Lansing, Mich. - (Oct. 18, 2022) LCC will host a series of book discussions, signings and an art exhibit to celebrate the new book “Becoming Joshua: His First Two Lives.” The book is written by LCC alum Tammy Vaughn and relates the story of Joshua, another LCC alum who came to Lansing as a refugee.
 
Joshua was a successful Iranian businessman and contractor, and a founder of one of the largest Christian groups in Iran today, flourishing in secret. Joshua could not avoid the intense scrutiny of the Iranian government and was arrested, tortured and incarcerated. Later, Joshua fled to Turkey and continued his ministry with the refugee community before coming to Lansing. Life as a refugee in the U.S. is difficult for non-English speakers, and LCC offered Joshua the opportunity to learn the cultural norms and the English language in ESOL classes. Also, LCC provide a pathway forward in his education and career, and Joshua graduated with an associate degree.
 
The art exhibit features Joshua’s art and will be on display from Oct. 22-Nov. 13 in the TLC Building, room 1202 during regular Learning Commons hours. A special grand opening reception and ribbon cutting will be held at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22. To learn more about the book discussions and signings, please visit LCC's" Becoming Joshua" webpage.
 
Becoming Joshua – Book discussion/reading 3:30-4:30 p.m. Oct. 22 on LCC’s Downtown Campus Gannon Building 1^st floor Michigan Room – parking is free in the adjacent Gannon ramp.
 
Becoming Joshua – Art Exhibit Grand Opening: reception/ribbon cutting 4:30-8:00 p.m. LCC’s Downtown Campus TLC Building 400 N. Capitol Ave.
 
"Under my trauma and pain, I became silent. 
I hide myself and my story behind me for a long time. 
But something in my heart encouraged me to draw. 
Draw about every moment of what happened to me. 
So, I let the pencil guide me; and in time I give pieces of me into my art.
...Hiding is over."  ~  Joshua
 

 

About Lansing Community College

Lansing Community College, founded in 1957, is one of the largest community colleges in Michigan, serving more than 14,500 students across a six-county area each year. LCC offers courses in general education for those interested in transferring to a four-year institution, career and workforce development, developmental education and personal enrichment. To meet the professional development and training needs of regional employees, the college offers customized programs for credit, non-credit and continuing education. The Transfer Center at LCC offers students the opportunity to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees from five partner universities on the downtown LCC campus. For more information, visit lcc.edu.

Lansing Community College provides equal opportunity for all persons and prohibits discriminatory practices based on race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, creed, ancestry, height, weight, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, familial status, marital status, military status, veteran’s status, or other status as protected by law, or genetic information that is unrelated to the person’s ability to perform the duties of a particular job or position or participate in educational programs, courses, services or activities offered by the College.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: Equal Opportunity Officer, Washington Court Place, 309 N. Washington Square Lansing, MI 48933, 517-483-1730; Employee Coordinator 504/ADA, Administration Building, 610 N. Capitol Ave. Lansing, MI 48933, 517-483-1875; Student Coordinator 504/ADA, Gannon Building, 411 N. Grand Ave. Lansing, MI 48933, 517-483-1885; Human Resource Manager/Employee Title IX Coordinator, Administration Building, 610 N. Capitol Ave. Lansing, MI 48933, 517-483-1879; Student Title IX Coordinator, Gannon Building, 411 N. Grand Ave. Lansing, MI 48933, 517-483-9632.