It is easy to spot Laura around campus, not just because of her distinctive curly platinum hair, but because of her ever-present smile and positive attitude. It is that same attitude that helped her cope with having to change schools every couple of years when growing up because her father served 22 years in the U.S. Air Force.
“I developed a strong sense of self, of who I was, at a young age, and that helped me make friends quickly whenever we moved,” stated Laura. She admits that her athletic prowess earned her respect and a great group of friends in Albuquerque, where she feels fortunate to have spent all of her high school years. “Both my parents were athletic, and I inherited that trait from them, but my mom was my biggest cheerleader. She never missed a game.” Laura’s athletic skills were so good that she was recruited to play softball by Central Arizona College, and after that, Oklahoma State University. She was named National Junior College Athletic Association First Team All-American and received Big 8 All-Region honors while at OSU.
As proud as she is of her awards, the strongest and most poignant memory of her college years were the families of her teammates that took her in and treated her like one of their own. “I was far from home and they really watched out for me. I will never forget their generosity.” Laura also acknowledges the many benefactors who donated money for athletic scholarships. “Those experiences established in me a deep sense of gratitude. I would not have been able to attend college if it had not been for the scholarships, which is why I believe so strongly in paying it forward.” Living by her words, Laura gives freely of her time, dedication and money to help support scholarships at GCC. She organizes the annual alumni softball game, which she loves because she can reunite with players she coached, she can pass the torch, and it allows her to give back to the sport, students and school that have meant so much to her.
“I’ve been at GCC for 32 years, the first ten as the softball coach, then in student services. After which I became full-time faculty, with a short stint as interim Dean of Student Life.” Not bad considering that she is a first-generation college student. She commented that she still is in contact with many of her former players, and it is so rewarding to see the successful, happy lives that they have built. “Many of my former players are a part of my everyday life, including current head softball coach Rebecca Schweitzer.”
When asked what motivates her, Laura is quick to answer. “Being able to give back, enhancing the student experience, and creating an environment where students can thrive. As a Faculty Counselor, I love mentoring and supporting students on campus as well as in my First Year Experience classes.” It is not only her dedication to students or her paying it forward that defines Laura. As she said herself, “I live by these words; discipline, respect, and hard work.”
Thank you, Laura, for being a proud GCC Gaucho!