GRAPHIC DESIGN PROGRAM AT IOWA LAKES FEATURED AT JANUARY TRUSTEE MEETING

(Estherville, Iowa) Iowa Lakes Community College Trustees convened at the Administrative Offices in Estherville late Tuesday afternoon for their regularly scheduled monthly board meeting.

Robert Leifeld, Vice President of Administration, began Tuesday’s meeting by introducing Mark Rosenberg, Graphic Design Program Coordinator at Iowa Lakes Community College. Rosenberg earned his Bachelor’s in Arts degree from California State University, Northridge. Rosenberg has been an instructor at Iowa Lakes since 2017.

Iowa Lakes offers a dual-track option for those interested in launching a career in graphic design, with the option to earn a diploma or an Associate in Applied Science degree.

“Students enrolled in the Graphic Design program at Iowa Lakes develop skills in design, graphics, animation, typography, digital illustration, and photography and learn in a state-of-the-art Mac lab with the latest Adobe Creative Cloud Suite applications,” said Rosenberg.

Additionally, students enrolled in the Graphic Design program benefit from an interactive experience through a shared network with other students and instructors, allowing for a real-world graphic design experience.

“Students enjoy that our program provides the opportunity to collaborate with other students when completing course projects and get that authentic feel for what is experienced when starting a career in graphic design, “said Rosenberg.

Since Rosenberg’s arrival to Iowa Lakes in 2017, innovative advancements have been made to the course curriculum and the technology available to students.

“Upon my arrival, I have developed new course options for students that enhance the program and expand the knowledge provided to our students with the addition of digital color theory and typography,” said Rosenberg.

Additionally, Rosenberg shared, “Iowa Lakes has experienced growth in enrollment for the Graphic Design program and has benefited from the development of an articulation agreement with the University of Northern Iowa.”

Articulation agreements provide a clear pathway for transferring from Iowa Lakes to four-year institutions like the University of Northern Iowa.

Rosenberg shared that he has had many students take advantage of this agreement to pursue a bachelor’s degree in the University of Northern Iowa’s Graphic Technology program or even art education.

Attending Tuesday’s meeting was Graphic Design student Vanessa Reardon, Spencer, Iowa, a sophomore in the program.

Reardon stated, “I chose Iowa Lakes because of the Graphic Design program, the facilities, the instructor, and the access to technology such as the Mac lab and other computer labs on campus.”

When asked what she likes best about Iowa Lakes, Reardon said,

“I like that Iowa Lakes has a smaller campus but a lot of opportunities to get involved, making Iowa Lakes a great choice for transitioning between high school and a larger university. I also enjoy the one-on-one interaction with my fellow students and faculty.”

To learn more about the Graphic Design program offered at Iowa Lakes, visit the College website at iowalakes.edu.

Delaine Hiney, Executive Director of Facilities Management, received approval to accept bids for roof replacement on the Emmetsburg and Estherville Campuses and the Iowa Lakes Administrative offices. A bid opening is scheduled for Thursday, March 9, 2023, at 11 am in the Conference Room at the Administrative Office.

The formal public hearing for the projects will occur on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at 4:30 pm during the regularly scheduled Iowa Lakes Board of Trustees meeting.

In conclusion of Tuesday’s meeting, Jeff Soper, Chief Financial Officer, received approval to move forward with paying the monthly bills. A public hearing date for the FY24 Published Budget was set for February 21, 2023.

The next monthly Board meeting will be on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at 4:30 pm at the Administration Building, 19 South 7th Street, Estherville, Iowa. The Work Session will begin at 4:00 pm.

(photo) Mark Rosenberg, Graphic Design Program Coordinator at Iowa Lakes Community College, and Vanessa Reardon, Graphic Design student, at the Board of Trustees meeting on January 17.