Students in the public speaking classes at North Platte Community College had the opportunity last week to get advice and inspiration from an area businessman who credits the college for being one of the “best investments he has made.”
Lysle “Todd” Roe, Drafting/Estimating at Bloedorn Lumber Company, graduated from Brady Public Schools in 1999 and began taking courses at NPCC soon afterwards.
“Todd is here to tell you what he needed to hear when he was 19,” said NPCC Speech/Human Relations Instructor Nadyne Crumly during her introduction of Roe.
“Mid-Plains Community College gave me a jumpstart to my collegiate world,” Roe told the students. “It was smaller than the universities, with more of a controlled setting. That allows students to form close relationships with instructors. It also helped me support my community without moving far from home.”
After taking transfer courses at NPCC, Roe went on to graduate from the University of Nebraska Kearney with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Industrial Technology, with a Construction Management Option. He was also certified in “Solid Builder” software (CADD based design software) and is a certified operator with “KeyMark” Engineering Software. He is currently enrolled in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduate program and is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Engineering Management.
During his presentation, Roe shared several things that he strongly believed would help the students become successful in their careers.
“You have to have a willingness to work,” he said. “Whatever you do, do it the best you can. Put everything you have into it.”
“Use the assets around you, including the people in your life, to capitalize on potential achievements,” he continued. “Set yourself out of the norm.”
Roe told the students he believes that the importance of reading, whether it be books, magazines, fiction or non-fiction, should not be underestimated. He recommended that they read every day.
Roe also gave the students a list of challenges that included educating themselves outside of the classroom, forming relationships with people who want them to succeed, and being the best in whatever they lead.
“I really enjoy talking to the students about how to get the most out of college and their careers,” Roe said, adding, “I have to give big thanks to Bloedorn for encouraging me to give presentations like this.”
