Meet the Team

chiappek@lcc.edu

BIO

I have been with the college since December 2011 starting as a support staff member in the TLC computer lab and then taking on the Computer Labs Supervisor role. I received my bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University in Studio Art as a preliminary step to achieving my masters in Art Therapy (that I have yet to peruse). Art has always been my passion and I am a huge advocate for mental health. I am currently the mother of a toddler (Born November 2016) and I love him more than anything (my Aussie Lab mix, Sulley, comes pretty close too J). I enjoy the outdoors, working with people, helping others, and I am grateful for the opportunity I have here at LCC.

WHY ARE YOU INVOLVED IN EXPERIENCE #STARPOWER?

I am involved with Experience Starpower because it gives me more opportunities be creative and show employees at LCC that they matter and are appreciated. Spreading positivity is important to me and that is exactly what this team does.

cogsweln@lcc.edu

BIO

I couldn’t be happier going into my 6^th year with LCC! I pride myself in customer service and helping all those individuals who cross my path. I have prior experience working in higher education, accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping, payroll, and office administration. I enjoy scrapbooking, card making, quilting and spending time with my family including our dog Charlie 😊

WHY ARE YOU INVOLVED IN EXPERIENCE #STARPOWER?

I joined Experience Starpower in spring 2018 as I believe the importance in recognizing employees for their accomplishments while engaging in other activities with campus co-workers. I am honored to be on this committee which already has a great initiative recognizing employees and engaging the staff in multiple activities to become that shining STAR!!

farrb@lcc.edu

BIO

I am in my 20^th year at Lansing Community College. I was the Accountant for the college for eleven years and moved over to grants finance for the past eight years. I am an LCC graduate and later completed my bachelors degree through an articulation agreement with Franklin University in Business Administration. I have two teenagers, 1 girl and 1 boy, who teach me something new everyday! We are a sports family with my daughter playing varsity softball and, also, for a travel team and my son plays baseball. We are proud members of Spartan Nation cheering loudly for men’s basketball, football and hockey.

WHY ARE YOU INVOLVED IN EXPERIENCE #STARPOWER?

The Starpower team is a Great addition to campus life because it engages coworkers to participate in many different activities geared towards family – a work family as well as your personal family. Throughout the year the Starpower team actively plans fun, and sometimes quirky activities, to reinforce collaboration and in our own areas as well as reaching out and working with other departments. Being a part of this group reminds me of when I first started at LCC. I am getting to know more about different people and what they do, not just in different departments, but across campus because of all the different activities that this group plans throughout the year.

whitea4@lcc.edu

BIO

Coming soon. .

WHY ARE YOU INVOLVED IN EXPERIENCE #STARPOWER?

Coming soon. .

schwarp1@lcc.edu

BIO

I joined LCC in 2014 after spending 20 years in the Air Force. I work in the ITS division on the Information Security Team--we keep the hackers off the network and lead information/records management. I like working at LCC because of the energy and excitement of students and employees—it’s the sparkle in their eyes! I’m married to a fabulous bride, Cat, and have 2 children. As a father, and a homeowner, I don’t have time for much else, but I do enjoy playing basketball, surfing the internet, and meeting up with friends.

WHY ARE YOU INVOLVED IN EXPERIENCE #STARPOWER?

I am involved with Experience Starpower because it recognizes exceptional employee performance, let’s me be part of fun and creative events, and increases engagement within our LCC family.

stowed@lcc.edu

BIO

World Renowned Shrimp Fried Rice Expert – Self Proclaimed
AC/DC Connoisseur
Future Gymnast
Servant to three powerful Minions
Master of the Obvious

WHY ARE YOU INVOLVED IN EXPERIENCE #STARPOWER?

Here are just a few reasons:

"Always treat your employees exactly as you want them to treat your best customers."
     -Stephen R. Covey, author of The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People
"Recognition is not a scarce resource. You can't use it up or run out of it."
     -Susan M. Heathfield, About.com Human Resources Expert "Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm."
     -Ralph Waldo Emerson, American Philosopher "When people are financially invested, they want a return. When people are emotionally invested, they want to contribute."
     -Simon Sinek "The way your employees feel is the way your customers will feel. And if your employees don't feel valued, neither will your customers."
     -Sybil F. Stershic, Taking Care of the People Who Matter Most: A Guide to Employee-Customer Care

sarah.velez@lcc.edu

BIO

I am a loyal Michigander who grew up in Petoskey before moving to East Lansing in 1995. I came to LCC as a student and loved my classes and the faculty who teach here. I was always impressed by how much the faculty cared about my success. I was super excited to get the opportunity work here in February of 2016. Since then I have found that the passion for student success is not limited to the faculty. Everyone here knows exactly why they do what they do.

WHY ARE YOU INVOLVED IN EXPERIENCE #STARPOWER?

Every single person here is absolutely necessary to keep LCC going. If there is anyone here who doubts their value, they need to know that. I believe that the best way to help people understand their value to the organization is to tell them. Tell people all the time that they are doing great things! I love Experience #Starpower because it includes many ways to be appreciated and engaged. Peer-to-peer, with the Applause! Awards, events, like movies on campus, and just plain fun, like the monthly Selfie Contest. We work hard to keep fun ideas coming to get people engaged!