nationals

Page 7

train for

Stars

Honoring

students
Page 4

LCC

Concert
draws crowd
Page 16

April 29 - May 31, 2013

Volume 54, Issue 15 www.lcc.edu/lookout

thelookout
Lansing Community Colleges Independent Student Newspaper since 1959

LCC welcomes diversity on campus

Nathan Wilson Associate Editor STARFest, a week-long LCC celebration of culture, included Welcoming; Your LCC in the second floor Gannon Building lobby April 17. Sharon Letson from LCC Student Support Services said the event was designed to educate the college community about Americas immigrant and refugee population. We have a lot of immigrant and refugee students on campus and a lot of different languages spoken, Letson said. We just want people to be aware of the difference between a refugee, an immigrant, a migrant and an undocumented national. Were trying to educate people what those different terms mean because a lot of people lump everyone into the same category. According to Letson, one of the ways the college can create a welcoming environment for immigrant and refugee students is through the Welcoming LCC Initiative. Letson said the initiative is modeled after the organization Welcoming Michigan, which works toward building immigrant-friendly communities. Interested students were able sign up for information about Welcoming Michigan and Welcoming LCC. Representatives from the following organizations were standing by to provide information about immigration: St. Vincent Catholic Charities, Lutheran Social Services and the Refugee Development Center. Locally-owned bookstore

Photo by Suzanna Powers

See Welcoming, page 2

LCC alumnus Leslie Aaron (left) speaks with a St. Vincent Catholic Charities representative about volunteer opportunities offered in the Lansing area April 17.

Student veteran excels despite past barriers

Amber Glomb Staff Writer Stanley Williams said he never thought school was for him. Now at age 44, Williams has earned his general associates degree, is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, and is graduating magna cum laude all while earning the Outstanding Adult Learning Award (OALA). According to Cassie Little, the Capital Area Higher Education Network (CAHEN) representative for LCC, OALA awards are a part of the organization. OALA is a chance to recognize adult learners who are pursuing education at one of CAHENs partner institutions and have made contributions as leaders in the Lansing community, Little said. Williams was nominated for OALA by faculty member Megan Lin. According to Williams, Lin made learning fun and interesting, and she helped make him comfortable in the classroom. He really had a lot of perseverance, Lin said. He What he calls himself is a guy straight out of the hood. He said this quote guys like me dont get educated. I thought (nominating him) would be an inspiration to other guys like him. Williams said he never expected to win the award. When I found out I won, I was like, Man, for real? Williams said. I never win anything. I was shocked but I was honored to get it. Williams said when he was younger, he never thought that furthering his education was for him and that college

Stanley Williams holds his award.

Photo by Nikki Nicolaou

was grateful for and enthusiastic about his education

was for the smart students and privileged people. He graduated high school with a 1.9 GPA. I was the type of student that when you took attendance, you hoped I wasnt there, Williams said. I was horrible. After graduating, he became a medical specialist in the United States Army in 1987. According to Williams, this is where he found his calling. Even though I was a See Award, page 2