What they're excited about!

Here are some great highlights from the student essays that were written as part of the application process.

We are LC! Go 'Canes!

"I believe every student in our country should at least visit our nation's capital for an historic learning experience." -Breon Williams Tyson

"I would really love a trip to Washington DC with my school, Louisburg College."- Cortes McCormick

"I will be able to take what I have learned in the classroom and see it in action - this is why I would like to go on the trip. I believe at this age there are many things I still can learn." -Quinton Hill

"If I'm selected to go on the trip, it would be my first time being in D.C." -Rex Finch

"Visiting Washington D.C. would be an experience of a life time. I have only seen DC from the back seat of a car, and it would be nice to actually see the sites and spend time there." -Sara Christmas

"I don't mind where we go - I just can't wait to take pictures because I love all the things in museums and photography is one of my passions." -Nichole Casto

"  As a Louisburg College student it will be a good experience to travel and to represent my school. I would love to visit the Holocaust Museum so I could learn more about its history and effects on people's lives.  As a peer leader I can come back with some ideas about how to create a program about the voyage and the history that I have encountered."- Ambur Burse

"Washington D.C. is somewhere you have to go at least once. While in Washington D.C. I would push myself to learn as much as possible not just about my country and why all those things are important but connecting and getting to know other people around our campus." -Allie Ball

"Louisburg College has definitely taught me a lot about myself as a young woman, and as a college student. Louisburg has also taught me how to do the right thing when no one is watching. This trip would allow me to broaden myself as a person and a leader." -Chalea  Adams

LC2DC Students Meet

"This is a great group of students!" Ms. Stephanie Tolbert, VP for Enrollment and LC2DC attendee, stated after seeing the LC2DC students in one place.

The group of students selected for the LC2DC trip met for the first time today to discuss some details of the trip, sign up for their bunk-mates, and sign the Expectations and Responsibilities pledge.

The group was visibly excited to be among the few LC students selected for this amazing opportunity.
We will be departing in just over two weeks!

Staff Spotlight

Introducing Stephanie Tolbert

Ms. Tolbert is the Vice President of Enrollment at Louisburg College.  Her area of expertise is enrollment services.  She earned her Associates in Art from Louisburg College, Bachelor in Science in Mass Communications from Meredith College and Masters in Business Administration from East Carolina University.

Why did you decide to go on LC2DC?

I decided to go on the LC2DC trip because I truly believe in the power of the learning and bonding that can happen outside of the classroom between students and faculty/ staff members.

What most excites you about LC2DC?

I have been to Washington, DC several times for conferences, athletic events and to visit friends, but I have never had time to visit all of the wonderful museums and memorials.  So, I am very excited about experiencing that side of our nation’s capital.

What do you hope the students will get out of LC2DC?

I hope that the students will gain a deeper and richer knowledge of our nation’s history.  I also hope that our students gain a deeper and richer understanding of how much the faculty and staff care about them. 

Anything else unique/interesting you'd like to share?

I collect pressed pennies.  So, I need all of the students, faculty and staff on the trip to keep an eye out for pressed penny machines and let me know if you see any!  Thanks!

Faculty Spotlight

Introducing Jennith Thomas
Ms. Thomas is an Instructor of Biology and teaches Principles of Biology, Botany, and World Regional Geography. She considers herself a physical geographer and biogeographer.  She earned both her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science at West Texas A&M University.

Why did you decide to go on LC2DC?

Kaye Yadusky told me about LC2DC, and it sounded exciting.  Washington DC is full of our national treasures, and I can't imagine anything better than discovering them with my colleagues and students.

What most excites you about LC2DC?

I have heard rumors that we will visit the zoo. [Editor's note: unfortunately, the National Zoo will not be part of this trip due to timing, however, we will see the Capitol which houses Congress and there may be little difference.]

What do you hope the students will get out of LC2DC? 

I first visited our nation's capital in my twenties, and still remember how moving it was to see the buildings and monuments for the first time.  I hope our students will experience the same feelings of connectedness I felt, and the same pride in being an American.

Anything else unique/interesting you'd like to share? 

This past summer (2011) three students and I participated in internships at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center.  Although it's very close to DC, we never got a chance to visit.  This summer we'll have the information from LC2DC to plan an exciting visit, and I'll look forward bringing them.

Sneak Peak - US Holocaust Memorial Museum

Let's take a sneak peak at some of the places we will visit while in D.C. 

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Photo Credit: www.ushmm.org

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
By Brian Gano

My first experience at the USHMM was during my sophomore year in college on a trip with our Celebrating Diversity Club. A main focus of the trip was this museum.

Entering the museum you feel the grandeur of the lobby area and the peacefulness of the Hall of Remembrance. It all feels out of place... this is a museum, right?

Then you take the elevator ride to the top floor. You are on a journey. The journey begins with the events leading up to the Holocaust and the "Final Solution." As you work your way down the levels you experience the anxiety and despair of families being torn apart and destroyed and the overwhelming evil that took the lives of six million people. By the time you move through the last level and experience "Liberation," you are in need of some time to reflect and remember. As you return to the lobby and the Hall of Remembrance, you have a drastically different view of the space.

As stated, "Never Forget" means that humanity cannot forget that this happened, that this is possible. However, I know that simply reading the history books and seeing the statistics cannot keep the Holocaust in the forefront of our minds. The USHMM is designed to do this; so that all who visit it may know that it is possible for this to happen, but it is also possible for this to be prevented.

Visit the museums webpage: US Holocaust Memorial Museum

Faculty Spotlight

Introducing Angela Adkins

Instructor of Music Ms. Angela Adkins

Ms. Adkins is an Instructor of Music.

In Ms. Adkins' own words...

                Hi! I’m Angela Adkins and I am thrilled to be going on the LC2DC trip. I teach music here at Louisburg College. You might see me at a basketball game with the drumline, leading the Louisburg Chorale at an assembly or playing piano in chapel. Or you might be a student in my Music Appreciation class. I love LC students so wherever you see me, be sure to say hello.

                I got my Bachelor’s degree in music at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, close to my hometown of Louisa, Kentucky. For my Master’s degree I studied clarinet performance at Ohio University in Athens.  I also studied world music and improvisation at Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut.

                I was really glad when I was asked to go on the trip to DC. I think that sometimes the learning that sticks best is the learning we do out in the world. I’ve always loved a good road trip, and spending time with students is one of my favorite things to do. That makes it a win/ win situation for sure. I’m really excited to share some of my favorite things about Washington, D.C. with students. Some of the memorials and monuments on the National Mall just take my breath away every time I see them. I am also excited to visit the National Museum of American History to see the exhibitions of jazz artifacts and musical instruments.

                If you come with us to DC, I really hope that the trip will inspire you to think about what you can do to make your mark. There is so much to see and discover. When we keep on open mind, sometimes we can be touched deeply by stories and ideas we never even knew before. I hope that your experience on this trip will help you see the big picture in a way you never imagined. 

Faculty Spotlight

Introducing Tommy Jenkins

In Mr. Jenkins' own words...

Instructor of English and
Faculty Chair Mr. Tommy Jenkins

I am a member of the English faculty at Louisburg College.  I teach composition, literature, and creative writing.  My specialty is really creative writing. 

But then, can we really narrow ourselves down to one specialty?  My undergraduate degree [BA] is from UNC.  I then studied  Film at Columbia University in New York [MFA].  I love movies; I love literature.  Can I choose between them?  I studied fiction writing at NC State [MFA].  I enjoy reading and writing and I enjoy the critical analysis of works.  I enjoy deconstructing bad movies, revealing why they are bad.  I love the beauty of a perfectly executed sentence. 

And, from reading this, I'm sure, it is clear I love to ramble. 

I decided to go on the LCDC because I think it is a great opportunity to interact with our students.   I also think it is a nice way to experience shared learning.  Sometimes, we need to get out of the classroom to learn, and that goes for both students and faculty.  This is an opportunity for awareness and perspective. 

Tommy Jenkins

Faculty Spotlight

Introducing Kelvin Spragley

Dr. Kelvin Spragley (left) with family

Dr. Spragley teaches U.S. History since 1865 and Crossroads. He has also taught Introduction to Education. His area of specialty is Curriculum and Instruction with a focus in History and Economics (he also as a minor in Statistics). Dr. Spragley earned his Associate of Arts degree from Chowan University; his Bachelor of Science from East Carolina University; and, his Master of Education and his Ph.D from North Carolina State University.

Dr. Spragley tells us in his own words…

My reason for requesting to attend LC2DC was my desire to share some of my academic knowledge about the nation's capital with students of Louisburg College.  I believe that the area is full of living history that students need to be made aware of at every opportunity.

What most excites me about LC2DC is the opportunity to get to know students and faculty outside of the traditional academic setting.  I believe that this platform will allow each of us to reflect more so on our place and mission in the world, an experience that we sometimes do not receive in the traditional classroom setting.

 My hope for Louisburg College students who are traveling to D.C. (and those who will be blogging) is that they will use this experience to reflect on the nation's history, its relevance today, and their role in the time continuum.  Furthermore, I would hope that the students use the opportunity to expand their opinions and views as they relate to the current political climate in the United States.

Finally, I would like to share that I am an Army Veteran and the Montgomery G.I. Bill paid for my first four (4) years of college. GO ARMY!!

Staff Spotlight

Introducing Brian Gano

Associate Dean for Housing
Brian Gano

Mr. Gano is the Associate Dean for Housing. Mr. Gano also taught American National Government for four semesters at Louisburg College. Mr. Gano received his Bachelor of Arts in History and Art from Greensboro College and a Master of Public Affairs from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Why did you decide to go on LC2DC?
Some of the greatest memories I have from my college experience came from trips I took with students, faculty, and staff. Being part a college community gives us opportunities to see and do things that others would not typically have. I look forward to being a part of those memories for our students. Plus, I LOVE D.C. There is so much to see there and you can feel the power of our nation's Capitol resonating through the city.  


What most excites you about LC2DC?
The chance to spend some time with students, faculty, and staff. Also, experiencing D.C. with those who have never been there before is exciting. I love showing people some of the interesting things I have found over the numerous times I have been to D.C. One of the sites we will visit is the Old Post Office. The bell tower is the third highest point in D.C. and you can go up it to see the city. It's amazing.


What do you hope students will get out of LC2DC?
I hope the students will develop some amazing relationships with other students and faculty and staff. I hope they understand better what the United States is about; from our history to our present - seeing what our nation has chosen to honor through its museums and monuments - and experiencing the power that resides throughout the city. 


Anything else unique/interesting you'd like to share?
D.C. has always seemed to be the perfect combination of my interests. I majored in History and Art and studied Political Science and Government in my Masters program. D.C. is the center of my Venn Diagram of studies. 

Faculty Spotlight

Introducing Jeff Olbrys

Assistant Professor of Mathematics Jeff Olbrys' "mugshot".

Mr. Olbrys is an Assistant Professor of Mathematics. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of the State of New York and his Master of Science from Georgia State University.

Why did you decide to go on LC2DC?
DC is a wonderful place to visit, and I enjoy spending time with students outside of class.


What most excites you about LC2DC?
There are several new monuments since I was in D.C. last (specifically the World War II and the new MLK memorials) that I hope to see. D.C. has some incredible public spaces that are neat just to walk around in. 


What do you hope the students will get out of LC2DC?
The overwhelming message I took from my visit to the Holocaust Museum is that all it takes for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing. The message of community is that we have a responsibility (a personal responsibility, not some anonymous government agency) to take care of one another. 


Anything else unique/interesting you'd like to share?
I will be happy to explain why the elliptical "whispering room" in the Capitol works.

Staff Spotlight

Vice President for
Student Life Jason Modlin
(He is not your father)

Introducing Jason Modlin

Mr. Modlin is the Vice President for Student Life. Mr. Modlin earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Mount Olive College and his Master of Arts in Education from East Carolina University.


Why did you decide to go on LC2DC?

To be part of an exciting, transformational adventure for our students.


What most excites you about LC2DC?

Watching our students have new experiences and reflect on who/why they are! 


What do you hope the students will get out of LC2DC?

A better understanding of citizenship (what it means to be an American) and how they can impact the future. 


Anything else unique/interesting you'd like to share?

This will be my third trip to Washington D.C.!

Faculty Spotlight

Continuing the introduction of the faculty and staff who will be attending LC2DC:

The Labyrinth at Louisburg College
Created by
Professor of Visual Art Will Hinton 

Introducing Mr. Will Hinton
Mr. Hinton is serving in his 28th year at Louisburg College as Professor of Visual Art. Mr. Hinton received is Associates of Arts degree at Chowan College and his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at East Carolina University. Mr. Hinton continued his education at New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University earning his Master of Fine Arts degree.

In Mr. Hinton's words why he is attending LC2DC... 

I enjoy being with our students outside of the traditional classroom setting.  What better classroom than DC?  It has the East Wing of the National Gallery of Art, the Hirshhorn Museum, the Corcoran Museum, and Public Artworks on the Mall such as the Vietnam Memorial, the Holocaust Memorial,  and the new Dr. King Memorial.  The Smithsonian is a day in itself.

We are all citizens of this country.  This time together gives us all an opportunity to be more informed, to get off the social media of the moment and to see the vast context of our nation.  Several days of Metacognition (to change what you know)will be good for all participants.  I always enjoy getting outside of my box.

Will

Faculty Spotlight

We will be introducing the faculty and staff who are attending LC2DC over the next week. Each attendee was asked a series of questions about the trip.

Candy Jones, Library Director and
Assistant Professor of English

Introducing Candy Jones
Ms. Jones serves as the Library Director and Assistant Professor of English. Her specialty is communications. Ms. Jones is an Alumna of Louisburg College, where she earned her Associate of Arts; Barton College, for her Bachelors of Science; and East Carolina University, where she earned her Master of Library Science degree and Graduate Certificate in English.

Why did you decide to on on LC2DC?
I think this will be a wonderful learning and bonding experience between students and faculty/staff. I love to travel and the opportunity to visit our nation's capital with members of the Louisburg College community will make this a special trip. 


What most excites about LC2DC?
I am so excited to get to know more of the students outside of the classroom and library.


What do you hope the students will get out of LC2DC?
I hope this is a memorable trip for our students and that they will learn more about our country's history and political landscape. 

Less than 4 weeks to go...

DC from Arlington, VA. Brian Gano (c) 2010

The applications are available and so far we have a strong interest in the LC2DC trip planned for March 2nd through 4th. There is a buzz around campus... "All expense paid trip!!! Really? Wow!" That's just it, all expenses paid... room, transportation, meals... all paid for. But what's most exciting is the chance to see some amazing sites and spend the weekend with some of Louisburg College's best students, faculty, and staff (just a slight bias here).

I think this is going to be an amazing trip and cannot wait to see who will be joining us.

Students, if you are reading this before February 10th and haven't applied, be sure to see Student Life and pick up an application. 

We are LC! 

Brian Gano
Associate Dean for Housing
LC2DC Attendee!