STUDENT SENATE PRESIDENT SELECTED FOR ESTHERVILLE CAMPUS

An Algona resident has been selected to lead the student senate at Iowa Lakes Community College’s Estherville Campus for the 2003-2004 college year.

Mike Plathe is a freshman student in the Aviation program.  He hopes to transfer to a four-year college where he will finish his degree in aviation with a long-term goal of becoming a commercial pilot.

Plathe has served as one of 10 student senators on the Estherville Campus during the current college year.  As a student senator, he participated in a Statewide Leadership Conference and the SkillsUSA/VICA Leadership Camp.  In addition, he traveled to Des Moines with other community college student leaders where he learned about the legislative processes and had an opportunity to meet with Rep. Delores Mertz. 

“I liked the opportunity to take trips to learn more about being a leader,” said Plathe.  “I’ve been involved with decision making at the college this year, including being on an interview team for a student services position.”

Recently, Plathe returned from St. Cloud, Minn., where he attended a NACA conference which showcased college entertainment opportunities for the coming year. 

Plathe is already thinking about goals for next year.

“I want to spend time planning the year, in particular, the entertainment options,” Plathe said.  “I’ll also be representing students on committees that affect student issues that we have a say in.  And, I’d like to improve two-way communication with the students on campus.”

In addition to serving on the student senate, he is involved in the Aviation Club, is on the golf team and serves as a math tutor for other college students.