Retiree Recognition For: Laura Cottrell
Title / Dept:
Lead Support / Center for Teaching Excellence
How did you get your start at LCC? What do you remember most from your first day/week/month?
My first job was office support for the Title III grant. I remember dropping off my resume to HR when they were in North House. It was during a blizzard, and they had just announced the College was closing for the evening.
My first day was taking minutes for many meetings, and I remember being so confused by the layout of Hermann House. We had a meeting on the third floor. Then it was back to Title III located in Rogers-Carrier House. I used Shorthand to take those minutes too!
Have you held different positions at LCC? How would you describe your career path and the role that LCC played in it?
I have worked in many different offices throughout my 29+ years at LCC. My career path was LCC. I never wanted to work anywhere else. I was so grateful that I had earned a full-ride academic scholarship to LCC. I never in a million years thought I would make a career with my alma mater.
What's your favorite memory from your time at LCC? Who are the people who made working here great?
I have so many wonderful memories, I can only choose one?!? I would have to say all of the LCC Support Staff Days. I really felt validated as there were not many opportunities for support staff to shine. The guest speakers and the breakout sessions were tailored for us and very informative.
Some of the people past and present who made working here great: All of the Title III/Virtual College folks; So many (now retired) support staff like Linda Colby, Ronda Kowalski, Margo Valdez who mentored me. So many helpful current employees who make my day and job so much easier. I would like to shout out to my Go To Girls: Amy Park and Loretta Osborn. My two supervisor Megans: Megan Garrett and Megan Lin. Thank you for being great bosses!
What were your greatest accomplishments or successes while working at LCC?
One of my greatest accomplishments was obtaining my Bachelor’s Degree through an LCC-sponsored tuition agreement with Siena Heights University. I was very grateful for this because LCC paid half of my tuition and made getting my degree extremely affordable. I graduated Summa Cum Laude from SHU in Multi-Disciplinary Studies in 2007. And since all the classes were held at the downtown campus, there were no parking hassles!
What are you looking forward to in your retirement? What plans are you most excited for?
Ah, retirement. Where you have nowhere to go and all day to get there. I am looking forward to traveling. And being able to sleep in on a wintry day and not drive on icy roads. I’m most excited about a trip to New Zealand. I’ve been wanting to go there for twenty years. Planning on visiting in November of next year as that time is their spring turning into summer. When Andra and Paul Price worked here, they showed me photos of their trip to NZ. They spent an entire month and only covered the South Island. I’m driving to Mt. Rushmore in April and to Arizona in May to visit relatives. And that’s just the first year!
Is there any additional information that you would like to share related to your time at LCC?
I couldn't have done it alone. Thanks to all of you who made working at LCC so much fun. I will miss you!
