Monday, February 22, 2016

Weiss Guy

    Mark Weiss
Photo Courtesy: ozzzie20 

Mark Weiss is one of many counselors at LBCC. He's spent the last 27 years helping community college students figure out their path in life. Now, this period in Weiss' life is coming to an end.

After 27 years at LBCC, Weiss is retiring.

Retiring is not an easy decision to make, but for Weiss, it felt like the right one.

“The decision really is just around energy. I noticed I have a little less and I’m also turning 66 in May,” said Weiss. “It just felt like time.”

Still, Weiss loves his job and it’s difficult to leave behind for good.

“I still love working with students and that’s sort of hard to think about giving up,” said Weiss. “I’ve had a couple of people feel me out for maybe working part time, which I might be open to but I don’t know if that will happen or not.”

Co-Department Chair of Counseling Angie Klampe has been at LBCC for 33 years and has worked with Weiss for as long as he has been at LB.

“Mark is someone who really cares about students,” said Klampe. “He’s just a real passionate kind of guy. He’s passionate about students, and he’s passionate about students’ success. He’s a good advocate for students, and he’s a really good counselor.”

Weiss used to be the Department Chair of Counseling at LBCC.

“Marked served as our department chair for quite some time. We appreciate his leadership and how he advocates, not just for students, but for counselors on our campus as well,” said Klampe.

The other Co-Department Chair of Counseling Charles Madriaga has worked with Weiss since 2007.

“He’s very wise, thoughtful, and compassionate. He’s one of the most patient individuals I’ve ever met in my life,” said Madriaga. “He has a demeanor that is so incredibly kind. He could work with or help anyone.”

For Weiss, the most gratifying thing about being a counselor is helping people.

“As a counselor, we work with students in a lot of different ways. We work with students who are in emotional crisis. We work with students who are undecided about what they want to do and need career counseling and advising. We teach and we do sort of retention counseling,” said Weiss. “I love all of that. I particularly love career counseling and advising. I like helping someone get from point A to point B in their lives.”

At a Glance:

  • Mark Weiss is 65 years old and has been working as a counselor at LBCC for 27 years.
  • His main hobby is music, which he plans to spend more time doing once he has retired. 
  • If you're a student at LBCC and you're in need of advise or counseling, contact Weiss at weissm@linnbenton.edu.