PARALEGAL/LEGAL STUDIES PROGRAM PRESENTED TO TRUSTEES

The members of the Board of Trustees of Iowa Lakes Community College were updated on the Paralegal/Legal Studies program at the college during their meeting Tuesday afternoon. 

Mark Gruwell, Instructor and Program Coordinator, highlighted the fact that students gain ample hands-on experience and learn practical skills.  Gruwell shared that some students will become paralegals following their studies and others want to go on to a four-year college.  Some students even get their law degree and those students see this as a 'head start' to get into law school. 

A current student spoke about her aspirations for a career in the field and how her classroom learning is preparing her for the future.  A recent graduate, who works as a paralegal at an Estherville Law firm, told the Trustees about the 'great preparation' that she received at Iowa Lakes and said Gruwell is an 'outstanding professor.'  The Paralegal/Legal Studies program is a two-year program based at the Estherville Campus of Iowa Lakes. 

Also during the meeting, the Audit Committee, headed by Trustee Lynn Kueck, presented the results of the FY06 audit.  Williams and Company, Spencer, gave the audit an 'unqualified opinion' which means it was a 'clean' report.  The audit was accepted by the Trustees.  And, the date of Feb. 20 was set for a public hearing for the FY '08 published budget.

In other business, the Trustees approved job training agreements with area companies; received a copy of a book on the 40th anniversary of community colleges in the state of Iowa; were given an update on the proposed expansion of the Wind Energy & Turbine Technology building; and heard routine reports.

At the end of the meeting, John Hand, the President of the Board of Trustees, announced that Trustee Ann Barry, Spencer, has submitted her resignation.  Barry is moving out of District 4, the area she represents.  District 4 is basically the Spencer area.  Tuesday was the last Iowa Lakes meeting Barry will attend as a Trustee.  Hand and the other Trustees thanked Barry for her contributions to the college.  Following the Iowa Code, the Trustees expect to appoint a replacement for Barry's position - possibly as early as next month's meeting.

The next meeting of the Board of Trustees is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 20.