New LCC Dorm Nearing Completion, Almost at Full Capacity

Dr. Lujan, Cheryl Sanchez, Chad de Bono

Dr. Linda Lujan, LCC President, had her first meeting with the Prowers County Commissioners, Monday, August 29^th.  Periodic meetings with the college president have been on-going for the past several years as a means of maintaining communication between the college and the county in an informal setting.

Dr. Lujan said the new dorm is almost ready, “We expect to have the new residence hall completed by Wednesday, September 7^th and we are almost at full capacity at this point,” she explained, adding the college’s and her thanks to the commissioners for their past assistance in the new dorm construction.  “I’m still getting acquainted with people in Prowers County, so I’m still in the process of learning more about the community and the role the college can play,” she stated.  Lujan added that last of last week; enrollment at LCC had just surpassed last year’s numbers.

“Let me ask you about the areas of opportunity the college can help fill in the county?” she asked of the commissioners. She stated that one of the goals of the college is student success, employee success and success throughout the regional community.  She added that she’d enjoy just sitting down at a future point and having a general discussion covering opportunities that can benefit the community and the students.  Lujan was accompanied by Cheryl Sanchez, VP of Academic and Student Services and Chad deBono, VP of Administrator Services at the college.

Commissioner Buxton-Andrade suggested an emphasis on EMT training as the community is currently experiencing a shortfall of certified technicians which, in turn, is putting pressure on the local ambulance services provided to the county. “If courses can be offered to high school students, they can receive their certification and when they turn 18, can pursue that career locally,” she explained, adding that this is a more career oriented course of study as opposed to receiving a general associate’s degree upon graduation.

Commissioner Schnabel said the past welding and cosmetology courses at LCC have been directly responsible for putting people to work in the community which is an assist to economic development in the county. He said one aspect that should be considered is that the educational programs be suited to keeping people in the county, if at all possible, instead of finding jobs in other areas of the state once they’ve received their education.

Commission Chairman, Ron Cook, stated the commissioners would address the recent COSI grant application, a program developed by the Colorado Department of Higher Education which can help establish scholarship funds for participating counties and colleges. LCC serves several counties in the region including Kiowa, Baca, Bent and Prowers.  Student applications have to be in by the end of the month to qualify.

Paving Wraps Up on East Parking Lot at Courthouse

In other college related action, the commissioners visited with Fred Sherwood, LCC Rodeo Coach, on the fairgrounds rental agreement for this fall’s annual Antelope Stampede. The rodeo, said Sherwood, will run from September 30^th to October 2nd and he anticipated as many as 300 college contestants visiting Lamar to compete over that three day period.  Commissioner Schnabel said this is one event that highlights the county, while at the same time, helps increase revenues to the county through sales at local motels, restaurants, C-stores and other retail outlets.

By Russ Baldwin