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2020 Lake Area Tech Retirees

Kim Bellum, 15 Years of Service | Lake Area Tech Dean of Academics

Kim began her career at Lake Area Tech in the summer of 2005 after roles with the Watertown School District as Assistant Principal and Principal at Watertown High School.

When asked to share a memorable story about working with Lake Area Tech students, Kim says, “I always loved working with the students, but my favorite memory is when I was observing Med/Fire Rescue instructors and they invited me to ‘suit up’ and come out to the airport for their airplane burn simulation.  I got to go inside the burning plane simulator with the students and watch them train. It was amazing…hot, but amazing!! Students have always been so proud to show me what they are learning in each of their professions. I love that part of my job!”

When asked what her favorite career moments at Lake Area Tech were, Kim said, “I have two of them that both mean so much: President Obama coming to give our commencement address, the whole experience was almost surreal!  I was so honored to be a part of this history-making experience!  And, of course, when Lake Area Tech won the Aspen Award!  Everyone at LATC works so hard and I was so proud that the nation recognized how amazing we are!”

Kim says without a doubt, she will miss the people the most at Lake Area Tech.  “We have the most amazing team of faculty and staff!  We are a family!”

Her advice for others who work at Lake Area Tech is:   

Live the FISH philosophy…choose your attitude, make their day, be there (for everyone)…and PLAY!

Thank you for your years of service to Lake Area Tech, Kim! You and your leadership will be missed! We wish you the very best in your retirement from Lake Area Tech!

Terri Carson, 15 Years of Service | Lake Area Tech Computer Information Systems Department Supervisor

 Computer Information Services Department Supervisor Terri Carson began her career at Lake Area Tech in August 2005.

One of Terri’s favorite career moments at Lake Area Tech was her daily mail check walk.  She says, “I would always get to work about 7:00 or 7:15 and would walk down to the Student Center and check the mail.  On the way, I would say “Morning” to everyone I met and everyone would greet me back.  By the end of the semester, the students started to greet me before I could greet them.  A couple of years ago, there was one student who always greeted me whenever I saw him – even at Walmart.  I never knew his name or what program he was with, but he would always greeted me with a smile and a ‘Hi’.” 

When asked what she will miss the most about working at Lake Area Tech, Terri says she will miss the students and the friends she has made. “Every year, new faces joined the CIS department and every May we would say good luck to these amazing individuals as they graduated and began their careers.  It is always interesting to see where these students have gone and the contributions they have made to the IT industry.”

Terri offers this piece of advice for others who work at Lake Area Tech:

Always keep learning.  Education must evolve and change to meet the demands of society. 

Thank you for your years of service to Lake Area Tech, Terri! You and your expertise will be greatly missed. We wish you the very best in your retirement!

Kristi Jerzak, 28 Years of Service | Lake Area Tech Children’s Educare Center Director

 Kristi has been with the Lake Area Tech Children’s Educare Center since September 1992, just a few months following her graduation from Lake Area Tech.

Kristi says one of her fondest memories at Lake Area Tech is of students who assisted at Educare. “Observing them caring for our children at the center, which sometimes is their first experience with children, and showing their excitement,” she says.

Kristi’s sense of humor is one of her best characteristics. For example, when asked what her favorite career moment was, Kristi says, “Passing myself off as Jennifer Lopez on staff picture day for the website, it did not work!” Good try, Kristi!

All kidding aside, Kristi says one of her fondest memories was winning a car detail through the Foundation from the Lake Area Tech Custom Paint & Fabrication program.  “My car never looked so clean!” Also, she said applying for and being approved for grant dollars to help Educare children with needs and projects not covered in the budget has been very rewarding for her. And, most of all, caring for children of students and staff, and watching them grow up and go off to kindergarten and beyond.

When asked what she will miss the most about working at Lake Area Tech, Kristi says, “Definitely the children, my staff, and the people I have met at Lake Area Tech over the years.”

Kristi offers this advice to others who work at Lake Area Tech:

Be kind to one another. Support one another. Make someone laugh/smile each day – as it gives them something new to think about for a short time.  

Thank you for your years of service to Lake Area Tech, Kristi! Your upbeat personality and caring nature will be missed! We wish you the very best in your retirement!