Patrick Newman

Patrick Newman

Employment and education: 

After successfully completing his studies at Lincoln Land Community College, Patrick’s career started as a draftsman for Martin and Vasconcelles Engineering. Now for the past 24 years, he is partner and president of Newman-Alton, Inc., General Construction Company in Springfield.

How has Lincoln Land Community College impacted your life? 

LLCC brought me to Springfield, where I have stayed ever since. I worked here, met some of the best people and have formed lasting and lifelong friendships, started multiple businesses and have enjoyed all aspects of living in Sangamon County.

What is your greatest accomplishment(s)? 

I am proud of several accomplishments. They are:

  • Life member of the American Paint Horse Association board of directors, am serving on its executive board for six years, served as the board president in 1999 and being a key part in negotiating and contracting the association’s 50,000 square foot new office in Fort Worth, Texas in 1998.
  • Board member for over 20 years for the Land of Lincoln Purebred Livestock Breeders Association and served as president in 2001 and 2002.
  • Multiple paint horse show winnings including a Solid Gold Futurity win and trophy in 1994.
  • Many construction projects and development projects for many non-profits in Springfield including: Triangle Center, Sparc, UCP Land of Lincoln, Springfield Housing Authority, local churches, sexual assault facility and Lincoln Land Community College’s Daycare and Training facility.

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? 

Charles Miller, architectural instructor, was the most influential in what he taught us, but more importantly, how he prepared us. The information and knowledge I was given put me far ahead of others coming from larger institutions. It proved to be the foundation of my career. I still use his handout information today! Gerald Willet and Mike Suhadolnik were also very influential to my career.

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

Meeting with the coaching staff, Dick Dhabalt, Bill Buzzard and Claude Kracik, for the first time in 1973 at the old Plywood U. Coach Kracik was making a statement about something when he leaned back on his chair and his leg went through the plywood floor and he went down! I didn’t know what to do or how to act as Coach Dhabalt and Buzzard were falling down laughing!

Is there anything else that you would like to share? 

I have been very fortunate to be able to stand almost anywhere in Springfield and just look around and see a building that I helped to build, remodel or owned. It is a very satisfying experience. Springfield is a part of me and I am definitely a part of Springfield. I have been asked by many influential and prominent people from all over the country, where did you go to college? I am very proud to say “I went to Lincoln Land…ONLY.” LLCC did well by me!