How did you get your start at LCC?  What do you remember most from your first day/week/month?

I started at LCC in 1985 at the age of 27. At that time, I had been at each of my previous jobs for 4 ½ years, as I’d get bored then wanted a change. I started in LCC Physical Plant (now Facilities) in 1985 and informed the Director, Doug McKinstry and Assistant Director, Paul Engstrom of this. When I hit 5 years, Paul told me, “now that you broke the 4 ½ year job change so you’ll have to stay forever.” Much to my surprise he was right. I received such support from my supervisors with my work and raising 6 children (blended family). 

I was thinking since I worked at a college, I should take classes. I was walking down an aisle in a Meijer's store when I saw a picture of a lighthouse, which I collected. What really captured my attention was the saying: "GOALS - A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." That was the sign I needed to register for classes. With raising a family, I didn’t have money to take college courses. After a few years, I started taking one course a semester while working fulltime when our youngest was in middle school. We would have competition on our grades, which kept us both on track. I decided to take some construction courses to assist understanding Facilities and many times I was the only female in the class. I graduated Summa Cum Laude in May 2006 with my General Associates Degree making my parents proud, then my son graduated from high school June 2006.

Have you held different positions at LCC? How would you describe your career path and the role that LCC played in it?

In 1985 I started in Physical Plant as the secretary then administrative assistant. I worked with staff campus wide along with contractors, architect and engineering firms, multiple vendors over the years. I worked closely with Purchasing staff in creating bids and request for proposals then forwarded them to Purchasing for reviewing and posting.

In 2004 I applied for the Buyer position at LCC Purchasing. I was selected by Director Beckie Beard and Coordinator Carolyn Duda. While working fulltime in Purchasing, I decided to continue my education towards a Bachelors Degree. As LCC had the University Center, I met with the staff and selected Siena Heights University (SHU) to further my education as they offered the 3+1 program then 50% tuition break on the SHU classes.

I have always had support of my supervisors in continuing my education which I have appreciated. 

In addition, I have been very involved in the LCC-ESP, ASP union for 40 years in various positions, representative, vice president to president representing our members. I've served on the LCC-Health Care Task Force (HCTF), ESP/ASP Sick Leave Committee and Bargaining Team negotiating to improve our benefits and contract.

What's your favorite memory from your time at LCC? Who are the people who made working here great?

I have had amazing supervisors and co-workers over my tenure at LCC. In Physical Plant, Director Doug McKinstry told us “it takes everyone to get the job done and used analogy, the pilot flies the plane, but it takes everyone, the mechanic, custodian, flight attendant, air traffic control, etc. to truly fly it.” He taught me that you are never above a job. He wouldn’t ask his employees to do things he wouldn’t do. This has struck with me over all of these years working at LCC.

One of my favorite memories was when I graduated with my Associates Degree in 2006. Walking down the hall at the venue with LCC administrators and faculty congratulating me was so meaningful as I knew so many of them. Then having Trustee Laverty congratulate me was awesome. It took me awhile but I did it!

I have met so many amazing people and built friendships over the years. I will truly miss the people! I’ve been asked why I didn’t retire when I could at 30 years. My response, I love my job and the people I work with. I’ve been at LCC almost 2/3 of my life and can’t imagine not being at LCC. I was told, “you will know when you’re ready to retire” and I’m finally there. 

What were your greatest accomplishments or successes while working at LCC?

One of my proudest accomplishments was taking classes at LCC and graduating Summa Cum Laude. I did this while working full-time, raising a family and taking classes sometimes only one per semester. Then I went on to complete my Bachelor's Degree through Sienna Heights University at the LCC University Center graduating in 2010. I worked hard and normally got 4.0 in each class and was bummed when I received a 3.0 in one class. It was nice to see others my age in the classes. I am my worst critic.

For years, I handled all of the construction project bids for Facilities. In 2019 we bid the construction of a New Gannon Parking Structure, which was my largest project and very exciting. In 2021-2023 we had numerous annual bids, in addition to multiple construction bids under a HEERF II and HEERF III Grants LCC received. Working closely with Facilities and Architect/Engineers we completed the bids for all of the projects. It was such a rewarding time.

I am a positive, upbeat person and have made it my mission to bring that into the workplace. I am welcoming, saying good morning to staff and students when I see them hoping to bring some happiness to their day. Know that a smile goes a long way!  I hope I will leave some of that spirit when I retire.

What are you looking forward to in your retirement? What plans are you most excited for?

After losing both of my parents over the last few years then my uncle in March 2025 at age 67 years just before he was set to retire, I decided I wanted to retire and enjoy the next phase of my life! I plan on spending time with my husband of 44 years at our place upnorth in Gaylord, with our 6 children, 13 grandchildren (youngest will be 1 year old in September) and 10 great grandchildren. I’ve been enjoying traveling and cruises with my friends which I now will have even more time for that. I have gone on 8 cruises (Caribbean: Mexico, Jamaica; 2021 15 day Rome, France, Spain, Portugal to New York; 2023 Greece and Turkey; 2024 Alaska; 2024 West Caribbean: Mexico, Honduras, Belize; 2026 Denmark-Germany-Netherlands-England UK-Belgium-Paris) and plan on many more. My bucket list is to visit all 50 states before I leave this Earth. I only have 6 more left to see, which I plan on over the next couple years.

August 2025 I took the LCC Motorcycle Safety Course and purchased a Harley Davidson Sportster which I plan on riding with my best friend of 55 years who's been trying to talk me into this for over 20 years.

I’ve celebrated many co-workers retiring and now it’s my time. I look forward to what the future holds. Life is too short so I want to have focus on my family. 

Thank you to my current boss Samantha Gallimore for supporting me and my decision, you are awesome! I have so many great memories of my time at LCC and friends which I will hold in my heart forever. Keep in touch!

Supervisor: Samantha Gallimore

What's your favorite memory of this employee? Do you have any other positive thoughts to share about this individual?

I remember when I first started in Purchasing in 2018, Evelyn kept saying she was retiring in two years. And two has now turned into eight! 

I have had the pleasure of working with her as a friend, a coworker, and a supervisor for 8 years. During that time, a lot changed, life happened, sad times, good times, and she was always there with a positive attitude. She is truly the 'mom' of the department. I will miss her hugs (even though I am not a hugger) and my daily orange because she always knew when I needed them. 

I hate to see her go but I am so proud and happy for her next life chapter; may it be filled with passion, adventure, love, and beauty. You deserve the world, Ev, now go see more of it!