The Bridge September 2018 by The LC Bridge

From L&C To FBI

There are many types of students that L&C serves every year, and many graduate and move on to do great things.

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Ivanka Trump enters The Ahlmeyer Atrium located in the Trimpe building on LC’s Godfrey campus. Photo by Krystie Morrison

LC’s Welding Technology Coordinator, Travis Jumper, instructs Ivanka Trump on how to use the new welding system. Photo by Krystie Morrison

Ivanka Trump learning to use the new welding system at Lewis and Clark Community College. Photo by Krystie Morrison

First Daughter Visits Lewis and Clark By Alex Gent While Lewis and Clark Community College is no stranger to visitors and events, L&C received a particularly famous guest August 8 – Ivanka Trump, First Daughter and Presidential Adviser. Trump visited the campus for a tour of the Weber Workforce Center. The Weber building is a 16,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility that houses some of the most modern welding equipment. “This is the first time in history that we have had more job vacancies than unemployed workers,” Trump said. At the time of the visit, no classes had been held in the building, but Lewis and Clark opened the Weber Workforce Center this fall to meet the demands of the growing workforce, as well as solve the national and local problem of the shortage of welders in an abundant job market. After Trump’s short tour of the center, during which she was accompanied by Illinois Representative Rodney Davis, President of L&C Dale Chapman, L&C Welding Technology Coordinator Travis Jumper, L&C Welding Instructor John Zumwalt, Miller Electric Executive Steve Hidden, as well as current and former Lewis and Clark students, she was escorted to the Trimpe Technology Center for a roundtable discussion. The roundtable discussion was an “invitation only” event. The crowd of approximately 250

guests included Riverbend residents, community leaders like Godfrey Mayor Michael McCormick, and business owners of local operations and from as far away as Taylorville, Rep. Davis’s hometown. The roundtable discussion consisted of 10 participants: Trump, Chapman, Davis, Chief Human Resources Officer for Boeing Heidi Capozzi,Phillips 66 Wood River Refinery Manager Jerry Knoyle, CEO of Cope Plastics Jane Salle and Brad Schaive of Laborers Local 447. Also in attendance were students and graduates of Lewis and Clark including current Student Trustee and nursing student Robyn Scott, Process Operations Technology graduate Bobbie McCormick, and Welding Program graduate Charlie Umphrey. Discussion topics varied from past personal experiences that lead to the current situations of the speakers, as well as the needs of local and statewide industrial leaders (specifically the need for skilled and qualified workers), the booming economic climate, and ever-growing job market. “I’m excited to discuss workforce development issues with Ivanka Trump, who is leading this issue for the White House, 13th District employers and students, and Lewis and Clark Community College,” Davis said. “Congress and the administration continue to work with businesses to improve workforce training opportunities to fill the jobs being created by our growing economy.”

Where There is a Trump, There are Trump Protesters By Ashtyn Britt

Lewis and Clark Community College received guest visits from Ivanka Trump and Rodney Davis Aug. 8. The pair held a roundtable to congratulate the college on the new Weber building and to speak of training programs, as well as for Davis to show visibility for his current campaign for the midterm re-election against Betsy Dirksen Londrigan, which will be held Nov. 6, 2018. Naturally, as the word of Ivanka Trump’s visit spread through the

community, a protest was also held by locals who opposed the Trump administration and Davis on the same morning as the roundtable. Protests have become common at Trump events even before the 2016 election took place. Local Robyne O’Mara came to the college that morning to protest both Davis and Trump. She gathered with other protesters outside of the north entrance to Lewis and Clark College. “Many people in our area have been

Coupled with the jobs created by the growing economy, the mass exodus of Baby Boomers from the workforce has brought the nation to a somewhat unprecedented era. Trump said the recently formed National Council for the American Worker would be responsible for helping students make smarter decisions about career options, while reconciling existing programs and providing greater accountability. Trump shared information about reforming Pell Grant requirements in an effort to make them more readily available, especially to students of vocational programs. Trump said they are currently only available to students pursuing a Bachelor’s degree. Her visit to the Riverbend area was the second in nearly a month. She was here with her father to visit the Granite City Steel facility in late July. Trump’s L&C visit was part of her nationwide tour aimed at spotlighting the Strengthening Career and Technical Education Act, which was signed by the president on August 1. The Bill is intended to raise funding for vocational education and intends to empower community leaders, increase transparency as well as limit federal government involvement. The Weber Workforce Center was made possible by a nearly $3.25 million gift from the estate of local resident Ed Weber and contributions from local industry, like HWRT Oil Co. and Cope Plastics, Inc.

Security Heavy During Trump Visit

Protestor Robyne O’Mara

terribly disappointed in our congressional representative Rodney Davis,” O’Mara said. “He ran as a moderate but has voted with President Trump 98 percent of the time. He ran saying he would protect our healthcare and yet he voted to See Page 4A

When President Donald Trump’s daughter Ivanka Trump held a roundtable discussion with U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Taylorville, a few select panelists and a group of roughly 250 guests were in attendance. Protestors also came to campus for the event. Lewis and Clark Community College campus security was on high alert and made sure to keep on top of the task at hand. “I am unaware of the exact number, but I do not believe there were more than a dozen protesters at a single time,” Director of Campus Safety Brad Raish said. “The college recognizes that events such as Ivanka Trump’s visit may draw protesters who wish to have their voices heard,” Raish said. “In

these situations, the college will provide designated protest areas based on the location of the event and in the interest of public safety.” The majority of the protesters gathered on the public sidewalk near the north entrance. A few utilized the pre-designated protest areas on campus. “At no point did the protesters pose a security risk,” Raish said. “Everyone was very polite and complied with any Campus Safety request.” Security was heavy on campus that day, but Braish could not specify the number of secret service agents involved. “Unfortunately, we do not release information such as See Page 2A