TheCALL November 2022c

THE November 2022 Edition

CALL
of The Timberwolf

TABLE OF

Contents

4 LEARNING
6 LEADERSHIP

8 COMMUNITY

11 CONNECTION

One Wolf One Pack

2

The CALL of the Timberwolf | November 2022

WETiLmCbeOrwMolvEes

The Student Voice
is the Loudest

I announced during this semester’s DR. LEE ANN NUTT
Welcome Week that the priority at LSC-
Tomball this year was going to be listening President, LSC-Tomball
to the student voice. While we’ve always
been committed to addressing the needs
of our students and making sure they
were resourced in the appropriate ways
to facilitate their success, the “Students’
Voice will be the Loudest” initiative has
allowed us to take a deeper dive into
what is on students’ minds, asking them,

in various settings, specific questions, and giving them the opportunity to do the same with
us.

As president, I hosted several Pop-Ups at our facilities earlier this semester. These hour-
long listening sessions allowed me to connect with those I don’t see everyday, allowed
me to make observations of space utilization, and really step inside the daily world of our
students. For the annual Fall Forum, I featured a panel of student leaders who responded
to thoughtful questions submitted earlier by the faculty and staff.

Each member of my President’s Cabinet has been charged with soliciting feedback from
students in whatever ways are appropriate for their areas. Dr. Christina Hagerty, the vice
president of instruction, for example, has hosted her own listening sessions to engage with
students about their experiences in the classroom. The division of Student Success has
surveyed students who were with us in the spring, but did not return in the fall to ask them
what we could do to help get them back on track. Not only are we finding meaning in the
answers we are receiving and identifying actionable steps we can take, but there is also
power in the simple act of discourse. We are connecting with our students in authentic,
genuine ways, which is reinvigorating our focus and honing our mission.

3

LEARN

FALL FORUM from their time at LSC-Tomball, what moments
were most outstanding?
Student Panel Speaks A theme present in several student responses
was their desire for more connection with
LSC-Tomball faculty and staff got their college staff and deeper relationships with
questions answered by 12 students at this faculty. The students said that empathetic
semester’s Fall Forum. Unlike past Fall Forums professors, who encouraged them to focus
that focused on general information such as on their goals when challenges arose,
budgets and enrollment numbers, this forum inspired them to persevere. Many of the most
kept firm with our mission to make certain that memorable moments were tied to the student’s
in daily discussions concerning the activity of involvement in organizations like TRIO or
the college, “students’ voices are the loudest.” Student Engagement, where friendships
and mentor relationships were made, and
As event host and master of ceremonies, wraparound support services were found.
Dr. Nutt facilitated a conversation between Dr. Nutt closed the informative forum by
faculty, staff, and a student panel. The panel summarizing and echoing the perspectives
was composed of students with different given by the students. She reminded the
backgrounds, a wide range of ages, and attentive audience, “Every encounter faculty
differing amounts of involvement at LSC- or staff have with students matter. Moments
Tomball. The students fielded a wide range matter.”
of questions such as, what’s the best way for
the college to communicate with them, how
do they pick their classes and professors, what
campus renovations would they make, and
4

NING The CALL of the Timberwolf | November 2022

DYING TO KNOW
SERIES

Series Examines The End
A new series called Dying to Know has been
exploring questions about death, dying, and
the afterlife. To illuminate these topics, a wide
range of guest experts share their knowledge
of cultures, religions, and other traditions.

“The idea behind this series is to foster an know or to explore what others believe.” said
environment of diversity and inclusion where Cory Colby, LSC-Tomball professor of political
people can learn, ask questions, and think science, Student Government Association
critically,” said one of the series sponsors, Dr. Faculty Advisor, and event co-creator and
Margaret Jelinek Lewis, PhD., LSC-Tomball co-moderator. “We are offering a safe space
Behavioral Sciences chair, and professor of that says, ‘We all have questions and that’s
psychology. “We are hoping that the people normal.’”
who attend develop an appreciation for The first session, on Buddhism, was well
other cultures and belief systems, specifically received by its 23 attendees. In the second
in how they look at death and dying.” session on Latinx Indigenous cultures, Stefán
This fall semester, the four 90-minute sessions Sanchez, PhD student in Rice University’s
focus on Buddhism, Latinx and Indigenous Department of Religion, spoke to an
Cultures of Latin America, Islam, and audience of nearly 35 people. “People were
Judaism. Each session was conducted in a interested, and asked insightful questions,”
similar format. Guest speakers answer an said Lewis. “Talking about these kinds of
identical series of ten questions which provide issues goes a long way to broadening our
audience members a chance to contrast what understanding of other cultures and belief
they have heard across different sessions. The systems.”
guest then takes questions from the audience.
“We all know we have this transition point
in front of us called death, but so many of us
are conditioned to believe that it is unseemly
to be curious or to ask questions about it. We
may even feel pressure from our families or
faith communities to not question what we

5

LEADE

RESEARCH AND
INNOVATION CENTER

Grand Opening

In October, LSC- CREEKSIDE WELCOMES FAL
Tomball celebrated the
grand opening of the Children’s Library Opens
Research and Innovation
Center`, an on-campus With new leadership, and the return of
hub for students, faculty, Harris County Public Library services, Lone
and staff to explore, Star College-Creekside Center continues to
create, and implement evolve to meet the needs of students and the
new inventive ideas. The community.
sophisticated R&I Center
space and its thoughtfully The new LSC-Creekside Center Dean of
planned programing Instruction Dr. Jerica Nickerson, endeavors to
was designed to produce bring awareness to the Center’s top faculty,
a culture and environment conducive to programs, and course offerings, and establish
investigation and ideation. As part of the hub’s the Center as the first option for graduating
launch, the Center held a fireside chat about high school students, who are seeking a
the evolution of Higher Education and the use more intimate educational atmosphere.
of Technology. The mission of the R&I Center
is to pursue research, power collaboration,
foster innovation, and inspire work that aligns
with the LSC system’s mission to provide
comprehensive educational opportunities and
programs that enrich lives.

Continuing LSC-Tomball’s strong partnership
with the Harris County Public Library, a
6

The CALL of the Timberwolf | November 2022

ERSHIP

DR. TERRA RUPPERT

OTA Director Honored

Terra Ruppert PhD, OTR, and director of the
LSC-Tomball Occupational Therapy Assistant
program for over 25 years, was awarded
the Roster of Merit by the Texas Occupational
Therapy Association Conference in Denton,
Texas on November 4.

This award is given to members of the Texas
Occupational Therapy Association who,
through their efforts, over a period of fifteen
years or more, have
made significant
contributions to
the profession of
occupational therapy
in two or more of
LL WITH RENEWED ENERGY the following areas,
therapeutic practice,
children’s room has opened at Creekside communication, and
featuring not only children’s books, but also a association activities.
play area, and will eventually offer children’s
story times. The positive impact
Santa will be visiting LSC-Creekside Center that Ruppert’s work
on Tuesday, December 7 at 6 pm, and has had on the LSC-
everyone in the community is invited. Tomball Occupational
“The community can put their confidence in Therapy Assistant
the LSC-Creekside Center,” said Nickerson. program and the lives of the students under
“We will continue to serve the community her leadership, cannot be overstated or over
and students by offering services, programs praised. Congratulations, Dr. Ruppert!
and educational opportunities that are
relevant, in-demand, and meeting needs.” OONNEEWPAOCLKF

7

COMM

FITNESS CENTER

Shining a Spotlight on We

The LSC-Tomball Fitness Center
provide inclusive recreational e
programs that inspire success, b
bringing back past workout fav
benefit and connect the commu
“Our vision is to change lives,”
Tomball’s Fitness Center Coordi
and exercise options we introdu
all the LSC community.”

In honor of Breast Cancer a
Center hosted its first Pink O
gorgeous day in mid- Octo
to the sand volleyball court
been diagnosed with breas
survivors. There were lots o
the mixture of LSC- Tombal
Tomball High School varsit

wore pink t-shirts, ribbons,
show their support.
Coffee and a Thank You,

recurring event, s
of every month, g
The Fitness Cente
early to help stu
off with free cof

gratitude, for a
20 people strol
foyer, enjoyed
grabbed a hea
and said they
Coffee and a

8

The CALL of the Timberwolf | November 2022

MUNITY

R “Fitness centers play a significant role on college
campuses and in the community,” said Greene. Having a
ellness culture of fitness can benefit faculty and staff, educating
them on how to feel better, mentally and physically,
r continues to meet its mission, to alleviate workplace stress, and ultimately reduce
experiences, quality service, and absenteeism and turnover.”
by adding new workout options, The Fitness Center offers a wide range of athletic training
vorites, and hosting events that and exercise opportunities suited for all. The new indoor
unity. cycles with YouTube-guided rides boost cyclists’ weight
loss efforts, improve heart health, and increase muscle
said Joycelyn Greene, LSC- strength. The rock wall is open for climbing and Austin
inator. “The programs, events, Murdock, our rock wall climbing instructor, is available
uce, serve to meet the needs of to work with individuals or groups seeking team building
activities. Later this fall, the Fitness Center will be adding
awareness month, the Fitness two stair master machines, two-row machines, and
Out Volleyball Game on a stackable Plyo boxes.
ober. Nearly 40 players took Other gym amenities include cardio and weight rooms,
courts for badminton, basketball, and volleyball. The
in support of those who have Fitness Center has an indoor jogging track and members
st cancer and to celebrate the of the community are invited to utilize the Fitness Center
of smiles and high fives from for a nominal fee.
ll faculty, staff, students, and the “It’s the Fitness Center’s goal to keep the equipment
ty volleyball team players, who and facilities up to date while ensuring a welcoming
, and hot pink slider sandals to environment for all,” said Sid Fancher, an LSC-Tomball
Fitness Center staff member. “It’s a great place to work,
the Fitness Center’s new with a welcoming atmosphere for all. In every Fitness
scheduled for the first Monday Center initiative, care and compassion are evident.”
got off the ground this October. The Fitness Center has several events to look forward to
er team was up bright and in December. Painting with a Twist will visit on December
udents and staff start their week 6. A Rock Wall Challenge will be held on December
ffee, for a boost of energy, and 7, and on December 8, at Climbing for A Cause,
participants are invited to bring a non-perishable item for
boost of positive emotions. Over donation to The Den, the on-campus food pantry.
lled through the Fitness Center’s
the “coffee cafe” mood music,
althy muffin, savored the coffee,
y couldn’t wait for next month’s
Thank You event.

9

COMMUNITY

BAKE SALE

Employee Giving

As part of the annual LSC employee Quinn, Rob Marmerstein, CEO, HCA Houston
giving campaign, LSC-Tomball hosted its 2nd Healthcare-Tomball, and Brian Bayani,
annual Bake Sale to raise funds for student Executive Director, Harris County Emergency
scholarships. At this year’s sale, attendees Services - Dist. 8, judged the yummy treats
were treated to a variety of tasty desserts, that were entered into the baking contest.
donated by students, faculty, and staff, all of The Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies took
which could be purchased for a dollar. The home first place in the cookie category while
sale was truly a community affair staffed by a Whiskey Cake brought home the win in the
volunteer faculty and staff, who sold and cake category. The popular event raised over
served the sweet treats, while a panel of $1200 and was a sweet success enjoyed by
local celebrities, Tomball mayor Lori Klein all.
10

The CALL of the Timberwolf | November 2022

CONNECTION

COLLEGE FAIR

Taking the Next Step

HISPANIC HERITAGE Preparing students to transfer to four-year
universities and complete a bachelor’s degree
Recap is one of our main missions. We, therefore,
hosted a College Fair in October. Chinda
The Office of Student Engagement honored Acosta, LSC-Tomball’s Career and Transfer
and observed Hispanic Heritage Month, Connections advisor is a LSC alum and former
September 15- October 15, by hosting transfer student, so she understands the work
engaging, educational events that celebrated that goes into transferring. “We hope to make
the histories, cultures, and contributions of the process less intimidating. One of the ways
American citizens whose ancestors came from we achieve this is through our College Fair,
Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central which provides students the opportunity to
and South America. explore university options right here at home.”
At this year’s Fair, students and their families
At this year’s first and most popular event, the were provided the unique opportunity to
Latin American Culture Candy Bar, students shop over 50 different institutions. Students
were treated to a variety of candies from visited with admission representatives from the
Colombia, Venezuela, Mexico, and several University of Houston, West Point, and Abilene
other Latin American countries. Later in the Christian University to name a few. University
month, students tried their luck, while playing representatives spoke with students directly
the traditional Spanish game of chance called about what their institutions have to offer,
lotería. Mid-month, the FIFA Xbox Tournament admissions requirements, application steps,
gathered student gamers in the Commons, scholarships, student life, and more.
where they chose from Latin soccer teams to
compete in an Xbox World Championship. The 11
month of festivities ended with an energetic
Latin American Dance party.

CONNE

FROM TOMBALL TO the completion of her associates degree, she
HARVARD started to research what her online bachelor’s
degree options were. She stumbled upon the
Never too Late for the Ivy League Harvard University Division of Continuing
Education, applied, and got in.
Holly Cook, branch manager of Community At Harvard, Cook is doing a joint bachelors
Bank of Texas, Tomball Tourism advisory and master’s degree program. She graduated
Chairman, co-founder and director of a local in May 2021 with her bachelor’s degree, and
non-profit, Families Feeding Families, and simultaneously completed one third of her
current Harvard master’s degree student, was master’s degree program in management,
at one time, a college dropout. which she will complete by the end of summer
2023.
“The first time I went to college I didn’t even Cook said her Harvard classes are “amazing,”
finish my first semester,” said Cook. “I got and that the education she received at LSC-
married, had kids, raised my family and was Tomball prepared her well for the rigorous
happy with my job. At that time, I thought, ‘I’ll academic environment. To others who are
never go back to school.” contemplating going back to college, Cook’s
advice is “Try it. College is a place you can
But years later, when Cook was helping experiment. Take an eight-week class and see
her teenage daughter with her LSC-Tomball if you like it.”
homework, she realized she had a passion
for learning. So, when Cook went with her
daughter to an advising appointment, she
started asking questions about the adult
learning options. Eventually, Cook began her
own college journey.

“I applied for admission, took my placement
exam, and just jumped right in,” said Cook.
“LSC-Tomball was very welcoming. I would
have never considered going back to college,
had I not known it was such a safe space to
learn and grow.”

In just five semesters, Cook graduated from
LSC-Tomball with an associate of arts degree.
She said her quick success “energized” her to
continue with her education. As she neared
12

The CALL of the Timberwolf | November 2022

ECTION

POETRY SLAM LONE STAR COLLEGE
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Celebrating Free Speech
District 1
Students, faculty, and staff poets performed Michael Stoma, Vice Chair
their original poetry pieces at the seventh
annual LSC-Tomball Free Speech Poetry District 2
Slam held during the National Freedom of Ernestine M. Pierce, Trustee
Speech Week, which is observed the third
week of October. The event is centered on the District 3
expression of diverse, divergent ideas, and Iesheia Ayers-Wilson, Secretary
complex and conflicting issues.
District 4
“The Free Speech Poetry Slam is an example Art Murillo, Trustee
of a high-impact learning experience,” said
Cory Colby, LSC-Tomball professor of political District 5
science, Student Government Association David A. Vogt, Trustee
faculty advisor and event founder. “It is an
opportunity to celebrate that we live in a free District 6
society where ideas, even those different from Myriam Saldívar, Chair
our own, can be expressed.”
District 7
For many of the presenters, this was their first Rebecca Broussard, Trustee
time speaking in front of a large audience.
“I’m always impressed by our student’s insight, District 8
creativity, talent and bravery,” said Colby. Mike Sullivan, Assistant Secretary

District 9
Jim Cain, Ed.D., Trustee

Stephen C. Head, Ph.D., Chancellor

13

THE

CALL

@NuttsforTomball
LoneStar.edu/Tomball-President