With happy memories of commencements and graduations in Southeast Colorado lingering in my mind, I’m reminded why I love being an educator. The ability to “touch the future” as astronaut/teacher Christa McCaullife said, is powerful motivation. This past year has been one of the most challenging ever for students across America, yet their resilience, adaptability, motivation, and grace carried them toward their goals. Seeing so many amazing new high school and college graduates who succeeded in a year like this gives me great hope for the future.
We know the importance of education at Lamar Community College. Our mission statement is succinct and focused – We Enrich Lives Through Learning. Since 1937 LCC has been enriching lives in Southeast Colorado by providing learning and living opportunities for students in our region, state, country and beyond. We are excited to continue that work and even more excited to be planning an academic year that’s going to be safe, in-person, and active. I can hardly wait to see students engaged in learning in our classrooms, labs, outdoor spaces, and community. The campus has never looked better and LCC employees are looking forward to welcoming and helping new (and continuing students) in August.
LCC is also excited about the upcoming sports and rodeo seasons. Our student-athletes and coaches were great at following safety protocols and adapting to ever-changing schedules, but they are ready to return to some normalcy. We have some very talented returners as well as some great new recruits and I know the coaches are anticipating a very competitive season. The coming year’s schedules should be much more predictable and fans are looking forward to being back at the gym, ballfields, golf course, and rodeo arena to cheer our Runnin’ Lopes.
As we emerge from the pandemic this is a great time to think about college. There are more financial resources, including scholarships, than we’ve seen in a long time so if you think you can’t afford college, come see us. We think you can. Additionally, whether you’re looking for a few classes to build new skills, a degree that allows you to seamlessly transfer to a four-year college or university, or a program that prepares you to enter the workforce, LCC’s small college, personalized focus on each student can help you plan and complete your academic goals successfully and affordably. You are never too old to fulfill that dream and we welcome all students.
My mother always said, “Life is change”. And in this most-interesting time in history we’ve all experienced many changes. Yet enduring and steady is the enthusiasm and energy at Lamar Community College as we bid a fond farewell to our 2021 graduates and look forward to welcoming, or welcoming back, the coming year’s students. And before you know it, fall will turn to winter and then to spring, and we will again be celebrating graduations and commencements. What are you waiting for? Come join us at LCC.