Jan. 15, 2010

For Immediate Release

Contact:  Kelly Kirkpatrick, program director, kellyk@labette.edu, 620-820-1147

Juliana Kepner, academic advisor, julianak@labette.edu, 620-820-1139

Student of the Month for January 2010

Student Support Services (SSS), of Labette Community College (LCC), announces the January Student of the Month, Brandace Magner.  Magner, of Parsons,  is a respiratory care major. Respiratory care was a good choice because she wanted to further her education in the medical field.

 “A few family members…have battled smoking related cancers or diseases,” Magner said. “I have first-hand experience growing up, taking care of them, and watching respiratory therapists in the hospital.”

Among her endeavors, Magner was on the President’s Honor Roll four consecutive semesters and involved on campus.  She was a member of the leadership development society, Sigma Alpha Phi, treasurer of Respiratory Care Club, and work-study for Student Support Services.

Magner attributes her success to the constant support of her family, boyfriend, Student Support Services staff, and instructors.  She said sociology instructor, Brad Huffaker encouraged her to chase her dreams and noticed her unstoppable spirit. Magner said the new respiratory care director at LCC also was supportive.

 “Though I’ve only known her for a short time, Laura Grotheer, has been wonderful,” Magner said.  “She has provided me with insight to the profession and helped me in making decisions that determine the course of my career.”

Magner graduated December 2009 and hopes to continue her education while working as a respiratory care therapist.  She is interested in pediatrics and trauma and intends to gain experience in the field through working as a traveling respiratory therapist. 

Student Support Services is a TRIO Program funded by the United States Department of Education to improve the persistence, transfer, and graduation rates of first-generation and income-eligible college students at LCC.  Student Support Services serves 215 students each year with an annual budget of $326,136.

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