2016 LSCPA Report to the Community 1 | Page 10

Distinguished Lecture Series: RJ Mitte RJ Mitte, known for his work on the television series “Breaking Bad” and “Switched at Birth”, was the keynote speaker at the LSCPA Distinguished Lecture Series in March 2016. Mitte played Walt Jr., the son of the cancerstricken science teacher-turned-drug manufacturer Walter White (played by Bryan Cranston) on the Emmy-winning AMC drama Breaking Bad. Like his character on the show, Mitte has cerebral palsy, although his is a milder form of the disability. In 2014, Mitte began a recurring role on the Peabody Award-winning ABC Family drama, Switched at Birth, as Campbell, a pre-med college student paralyzed by a snowboarding accident who works at the free clinic. GULF COAST G AL A   Ronnie Milsap, one of the most popular and influential performers of the 1970s and 80s, was the headline act for the 13th Annual Gulf Coast Gala at LSCPA in April 2016. The Gala was developed in 2004 to benefit cultural and visual arts at the Museum of the Gulf Coast, and to provide support for the college’s “Discovery” youth program, Alumni Fund, athletic scholarships, musical and theatrical productions and a variety of special projects, such as Lamar State’s July 4 celebration and the Regional Citizen Bee. THE COMMUNITY LSCPA adds three to administration Amanda Smith named Rogers Community Service Award winner During the past year, the LSCPA administration has seen three new additions to its roster. Amanda Smith, director of Cosmetology at LSCPA, proves that her field of expertise involves far more than a clip and cut. It involves a big heart as well. Smith has dedicated herself and her Cosmetology program to the betterAmanda Smith ment of the community. For her efforts, she was named the 2015 Ben and Julie Rogers Community Service Award winner. The annual award recognizes exemplary effort in community service by one faculty or staff member at Lamar University, Lamar Institute of Technology, Lamar State College-Orange and Lamar State College Port Arthur. Many of Smith’s contributions to the community came with the help of her students in the LSCPA Cosmetology program. Among those were manicures for residents of Oak Grove Nursing Home and Port Arthur Community Retirement Home. The group also donated Christmas toys to the Kiwanis Club, Blue Santa and The United Board of Missions, while cutting hair at Nederland Stadium for Relay for Life, Nederland High School’s Back-To-School Cut-a-Thon to give free haircuts as well as accompanying LSC-O to its Back-To-School Cut-a-Thon to give free cuts. Smith implemented the “Be the Match Registry” at LSCPA Cosmetology with a representative of that group speaking to students about becoming a bone marrow donor. Smith, in fact, has registered herself to be added to the bone marrow registry. Another service organization, “Cut It Out,” was introduced to LSCPA Cosmetology students via Amanda’s interaction. This group helps students identify physical abuse and how to direct customers in trouble to those who can help. Other organizations benefiting from Amanda’s help are the Baptist Student Ministry, American Cancer Society, Southeast Texas Food Bank, Port City Rescue Mission and The Garth House. Amanda works with area schools, serving twice as a judge for Skills USA annual competitions at Taylor Career Technical School. Joining the staff were Dean of Student Services Dr. Deborrah Hebert and Dean of Technical Programs Sheila Trahan. J. Mark Knowles, who has been with LSCPA since the early 1990s, was promoted to Director of Institutional Effectiveness. Deborrah Hebert Mark Knowles Dr. Hebert supervises Admissions, Advising, Enrollment Services, Financial Aid and Student Activities. In his capacity, Sheila Trahan Knowles collects information and data from national, state and campus sources for analysis and evaluation. He then reports the results to campus administrators, staff and faculty to facilitate better decision-making opportunities. Trahan works with the many technical programs on campus, helping to coordinate continued growth and success. Among those programs are Process Technology, Instrumentation, Cosmetology, Automotive Technology, Office Administration, Graphic Design, Accounting, Medical Coding Specialist, and Software Developer. 2015-2016 2 REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY | PAGE 19 11