Former Students Strive to Make Current Students Feel More Connected

If you’ve ever worked in an office, you know that it would cease to function without the never-ending effort of the administrative assistants who keep the work flowing.

The Business and General Education Division of Blackhawk is lucky to be staffed by two women committed to not just keeping the work flowing but making students, faculty, and staff feel welcome and valued, Lisa Tippelt and Bertha Hart.

This summer, while fewer students and staff are on campus, they’ve been busy revamping the division office space to make it more inviting by reallocating some under-utilized areas into a space that can be used for collaboration and connection.

“I was a student here once upon a time,” Lisa says. “If you are on campus, you want to feel like you’re a part of the College in some small way. If that means making our office more inviting, then that’s our part! We want students to feel like they can stop in, ask questions, feel valued, and feel connected on some level.”

Both of these women are BTC graduates. Bertha graduated from the business management program and “wanted to be a part of the team where I got my education.” In comparison, Lisa has always been in administrative assisting. “I started in high school, worked in my own business, went back to school here at BTC for Administrative Professional, and got hired shortly after graduating from BTC.” As employees joining the College from the student ranks, they have a unique perspective on what can help students feel connected and appreciated.

They’ve also seen how the continued improvements of the College and its programs have helped students stay engaged and supported throughout their educational journey. From the addition of laptop loans and a food pantry to the transition to MyEdChoice classes and new, state-of-the-art labs.

With their unique perspectives, they have some thoughts for students. “Always read your emails and check Blackboard,” says Bertha. It’s the easiest way to keep up to date on what’s happening in class and see what your professors are looking for. Also, “don’t be afraid to reach out to your instructors for help or any questions.”

Lisa encourages students to work through the challenges they will face. “Set a goal and stick with it. Some days are harder than others. Keep looking towards the end goal and chipping away, and eventually, it becomes a reality!”

Take a minute to stop in the Business and General Education Division and congratulate them on a job well done.