CLC Alumni

Welcome to the Central Lakes College Alumni and Friends website!

Whether you attended Staples Technical College, Brainerd Technical College, Brainerd Junior College, or Brainerd Community College you are considered an Alumni of Central Lakes College. In 1995, all of these colleges merged to form what is now called Central Lakes College with campuses in Brainerd and Staples.  As much as things have changed over the years, one thing that hasn't is the quality of the programs and services that CLC offers to their students.  The faculty and staff at Central Lakes College continue to strive to provide a quality education for its students.

You will be happy to know that your alma mater is providing a quality, affordable education to over 6,000 students. CLC offers more than 60 degree and diploma programs designed for transfer to four-year universities or to qualify students for immediate employment. Approximately 92% of our students in career programs find jobs in their related fields.

Take a moment to browse through the Central Lakes College website to see the current happenings on campus.  It's always a pleasure to hear from past students whether in person, by phone or via email.  I may be reached by phone at 218-855-8129 or by emailing pthomsen@clcmn.edu.  It's an encouragement to current and future students when Alumni share their stories of their time spent taking classes at CLC, and of their accomplishments in the years after. 

Pam Thomsen
Executive Director
CLC Foundation 

 

CLC GRAD EARNS STATE TRIO ACHIEVER AWARD

Jennifer Perez, a 2007 graduate of Central Lakes College in Brainerd, has been named a 2011 Minnesota Trio Achiever.  Perez, the first CLC graduate to attain the honor, received the
award at the annual Trio conference in Chaska.  Trio is a national student support program that helps low-income and first-generation Americans complete college.  Sue Austin, assistant
director of Trio Student Support Services at CLC, nominated Perez as an extraordinary participant who has obtained a college degree and is working within a field of choice.  Perez earned
a bachelor’s degree in social work from the College of St. Scholastica in 2009. She is a case manager for Lutheran Social Services, working with families to prevent homelessness.   “When
Jennifer decided to begin college she was terrified,” said Austin, “but college was important to her and she believed education was the only way to make a better life for her and her
daughter.”  Perez attributes her academic success to additional support she received through Trio Student Support Services at CLC. As a first-generation college student and single parent,
she had to work hard to succeed.  She said that Trio advisers kept her focused on a positive life direction to complete her goal of college degrees.  Perez persisted while facing the challenges
of poverty, stereotyping, relationship and peer group changes, transportation and childcare barriers and learning how to live differently.  “Jennifer’s ability to continue her education and
overcome these challenges is what epitomizes a Trio Achiever,” said Austin, noting that the honoree is driven by a passion for assisting others to rise from poverty.  While a student at CLC, Perez participated on a panel for the Legislative Committee to End Poverty by 2020. She has worked for Advocates Against Domestic Abuse in Aitkin and has helped women see college as an
opportunity through sharing her story.