Lonnie Nolker '06

Lonnie Nolker ’06 is a Secondary Science Teacher for Commonwealth Charter Academy.

Why did you choose La Roche University?

I chose La Roche for two reasons: I needed to be closer to home because my mother was ill, and because I knew that I could grow in many ways at a smaller campus. I wasn’t a number – I was a name, and that’s what I liked about La Roche.

How did La Roche influence you as a person?

La Roche had a strong impact on me as a person and helped me to develop my leadership skills to become the teacher that I am today.

Also, on a personal level, my mother was ill during my time at school and passed away during my sophomore year. I never expected the administration to send a condolence card or to have the Student Government Association donate a library book in my mother’s name. Some administrators even traveled to attend my mother’s viewing. Administrators and counselors checked in on me, and one even pushed me to continue my degree in education.

Without this support, I wouldn’t have graduated from La Roche. the University really showed its motto of To Light Through Love, and I will never forget my experience and the love at La Roche.

What are you most proud of when you look back on your college experience?

I really started to understand and figure out who I was at La Roche. I am proud to look back on my years of being a volunteer, leader and student. All of these experiences made me who I am today. La Roche made me step out of my comfort zone. In high school, I hadn’t been as involved. At La Roche I figured out who I wanted to be as a person and what I wanted to do with my life. Through my training and education, I was able to set out for what I wanted in life.

How did La Roche prepare you for your teaching career?

La Roche prepared me to not only understand the pedagogy of teaching, but what teaching really means. Without my amazing professors who pushed me to be better, I would have been lost. The training I received at La Roche is why I am the person and teacher I am today.

How did your degree help you move forward in your career?

A degree from La Roche meant I was prepared and ready to enter the classroom on day one. The education program made sure we were ready for our specific grade levels and that we had the experience. I was comfortable and ready when I entered my first classroom. The connections I gained at La Roche also helped me to connect with administrators in other schools. I started my first job because of a connection with La Roche! the University has a strong standing with school districts in the area.

Lonnie Nolker '06 Lonnie Nolker ’06 is a Secondary Science Teacher for Commonwealth Charter Academy. Why did you choose La Roche University? I chose La Roche for two reasons: I needed to be closer to home because my mother was ill, and because I knew that I could grow in many ways at a smaller campus. I wasn’t a number – I was a name, and that’s what I liked about La Roche. How did La Roche influence you as a person? La Roche had a strong impact on me as a person and helped me to develop my leadership skills to become the teacher that I am today. Also, on a personal level, my mother was ill during my time at school and passed away during my sophomore year. I never expected the administration to send a condolence card or to have the Student Government Association donate a library book in my mother’s name. Some administrators even traveled to attend my mother’s viewing. Administrators and counselors checked in on me, and one even pushed me to continue my degree in education. Without this support, I wouldn’t have graduated from La Roche. the University really showed its motto of To Light Through Love, and I will never forget my experience and the love at La Roche. What are you most proud of when you look back on your college experience? I really started to understand and figure out who I was at La Roche. I am proud to look back on my years of being a volunteer, leader and student. All of these experiences made me who I am today. La Roche made me step out of my comfort zone. In high school, I hadn’t been as involved. At La Roche I figured out who I wanted to be as a person and what I wanted to do with my life. Through my training and education, I was able to set out for what I wanted in life. How did La Roche prepare you for your teaching career? La Roche prepared me to not only understand the pedagogy of teaching, but what teaching really means. Without my amazing professors who pushed me to be better, I would have been lost. The training I received at La Roche is why I am the person and teacher I am today. How did your degree help you move forward in your career? A degree from La Roche meant I was prepared and ready to enter the classroom on day one. The education program made sure we were ready for our specific grade levels and that we had the experience. I was comfortable and ready when I entered my first classroom. The connections I gained at La Roche also helped me to connect with administrators in other schools. I started my first job because of a connection with La Roche! the University has a strong standing with school districts in the area. Are you involved with any volunteer projects outside of work?

I am an active member of Relay for Life, and I serve as president of the La Roche Alumni Association.

Were you involved with any clubs, sports or organizations as a student at La Roche?

I was a member of the Student Government Association and later served as president of the association. I was a resident assistant for three years and was a member of the La Roche theater program, the Student Activities Board and Campus Ministry. I always felt that these activities gave me a sense of belonging. All of these groups looked out for you and supported you. It was great to become involved at La Roche. It made me a better leader and educator.

Why would you recommend La Roche to a prospective student?

It was a great school with a strong education program. If you choose to become involved, there are so many aspects of campus life that allow you to broaden your horizons. At the time of choosing a college, I never knew that I would develop lifelong friendships with students, staff and administration. Everyone on the La Roche campus truly cares for you as a person and wants the best for you.

Please describe an experience with a faculty or staff member who made a positive impact on you.

There are many faculty and staff members who made an impact on my life, but Dr. Fran Sabo was the professor who helped me realize that teaching comes from the heart. It’s the connection, not the curriculum.

Also, Colleen Ruefle was a dedicated administrator who helped me finish my degree after my mother’s passing. She always checked in on me and told me to keep going. She was one person that helped me see things from a new perspective. She always listened and always provided support, and I am forever grateful.

What advice do you have for current and future students?

One thing that I really learned from La Roche was to always go on the next adventure and to look at the bigger picture. We may not realize why the picture has developed a certain way, but it is important to stay on the path and keep going. There are so many opportunities out there that you just have to be willing to get up and get going. It takes action.

Always be prepared for detours in life, and stay involved with organizations and the University. You never know how that connection will help you in your future.