Iowa Lakes Trustees Learn More About The Web And Game Design Programs Offered At Iowa Lakes

(Estherville, Iowa) The Iowa Lakes Community College Board of Trustees met Tuesday afternoon as a part of their regularly scheduled meeting.

Tuesday’s meeting started with the Trustees hearing a presentation from Justin Latham regarding Faust Institute of Cosmetology located in Spirit Lake and Storm Lake.

Following Latham’s presentation, the Executive Dean of the Estherville Campus, Lisa Stich, Ph.D., introduced Kevin Grems, Assistant Professor of the Web and Game Design programs. Kevin is an alumni of Iowa Lakes Community College and has been a faculty member since 2011.

Grems provided the board with an overview of each program, including some curriculum highlights. One area of specific interest for many students is the opportunity to learn standard coding languages like HTML/5, CSS/3, Javascript, PHP, and SQL.

Grems also reported on the many opportunities available upon graduation from Iowa Lakes Community College.

“Many students from our programs have found employment in our local area and beyond. Some of these areas include metros such as Sioux Falls, Mankato, and Minneapolis. Many are working for “traditional” companies or even earning a living by completing freelance projects” said Grems.

Grems then introduced current student, Zachary Westemeyer, from Spirit Lake, Iowa, who is seeking his Associate of Applied Science degree in Game Design and Development. Westemeyer is the co-founder of a startup company called Lonely Empire Studios that produces games for a variety of clients and are looking to get involved with further projects within the entertainment industry.

Westemeyer stated, “Being a part of the program at Iowa Lakes is providing me with the skills I need to be successful in my career.”

The Board then had the opportunity to hear from the Vice President of Administration, Robert Leifeld, regarding the hiring of two new faculty members to Iowa Lakes Community College. Leifeld introduced Charles Reynolds, as the new instructor for the Automotive Technology program on the Emmetsburg Campus and Karie Sebens, for the Nursing program.

Executive Director of Facilities Management, Delaine Hiney provided a progress report on the Algona Campus Addition and the Performing Arts facility on the Estherville Campus. It was reported that the Algona Campus Addition is near completion with room rental expected to be available starting October 1 and the Performing Arts facility is moving forward with positive progress.

“The roof is on, and all roof drains are working, plumbing rough-ins are complete for the mechanical room and restrooms, and the block layers continue to move forward,” stated Hiney.

Hiney also reported positive results after a visit from an ADA auditor that is part of the upcoming Department of Education visit this November.

“He was impressed with our grounds and the overall condition of our facilities.”, said Hiney.

The next scheduled meeting for the Trustees will be held on Tuesday, October 16, 2018 beginning at 4:30 pm at the Administrative Building, 19 South 7th St., Estherville, IA.

For More Information:

Iowa Lakes marketing office at 712-362-7947