Financial Aid, True ILCC Laker

Morgan Larson, Writer

Everyone has been in these shoes at least once in their life.  You are at the point on choosing to go to college.  Not just any college, Iowa Lakes Community College (ILCC).  Becoming a true Laker. Although college can be fun, it also takes some major steps and planning to get on the right path toward your pending career.  Getting started at ILCC could not be easier. Choose a program, picked your classes and just maybe, you will be introduced to one of ILCC’s most helpful and friendliest employees, Deb Weston. 

Deb Weston has a liking for financing and office tasks/duties.  Deb is there to help students step in the right direction as the Financial Aid Associate at the Estherville Campus. The big question to how she came to become a Laker was actually quite simple.  

“ I am originally from Emmetsburg so getting an education close to home was important to me as I got married in July of 1983…My husband and I lived in Estherville after we got married so it was a short commute to Emmetsburg.” says Weston.  This all makes sense for the couple move to Emmetsburg more the wiser.  Interestingly enough, many students do make that switch of living to accommodate any commuting. Although Iowa has one huge factor in one particular season. Snow and Winter.

Many students that come to ILCC have one primary thing in mind, just like Deb did in 1983.  What degree/ program should I go into?  For some, it is a matter of how you choose your degree.  Deb’s choice was not too far from her origins.  Weston goes on to say, “ I was looking for an occupation that I could get my education in more close to home…My husband and I were going to be living in Estherville so I wanted an occupation that I could receive close to home.”  Deb enjoyed developing a strong set of accounting and typing skills during high school and decided to further pursue her options toward the Office Specialist Program.

One would think getting an education toward this particular job would be hard to come by.  In actuality, it could not be farther from the truth.  After graduating Emmetsburg High School, Deb went on to enroll at the ILCC Emmetsburg campus in the Office Specialist Program from 1983-1984.  This program provides a vast array of job opportunities.  For Weston, her job opportunity was already waiting for her and in the most likely of places. 

“During my enrollment in the Office Specialist Program, I did on-the- job training with the Upward Bound Program…Upward Bound was a grant program that helped high school students with study skills and cultural enrichment activities.”  Remarkably similar to the TRIO program currently at the college. By the time Deb graduated in 1984, a part-time payroll position was available at the college. Just like that, Deb was fortunate enough to get hired and has been with ILCC since.

Deb says she uses her education she has obtained here at ILCC every day. From accounting; figuring a student’s budget and gross pay for work-study time sheets.  The typing course she took that helped her increase her typing speed. Deb says, “I learned the proper style to use when typing business letters and memos.”  The Human Relations course helped her learn how to communicate with others.  “Since e-mails are a main source of communication, it helped me to learn the way to set up memos style message.”  said Weston.

It is remarkable that Deb has continued to stay on at ILCC.  Honestly, it makes absolute sense she has, Deb is a very committed person.  “I have worked at Iowa Lakes Community College in different areas and this is my favorite.” Weston said.  “When I worked at the Administrative Building, there were no students, and it was very quiet.”   The peace and quiet of a normal office space did not seem like Deb’s version of an office atmosphere.

Deb says, “I like the connection that I get with the students and their parents.”  Deb likes to get to know students who are athletes or musicians, then she can connect them to ILCC events they are participating in.  Deb loves the connection she gets to establish with students, although COVID has affected this connection in more ways than one.  “Before COVID came about, students would stop by my office to talk…some would say that I was their parents away from home.”  

With her years at ILCC, Deb has shown she is a true ILCC Laker.  Her start in 1984 up to now has been impeccable. She has seen many students and facility members come and go through the years.  One thing is for certain, Deb Weston is one of the rare ones.  Her education through ILCC and her employment experiences make up what it is to being a Laker. Strong values, commitment to help others and a personality as approachable and caring as Deb’s is can really mold you into an outstanding human being.  Deb is proof that anything is possible at ILCC, from education to employment. Next time you are walking by the Admissions, stop by the Financial Aid office there is a guarantee your day will get even better!  Deb Weston is one of the reasons to be “Laker Proud.”