<![CDATA[Alumni Stories with Steve Robinson]]>40e837c8-e7ac-5425-b8f3-9dc02aba41efTue, 10 Mar 2026 17:49:46 +0000Captivate.fmLCC Connecthttps://artwork.captivate.fm/34387276-0615-4155-811e-ea5210885012/q6nruYBBoqoHWUM2bvA0TN3S.pngAlumni Stories with Steve RobinsonLCC ConnectLCC ConnectLansing Community College President Steve Robinson connects with LCC alumni to talk about their experience at and since leaving LCC. The LCC community is expansive and far-reaching. They are an incredibly diverse group of people representing all walks of life, working in hundreds of industries around the world. LCC Alumni Stories highlights alumni making positive contributions to their communities and showcases those who have overcome obstacles and barriers to achieve academic and personal success.https://alumni-stories.captivate.fmfalseepisodicnopodcastShalet Barker, Holt Senior Care & Rehab CenterShalet Barker, Holt Senior Care & Rehab CenterOn this episode, Alumni Stories welcomes Shalet Barker into the studio to share her journey. As a dedicated healthcare professional who works as a Housekeeping Aide at Holt Senior Care & Rehab Center, Shalet built a strong educational foundation at LCC - earning both her Human Services Certificates of Completion and Achievement before graduating in May of 2021. She then continued her education, completing her bachelor’s degree in Community Human Service with a Family Concentration in December 2023. She is currently pursuing graduate studies at Sienna Heights University, with plans to transfer to Walsh University in Canton, Ohio, where she will complete her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Her commitment to serving others spans from her hands-on work in senior care, to her academic pursuit of becoming a mental health counselor.

]]>On this episode, Alumni Stories welcomes Shalet Barker into the studio to share her journey. As a dedicated healthcare professional who works as a Housekeeping Aide at Holt Senior Care & Rehab Center, Shalet built a strong educational foundation at LCC - earning both her Human Services Certificates of Completion and Achievement before graduating in May of 2021. She then continued her education, completing her bachelor’s degree in Community Human Service with a Family Concentration in December 2023. She is currently pursuing graduate studies at Sienna Heights University, with plans to transfer to Walsh University in Canton, Ohio, where she will complete her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Her commitment to serving others spans from her hands-on work in senior care, to her academic pursuit of becoming a mental health counselor.

]]>d0dbc2a1-7f1e-4923-8c57-1c2967ce7991Tue, 21 Oct 2025 14:00:00 -040025:16falsefull2323Dustin Earley, County Road Association of MichiganDustin Earley, County Road Association of MichiganDustin Earley's educational journey took him through LCC from 2012 to 2015, where he built a strong foundation before completing his Professional Communications Bachelor's degree at Sienna Heights University at the University Center on LCC’s campus. Dustin has built a successful career as a communications professional, earning his accreditation in PR designation while leading engagement and outreach efforts for Michigan's county road infrastructure.

Website: Country Road Association of Michigan

]]>Dustin Earley's educational journey took him through LCC from 2012 to 2015, where he built a strong foundation before completing his Professional Communications Bachelor's degree at Sienna Heights University at the University Center on LCC’s campus. Dustin has built a successful career as a communications professional, earning his accreditation in PR designation while leading engagement and outreach efforts for Michigan's county road infrastructure.

Website: Country Road Association of Michigan

]]>076b002c-f234-48ac-b304-54ea41f48f94Tue, 23 Sep 2025 14:00:00 -040026:12falsefull2222Oscar Pena, Black Rose DesignsOscar Pena, Black Rose DesignsOscar Pena is an inspiring entrepreneur who had an incredible journey throughout his time at LCC. Starting with the HSDCI program in 2012, Oscar later moved to the Digital Media, Audio, and Cinema program. Now, he is the Head Designer and founder of Black Rose Designs, a clothing company known for its high-quality apparel made right here in Downtown Lansing. As a dedicated small business owner, Oscar continuously gives back to the community. Recently, he reconnected with LCC through the Michigan Reconnect program.

]]>Oscar Pena is an inspiring entrepreneur who had an incredible journey throughout his time at LCC. Starting with the HSDCI program in 2012, Oscar later moved to the Digital Media, Audio, and Cinema program. Now, he is the Head Designer and founder of Black Rose Designs, a clothing company known for its high-quality apparel made right here in Downtown Lansing. As a dedicated small business owner, Oscar continuously gives back to the community. Recently, he reconnected with LCC through the Michigan Reconnect program.

]]>d8ea96f5-7a9a-499c-9aba-66308289beb4Tue, 30 Jul 2024 13:00:00 -040025:00falsefull2121Marta Herrera-Zamora, State of Michigan Quality AnalystMarta Herrera-Zamora, State of Michigan Quality AnalystDr. Robinson invites Marta Herrera-Zamora to join him on this episode of Alumni Stories. Herrera-Zamora is a Cuban Refugee who obtained two associate degrees from Lansing Community College and continued her education at Michigan State University. She now works for the State of Michigan as a Quality Analyst.

]]>Dr. Robinson invites Marta Herrera-Zamora to join him on this episode of Alumni Stories. Herrera-Zamora is a Cuban Refugee who obtained two associate degrees from Lansing Community College and continued her education at Michigan State University. She now works for the State of Michigan as a Quality Analyst.

]]>cf2532af-82da-48e1-8b86-9bbc9e92febbSat, 19 Nov 2022 13:00:00 -040023:03falsefull2020Andrew Gillman, Bicultural ConsultantAndrew Gillman, Bicultural ConsultantDr. Robinson connects with Andy Gillman in this episode of Alumni Stories. Andy is a Bicultural Consultant for Toyota and the President of Hinoki Foundation, a volunteer organization that promotes Japanese-English bilingualism and multiculturalism. Andy explains how LCC’s Japan Adventure set him on the path to a career involving Japan, and its effects it had on his life through social, business, and educational connections.

Website: Hinoki Foundation

Website: LCC Japan Studies Endowment

]]>Dr. Robinson connects with Andy Gillman in this episode of Alumni Stories. Andy is a Bicultural Consultant for Toyota and the President of Hinoki Foundation, a volunteer organization that promotes Japanese-English bilingualism and multiculturalism. Andy explains how LCC’s Japan Adventure set him on the path to a career involving Japan, and its effects it had on his life through social, business, and educational connections.

Website: Hinoki Foundation

Website: LCC Japan Studies Endowment

]]>84d243c6-923a-497f-a1ec-1d061f0a401eSat, 29 Oct 2022 13:00:00 -040025:16falsefull1919Jada Gnass, LCC Psychology Program and Studies AbroadJada Gnass, LCC Psychology Program and Studies AbroadDr. Robinson has a conversation with Jada Gnass, who has returned to Lansing after a three month human rights study abroad in South Africa. The two discuss the nation's remnants of apartheid, her observations about studying abroad, and her experiences at Lansing Community College and Elmhurst University.

Website: LCC Psychology Degrees & Programs

Website: LCC Cultural Awareness 365 Committees

Website: Elmhurst University

Website: Impression5

]]>Dr. Robinson has a conversation with Jada Gnass, who has returned to Lansing after a three month human rights study abroad in South Africa. The two discuss the nation's remnants of apartheid, her observations about studying abroad, and her experiences at Lansing Community College and Elmhurst University.

Website: LCC Psychology Degrees & Programs

Website: LCC Cultural Awareness 365 Committees

Website: Elmhurst University

Website: Impression5

]]>7d1050b0-e08b-467c-98ed-61541350d74fSat, 02 Jul 2022 13:00:00 -040024:26falsefull1717Todd Heywood, City Pulse, Between The Lines, TheBody.comTodd Heywood, City Pulse, Between The Lines, TheBody.comDr. Robinson connects with former Lansing Community College Board of Trustee member and LCC Alum, Todd Heywood. They chat about his multi-faceted experience at LCC, his investigative reporting for Lansing City Pulse and what it was like being one of LCC's first openly gay students.

Website: Lansing City Pulse

Website: The Body

]]>Dr. Robinson connects with former Lansing Community College Board of Trustee member and LCC Alum, Todd Heywood. They chat about his multi-faceted experience at LCC, his investigative reporting for Lansing City Pulse and what it was like being one of LCC's first openly gay students.

Website: Lansing City Pulse

Website: The Body

]]>ea706bbe-96a3-42cf-87f1-43f53a67e88cSat, 25 Jun 2022 13:00:00 -040028:01falsefull1616Paul Molnar, Independence Community CollegePaul Molnar, Independence Community CollegeDr. Robinson connects with Paul Molnar who is currently the director of theatre performance and an associate professor of theatre at Independence Community College where he teaches acting, movement, stage combat, voice and directing. The two chat about experiences at LCC, creating stage combat, and LCC Performing Arts' upcoming production of Romeo & Juliet.

Website: Professor Molnar Bio on LCC Website

Website: LCC Performing Arts

]]>Dr. Robinson connects with Paul Molnar who is currently the director of theatre performance and an associate professor of theatre at Independence Community College where he teaches acting, movement, stage combat, voice and directing. The two chat about experiences at LCC, creating stage combat, and LCC Performing Arts' upcoming production of Romeo & Juliet.

Website: Professor Molnar Bio on LCC Website

Website: LCC Performing Arts

]]>f1dc54a2-6161-4961-b514-db869d3ae7eaSat, 18 Jun 2022 13:00:00 -040025:29falsefull1515Tony Sabo, Addis EnterprisesTony Sabo, Addis EnterprisesDr. Robinson sits down to talk with Tony Sabo, Vice President and Creative Director at Addis Enterprises, about being a Dapper Dad, the birth of Addis Enterprises, and his experience at Lansing Community College.

LCC Art, Design, and Multimedia

Addis Enterprises

Women Working Wonders

]]>Dr. Robinson sits down to talk with Tony Sabo, Vice President and Creative Director at Addis Enterprises, about being a Dapper Dad, the birth of Addis Enterprises, and his experience at Lansing Community College.

LCC Art, Design, and Multimedia

Addis Enterprises

Women Working Wonders

]]>fb3250bb-a4a8-4a13-8a35-458392b2e7deSat, 21 May 2022 13:00:00 -040026:33falsefull1414Rick Hamilton, Blue Planet SoftwareRick Hamilton, Blue Planet SoftwareDr. Robinson talks with 1990 LCC Alumni, Rick Hamilton, about his path from an Aviation Technology Degree to becoming Senior Vice President at Blue Planet Software and how his experience at Lansing Community College helped him to get there.

Website: Blue Planet Software

Website: Aviation Technology

]]>Dr. Robinson talks with 1990 LCC Alumni, Rick Hamilton, about his path from an Aviation Technology Degree to becoming Senior Vice President at Blue Planet Software and how his experience at Lansing Community College helped him to get there.

Website: Blue Planet Software

Website: Aviation Technology

]]>83d6138f-706e-48b0-a246-8bea7e6c67fdSat, 07 May 2022 13:00:00 -040027:01falsefull1313Beth Kuiper, Downtown Lansing Inc.Beth Kuiper, Downtown Lansing Inc.Before we started LCC Connect, Lansing Community College President, Dr. Robinson was fronting his own podcast series with Alumni Stories. In this very first episode, he has a conversation with Beth Kuiper, Community & Program Outreach Coordinator for Downtown Lansing Inc. about her role on LCC's Academic Advisory Committee, learning leadership at LCC, and giving back to the community.

Downtown Lansing Inc.

NKBA

]]>Before we started LCC Connect, Lansing Community College President, Dr. Robinson was fronting his own podcast series with Alumni Stories. In this very first episode, he has a conversation with Beth Kuiper, Community & Program Outreach Coordinator for Downtown Lansing Inc. about her role on LCC's Academic Advisory Committee, learning leadership at LCC, and giving back to the community.

Downtown Lansing Inc.

NKBA

]]>fecd136d-b77b-4b38-8ebd-c413e354bf11Sat, 30 Apr 2022 13:00:00 -040014:32falsefull1212Rola Nashef, Professor of Practice at Michigan State UniversityRola Nashef, Professor of Practice at Michigan State UniversityIn this episode, Dr. Robinson connects with Rola Nashef, filmmaker, director, public speaker, and an MSU Professor of Practice in fiction filmmaking. They cover everything from her experience as an immigrant, her journey towards filmmaking, and her how her experience at LCC was instrumental in her path to success.

Website: Rola Nashef

Website: Rola Nashef at MSU

Website: Detroit Unleaded on IMDB

Website: LCC Philosophy Program

]]>In this episode, Dr. Robinson connects with Rola Nashef, filmmaker, director, public speaker, and an MSU Professor of Practice in fiction filmmaking. They cover everything from her experience as an immigrant, her journey towards filmmaking, and her how her experience at LCC was instrumental in her path to success.

Website: Rola Nashef

Website: Rola Nashef at MSU

Website: Detroit Unleaded on IMDB

Website: LCC Philosophy Program

]]>992a3630-119a-4ceb-8b72-142f4485f723Sat, 23 Apr 2022 13:00:00 -040028:12falsefull1111Chelsea Vann, LCC Academic Success CoachChelsea Vann, LCC Academic Success CoachDr. Robinson has a conversation with Lansing Community College Academic Success Coach, Chelsea Vann about her experience as one of the first success coaches and how her experience in international student helps her with her role at the college.

Website: Academic Success Coaching at LCC

Website: Capital Area Michigan Works

]]>Dr. Robinson has a conversation with Lansing Community College Academic Success Coach, Chelsea Vann about her experience as one of the first success coaches and how her experience in international student helps her with her role at the college.

Website: Academic Success Coaching at LCC

Website: Capital Area Michigan Works

]]>ab4b0447-4d47-4b47-9b63-e1910314c61cSat, 16 Apr 2022 13:00:00 -040025:03falsefull1010Angela Hook, LCC Academic Success CoachAngela Hook, LCC Academic Success CoachDr. Robinson goes one-on-one with Lansing Community College Academic Success Coach, Angela Hook about her passion for helping students, what it takes to become a successful graduate, and her inspiring journey towards obtaining her degree from LCC.

Academic Success Coaching at LCC

Angela Hook Email

In Memory of Jack Jesse

]]>Dr. Robinson goes one-on-one with Lansing Community College Academic Success Coach, Angela Hook about her passion for helping students, what it takes to become a successful graduate, and her inspiring journey towards obtaining her degree from LCC.

Academic Success Coaching at LCC

Angela Hook Email

In Memory of Jack Jesse

]]>8b6610d1-e5dd-4309-94cd-8f045df4d25dSat, 02 Apr 2022 13:00:00 -040026:12falsefull99Siso Dhladhla, Downtown Lansing Inc.Siso Dhladhla, Downtown Lansing Inc.Dr. Robinson has a conversation with Downtown Lansing Inc. Marketing & Design Specialist, Siso Dhladhla about his experience in the Lansing Community College Photography Program and how he applies that experience to what he does today.

Downtown Lansing Inc.

LCC Photographic Imaging Program

]]>Dr. Robinson has a conversation with Downtown Lansing Inc. Marketing & Design Specialist, Siso Dhladhla about his experience in the Lansing Community College Photography Program and how he applies that experience to what he does today.

Downtown Lansing Inc.

LCC Photographic Imaging Program

]]>9289de76-59e5-43a2-8d4d-04827d93e219Sat, 26 Mar 2022 13:00:00 -040020:00falsefull88Todd Gute, Mayotte Group ArchitectsTodd Gute, Mayotte Group ArchitectsDr. Robinson talks with Lansing Community College Alumni and President of Mayotte Group Architects, Todd Gute about LCC technology, inspiring instructors, and transferring to a four year university.

Architecture Technologies Program

Mayotte Group Architects

]]>Dr. Robinson talks with Lansing Community College Alumni and President of Mayotte Group Architects, Todd Gute about LCC technology, inspiring instructors, and transferring to a four year university.

Architecture Technologies Program

Mayotte Group Architects

]]>2a82d996-28d7-4d77-b6cb-c298e621fce4Sat, 19 Mar 2022 13:00:00 -040025:45falsefull77Rita LaMoreaux, Lacor ConsultantsRita LaMoreaux, Lacor ConsultantsDr. Robinson connects with Rita LaMoreaux, owner of Lacor Consultants, about her path from Lansing Community College to her work with nonprofits.

LCC Social Science and Humanities

Lacor Consultants

]]>Dr. Robinson connects with Rita LaMoreaux, owner of Lacor Consultants, about her path from Lansing Community College to her work with nonprofits.

LCC Social Science and Humanities

Lacor Consultants

]]>fe1527c2-5df2-471c-8c88-396c48422be0Sat, 12 Mar 2022 13:00:00 -040024:58falsefull66Angela Mathews, LCC Board TrusteeAngela Mathews, LCC Board TrusteeDr. Robinson connects with LCC Board Trustee, Angela Mathews. Trustee Mathews studied Human Services at LCC before completing her Bachelor's Degree in Community Services at Siena Heights. She is also the host of The Connection TV Show and Encouragement Coach at UIN Detroit.

LCC Board of Trustees

LCC Human Services

Siena Heights University

Connection TV Show on Facebook

]]>Dr. Robinson connects with LCC Board Trustee, Angela Mathews. Trustee Mathews studied Human Services at LCC before completing her Bachelor's Degree in Community Services at Siena Heights. She is also the host of The Connection TV Show and Encouragement Coach at UIN Detroit.

LCC Board of Trustees

LCC Human Services

Siena Heights University

Connection TV Show on Facebook

]]>222a917c-ab63-4943-a28d-ed94b93f1a63Sat, 26 Feb 2022 13:00:00 -040025:40falsefull55Calvin Jones, Lansing Board of Water & LightCalvin Jones, Lansing Board of Water & LightDr. Robinson goes one-on-one with Calvin Jones, a 1994 graduate of LCC, who earned a degree in Transfer Studies with an emphasis on Business Management and Law. He currently works as the Director of Governmental & Community Relations at the Lansing Board of Water & Light.

Lansing Board of Water & Light

LCC Transfer Studies

]]>Dr. Robinson goes one-on-one with Calvin Jones, a 1994 graduate of LCC, who earned a degree in Transfer Studies with an emphasis on Business Management and Law. He currently works as the Director of Governmental & Community Relations at the Lansing Board of Water & Light.

Lansing Board of Water & Light

LCC Transfer Studies

]]>ead9758d-5a32-496b-8108-19c0fbc64399Sat, 12 Feb 2022 13:00:00 -040024:15falsefull44Kani Caldwell, Ernst & YoungKani Caldwell, Ernst & YoungLCC President, Dr. Steve Robinson chats with LCC alum, Kani Caldwell, Campus Recruitment Coordinator for Ernst & Young.

Ernst & Young

]]>LCC President, Dr. Steve Robinson chats with LCC alum, Kani Caldwell, Campus Recruitment Coordinator for Ernst & Young.

Ernst & Young

]]>1fad9fc9-918a-4e4e-87b7-56ba8d10b516Sat, 29 Jan 2022 13:00:00 -040027:21falsefull33Patricia Spitzley, Lansing City CouncilPatricia Spitzley, Lansing City CouncilLCC President, Dr. Steve Robinson chats with LCC alum, Patricia Spitzley, Deputy Redevelopment Manager and Director of Government Affairs at Racer Trust and Lansing City Council member.

Racer Trust

Lansing City Council

]]>LCC President, Dr. Steve Robinson chats with LCC alum, Patricia Spitzley, Deputy Redevelopment Manager and Director of Government Affairs at Racer Trust and Lansing City Council member.

Racer Trust

Lansing City Council

]]>cc8122b7-9795-45fe-ba84-a2b3d7573c62Sat, 15 Jan 2022 13:00:00 -040026:48falsefull22Graham Couch, Lansing State Journal SportsGraham Couch, Lansing State Journal SportsLCC President, Dr. Steve Robinson chats with LCC alum, Graham Couch, Sports Columnist for the Lansing State Journal.

Graham Couch at LSJ

]]>LCC President, Dr. Steve Robinson chats with LCC alum, Graham Couch, Sports Columnist for the Lansing State Journal.

Graham Couch at LSJ

]]>7cd10ac3-4823-4f8f-9240-c82f58c97c7cSat, 08 Jan 2022 12:30:00 -040018:13falsefull11