Marcus D. Madison, son of Ms. Patricia Madison, is a sophomore at Lorain County Community College, majoring in Public Administration and Urban Studies. He has committed himself to being involved in Public Service and political affairs. As President of the Student Senate, he has been one of the leading voice representing the issues and concerns for the Student body of Lorain County Community College.

He has dedicated his time and efforts for the enhancement of the South Side of Elyria by: organizing residents to participant in an initiative called “Plant Pride Your Community” and attending community watches for local home owners to build caring relationships and confidence in one another. Marcus is actively engaged in the City’s strategic visioning process, the Elyria 2015 Plan. As a member of the Elyria Plan 2015 Steering Committee he is helping to create a shared vision and a focus direction for the future growth and development of the City of Elyria.

He has been a leading voice for social and economic justice in our community. His place of employment is Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Lorain County. In this position he is motivating, encouraging, and believing in the youth of Lorain County ability to shine and meet the challenges of the 21st century with the support of mentors to guide them along away.

He has earned the recognition and support from community leaders including Mayor Grace, who became involved in politics in his mid-20s. The Mayor stated to Cindy Leise of the Chronicle Telegram, “Mr. Madison’s organized the “Plant Pride in Your Community” event at 19 years old; Madison has a head start on me.”

Marcus continues to march forward with passion for his community; high morals, values and integrity; and unyielding belief in GOD.

Christopher Box has gained a lot of wisdom and experience since becoming a student at Lorain County Community College.

As an 18-year-old entering LCCC he didn’t know what degree he wanted to earn, nor did he have a focus on what he wanted to do when he finished.

“I was lost as a kid,” he said of himself. “I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do when I got to college.”

So the Westlake resident started taking classes in history because he thought he might want to teach that subject some day. Then he switched to sociology.

Finally he found his niche in business courses after getting involved in the Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE) organization.

SIFE is a non-profit organization that works in partnership with business and higher education to provide students with the opportunity to make a difference and to develop leadership, teamwork and communication skills through learning, practicing and teaching the principles of free enterprise. It is active on more than 1500 college and university campuses in 37 countries.

“Being a part of SIFE has helped me apply what I’ve learned in the classroom,” Box said. “It’s been a great experience.”

As a SIFE member since September 2005 and vice president in 2006, Box has been a part of one of the most active student organizations on campus. The 11-member organization took on 20 outreach projects this year.

And, for a fourth year the LCCC SIFE team was named Regional Champion at the SIFE Regional Competition and Career Opportunity Fair on March 30, 2006 in Cleveland. The team matched its educational outreach projects against other SIFE Teams at the regional competition.

The LCCC SIFE team advanced to the SIFE USA National Exposition, hosted by the Kansas City Business Community, May 21-23, 2006. They competed against teams from 16 other regional competitions being held around the country.

“SIFE has helped me become a better student. I’m better prepared when I walk into class and I’ve learned how to improve my presentation skills,” Box said.

And for Box joining SIFE has been a family affair. His mother, Margaret, and his girlfriend, Laura Nash, are also SIFE members. Margaret is the treasurer and Nash is the president. Mom will graduate next year with an associate degree in business management.

“My mom encouraged me to join. She said it would be helpful to see what it’s like in the business world. She was right,” he said.

Box, who graduated with an associate’s of arts degree on May 20, 2006, has also been taking business courses in preparation to start work on his bachelor of business administration from Kent State University through the University Partnership.

“I hope to get an entry level management position in a company that deals in global markets,” he said.

Box would like to offer a few words of wisdom for other students who may be experiencing a hard time in school.

“It may take some time, but you will find something you like. It will take hard work, but with the instructors at LCCC who know you on a personal level you can make it,” Box said.

That kind of wisdom can only come from experience.

- LCCC Great Grads

During my first few months of being in office I updated all chartering and financial forms. I also updated the Student Discount Card program started by Tom Dake.

Other accomplishments in the position had been creating spreadsheets to keep track of all tiers issued to each club administered by Student Life. The Student Senate is now able to inform clubs how much money they should have earned from Student Life during each semester starting in Fall 2005.

I was elected to be Vice President of the Student Senate in 2006, however, I decided that I was more beneficial to the clubs as the CFO. I was been able to get Student Senate to approve a memorial plaque for club officers who have fallen while seated. I have also managed the club cubicles with few complaints. All to ensure that the most active clubs have a place to call their own.

I guess I should list some accomplishments here:
• Elected Financial Secretary.
• Updated Student Discount Cards.
• Updated Club Chartering Packet.
• Created Club Chartering Slideshow.
• Updated Club Incentive Packet.
• Created Club Incentive Slideshow.
• Created Club Cubicle Packet.
• Created Club Cubicle Slideshow.
• Maintained Club Awareness Week Hours.
• Maintained Cubicle Usage Hours.
• Created a Student Life/Club Financial Spreadsheet.
• Presented and passed Student Life Memorial Plaque.
• Created this web site.
• Elected Vice President and resigned.
• Appointed to Financial Secretary.
• Created and updated processes for all Student Senate positions