National CTE Signing Day

LBCC participates in National CTE Signing Day for first time

On Feb.18, 31 high school students signed letters of intent at LBCC. Unlike traditional letters of intent, these were not for athletics.

LBCC participated in the National Career and Technical Education Letter of Intent Signing Day, where future trade students are broadcasted live along with about a dozen other schools nationwide.

“These programs are all competitive. Last fall, our welding class was filled, with 30 kids not getting in,” David Bird, the event organizer said.

Luckily for these high school students, by committing early and signing letters of intent, they are guaranteed a spot in the technical class of their choice come fall term.

The event had multiple speakers, including Snap On Tools representative Bill Overall, and International Technical Training Manager of Fiat Willie Daniels Jr.

“The careers that you are looking into can’t be outsourced I cant ship a car to Rio and get a guy to fix it. I need you,” said Daniels Jr.

The city of Albany is also invested in the event as they have donated $2.9 million to LBCC’s technical programs.

“Spend the funds on a future,” said Albany Mayor Sharon Konopa.

National CTE Signing Day impacted students, offering them the chance of a lifetime. This rang true for one student in particular.

“I’ve been working with metals since I was 11. It’s my passion,” said Jonathan Sattler, a future Welding and Fabrication Tech student.  

Sattlers family moved from upstate New York eight months prior to the event so that he would have more opportunities to chase his dreams. Thanks to LBCC and the city of Albany, it looks like the Sattler’s and many other students and their families have brighter futures ahead of them.  

“You don’t have to limit yourself the opportunities are endless,” said Overall.

Want to find out more?

LBCC's Welding Program

LBCC's Signing Day Page

More LBCC Trades Info

The Democrat Herald was there, too!

Judi Madarus: Linn Benton Community College's 'Lunch Lady'

 If one were to think of the classic grumpy lunch lady stereotype, Judi Ann Madarus would shatter the mold. Friendly, talkative, and cheerful, Madarus loves working in the Courtyard Cafe.

The Courtyard Cafe sits snugly behind Takena Hall, a roof of windows providing soft light throughout. Madarus sits in the center of the bustling cafe, checking students out and offering a smile, easily remembering each one's name.

Judi Madarus took over the position of supervisor after her mother, Carolyn DeLaine retired.

"We used to work upstairs in the Commons together," said Madarus, smiling as she remembered.

Madarus has worked at LBCC for 36 years now, after trying to retire during year 28.

She started out working hot lines and making food for banquets, and when she took over for her mother, she moved downstairs to the Courtyard Cafe. She came back from a brief retirement because

"I like the students and faculty. I'm a people person."

Judi Madarus is a cashier at a kiosk in the doorway of the cozy Courtyard Cafe, and she cleans and restocks over half of the cafe every weekday starting at 8 a.m.

When she's not at work, she loves to garden. Madarus used to garden here at LBCC, growing sunflowers outside the Cafe. The sunflowers were banned because of the cleanup involved once the flowers died in late fall.

 Spending time with her three grandkids, Austin Carson, 18, Koby, 14, and the youngest, Caylee, 11 is also a favorite pastime.

 When asked about her grandkids, she beamed excitedly, saying "They play one sport after the other. I go drive up and watch their games."


Madarus said it herself when she said "The pins are my legacy."

Everyone knows about her pins. "It started with one angel, and people kept bringing me more!"

Judi Madarus is not just known for her pins, however.

 Paige Kosa, a student smiled when asked about her. "She's nice, and she chats with me." Justin Hammond, a Computer Lab Aid said that "She brightens my day when I get my coffee for work."

 At-A-Glance

Name: Judi Ann Madarus
Born: In New York, moved to Albany, Ore. at 9 months of age.
Hobbies: Gardening, and watching her grandkids play sports as well as collecting pins.
Family: Two daughters and her grandkids, Austin Carson, 18; Koby, 14; and Caylee, 11.

World Hijab Day Extends to Linn Benton Community College

   
LBCC gets involved with World Hijab Day More Than Ever

     World Hijab Day is worldwide event that was spurred by Nazma Khan in New York. The first one was in February 2013, and it has grown ever since. The event's purpose is to spread knowledge of the wearing of hijabs and why women choose to wear them, rather than being forced in most cases.
    LBCC participated this year due to the Human Civil Rights Club. They organized the event, and it meant a lot to them according to Sophia Metzler. "We've had a lot of cases of violence [toward Muslim women]...and there's been a recent spike. Hopefully this will create a peaceful environment on campus." Another member of the Human Civil Rights Club, Emily Carsen said that the event was intended to "Give a cool hands on experience." World Hijab Day was held in several seats in the library set up in front of a screen, showing a PowerPoint discussing the basics of Islam. Five women who wear hijabs were later asked questions through a mediator for the rest of the event. Ashwag Alamari said that the event was very important to her, "It means a lot, it is a great opportunity to make people understand. Our religion doesn't support killing." Flowers were later passed out, as well as people getting the chance to try on a hijab to be able to experience one. Hopefully, the event will occur next year as well.


At A Glance:

Who: The Human Rights Club
What: World Hijab Day
When February 1, 2016  at 12pm (And will occur in future years in the month of February)
Where: The LBCC Library