Colby Community College Campus Bookstore manager Leisa Hansen announced her plan to retire in June, capping 20 years of service to CCC. She notified the Board of Trustees at the April 15 monthly meeting.

Hansen served as the bookstore assistant manager from 1999 to 2016 before being named manager. In addition, she was the head cheer coach from 2001 to 2004.

"The wheels of change have turned consistently on campus, and the journey has been one of highs, lows and everything in between, but that made my time here quite interesting," she said. "The bookstore industry has also undergone major transformations over 20 years, and the new hybrid bookstore at CCC will be a positive direction for our students."

When not at work in the Student Union, Hansen volunteers her time throughout the community. She enjoys playing the piano and shares her talent at the First Presbyterian Church as an accompanist. She is also a founding member of the Once A Month Lunch, a free monthly lunch open to anyone in the community. She organized Common Grounds, a monthly outreach to CCC students. Previously, she was a board member and treasurer of the Genesis-Thomas County food bank. Her family has been a host family to softball players for several years, and she is frequently mentoring students who work in the bookstore. In 2016, she was named the Colby/Thomas County Chamber of Commerce Community Service Person of the Year.

However, among her various projects, one holds a special place.

"My favorite project at CCC is the Angel Tree that we sponsor during the holidays." The residents of the local nursing care centers are recipients of Christmas gifts from students, faculty, staff and community members."

In retirement, she plans to visit her grandchildren and spend more time with the Hansen Drone Imaging business, a venture she and husband Tim started in 2017.

The Hansens have two daughters and five grandchildren. Trudi and husband Jim VanderPloeg live in Tempe, Ariz. with children Isabella and Manuel. In Las Vegas, Nev., Kayla and Josh Dickson are parents to Kinlie, Shiloh, and Cora.

Leisa says the greatest benefit of working at CCC has been the campus family.

"We spend a lot of our lives at work and having the good fortune of working with great people helps us to stay focused on what is important. I'm so grateful for the wonderful support I received from the administration, faculty, and staff when life sent personal challenges my way. I wish Colby Community College a rock solid future as it continues to provide the best education and experiences for the students and community it serves."

To honor Hansen and retiring faculty member Allen Russell, CCC will hold a public reception Friday, May 3, from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Robert Burnett Student Union.