

Dakota is looking forward to working as a chemical engineer.

“It’s very hands-on. You’re always learning and finding new things."

Every spring, fourth-grade students from Barnes Elementary School visit Lower Columbia College to see the campus, meet faculty, and watch demonstrations. They even get to meet the President!

Inspiring Success Story: Noah Smith, future small business owner

Submitted by Amber Lemiere, Program Coordinator, Admissions & Testing

In June of 2011 Noah Smith visited Lower Columbia College for the first time, anxious about the task before him. He'd been turned down for a promotion because he never graduated high school, and he'd kept it a secret from his family and friends for years.

Noah Smith

Weeks later, Noah stood at the testing window again, awaiting the results of his first two tests.

"I was scared to death," he said, "I remember throwing up in the parking lot before I got here."

I thought he was kidding when he warned he would burst into tears if he passed his tests. Noah proved me wrong in an exciting display of emotion and relief. It was a fun twist of events that seldom occurs in testing. He called me around to the window because he "just needed a hug," and proceeded to explain what a big deal this was. He was going to be a dad soon, and he couldn’t believe he was going to be a college student, setting a great example for his future child.

Since my initial encounter with Noah, it's been a joy getting to know him and watch him grow and inspire others.

Heidi Bauer, who taught Noah’s first English course at LCC, explained:

"Noah is one of the most enthusiastic students I've had. He took the lead in the classroom by organizing study groups, initiating class discussions, and even planning a field trip that complimented what they'd been studying in class. He is a student we all kept our eye on as someone who will surely succeed."

After Noah earned his GED, he visited testing on a regular basis. Even though initially we'd had to encourage him to "sit down and breathe," he now walks by and asks us how we're doing. He always makes sure to sit down and visit with us about life, college, goals, family and more.

Noah works in the Transfer Center and helps out in the testing office. Recently we were setting up for GED testing by preparing the classroom and writing on the whiteboard. Noah was wiping down the desks when he stopped to say he can barely look at that board without getting tears in his eyes. He can’t believe how far he's come. He's been on the President’s List for the last two quarters. He's on top of the world!

A year ago, Noah came clean with his family and himself and wrote down his life goals, including earning his GED, enrolling in college, starting a business, and having a healthy baby girl. A month ago, he celebrated his accomplishments by opening the envelope and rejoicing over everything he's accomplished.

Noah plans open his own business, a BBQ joint called "Hickory Hogs," where he wants to hire individuals in the community who have not earned their GED and mentor them (and possibley even fund) the initial steps of their education.

He is an inspiration. Plain and simple!