Employment and education:

Derek Reynolds graduated from LLCC with his Associate in Arts. After LLCC, 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?

LLCC 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 LLCC?

David Laubersheimer, when he first joined LLCC as head of the student activities office.

What did you like about LLCC or what is your favorite LLCC memory?

I love that LLCC 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 LLCC:  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 LLCC Foundation to assist LLCC students.