LCC Readies for its 60th Year with New Programs and Opportunities

EUGENE, Ore. — Lane Community College is excited to kick off its 60th academic year as a trusted educational institution in the Eugene community. As the college prepares to welcome students for the start of the Fall Term on Sept. 30, it celebrates both its rich history and its continued commitment to innovation by unveiling a slate of new programs aimed at preparing students for today’s evolving job market.

As part of its commitment to addressing the changing needs of the workforce, Lane is introducing several new programs this fall:

• Lane is launching its first baccalaureate degree, the Bachelor of Applied Science in Applied Business Management, with the inaugural cohort starting this fall. 
• The Paraprofessional, Education Assistant, and Community Educator Certificate is designed to equip students with the skills needed to support classroom teachers and work in community education.
• The CTE Educator Certificate Program helps industry experts transition into teaching roles, providing them with the foundational skills necessary to become effective educators in Career and Technical Education fields.
• For those looking to build expertise in business accounting or management, the college is offering 1-year certificates in Accounting and Small Business Management.
• Culinary enthusiasts can pursue 1-year certificates in Baking & Pastry and Culinary Arts, preparing them for rewarding careers in the food industry.
• Two new certificates in manufacturing and stick or wire welding will offer students hands-on training to meet the growing demand in industrial trades.

“We are incredibly proud to be celebrating our 60th academic year,” said Lane Community College Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Shelley Tinkham. “As we look back on six decades of providing quality education, we are also focused on the future. These new and re-envisioned programs reflect our commitment to meeting the needs of today’s students and employers, ensuring that our graduates are ready to make a difference in their communities and the world.”

In addition to these new programs, Lane is offering a Welcome Back Scholarship for returning students. This scholarship provides financial support to students who have been away from Lane for at least one year and are looking to return to complete their studies. Eligible recipients can earn as much as $1,500 during 2024-2025. More information about eligibility and application details can be found at lanecc.edu/welcomeback.

Students, both returning and new, will find a warm welcome with various events put on as a a partnership between support staff and student government, with funding from Northwest Community Credit Union. Lane’s Weeks of Welcome begins with the first week as students are greeted with free coffee and snacks. Week two will feature a Resource Fair, where students can enter raffles and get fun swag while learning about the many free support services offered across campus. Online students won’t be left out. Students can discover the online counterparts of all the services offered on campus through a digital scavenger hunt.

Weeks of Welcome offer more than academic support. Several social events will let students connect with Lane’s unique campus culture, from chatting with LCC President Stephanie Bulger and Student Government President Sophie Gibson over a free pancake breakfast, to making a literal mark on the school with a window painting contest, to taking a mental break between classes at a pop-up petting zoo. 

“People sometimes think community colleges don’t offer the same level of student engagement universities do, but that couldn’t be further from the truth,” Director of Student Life and Leadership Beccah Maley, said. “Weeks of Welcome is about capturing that fall-time excitement of starting school while also saying ‘You’re here at Lane and we’re here for you.’”

Applications are still being accepted for this next term. Interested students can apply at lanecc.edu/apply.