Lake Superior College News Releases

Lake Superior College student Jess Randby is this year’s first place winner of the Car Care Council Women’s Board Scholarship. The program’s scholarships are awarded to female students who are pursuing education to prepare them for a career in the automotive field.

Jess Randby

Randby is a second year student pursuing an associate of applied science degree in LSC’s Automotive Technician program.

In addition to a $2,500 scholarship, Randby also wins an all expense paid trip to Las Vegas, Nevada, to attend the Automotive After Products Expo (AAPEX) and the Specialty Equipment Market Association Show (SEMA) later this year. She will be recognized for her award at a reception while in Las Vegas.

Randby is a resident of Duluth and a 2007 graduate of Duluth East High School. She also attended the Duluth Secondary Technical Center’s (STC) Automotive program and completed Automotive Youth Education System testing. Both LSC and STC are National Automotive Technician Education Foundation certified programs, which allows credit transfer between secondary schools and post-secondary education.

Lake Superior College Earns National Ranking for Technology

For the second year running, Lake Superior is among the nation’s most technically advanced community colleges.  According to an annual survey conducted by the Center for Digital Education and Converge magazine, Duluth’s Lake Superior College is one of the nation’s top examples of technology delivery in higher education.  LSC was ranked seventh among the medium-sized Community Colleges (3,000 – 7,500 students) in the fifth annual Digital Community Colleges Survey.  The survey identifies and spotlights colleges that provide a high level of service to their students and faculty through information technology.  LSC was ranked 10th last year.

“We are very proud of our staff’s efforts to provide service and technology to our college community,” explained Barry Dahl, LSC’s vice president of technology and the e-Campus.  “LSC continues to invest the time, expertise and resources needed to acquire the technology to provide an excellent learning environment.”

Schools were placed in three categories based on size of enrollment, with college officials providing information from the 2008-09 academic year. At the survey’s conclusion, the top 10 in each of the three categories were named.  The survey addressed multiple areas in digital technology, including online registration; distance learning; tutoring and advisory services; technology training for students and faculty, and Web 2.0 social and collaborative capabilities.

View the full list of winners at www.centerdigitaled.com or www.convergemag.com.

Marina Leight, vice president of the Center, said, “Community colleges, year after year, impress us as forward-thinking and quick to adapt. Our survey results show overwhelmingly that community colleges are fast embracing cyber technologies used by “First Digitals” fostering collaboration in learning by using tools students are familiar with. Those institutions chosen as this year’s top community colleges are exceptional examples of this investment in learning.”

The Center for Digital Education is a national research and advisory institute providing education and industry leaders with decision support, research and educational services to help them effectively incorporate new technologies in the 21st century.  The Center is a division of e.Republic, Inc. a national publishing, event and research company focused on information technology in the public sector.

For more information on the Center visit www.centerdigitaled.com.  For more information on the Digital Community Colleges Survey, please contact Janet Grenslitt at (916) 932-1363.

College promotions recognized by National Council for Marketing and Public Relations
Lake Superior College’s Public Information Office recently won seven Medallion Awards from District Five of the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR).   The awards include three Gold Medallion – representing a first place finish – in the e-Marketing category, TV Ad/PSA–Single, and TV Ad/PSA–Series categories.  LSC also received a Silver Medallions in the TV Ad/PSA–Single, and Print Ad–Single categories and bronze awards in Promotional Items and E-Marketing categories.

All of the LSC award winners can be viewed below.

“We are excited to be recognized by peers for our promotional campaigns,” explained Gary Kruchowski, LSC’s director of public information and government affairs.  “We owe much of the credit for these awards to the support and assistance of top-notch local vendors.”  Kruchowski cited creative contributions by Dave Kirwan, a Duluth-based freelance artist; Jon Godfrey, web designer for the Duluth News Tribune; and Bill Ward of Northland’s NewsCenter Creative Services.

The National Council for Marketing and Public Information is an organization for communicators working in college communications on two-year campuses.  It is an affiliate of the American Association of Community Colleges.  NCMPR’s District Five is comprised members from Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Manitoba.  The awards were presented on September 20, 2009, at the organization’s regional conference in Souix Falls, SD. More information is available at www.ncmpr.org.

Gold – TV Ad/PSA – Single

Silver –TV Ad/PSA – Single

Together the two commercials won Gold – TV Ad/PSA – Series.

Gold – E-Marketing

http://www.duluthads1.com/proofs/LSCbuild/

Bronze – E-Marketing

http://www.duluthads1.com/proofs/LSC2/

Silver – Print Ad – Single

Bronze – Promotional Item/Nifty & Neat

Dorian Beaulieu, LSC Art Instructor

(Duluth, Minn.) — The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities’ Board of Trustees recently presented Excellence in Teaching awards, the system’s highest academic honor, to four faculty members, including Lake Superior College art instructor Dorian Beaulieu.

The honorees were selected from the group of outstanding educators nominated by their college presidents. “The Board of Trustees’ Excellence in Teaching Awards are a clear demonstration of the board’s strategic direction to promote and measure high-quality learning programs and services,” said Dan McElroy, who chairs the board’s Academic and Student Affairs Committee.  “In honoring the best of the best within our system, we also can take great satisfaction in presenting to those outside our system the excellent faculty who are truly great teachers.”

A panel of judges that included faculty members, presidents, administrators and students reviewed the nominees and recommended the four honorees to the trustees.  In addition to Beaulieu, Chris Austin, economics instructor at Normandale Community College; Ernie Parker, fluid power engineering technology instructor at Hennepin Technical College; and Deborah Roiger, biology instructor at St. Cloud Technical College also received the award.

The awards panel cited Beaulieu for his emphasis on developing and helping students rediscover their creative talents and self-confidence. His use of problem-solving and small-group work informs his approach to artistic creativity. His respect for individual perception and the value of a creative attitude are integral to his classes. Student art exhibits also are a key component of his teaching methodology.

Chancellor James H. McCormick said, “The faculty members who are honored today are living examples of how the core of program and college excellence is teaching and learning.  These teachers are the ones who bring knowledge, experience and a passion for learning to our students. I am very proud that we are recognizing teaching as the cornerstone of our colleges and universities.  For me, there is no higher calling.”

The four honorees were selected from among 29 Board of Trustees Outstanding Educators. Cynthia Annable, an instructor in Lake Superior College’s Respiratory Care Practitioner program, was among the Outstanding Educators nominated for the award and recognized as an Outstanding Educator by the Board of Trustees.

This is the third year that the board has presented its Excellence in Teaching Awards. Each of the four honorees receives $5,000 and a medallion hand-crafted in the jewelry design and manufacture program at Minneapolis Community and Technical College. A short video about the program featuring the four award winners is available at www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYqZQeexXSE.

Additional information about this year’s award winners and nominees is available at www.mnscu.edu/media/newsreleases/current/article.php5?id=95.

The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system employs nearly 11,000 full- and part-time faculty and comprises 32 state universities and community and technical colleges serving the higher education needs of Minnesota. The system serves about 250,000 students per year in credit-based courses and an additional 140,000 students in non-credit courses.

LSC is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. With more than 6,000 students enrolled this spring semester, LSC is northeastern Minnesota’s largest two-year college. LSC provides a wide range of programs and services, including liberal arts and science courses for transfer, technical programs intended to provide occupational skills, continuing education, and customized training for business and industry.  LSC is also a leader in Internet-delivered courses and programs in Minnesota.

(Duluth, Minn.) — Lake Superior College recently recognized art instructor Victoria Hutson for her leadership as an online instructor.  She has been selected to receive LSC’s Award for Innovative Excellence in Teaching, Learning and Technology.

Hutson teaches popular online courses in digital drawing/painting and digital photography via LSC’s Connect e-Campus, as well as web-enhanced drawing courses.  She was recognized for her innovative use of technology online and in the classroom.

Because of her selection, Hutson was also advanced as LSC’s nominee for a prestigious national award.  She was recognized on Wednesday, April 15, 2009, at the 20th International Conference on College Teaching and Learning in Jacksonville, FL.

“Congratulations to Victoria,” said Barry Dahl, LSC’s vice president of technology and the Connect e-Campus.  “She has worked long and hard to utilize technology to advance learning.  Her students experience great teaching and are exposed to applications of emerging technologies in her art classes.”

The LSC award was established in 2006.

With more than 2,200 students enrolled and 166 course sections offered during the current semester, the Lake Superior College Connect e-Campus has a full-time equivalent enrollment of 897, making it larger in total enrollment than four of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities campuses and the largest two-year online learning program in that system.

(Duluth, Minn.) — The Lake Superior College Office of Public Information received two Paragon Awards at the 35th annual conference of the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR). LSC won a Silver Paragon, representing second place in the national competition in the Television Advertisement/PSA, Single category and a Bronze Paragon, representing third place in Print Advertisement, Single category.

“We were very excited to learn that we had won two Paragons,” said Gary Kruchowski, LSC’s director of public information and government affairs. “A Paragon represents national recognition for our promotional efforts in direct competition with other two-year colleges.  It’s nice to be honored by colleagues and competitors.”

The awards were presented on March 17, 2009 at NCMPR’s national conference in Kansas City, MO.  Kruchowski represented the college at the event.

The award-winning entries are part of the Lake Superior Connect e-Campus, “E-learning is Green learning” campaign, which promotes online learning as a green alternative to traditional classes. The campaign was written, produced, designed and co-directed by Duluth-based freelance artist Dave Kirwan and produced at Northland’s NewsCenter Creative Services.

2009 Silver Paragon Award – Television/PSA, Single

2009 Bronze Paragon Award – Print Advertisement, Single

Elements of the same campaign previously won awards in NCMPR’s regional Medallion competition and at the American Advertising Federation – Duluth/Superior Chapter’s Addy awards.

Learn more and see a complete list of Paragon Award winners at www.ncmpr.org.

The National Council for Marketing & Public Relations represents marketing and PR professionals at community and technical colleges. As one of the fastest growing affiliates of the American Association of Community Colleges, NCMPR has more than 1,500 members from nearly 600 colleges across the United States, Canada and other countries.

LSC is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system.  With more than 4,800 students enrolled this spring semester, LSC is northeastern Minnesota’s largest two-year college.  LSC provides a wide range of programs and services, including liberal arts and science courses for transfer, technical programs intended to provide occupational skills, continuing education, and customized training for business and industry.  LSC is also a leader in Internet-delivered courses and programs in Minnesota.

The Lake Superior Connect TV commercials, produced to promote Lake Superior College’s e-Campus, won “Best in Show” honors at the American Advertising Federation – Duluth/Superior Addy Awards.  The campaign was written, produced, designed and co-directed by freelance artist Dave Kirwan and co-directed by Bill Ward of Northland’s NewsCenter Creative Services.  The series was also recognized with a gold Addy Award and Judge’s Row Award selection in the Local TV Campaign category.  One of the commercials in the series, “Talkin’ e-Campus,” also received a gold Addy in the Local Television category.

“Lake Superior College is thrilled to be recognized by the Addy Awards,” said Gary Kruchowski, director of public information and government affairs at LSC.  “Dave Kirwan deserves a lot of credit for his creative approach to promotion of online learning.  The ads are memorable and unique and have contributed to enrollment gains for our e-Campus.”

The campaign previously won several regional awards from the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations and is a finalist for that organization’s national Paragon Awards, which will be announced in March.

A complete list of the 2008 AAF – Duluth/Superior Addys is available at www.lakesuperioradfed.org/awards_winners_2008.php.  Winners of gold Addys advance to District competition, which includes work from Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North and South Dakota. Winners at that level go on to compete among the best advertising materials in the nation.

The commercials in the campaign can be viewed on YouTube at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqVn2t_k540

www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOOdTUQTScE

www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoM4WLR2JHY

The AAF Duluth/Superior exists to provide and promote a better understanding of the functions of advertising and of its value; to apply the skills, creativity, and energy of the advertising industry whenever it is needed to help solve social problems; to advance the standards of advertising through a voluntary program of self-regulation; and to promote good fellowship and free exchange of ideas.  Its membership is made up of individuals who are engaged in buying, selling or creating advertising, publicity, or public relations.

(Duluth, Minn.) — According to an annual survey conducted by the Center for Digital Education and Converge magazine, Duluth’s Lake Superior College is one of the nation’s top examples of technology delivery in higher education.  LSC was ranked tenth among the medium-sized Community Colleges (3,000 – 7,500 students) in the fourth annual Digital Community Colleges Survey.  The survey identifies and spotlights colleges that provide a high level of service to their students and faculty through information technology.

“We are thrilled to be recognized for our efforts to provide service and technology to our college community,” explained Barry Dahl, LSC’s vice president of Technology and the e-Campus.  “The ranking is a testament to the dedication and skills of many members of our staff.”

Schools were placed in three categories based on size of enrollment, with college officials providing information from the 2007-08 school year.  At the survey’s conclusion, the top 10 in each of the three categories were named.  The survey examined areas of technology ranging from online admissions, student access to transcripts and grades, information security and infrastructure to weather and campus security alerts and online library capabilities.

View the full list of winners at www.centerdigitaled.com.

Marina Leight, vice president of the Center for Digital Education, said, “Our revised 2008 digital community college survey showcases the best utilization of digital technology. Community colleges continue to be the place to look for innovation.”

The Center for Digital Education is a national research and advisory institute providing education and industry leaders with decision support, research and educational services to help them effectively incorporate new technologies in the 21st century.  In addition to the Digital Community College Survey, the Center conducts Digital School Districts, Cities, Counties and States Surveys – all national studies that serve as benchmarks for excellence in IT applications and initiatives.

For more information on the Center visit www.centerdigitaled.com.  For more information on the Digital Community Colleges Survey, please contact Janet Grenslitt at (916) 932-1363.

Outstanding Leadership and Innovation Recognized at FUSION 2008 Conference

(Duluth, Minn.) — Desire2Learn Incorporated, a leading provider of eLearning solutions, recently announced the winners of its 2008 Desire2EXCEL Award program. Three awards, in the categories of Teaching and Learning, Program and Community Service, were handed out at the FUSION Desire2EXCEL conference in Memphis, Tennessee.

In the Program category, Barry Dahl, vice president of technology and the e-campus at Lake Superior College, received the award for his work with the Online Student Mentor program, a first of its kind in higher education. The program has successfully employed 120 online student employees over its five years of operation. A sense of community within the LSC Virtual Campus has been fostered by providing online students with a peer connection. The course-specific mentor has proven to be a greater resource for a student than a mentor/peer/advisor who is more of a generalist. The mentoring experience provides the mentor with a solid means of giving back to the college as well as providing employment opportunities for off-campus students.

“I’m excited and happy to receive this award for Lake Superior College,” Dahl explains. “But this award really belongs to the many online students and faculty who participated in the program and helped us develop an innovative approach to eLearning.”

Dahl and Lake Superior College previously won a 2007 Desire2EXCEL Award for Community Service in recognition of partnerships with Grandma’s Marathon and the American Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Marathon.

“We were overwhelmed with the creativity, innovation and caliber of the award submissions from this year’s nominees,” said John Baker, president and CEO, Desire2Learn. “The Desire2EXCEL Awards Committee conducted extensive reviews before selecting the winners from the pool of nominees who have made enormous contributions to their organizations, to the Desire2Learn User Community and to eLearning as a whole.”

The awards were handed out in Memphis, Tennessee, where 600 members of the global eLearning community convened at FUSION 2008, the Desire2Learn annual Users’ Conference focused on best practices and innovative breakthroughs in eLearning.

For more information about the conference and its award program, visit www.Desire2Learn.com/Fusion.

LSC is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. With more than 4,800 students enrolled this spring semester, LSC is northeastern Minnesota’s largest two-year college. LSC provides a wide range of programs and services, including liberal arts and science courses for transfer, technical programs intended to provide occupational skills, continuing education, and customized training for business and industry. LSC is also a leader in Internet-delivered courses and programs in Minnesota.

(Duluth, Minn.) — Ten Business Professionals of America (BPA) student members from Lake Superior College (LSC) earned 14 national honors representing LSC’s Administrative Support, Accounting, Computer Information Systems, and Business programs. They competed against more than 1500 of the top winners from community, technical, and four-year colleges throughout the U.S. Competition was held in Reno, Nevada from May 6-10 at the BPA National Leadership Conference.

Keyboarding Production
1st place Heather Urbaniak

Medical Office Procedures
2nd Kayla Edwards
3rd Heather Urbaniak
Finalist Stephanie Buria
Finalist Mandy Newell

Database Applications
1st James Suess
3rd Lynette Kraskey

Medical Transcription
1st Kayla Edwards
4th Stephanie Buria

Fundamentals of XHTML
5th James Suess

C++ Programming
Finalist Lynette Kraskey
Finalist James Suess

VB.NET Programming
1st Lynette Kraskey

Banking & Finance
Finalist Jamie Luedtke

(Finalist indicates in top 10 but not 1st – 5th.)

Group photo of LSC BPA students: Top row, left to right: Heather Urbaniak, Andrea Johnson, Bill Walz, James Suess, Ryan Waterhouse
Bottom row, left to right: Stephanie Buria, Lynette Kraskey, Jamie Luedtke, Mandy Newell, Kayla Edwards

LSC is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. With more than 4,800 students enrolled this spring semester, LSC is northeastern Minnesota’s largest two-year college. LSC provides a wide range of programs and services, including liberal arts and science courses for transfer, technical programs intended to provide occupational skills, continuing education, and customized training for business and industry. LSC is also a leader in Internet-delivered courses and programs in Minnesota.