The Bog

  Sonya F. James is the long-time business advisor, counselor, instructor, among other titles, At LBCC, and was Interviewed by Marsh Hamel for The Commuter on Feb. 2, 2025, 10:00am in her office located in  Takena Hall 109.  James gives readers a perspective into what drives her to do as much as she does, how she likes to spend her free time, and what matters most to her. Those looking to make an appointment or meet with Sonya James can email her at jamess@linnbenton.edu , or make an appointment with her through the advising center in Takena Hall. Sonya James has been on staff at Linn-Benton for over a decade, and she’s worn a lot of different hats during that time, often all at once. From fulfilling the role of academic advisor and guiding students toward success, to licensed social work at a youth correctional facility, James’ hard work and dedication stands as a testament to how often the worlds of social work and academia intersect with one another. During a recent 45...

When: Mon. Tues. 11:00am - 1:00pm Where: Forum Room 109 , LBCC Albany Campus, 6500 Pacific Blvd. SW Website:   Schedule an appointment What's Next: Stop by and pick out something new! All photos courtesy of: Marsh Hamel Prices are out of sight, out of mind at LB’s Roadrunner Clothing Connection. Operating under the supervision of the college’s American Association of Women In Community Colleges chapter, the door is wide open every Monday and Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The boutique provides a curated retail experience  aimed at catering to every student’s needs for any particular event or occasion, allowing 10 items per term for full- or part-time students – completely free of charge.  The typical “community college experience” is anything but that. Students come from all walks of life, bringing their varied experiences along with them. While the differences within the lives of students at Linn-Benton may vary to any degree, Roadrunner Clothing Connections see...

Waiting in line can be a thing of the past at the Courtyard Cafe for those who take advantage of the online ordering system. Navigating campus on foot is a quick way to work up an appetite, but the cafe’s prime location at the heart of campus in Takena Hall makes it a perfect pit stop between classes. Roadrunners who flock to the cafe to handle their cravings will notice two things that immediately stand out: the line to order, which often extends through the door into the courtyard itself, and the intense work being done by the staff members to hold down the fort. Those who want to skip the line can do so by ordering ahead through a QR code link which is posted on the walls of the cafe. “We see more than 300 students on most days,” said cafe manager Jesse Jones. “I have about 10 people working back here this term.” The kitchen makes use of a ticketing system to keep track of the influx of orders, and the majority of orders received are placed in person. Despite flyers with QR codes t...

Who am I? My name is Marsh Hamel. This is my blog, but I'm calling it The Bog, because somewhere down the line, this is gonna get messy. Regardless, whether sticky, sweaty, muddy or otherwise, I'm happy to welcome readers to this little digital window into the inter-sanctum that is my mind. I'm currently a Digital Communication Arts Major at Oregon State, but I'm also dual enrolled at Linn-Benton part time. In other words, I'm all over the place- and happily, too. On my own time, I can usually be found plucking away on my bass,  tickling the ivories, taking it easy by the river, or looking for nooks and crannies to explore out on the town. I've spent all but the first few months of my life in the Mid-Willamette Valley, primarily in Albany, but I originally hail from Independence MO. I like to tell folks I'm a 'neo-pioneer' of the Oregon Trail, only I waited for a 757 and a decent meal.  New year, new me: goals for this term Through my time with The...