Success Spotlights

Meet Portland’s Campus President, Kim Ierien

Concorde Staff

Concorde Staff

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Updated April 7, 2016. The information contained in this blog is current and accurate as of this date.
Kim Lerien, Portland CP

We have loved the positive response we've received as we've gotten to know our Campus Presidents (CPs) a bit better the last few weeks.

Today, we swing to the upper northwest to a little city known as Soccer U.S.A., a hub for foodies and the site of one of Concorde's longest-serving campuses - Portland, Ore.

Kim Ierien is CP for Concorde-Portland and shares with us a bit of her journey, family background and love for collectibles.

Take a look:

 

What's been your journey to becoming a Concorde CP?

 

I worked as a clinic manager prior to Concorde. In fact, one of the physicians I worked with has been a long-standing member of the Program Advisory Committee (PAC.)

When I got to Concorde, I started out as a part-time instructor, then went to work as Career Services Director, then Academic Dean, then stepped into the CP role.

 

What's your favorite thing about Concorde?

 

Giving students an opportunity to fulfill a dream and seeing them at graduation.

 

It's Concorde - Portland's 50th year of serving the local community. How are you all planning on celebrating?

 

We're really excited about the opportunity to spread the news! We've had a special logo created that we're putting on mugs, t-shirts, advertising items and more.

We had an art contest with students to help them depict 50 years of service, which we'll be displaying at our PAC meeting and, later this year, we'll be hosting a health fair on campus

 

Who has been a big influence on your life - why?

 

My mother. She always pushed us to be happy and enjoy life. I have seven siblings, and when our dad was diagnosed with cancer and passed away, we were all wondering what was going on, what are we going to do? She was the strong one for all of us that held us all together.

I remember her saying... even during rough moments in our lives she would always say, "This is the best time in your life. Enjoy it." She is now 95 and keeps us going during the good times and bad times in our lives.

The best piece of advice you were ever given?

Always ask questions. If you make a mistake or think you failed, get back up, dust off and try again. No one ever became a winner by giving up.

I am from Wisconsin and a die-hard Packers fan. Vince Lombardi said, "When the going gets tough the tough get going." I truly believe that.

What about your favorite TV show, a recent movie you've seen or book you've read?

I've read all of Nicolas Sparks' books. "The Notebook" still is my favorite!

Hidden talent, favorite hobby or little-known fact?

I collect snowmen and clowns. I love watching the Green Bay Packers play. I try to go to a Packer game once a year.

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