Don Rainer enrolled at Lane Community College after graduating from high school in Eugene. Over the next few years Don took classes at Lane part time and worked to pay his tuition. He then transferred to the University of Oregon earning a bachelor’s degree in Communications in 1989.

Don is currently Senior Vice President at Ferguson Wellman Capital Management in Portland where he has worked since 1998. Don’s financial expertise is a great asset to the organizations he gives his time to. He is a current member of the Lane Community College Foundation Board of Trustees and has served on the finance committee since 2006. He has also taken leadership roles with Oregon’s March of Dimes and the Oregon Independent College Foundation. Besides offering his financial expertise to these organizations, Don also spends time volunteering at his children’s schools helping with events and fundraisers.

Don is an advocate for community college education. “Community colleges train our workers and touch all parts of the economy. Lane Community College gave me an opportunity to take education at my own pace. After high school, I was not prepared for a four year university nor could I afford it. Lane allowed me to work, go to school part time and also gave me a chance to find myself.”

James Florendo is a member of the Lane Community College faculty, Native American Programs coordinator, and steward of Lane’s new Longhouse. As a member of the Wasco nation, one of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, his deep roots in and knowledge of Native American traditions is a valuable asset in understanding the needs and dreams of the growing number of Native American students choosing Lane to begin their higher education.

James started his post-secondary education at the University of Oregon, but he found the transition from life on a reservation to living in a university town very difficult. He decided to enroll at Lane where he thrived, finding staff who were ready to go the extra mile to help him establish himself as a student in higher education. He returned to UO after two years at Lane, earning a bachelor’s degree and continuing on to a Master’s of Fine Arts.

In understanding the special cultural needs and perspectives of Native American students James has said, “I want them to come to Lane Community College, I want them to experience what this school has to offer. Building a solid academic foundation for these students is critical to their educational success.

While studying Theatre Arts at the University of Oregon, Karin Clarke developed an interest in graphic arts. She had heard about Lane Community College’s excellent Graphic Design program and enrolled at Lane shortly after finishing her bachelor’s degree. In 2000 she finished the program with an associate’s degree in graphic design.

Based on the strong portfolio and skills she developed while at Lane, she was hired by Inovar Advertising and Design as a graphic designer. When the company closed a year later, Karin happily returned to Lane to take more fine arts classes. “The instructors were great and very supportive as I tried to decide what my next step would be” she says.

In the fall of 2002 she opened the Karin Clarke Gallery in downtown Eugene. Her first show featured work by her parents, Mark Clarke and Margaret Coe. Today the gallery offers our community a glimpse into the rich and brilliant history of 20th century Northwest painting and sculpture as well as the work of emerging regional artists.

In addition to regularly curating shows for her own gallery, Karin often volunteers her time to support the arts in our community. She has served on numerous art selection committees for local institutions, including Lane’s new Health and Wellness Center. 

Kevin Alltucker enrolled at Lane Community College in 1978. Two years later he transferred to Oregon State University where he earned a degree in Construction Engineering followed by a successful career in the construction industry.

In 1992, Kevin began volunteering for the Relief Nursery. Shocked by the realities faced by at risk children and their families, he decided to work towards a change and promote reforms.

In 2004 Kevin earned his PhD in Educational Leadership from the University of Oregon. Today, Kevin is an assistant professor in the College of Education’s Family and Human Services program; he is also the author of numerous publications addressing the need for reforms in education and child welfare.

Kevin has given much of his time to support local agencies in their efforts to better the lives of children in our community. He has worked with United Way’s Success by 6 Initiative, the Relief Nursery , CASA, Kids First, Head Start and EC CARES to name a few.

Many of the students in Kevin’s classes, like him, got their start at Lane. He says, “Lane gave me a solid base for my continuing education and professional career. Lane students coming to the University are consistently well prepared for our program.”