LSC-O Offers Personal and Professional Development Opportunities

The Continuing Education and Workforce Development Office at Lamar State College-Orange released its Spring-Summer 2009 schedule, which includes an exciting array of non-credit personal enrichment and workforce development classes.

“We think our friends in the community will be pleased to see that some of their favorite classes are still on the schedule, along with some very interesting new ones,” said Cliff Ozmun, director of Continuing Education and Workforce Development.

For example, registration is underway for “Senior Citizen Fitness Class (55+).” This popular class gives seniors a feeling of health and well-being while promoting strength. The class meets Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:00 - 9:50 a.m. The monthly “Step Aerobics, Cardio Mix & Muscle Toning” class now meets Monday through Thursday from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. in the Student Center (SC). This is a 60-minute class of heart-pounding, body-moving and muscle-pumping fun. Enjoy a workout that enhances the body’s muscular endurance.

The computer technology class line-up for February includes “Intro to Computers” on Tuesday, February 3, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.; “Microsoft Word Basics,” Tuesday and Thursday, February 10 and 12, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.; and “Microsoft Access Basics,” Tuesday and Thursday, February 24 and 26, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. The college is also offering a new four-part lunch-and-learn series on Microsoft Office. Bring your lunch and expand your knowledge of MS Office 2007. The first workshop is called “Where Is It?” and will provide a handy how-to in navigating the changes between MS 2003 and MS 2007. This workshop will be held on February 24, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m., and the cost is only $15.

In the area of personal development, an Advanced Digital Photography class is offered on Tuesday evenings beginning February 3 through March 3, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. In addition, “Photoshop Elements 6.0” is being offered once again on Monday nights beginning February 2, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. This course teaches students how to use Adobe’s latest version of Photoshop Elements image processing software to edit, create and share digital images. No prerequisites are required for these courses, but a basic understanding of digital photography is highly recommended.

Three new classes promise students real hands-on opportunities. The first is “Introduction to Metal Sculpting,” which will meet Mondays, February 2 through May 18 from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. This course will provide students with instruction in techniques and methods of oxy-acetylene and electric welding and cutting to produce metal sculptures. Personal safety equipment is provided and no previous experience in welding or metal working is required. Students of the new “Handwriting Analysis” class will obtain an overview of graphology, learning how handwriting communicates more than words. This course will be on Thursday nights, February 12 through March 5, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Finally, a free class, “Landscape Painting Workshop,” is being offered in partnership with the Stark Museum of Art. This course, which will take place on Saturdays, February 28 through March 28, from 2:00 - 4:30 p.m., will take students outdoors to spend three weeks painting en plein air, and tour the exhibition of Bluebonnets and Beyond: Julian Onderdonk, American Impressionist at the museum. This course will conclude at Art in the Park, where students will show their paintings and view the work of fellow local artists.

There will also be a free class titled “Investing 101,” which will meet on Tuesday, February 10, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. This class will help those who are ready to learn about investing but aren’t sure where to begin. The seminar topics include basic investing, stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.

“Conversational Spanish I” is back on the schedule as well on Wednesday nights, February 4 through April 8, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. This course will give students the tools for correct pronunciation and focus on everyday conversations for home or public settings.

The “Forklift Operator” class is an OSHA-approved, three-hour, fast-track training that includes forklift design, controls and instrumentation, comprehensive pre-use inspection procedures, and hands-on instruction of operation proficiency. This class will meet Friday and Saturday, February 20 and 21, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

To request a complete schedule of all classes scheduled for the spring or to register for any of these courses, contact the Office of Continuing Education and Workforce Development at (409) 882-3321. To visit with the staff in person, stop by the office located at 506 Green Avenue.