letter from the editor
I was given the opportunity to teach my first college course this past fall to a group of enthusiastic Lake Erie College (LEC) students. Having never taught a college class before, I was both excited and overwhelmed. With only three weeks until the class began, I saw this opportunity as an adventure as well as a challenge, forcing me out of my comfort zone. I accepted the offer, but was faced with the task of developing 15 weeks of course content.
Engaging my small business contacts, I assigned the students a final project allowing them the opportunity to apply the knowledge they learned through the course in a real-world situation. The students gained experience working on a digital proposal for a real company and in turn, each company was provided with a marketing proposal outlining ways in which they could better reach their audiences through digital marketing. The project was beneficial for the students and the small businesses. I also applied my passion for mentoring young professionals by engaging the students in a creative way. Revealing to my students what it is like to work in a marketing department, I facilitated conversations focused on using the resources around them, including myself, to learn and grow as a student and professional. I hope they gained as much from the experience as I did. As I was teaching the course, I realized what a unique opportunity I had been given. Because we are a small-sized institution, students, faculty and staff have opportunities to be leaders, try new things and present creative approaches to problems—something that is not possible at larger institutions. LEC students have the chance to start new student organizations, participate in one-on-one discussions with their professors and be guided to identify their strengths and passions and encouraged to accomplish their goals. As Executive Director, I also have the privilege of nurturing and mentoring the staff of four marketing professionals within my department. I feel so fortunate to have a team of energized, creative, passionate and hard-working young professionals. Each of them brings their own unique talents, strengths and skill sets to LEC. Individually, they are successful in their own specialties, but when they work together as a team, even more exciting things happen! As you read this issue, I hope you recognize all the ways Lake Erie College is a place where individuals are encouraged to step outside their comfort zone and take risks, where a supportive spirit resonates within the community and where leaders are valued, nurtured and inspired. As 2021 unfolds, I’m hoping that we start to return to something that resembles normal—ideally with lessons learned—and a renewed sense of adventure.
Public relations & marketing staff Jamie Castle ’14, MBA ’17, Graphic Designer, Public Relations & Marketing Assistant Angela DelPrete, Executive Director of Public Relations & Marketing Benjamin Heacox, Digital Marketing Strategist Rachel Usmani, Associate Director of Creative Services Elizabeth Wheeler, Digital Media and Marketing Specialist
Lake erie | winter 2021 | 3
