March 08, 2017

L&C Unanimously: Julie Couch

L&C Unanimously is a series of stories featuring Lewis & Clark faculty and staff donors. Julie Couch has worked as a Campus Safety office for over twenty years. Julie supports Lewis & Clark because of the college’s “commitment to community engagement, sustainability, and the students.”

L&C Unanimously is a series of stories featuring Lewis & Clark faculty and staff donors.

What is your role at Lewis & Clark?

I work in Campus Safety and have been a Campus Safety officer here for over twenty years. I also help with Emergency Communications at the college. I am part of a Multnomah County Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES) group, which serves several businesses, including Lewis & Clark College. I was able to oversee the purchase and set up of a ham radio station for the college, located in the Campus Safety department, and I am starting the process of setting up a second location at Facilities Services. Multnomah County ARES has several drills a year for which ham radio operators train, in case of a catastrophic event that cuts off other ways to communicate. Lewis & Clark College has approximately seven amateur radio operators within walking or biking distance of the college, all of whom are willing and able to assist. I also participate in drills with Oregon Emergency Management and FEMA.

Why do you support Lewis & Clark?

The college has a wonderfully rich and diverse group of educators and staff who are enthusiastic about what they do here. The college shows a commitment to community engagement, sustainability, and the students.  

What are three words you use to describe Lewis & Clark?

An awesome place.

What is your favorite part about working at Lewis & Clark?

The interaction that I have with staff, faculty and the students.  My co-workers and boss make it fun to come to work every day. The relationships I have developed with other staff members college-wide, and students who I have come to know throughout their time here are important to me. I also enjoy interacting with potential students and their parents.  Oftentimes, the Campus Safety department is the first place they visit when coming to campus.  It is important for us to make a positive first impression.

What is your favorite thing to do in Portland?

Trying all of the wonderful restaurants that Portland has to offer.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I raise Miniature Wirehaired Dachshunds and compete in most American Kennel club events. I also breed and exhibit poultry. When I am not involved with those two hobbies, I enjoy trap shooting, vintage cars, watching NASCAR and of course, ham radio.

Read more L&C Unanimously donor profiles here.

See the full list of Faculty & Staff Honor Roll of Donors.

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