By Eliana Shenk ’24, staff writer
One of LVC’s most beloved staff members is transitioning roles within the College.
Jen Liedtka, coordinator of service and volunteerism, will be transitioning to director of advancement research and relationship management beginning Nov. 1. In this new role, she will be using her educational background and knowledge of LVC history to conduct prospect research and find individuals who are able to support LVC financially.
“I’ve always enjoyed this kind of data-focused work,” Liedtka said. “The opportunity to use some of those skills and do some of that kind of work, first of all is exciting, is work I like, but then besides that, it gives me a chance to honestly have a better balance in my life right now.”
Her decision to change roles was a result of a change in her own life. With her parents aging and needing more care, Liedtka recognized she needed more regularity and time to serve her own community.
“I think it’s important that we be able to honestly look at our own seasons of life and know that there’s times when maybe we need to pour into certain communities in different ways,” she said. “I think it’s really important to stop and step back and say, ‘Are my communities really getting the best version of me right now?’”
Liedtka has been serving as the coordinator of service and volunteerism for the past six years, during which she created and led many service initiatives. She has built up a large range of accomplishments in this position, her favorite stemming from the changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“When that happened and I wasn’t going to be able to send students out into the community, I was like, ‘well what am I going to do,’ and I felt so paralyzed,” she said. “That’s when the nights of service started because I had to just figure out a way to bring people together. My hope in those experiences is that it’s instilling this idea in students about what it means to serve.”
Despite her excitement and anticipation for her new role, this transition will be bittersweet. Liedtka has been able to build many valuable relationships with students, faculty and communities because of the uniqueness of her previous role.
“One of my favorite moments every week is when there’s just a bunch of people crammed in this little space out here, and it’s loud and a little bit chaotic, but that’s community building and I love that,” she said. “Sitting down and reflecting with students, seeing and hearing how students have maybe shifted a perspective or how they’ve grown – that’s a gift to be part of that and I will miss that.”
While LVC works to fill the position, Sarah Shupp, associate dean of student affairs and Title IX deputy coordinator, will be the point of contact for service. Service opportunities will be slim during this transition period because no new projects will be initiated until a new person is hired.
Liedtka wants students to know that she is still available for letters of recommendation. Her new office will be in Laughlin Hall and her email will remain as liedtka@lvc.edu.
While Liedtka will be dearly missed as the coordinator of service and volunteerism, she is excited for the opportunity to serve LVC in a new way and the greater ability to serve her family.