(Spring 2011)
By WILL RAPHAELSON
Signs reading “Handicapped use only” were posted on bathroom stalls in March, and promptly removed after the physical facilities department received complaints.
“We’re generally really good about handicapped accommodations,” said Steve Larson, director of physical facilities. “We put in extra effort in the winter to shovel out parking spaces, and make sure the students are represented in meetings. This issue just never crossed our minds.”
The signs went up in the first place because a group of students voiced complaints to the safety committee about non-handicapped people using the handicapped stalls. In keeping with the schools accessibility standard, Larson had the signs installed to prevent fully capable students from intruding on the special stalls.
After posting the signs, Larson received more complaints; this time from the other side. Protestors stated it was uncalled for to limit the use of the large stalls if there was no other stall open.
Larson promptly removed the signs. With pressure from both sides, he had signs made that may make both sides happy. They read “For handicapped use only when other stalls are open.”
In the future the physical facilities department plans to increase accommodations by including handicapped students in monthly safety meetings. They already have plans to add handicapped parking spots to the surrounding lots, and repair existing ramps around campus.
The school is open to suggestions and supports making FVCC a better place for handicapped students to learn.
“There’s no reason why we can’t continue to improve our facilities to make it easier for people to learn,” Larson said.
That’s exactly what one handicapped student, who asked to remain nameless, said about campus facilities.
“FVCC is great at making school a place we feel welcome,” the student said. “I see this bathroom sign issue as a snag if even that. I’m confident things will continue to get better for us, and for everyone.”
Will Raphaelson is a student in Journalism 101C, News Writing and Reporting.
Monday, October 3, 2011
FVCC’s online enrollment hits all-time high
(Spring 2011)
By WILL RAPHAELSON
The FVCC online education program now has more students than ever. The number is expected to continue growing in the coming years.
“We’ve experienced a 48 percent growth in the past three years,” said Kathy Hughes, FVCC vice president of instruction. “I think it will keep growing and taking on new dimensions.”
The online Education Program at FVCC was created in 2001 to reach students who would otherwise be unable to receive an education. Twenty-one percent of all FVCC students now participate in at least one online course. Nearly 600 students are enrolled online this semester, which is 55 more than the fall, said Brad Eldridge, FVCC executive director of institutional research, assessment and planning.
Pat Pezelle, FVCC Director of Extended Learning, credits the increased enrollment to the flexibility factor associated with the online education program. With highly customizable class schedules, as well as the ability to learn from the home, people who used to have to choose between supporting a family and taking classes, can now do both. The childcare aspect is particularly relevant, as 73 percent of students enrolled online are female.
“It would be a lot harder to get a degree if I had to come in every day, impossible really,” said FVCC student Rose Hodun.
Some people question the quality of online education compared with traditional face-to-face teaching. Enthusiasts agree though, that the standard of online education is just as high as traditional education.
“The professor gets a semester to learn about how to teach online, and to develop and/or adapt their course to fit the online criteria,” said Pezelle. “After that the course is reviewed for a semester before a student even sees it. FVCC has become the model for online programs in Montana.”
Though the standard is high and the work to develop courses rigorous, the teachers seem to generally enjoy teaching online courses. Hughes said aspects such as graded forum threads provide the ability for quiet or shy students to speak up and participate in a way that traditional teaching frequently lacks. Often teachers and students end up forging relationships that may never have existed without the online connection.
“They just love it,” Hughes said.
FVCC has ambitious plans for the future. Coming this fall, students will be able to earn the entirety of an associate’s degree of science online.
“We’ll never stop improving, there’s no room to say ‘that’s good enough.’ We understand how important this is, and won’t stop,” Pezelle said.
Will Raphaelson is a student in Journalism 101C, News Writing and Reporting
By WILL RAPHAELSON
The FVCC online education program now has more students than ever. The number is expected to continue growing in the coming years.
“We’ve experienced a 48 percent growth in the past three years,” said Kathy Hughes, FVCC vice president of instruction. “I think it will keep growing and taking on new dimensions.”
The online Education Program at FVCC was created in 2001 to reach students who would otherwise be unable to receive an education. Twenty-one percent of all FVCC students now participate in at least one online course. Nearly 600 students are enrolled online this semester, which is 55 more than the fall, said Brad Eldridge, FVCC executive director of institutional research, assessment and planning.
Pat Pezelle, FVCC Director of Extended Learning, credits the increased enrollment to the flexibility factor associated with the online education program. With highly customizable class schedules, as well as the ability to learn from the home, people who used to have to choose between supporting a family and taking classes, can now do both. The childcare aspect is particularly relevant, as 73 percent of students enrolled online are female.
“It would be a lot harder to get a degree if I had to come in every day, impossible really,” said FVCC student Rose Hodun.
Some people question the quality of online education compared with traditional face-to-face teaching. Enthusiasts agree though, that the standard of online education is just as high as traditional education.
“The professor gets a semester to learn about how to teach online, and to develop and/or adapt their course to fit the online criteria,” said Pezelle. “After that the course is reviewed for a semester before a student even sees it. FVCC has become the model for online programs in Montana.”
Though the standard is high and the work to develop courses rigorous, the teachers seem to generally enjoy teaching online courses. Hughes said aspects such as graded forum threads provide the ability for quiet or shy students to speak up and participate in a way that traditional teaching frequently lacks. Often teachers and students end up forging relationships that may never have existed without the online connection.
“They just love it,” Hughes said.
FVCC has ambitious plans for the future. Coming this fall, students will be able to earn the entirety of an associate’s degree of science online.
“We’ll never stop improving, there’s no room to say ‘that’s good enough.’ We understand how important this is, and won’t stop,” Pezelle said.
Will Raphaelson is a student in Journalism 101C, News Writing and Reporting
FVCC enrollment hits new high
(Spring 2011)
By QUINN LEWIS
More students than ever are attending FVCC this spring, but the numbers indicate the rapid enrollment growth of recent years may be slowing.
FVCC officials point to the recession and high unemployment for the recent enrollment boom.
"Student headcount is 2,841, which is an all-time high," said Brad Eldredge, FVCC executive director of institutional research,assessment and planning. "A lot of this surge is driven by the economics."
While headcount is up 0.7 percent at the college, the full-time equivalent, or FTE (calculated by dividing the number of students enrolled by 15 credits) is down 1.2 percent from spring 2010. FTE is used by the state when allocating funding for colleges. There has been a 75 percent increase in FTEs at FVCC in the last 10 years, and a 33 percent rise since last year.
The increase is led by valley residents with nine out of 10 FVCC students living in Flathead, Sanders or Lincoln counties. Flathead County's unemployment rate has reached 14.1 percent and in neighboring Sanders and Lincoln counties unemployment has creeped above 20 percent.
Eldredge said the long-term enrollment increase is driven by non-traditional students, or students age 25 or older. More than half of FVCC's student body is considered nontraditional.
This increase in nontraditional students is absolutely positive," Eldredge said. The staff has been good about stepping up. The more people we can serve the better."
The enrollment increase has challenged FVCC with campus parking issues, increased class size, registration difficulties and more responsibility for instructors and staff. These issues continue to facilitate a welcome change at the college when viewed by officials.
"We have met all challenges," said Kathy Hughes, FVCC vice president of instruction. "The new buildings and online curriculum have provided good expansion. Adjunct instructors provide an incredible pool of talent allowing for more classes."
An extra parking lot has been built to help meet campus needs. Also, the leasing of the former Department of Natural Resources building has helped aid the occupational trades courses.
The student body has changed along with the economy and campus. A broader range of student age and ability is now present in the classroom.
The diverse student body is exciting,"Hughes said. "The nontraditional students have enriched the classroom itself and brought life experience, while younger students bring energy and skills."
Quinn Lewis is a student in Journalism 101C, News Writing and Reporting.
By QUINN LEWIS
More students than ever are attending FVCC this spring, but the numbers indicate the rapid enrollment growth of recent years may be slowing.
FVCC officials point to the recession and high unemployment for the recent enrollment boom.
"Student headcount is 2,841, which is an all-time high," said Brad Eldredge, FVCC executive director of institutional research,assessment and planning. "A lot of this surge is driven by the economics."
While headcount is up 0.7 percent at the college, the full-time equivalent, or FTE (calculated by dividing the number of students enrolled by 15 credits) is down 1.2 percent from spring 2010. FTE is used by the state when allocating funding for colleges. There has been a 75 percent increase in FTEs at FVCC in the last 10 years, and a 33 percent rise since last year.
The increase is led by valley residents with nine out of 10 FVCC students living in Flathead, Sanders or Lincoln counties. Flathead County's unemployment rate has reached 14.1 percent and in neighboring Sanders and Lincoln counties unemployment has creeped above 20 percent.
Eldredge said the long-term enrollment increase is driven by non-traditional students, or students age 25 or older. More than half of FVCC's student body is considered nontraditional.
This increase in nontraditional students is absolutely positive," Eldredge said. The staff has been good about stepping up. The more people we can serve the better."
The enrollment increase has challenged FVCC with campus parking issues, increased class size, registration difficulties and more responsibility for instructors and staff. These issues continue to facilitate a welcome change at the college when viewed by officials.
"We have met all challenges," said Kathy Hughes, FVCC vice president of instruction. "The new buildings and online curriculum have provided good expansion. Adjunct instructors provide an incredible pool of talent allowing for more classes."
An extra parking lot has been built to help meet campus needs. Also, the leasing of the former Department of Natural Resources building has helped aid the occupational trades courses.
The student body has changed along with the economy and campus. A broader range of student age and ability is now present in the classroom.
The diverse student body is exciting,"Hughes said. "The nontraditional students have enriched the classroom itself and brought life experience, while younger students bring energy and skills."
Quinn Lewis is a student in Journalism 101C, News Writing and Reporting.
Cross country ski trail at FVCC now open
(Fall 2010)
By MICHAEL MINEAU
Glacier Nordic Club, in cooperation with FVCC, has groomed a cross country ski trail on campus that is available to students and the community. This will be the third winter that Glacier Nordic Club and FVCC have put a groomed trail on FVCC property.
There had been times when maintenance was needed due to vandalism. People driving their vehicles on the trail behind Walmart and Home Depot have left huge ruts, which are hard to remove. Ruts from vehicles are not the only source of vandalism that occurs on the trail.
“The newest problem has been students and non-students walking on the groomed trail,” Steve Muller, who is with Glacier Nordic Club. “This creates deep footprints in the trail, which freeze solid. We're working on educating students not to walk, run, or snowshoe on the groomed trails.”
There are approximately five miles (eight kilometers) of cross-country ski trails suitable for people of all abilities. There is a beginners' loop at the beginning of the trail, and the trail-head is in the Arts of Technology parking lot on the north side of the Early Childhood Center building. A $2 minimum is requested for maintenance of the trail, and the donation box is located at the trail head.
“Most skiers have been very generous with donations, and often putting in more than the requested donation,” Muller said. “Grooming is done as needed, but usually Tuesday, Thursday, and on the weekends.”
Weekends draw the most cross-country skiers. This year the Junior Nordic Team practices on the trail after school. The best time to use the trail is during the week days because that is when it is least crowed.
“The best time to ski there would be after a recent grooming,” Muller said. “The trail also gets a lot of use weekdays after work. It's actually very bright on the trails w/ the ambient light from the shopping centers. I love to ski in the dark with a headlamp.”
With the establishment of this trail more people in the Flathead are going to be introduced to the sport.
“I see more and more new faces each year,” said Shae Weber, who has been cross-country skiing for the past five years. “I'm excited for this sport in this valley. Cross-country skiing is not only therapeutic, but it sure beats going to the gym. I think this trail will help the growth of the sport.”
Glacier Nordic Club's goal would be that this can continue for the years to come, and to make the trail available all year.
“I envision having a permanent all-season trail that could be used for running and walking in the summer and cross-country skiing in the winter,” Muller said. “FVCC has been very supportive of this great community service.”
Michael Mineau is a student in Journalism 101C, News Writing and Reporting.
By MICHAEL MINEAU
Glacier Nordic Club, in cooperation with FVCC, has groomed a cross country ski trail on campus that is available to students and the community. This will be the third winter that Glacier Nordic Club and FVCC have put a groomed trail on FVCC property.
There had been times when maintenance was needed due to vandalism. People driving their vehicles on the trail behind Walmart and Home Depot have left huge ruts, which are hard to remove. Ruts from vehicles are not the only source of vandalism that occurs on the trail.
“The newest problem has been students and non-students walking on the groomed trail,” Steve Muller, who is with Glacier Nordic Club. “This creates deep footprints in the trail, which freeze solid. We're working on educating students not to walk, run, or snowshoe on the groomed trails.”
There are approximately five miles (eight kilometers) of cross-country ski trails suitable for people of all abilities. There is a beginners' loop at the beginning of the trail, and the trail-head is in the Arts of Technology parking lot on the north side of the Early Childhood Center building. A $2 minimum is requested for maintenance of the trail, and the donation box is located at the trail head.
“Most skiers have been very generous with donations, and often putting in more than the requested donation,” Muller said. “Grooming is done as needed, but usually Tuesday, Thursday, and on the weekends.”
Weekends draw the most cross-country skiers. This year the Junior Nordic Team practices on the trail after school. The best time to use the trail is during the week days because that is when it is least crowed.
“The best time to ski there would be after a recent grooming,” Muller said. “The trail also gets a lot of use weekdays after work. It's actually very bright on the trails w/ the ambient light from the shopping centers. I love to ski in the dark with a headlamp.”
With the establishment of this trail more people in the Flathead are going to be introduced to the sport.
“I see more and more new faces each year,” said Shae Weber, who has been cross-country skiing for the past five years. “I'm excited for this sport in this valley. Cross-country skiing is not only therapeutic, but it sure beats going to the gym. I think this trail will help the growth of the sport.”
Glacier Nordic Club's goal would be that this can continue for the years to come, and to make the trail available all year.
“I envision having a permanent all-season trail that could be used for running and walking in the summer and cross-country skiing in the winter,” Muller said. “FVCC has been very supportive of this great community service.”
Michael Mineau is a student in Journalism 101C, News Writing and Reporting.
Enrollment increases parking woes
(Fall 2010)
By MICHAEL MINEAU
The increase in student enrollment the past two years has lead to overcrowded parking lots at FVCC. In response to these problems, courtesy notes have been issued to students who have not parked in a designated parking space.
“We're issuing stickers to people that are parking in driveways and in areas that they shouldn't be parking in that blocks traffic,” said Chuck Jensen, FVCC vice president of administration and finance. “We're not currently giving them to people who are parking on the grass. At this point we have not towed anybody and if anybody created a situation where it was a hazard, then we would have to tow them.”
FVCC does not have a campus police force to issue tickets to those violating parking laws. If a campus police were implemented, then that would be an expense to the college, and may lead to an increase in tuition.
There are 2,539 students enrolled at FVCC for fall semester, and growth is expected in future. The construction of a new parking lot would be expensive and there are no plans on building a new asphalted parking lot.
“We are looking to see where our problem areas are at and maybe even go so far as to designate some areas where people can park. Maybe even go so far as to lay some gravel, so when winter comes we can have some safe parking for people,” Jensen said.
Barack Evans, who is an FVCC student, does not think that it is necessary for FVCC to build a new parking lot.
“Shouldn't be on a list of high priorities for the college. I'm all about a gravel parking lot. I think that it will help the flow of traffic, but it seems that people are driving in circles to find that one front-row spot. Students here have it pretty good compared to other colleges, but they just don't know any better,” Evans said.
As of now, FVCC officials do not have plans to build a new parking lot, but are aware that in the future it may be an issue that will need attention.
“If our enrollments continue to stay where they’re at, yeah, we would be looking at that (a paved parking lot) in the future. But for now we’ll continue to look at temporary things that we can do, i.e gravel parking lot if needed,” Jensen said.
Michael Mineau is a student in Journalism 101C, News Writing and Reporting.
By MICHAEL MINEAU
The increase in student enrollment the past two years has lead to overcrowded parking lots at FVCC. In response to these problems, courtesy notes have been issued to students who have not parked in a designated parking space.
“We're issuing stickers to people that are parking in driveways and in areas that they shouldn't be parking in that blocks traffic,” said Chuck Jensen, FVCC vice president of administration and finance. “We're not currently giving them to people who are parking on the grass. At this point we have not towed anybody and if anybody created a situation where it was a hazard, then we would have to tow them.”
FVCC does not have a campus police force to issue tickets to those violating parking laws. If a campus police were implemented, then that would be an expense to the college, and may lead to an increase in tuition.
There are 2,539 students enrolled at FVCC for fall semester, and growth is expected in future. The construction of a new parking lot would be expensive and there are no plans on building a new asphalted parking lot.
“We are looking to see where our problem areas are at and maybe even go so far as to designate some areas where people can park. Maybe even go so far as to lay some gravel, so when winter comes we can have some safe parking for people,” Jensen said.
Barack Evans, who is an FVCC student, does not think that it is necessary for FVCC to build a new parking lot.
“Shouldn't be on a list of high priorities for the college. I'm all about a gravel parking lot. I think that it will help the flow of traffic, but it seems that people are driving in circles to find that one front-row spot. Students here have it pretty good compared to other colleges, but they just don't know any better,” Evans said.
As of now, FVCC officials do not have plans to build a new parking lot, but are aware that in the future it may be an issue that will need attention.
“If our enrollments continue to stay where they’re at, yeah, we would be looking at that (a paved parking lot) in the future. But for now we’ll continue to look at temporary things that we can do, i.e gravel parking lot if needed,” Jensen said.
Michael Mineau is a student in Journalism 101C, News Writing and Reporting.
Faculty says no to Social Security
(Fall 2010)
By TROY CASE
During a recent straw poll conducted at FVCC, teachers and faculty voted down a measure to introduce Social Security as their pension provider.
The unofficial poll was the second such poll in seven years and was conducted at the request of the faculty association.
“It’s a shame new faculty coming on board will lose the Social Security benefits they are entitled to,” said Faculty Association president Ronnie Laudati. “New employees are not overly enthused to not be a part of Social Security and FVCC is lessening the potential faculty pool.”
There is a prevalent misconception that every able-bodied citizen pays into the Social Security tax system. A clause written into the Social Security Act of 1935 included exemptions for federal, state and local governmental employees. When FVCC was established in 1967 the school was granted status as a “district” and employees worked for the local government. At that time the Board of Trustees opted out of paying Social Security tax.
In order to opt out of the tax FVCC must offer employees alternative pension plans.
There are three state sponsored plans offered to new employees of the college:
· Teacher Retirement System—offered to full time and adjunct teachers
· Public Employee Relief System—offered to staff and administration
· Plan 403B—a voluntary plan
These plans are defined contribution plans in which employees and employers contribute to a savings fund to be used in entirety as retirement benefits. Social Security is a defined benefit plan and grants a predetermined amount of benefits in proportion to the amount of tax collected.
“The voluntary 403B is an excellent retirement plan,” said Warren Tolley, FVCC Director of Human Resources. “In my opinion it is a better plan than Social Security.”
Also within the “opt out” clause of Social Security, employees can opt to pay into the tax at any time. This requires a majority vote of faculty and teachers. If a majority vote is reached the Board of Trustees sends a letter to the State Social Security Administration requesting Social Security.
The recent straw poll was an unofficial voting procedure to determine if a majority of votes for Social Security was going to be reached. Of the 156 employees currently using the Teacher Retirement System, 39 voted yes for Social Security. Of the 117 employee currently using the Public Employee Relief System, 39 voted yes. The 403B plan is a voluntary plan and those employees currently under this plan do not participate in the straw poll.
All potential hires at FVCC are told as a part of the interviewing process that they will not be offered Social Security.
“Never in the seven years that I have worked at FVCC has anyone turned down an offer of employment based on the fact we don’t offer Social Security,” Tolley said.
Troy Case is a student of Journalism 101C.
By TROY CASE
During a recent straw poll conducted at FVCC, teachers and faculty voted down a measure to introduce Social Security as their pension provider.
The unofficial poll was the second such poll in seven years and was conducted at the request of the faculty association.
“It’s a shame new faculty coming on board will lose the Social Security benefits they are entitled to,” said Faculty Association president Ronnie Laudati. “New employees are not overly enthused to not be a part of Social Security and FVCC is lessening the potential faculty pool.”
There is a prevalent misconception that every able-bodied citizen pays into the Social Security tax system. A clause written into the Social Security Act of 1935 included exemptions for federal, state and local governmental employees. When FVCC was established in 1967 the school was granted status as a “district” and employees worked for the local government. At that time the Board of Trustees opted out of paying Social Security tax.
In order to opt out of the tax FVCC must offer employees alternative pension plans.
There are three state sponsored plans offered to new employees of the college:
· Teacher Retirement System—offered to full time and adjunct teachers
· Public Employee Relief System—offered to staff and administration
· Plan 403B—a voluntary plan
These plans are defined contribution plans in which employees and employers contribute to a savings fund to be used in entirety as retirement benefits. Social Security is a defined benefit plan and grants a predetermined amount of benefits in proportion to the amount of tax collected.
“The voluntary 403B is an excellent retirement plan,” said Warren Tolley, FVCC Director of Human Resources. “In my opinion it is a better plan than Social Security.”
Also within the “opt out” clause of Social Security, employees can opt to pay into the tax at any time. This requires a majority vote of faculty and teachers. If a majority vote is reached the Board of Trustees sends a letter to the State Social Security Administration requesting Social Security.
The recent straw poll was an unofficial voting procedure to determine if a majority of votes for Social Security was going to be reached. Of the 156 employees currently using the Teacher Retirement System, 39 voted yes for Social Security. Of the 117 employee currently using the Public Employee Relief System, 39 voted yes. The 403B plan is a voluntary plan and those employees currently under this plan do not participate in the straw poll.
All potential hires at FVCC are told as a part of the interviewing process that they will not be offered Social Security.
“Never in the seven years that I have worked at FVCC has anyone turned down an offer of employment based on the fact we don’t offer Social Security,” Tolley said.
Troy Case is a student of Journalism 101C.
Psychology professor honored with award
(Fall 2010)
By MONTANA ZIGLAR
Ivan Lorentzen, a psychology professor at FVCC, was named the western region faculty member of the year this October. He is the third FVCC faculty member to receive the award.
“I was surprised that I was even nominated for the award, and to have won a regional thing was a complete surprise,” Lorentzen said.
Lorentzen was named the 2010 Association of Community College Trustees Faculty Member of the Year for the western region. He was one of five community college faculty members recognized at the conference. In the Western region there are 93 community colleges from 10 western states and three Canadian provinces.
According to the Board of Trustee's nomination letter, Lorentzen has made many contributions to the campus. He helped to found the scholars program and was the driving force behind the Honors Symposium which is a gathering of speakers from around the world.
FVCC Board of Trustees Chair John Engebretson said that not only is the longevity of Lorentzen’s career an honor, it is also what Lorentzen brings to the community.
“Ivan's involvement in the community, as a board of trustee member of both elementary and high school districts, among many other civic roles, has been demonstrated time and time again,” Engebretson said in the nomination letter written for the award. “He proves every day that his service to the community doesn't end when he leaves the classroom.”
FVCC English instructor Lowell Jaeger has been teaching here for 26 years and said that he is very proud of Lorentzen for winning the award.
“He deserves the award he received,” Jaeger said. “I feel he has always been an important member of our college community and the community at large,” Jaeger said.
Jaeger was just recently awarded the Montana Governor’s Humanities award for his publishing and writing, and his work with AmeriCorps, Vista, Campus Compact and Montana Conservation Corps.
Even with the longevity of Lorentzen’s career the decision to teach at FVCC was unplanned.
“It happened by accident,” Lorentzen said. “I graduated at Bozeman and was looking for jobs and applied to many, but received rejection letters. Three or four days before school in the fall I received a call from Bruce Johnson who had a position for a psychology instructor and asked if I would be interested.”
FVCC had been put together because in the 1960’s only 7 percent of Flathead High School graduates went on to post-secondary schools.
“This was the lowest statistic in the state,” Lorentzen said. “The campus was put together on a shoestring because community leaders decided this was unacceptable. The economy was unstable and the campus was politically unpopular.”
The first year Lorentzen taught at FVCC he was without an office.
“We were downtown teaching and we shared offices, soon after the funding ran out and another psychology instructor resigned and I moved into that position,” Lorentzen said. “I taught for 20 years at the downtown campus and 20 years at this campus, once the bond for a new campus was passed after the third attempt.”
Now Lorentzen can be found in his own office in the BSS building or in a classroom teaching psychology.
Montana Ziglar is a student in Journalism 101C, News Writing and Reporting.
By MONTANA ZIGLAR
Ivan Lorentzen, a psychology professor at FVCC, was named the western region faculty member of the year this October. He is the third FVCC faculty member to receive the award.
“I was surprised that I was even nominated for the award, and to have won a regional thing was a complete surprise,” Lorentzen said.
Lorentzen was named the 2010 Association of Community College Trustees Faculty Member of the Year for the western region. He was one of five community college faculty members recognized at the conference. In the Western region there are 93 community colleges from 10 western states and three Canadian provinces.
According to the Board of Trustee's nomination letter, Lorentzen has made many contributions to the campus. He helped to found the scholars program and was the driving force behind the Honors Symposium which is a gathering of speakers from around the world.
FVCC Board of Trustees Chair John Engebretson said that not only is the longevity of Lorentzen’s career an honor, it is also what Lorentzen brings to the community.
“Ivan's involvement in the community, as a board of trustee member of both elementary and high school districts, among many other civic roles, has been demonstrated time and time again,” Engebretson said in the nomination letter written for the award. “He proves every day that his service to the community doesn't end when he leaves the classroom.”
FVCC English instructor Lowell Jaeger has been teaching here for 26 years and said that he is very proud of Lorentzen for winning the award.
“He deserves the award he received,” Jaeger said. “I feel he has always been an important member of our college community and the community at large,” Jaeger said.
Jaeger was just recently awarded the Montana Governor’s Humanities award for his publishing and writing, and his work with AmeriCorps, Vista, Campus Compact and Montana Conservation Corps.
Even with the longevity of Lorentzen’s career the decision to teach at FVCC was unplanned.
“It happened by accident,” Lorentzen said. “I graduated at Bozeman and was looking for jobs and applied to many, but received rejection letters. Three or four days before school in the fall I received a call from Bruce Johnson who had a position for a psychology instructor and asked if I would be interested.”
FVCC had been put together because in the 1960’s only 7 percent of Flathead High School graduates went on to post-secondary schools.
“This was the lowest statistic in the state,” Lorentzen said. “The campus was put together on a shoestring because community leaders decided this was unacceptable. The economy was unstable and the campus was politically unpopular.”
The first year Lorentzen taught at FVCC he was without an office.
“We were downtown teaching and we shared offices, soon after the funding ran out and another psychology instructor resigned and I moved into that position,” Lorentzen said. “I taught for 20 years at the downtown campus and 20 years at this campus, once the bond for a new campus was passed after the third attempt.”
Now Lorentzen can be found in his own office in the BSS building or in a classroom teaching psychology.
Montana Ziglar is a student in Journalism 101C, News Writing and Reporting.
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