For generations, women have worked to defy the odds, and, for the month of March, their achievements are put on full display. So, for this year’s Women’s History Month, The Navigator News would like to shine a spotlight on just a few of the many women here who help make Lake Land College (LLC) a wonderful institution.
The first Lake Land staff member whom the Navigator had the opportunity to speak with was Michelle Gill, LLC’s Accounting and Payroll Specialist. Gill’s job at LLC encompasses everything from processing and finalizing all payroll information for employees and working closely with Human Resources, all the way to assisting the comptroller with audit work. Without these crucial aspects of her position and Gill’s excellent work, operations would have a hard time running nearly as smoothly.
Gill had quite a few things to say about her time at the institution. Her favorite aspects have been “the sense of community” as well as the many “amazing people” she has worked with throughout her 26 years at Lake Land. Gill loves working in her department for a multitude of reasons, including the likes of spending time with coworkers. “I love watching our part-times graduate and move on to their future jobs,” added Gill.
Lake Land’s Accounting and Payroll Specialist encourages students who are interested in her line of work to job shadow and seek internships, as there are many different occupations within the field of accounting. She urges all LLC students to “try new things, make many new friends, and get involved.” Gill’s work helps keep Lake Land running, one time sheet at a time!
The Navigator also had the chance to sit down and speak with Katie Lotz. As an economics instructor, Lotz teaches courses such as American Economy, Principles of Macroeconomics and Principles of Microeconomics.
Being in a historically male-dominated field, Lotz says it is important for her to be a part of upending the status quo. “[Economics] has always been a male-dominated field, but we have seen a significant change in the last ten years. It’s important for me to be a part of that,” explained Lotz.
In this professor’s classes, she makes an effort to approach economics less through the lens of rigid mathematical formulas and structures and more through the social science side of the field. Lotz said, “We look at problems in society and see: ‘how can we use economics to solve these problems?’”
When asked what her favorite aspects of working at Lake Land College have been, Lotz said, “The community, my colleagues, the other faculty I teach with, and of course, the students. I see students from so many walks of life… and to me, it’s just amazing to get those students all in a classroom together,” specifically mentioning the discussions that are had between students in her classes.
“I just really enjoy the time with students and seeing a student maybe question something for the first time or understanding something for the first time. I feel like that is the most joyful part of my position,” Lotz added.
Lotz encourages anyone interested in a career in economics, or those who may think they are not, to certainly take the macro and micro courses, citing the wide breadth of possibilities in the field, along with common misconceptions. Lotz’s work for Lake Land and its students through her time as an educator is greatly needed and appreciated!
From payroll to the real-world side of economics, these two women have surely made their mark at Lake Land and will continue to do so!
