Employment and education:
Derek Reynolds graduated from мÓÆÂʱʱ²Ê with his Associate in Arts. After мÓÆÂʱʱ²Ê, Derek went on to Illinois State University where he earned his a bachelor’s degree in foreign languages and his master’s degree in linguistics. Derek works for a large international non-profit, PATH, based in Seattle that does international public health work. He is in charge of business development. Derek also lived and worked overseas for 13 years following college, in Jordan, Ecuador and Egypt.
How has Lincoln Land Community College impacted your life?
мÓÆÂʱʱ²Ê gave me many opportunities, including the opportunity there to work in Student Government and experience so many extra curricular activities that way, besides the excellent education I received. I was able to transfer to a four year school and immediately take non-foundational courses, which gave me the opportunity to study many different things I might not have had the bandwidth to take – symbolic anthropology, folklore art, etc.
What is your greatest accomplishment(s)?
I feel that my career has allowed me to impact and improve the lives of hundreds of millions of people around the world, which is an honor and a privilege.
Was there a professor, advisor, staff member or fellow student who made an impression on you or helped you when you were here at мÓÆÂʱʱ²Ê?
David Laubersheimer, when he first joined мÓÆÂʱʱ²Ê as head of the student activities office.
What did you like about мÓÆÂʱʱ²Ê or what is your favorite мÓÆÂʱʱ²Ê memory?
I love that мÓÆÂʱʱ²Ê was such a community when I went there. I felt like it was a place I had space to grow, opportunities to enhance my future, and learned a lot. One of the things that I will never forget was serving on the President’s Advisory Council and working with Dr. Poorman. That was such an honor and learning experience to me.
Is there anything else that you would like to share?
I recently have learned to weave and have an 8-shaft floor loom, which gives me a great break from the stresses of work! I have several family members who have attended мÓÆÂʱʱ²Ê: My mother, Carolyn; my brother, Curt and my little sister, Aimee, as well as two nieces. My parents have also established a scholarship through the мÓÆÂʱʱ²Ê Foundation to assist мÓÆÂʱʱ²Ê students.