Customized Training recognized

Central Lakes College Customized Training has received recognition from the state Department of Public Safety for 10 years of “outstanding service to the Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center and Minnesota’s motorcycling community.” Bill Shaffer, administrator of the state Motorcycle Safety Program, said that Customized Training at CLC has “served motorcyclists in your region of the state well” and presented the college program with a recognition award.

Volleyball moment

Jane Peterson, Central Lakes College head volleyball coach, recently had the opportunity to meet three-time U.S. Olympic Beach Volleyball Gold Medalist Kerri Walsh. They met at the NCAA Division I Final Four in Louisville, which was held in conjunction with the hosting of Under Armour High School All-American players for the American Volleyball Coaches Association.

Staffing news

Grant Director
Marlene Mixa of Grand Rapids has accepted the temporary, full-time post of Director of Strategic Grant Initiatives effective Jan. 2, to be based on the Staples campus of Central Lakes College with oversight of the three-year, $13.1 million federal Regional Advanced Manufacturing Retraining Grant Program that involves CLC and three other higher education institutions. She will work with 30+ faculty and staff, and CFOs on a project that will impact up to 3,900 students and participants. She will oversee a $4.3 million annual budget and the development of intra-agency agreements with partner institutions. Marlene holds a BA in chemistry from Carleton College in Northfield and a PhD in inorganic chemistry from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. She comes to CLC with 23 years of  experience in manufacturing as an engineer for Blandin Paper and in research and product development for paper companies in Maryland, Kentucky and Minnesota. Marlene has been involved in academia throughout her career and has served as a college instructor, a member and chair of various education advisory boards, an academic team coach and a student recruiter and mentor. She leaves a position as H2P Grant Project Manager at Pine Technical College.
Associate Registrar
Wendy Antolak has been named Associate Registrar at CLC to replace the retired Judy Nelson. Officially known as "Office and Administrative Specialist Principal," the post is based on the Brainerd campus in Student Affairs. It is a promotion of one of our senior staffers in Records and Registration. Wendy will manage the Degree Audit Reporting System, direct all preliminary andfinal graduation auditrs, and act as the college's Service Compliance Officer for all varsity athletic programs to determine student athletic eligibility.

'Shop with a Cop'

Sigma Delta Law  Enforcement Club students and advisors at Central Lakes College participated in "Shop with a Cop" to benefit 75 children from our Brainerd/Baxter area. On several pre-holiday weekends a group of CLC Criminal Justice program students joined the Brainerd Police Department, Baxter Police Department and 25 children to share breakfast and take the youngsters shopping. "Even though these children had limited means (each child was given $25 each) to buy presents they thought of their family (mom, dad or sibling) when they were shopping," said Gae Davis, program coordinator. The children ranged from 5-11 years old. The Lakes Area Law Enforcement Association organized the event. "It is great to be in a community of sharing and we appreciate the closeness we have with the area police departments and stores which provided breakfast for the children," Gae said. CLC students also assisted at the St. Mathias Corn Maze for the daycare association and more recently bagged groceries at Super One (shown) to assist in fundraising for club attendanceat the National American Criminal Justice Association conference and competition.

Single-parent party

On Dec. 12, the Central Lakes College Student Senate held its sixth annual CLC Single Parents Christmas Party, and it was once again a great success! Erich Heppner, director of student life, acknowledged the generosity of the Angel Tree Gift Givers who enabled the senate to provide gifts for over 75 children. Erich offered a special "thank you" to the Maintenance Staff, Deb Breneman, Kim Pilgrim, Jody Flynn, Donna Crimmons, Mary Sam, Ronn Redemske, Leon Dahlvang, Christina Vopatek, the Photography Department, the Videography Department, and the 25 Student Senate Elves who helped coordinate the event! "The Meta-5 staff and participants were so moved by the generosity of everyone that made the party a success," said Kimberly Pilgrim, Meta 5 director. She thanked Leann Schoenle and the Food Shelf for providing over 30 families with bags of food. "Many of our families are facing great challenges," Kim said. "This wonderful event allowed them to put their struggles aside for the evening and simply enjoy the delight of the season. We really appreciate the effort that everyone put into making this a fun filled, happy time for them. They were touched!"

Dental Assisting accreditation

Congratulations to the Central Lakes College Dental Assisting program for a successful Commission of Dental Accreditation 7-year site visit last week. Although the final report from the commission will not be available until July, Rebecca Best, dean of workforce and regional economic development, said the exit interview was extremely positive. "Thanks to LeAnn Schoenle, Julie Morgan, Kateri Mayer, and all other staff and students involved with the pre-work and visit," Rebecca said in announcing the news. "Nice work everyone."

Judy Nelson Day

Friday, Dec. 7, 2012 is Judy Nelson Day at Central Lakes College. CLC President Dr. Larry Lundblad proclaimed the day in recognition of 43 years of service by Judy, who is retiring. This is her final day of work in the Records and Registration Office on the Brainerd campus. Judy began her career in 1969 at the age of 21. She said she looks forward to more time with two grandchildren and maintaining her regimen of daily walks, including the designated CLC indoor walk path she has faithfully trod with colleagues over her lunch time. "Our students have greatly benefitted from her outstanding work and her devotion to the job and the college," said President Lundblad. "We will all miss her positive attitude and friendly manner."

CLC message signs

Two digital, electronic signs on Dec. 5 were installed at the east and west approaches to Central Lakes College in Brainerd. The east sign is on the hill on the south side of College Drive near the river. The west sign is on the northeast corner at the intersection of College Drive and Highland Scenic Drive (CR 48). These will provide rotating messages for the public during daylight hours. Signage serves as a gateway to the campus and will incorporate display boards to inform students and the public of campus events and activities. Kenn Dols, marketing and public relations director, said over the next week the technology with which to deliver messages will be connected and a schedule of announcements will be established for weekly rotation.

Fall celebration

The CLC Heavy Equipment Operation and Maintenance and Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technician programs held the annual Fall Celebration on Nov. 30 at the Staples campus. The noon event included a buffet luncheon in the campus cafeteria. Thirty-three students completing their training. Guest speaker was Greg Huiras of Mathiowetz Construction Co., Leavenworth, Minn., who has supervised projects such as the Highway 10 North-South Overpass in Staples that was completed by a crew including 10 CLC Heavy Equipment graduates. Student speaker was Jonathan Zdenek of Zimmerman (shown). Andrew Gorman of Staples and James Warzecha of St. Cloud received awards for Outstanding Participation and Teamwork. Images: http://www.flickr.com/photos/58518185@N04/