Student Trustee Candidate Callie Logan
What is your hometown?
Kane, Illinois
What is your major/program at Lewis and Clark and why did you choose it?
I recently earned a degree from Lewis and Clark Community College in Administrative Assistance. After looking into job opportunities, I noticed many wanted some Accounting background along with Administrative experience. When I was earning my degree, Lewis and Clark did not have Accounting as a specialty of Administrative Assistance. Instead of accepting defeat and giving up, I chose to come back and earn a second degree in Accounting.
What do you like best about Lewis and Clark overall?
I love how welcoming Lewis and Clark is. The faculty and staff are amazing and very friendly. They have helped build my confidence to the point I know I can do anything I put my mind to. I have also made many friends that I just adore. The more involved I have become on campus in the different clubs and organizations the more people I have met and the more friends I have made. Everyone has not only been friendly but also very encouraging.
What organizations, clubs, and/or activities at Lewis and Clark are you a part of?
I am an active member of PTK member and Student Activities. I am currently the Treasurer for Student Government. I am also the Ad Manager for The Bridge and do their Facebook Live Feeds.
Do you participate in any clubs/organizations/activities outside of Lewis and Clark? If so, what?
I am involved with my local church 1AG (First Assembly of God) in Jerseyville, where I am on the worship team. Anytime they need volunteers I try to be there. I have helped with their Annual Easter Egg Hunt, Blood Drives and the Operation Christmas Child Program.
What awards/honors have you received?
Last Spring I was awarded Most Outstanding Office Technology Student at the Lewis and Clark Honor’s Banquet.
What are your long-term career goals?
When I graduate, I hope to be able to obtain a full-time job here on campus. I love this college so much that I honestly don’t want to leave. The staff and faculty are amazing, and I couldn’t ask for better people to work with.
Why are you running for Student Trustee?
I have always wanted to get involved and help to make our campus the best possible. I have had such an amazing experience at Lewis and Clark that I want to be able to be a part of making sure other students can feel the same way. I want this school to be the best experience for anyone that comes here. To be able to be a voice for all the students, for them to know they have someone they can rely on is another thing I feel I would be good at. I want to be someone that the students know will do anything in their power to make sure this is a wonderful place for them to be.
What differences do you feel that the Student Trustee can make for students?
I feel that we can help conquer any problem that may develop on campus. I feel that the job of the Trustee is to help express student concerns to the board to try to find a way to fix the situations. Big or small, the board cannot fix anything if they do not know something is broken. As Student Trustee, I can listen to my fellow students and help to communicate the needs to the board.
Which student interests are you most concerned with representing on the board? Is there one that stands out above the rest?
With our budget crisis, funds are being lost. I want to be part of helping get our funds back. We need to get the MAP Grant back for those who need it. We also need to continue to help the nursing students by getting Nursing Bachelor Programs approved for all community colleges. We need our nurses to have proper health care.
Is there anything else you’d like to add about yourself?
I am continually looking for ways to get involved on campus to help our college be the best college it can be. I feel that as Student Trustee I can do just that. Lewis and Clark means the world to me, and I would love to be the voice for all students to help keep our college a welcoming and great place to attend school.
Student Trustee Candidate Whitney Weeks
What is your hometown?
Grafton, Illinois
What is your major/program at Lewis and Clark and why did you choose it?
Associates of Science/Nursing. I chose nursing because of past personal experiences as a child. The care I received at Children’s Hospital and Alton Multispecialtist was outstanding. I wanted to help others and make a not so great time in their lives, a little bit better by providing them with care, sympathy, and compassion.
What do you like best about Lewis and Clark overall?
I like Lewis and Clark because there are many resources on campus for students to go to get the help they need ranging from needing help with writing papers or getting tutored in math to mental health counseling. Also, the staff is phenomenal. They are so helpful and genuinely care about student success. I have never hesitated to email a professor or go to their office.
What organizations, clubs, and/or activities at Lewis and Clark are you apart of?
At Lewis and Clark, I am the current Student Trustee, active in Student Government, and Vise President of the Nursing Club.
Do you participate in any clubs/organizations/activities outside of Lewis and Clark? If so, what?
I am part of the Illinois Community College Board/ Student Advisory Committee. I also play co-ed softball in the summer with friends and family at Gordon Moore Park in Alton, IL.
What awards/honors have you received?
I have been awarded Most Passionate Advocate for Bachelorette of Science and Nursing for All Community Colleges in Illinois.
What are your long-term career goals?
My long-term career goals are to gain my masters in nursing and become a nurse practitioner. I have always wanted to work with children, so I am aiming to work at Children’s Hospital in St. Louis.
Why are you running for Student Trustee?
I am running for Student Trustee because I truly believe I can make a difference. I love Lewis and Clark, and I want to make it the best campus for all of the students. This past year, I have worked hard to get a Bachelorette of Science in Nursing at all community colleges in Illinois. I’ve spoken to Illinois Board of Higher Education at the Capitol in Springfield. Recently, Senate Bill 888 passed legislation and is now onto the Sate Senate for discussion. Senate Bill 888 would allow community colleges to award four-year nursing degrees in an effort to deepen the pool of qualified registered nurses available to be hired by Illinois health care employers. If I can have one more year to pursue this, I could really be a great advocate for our school and get this program underway.
What differences do you feel that the Student Trustee can make for students?
The Student Trustee is the voice of the Lewis and Clark student body. They are there to stand up for what’s best for the student body. Without students, there would not be a Lewis and Clark Community College. So, we need to make them happy and meet their needs. As student trustee, it is their job to hear the students concerns and try to make the campus better for them.
Which student interests are you most concerned with representing on the board? Is there one that stands out above the rest?
Every issue that affects my students are of equal value. No one issue rises above the rest. I believe that in being a leader and representing people, all issues are serious and important matters. I will do everything in my power to ensure that my people are taken care of, no matter the issue.
Is there anything else you’d like to add about yourself?
[No answer.]