About Us

Jacqueline Garcia

female-presenting-individual-with-dog

Assistant Director
jacqueline.garcia@du.edu | 303-871-2464

  • Bio

    Role: Oversees the Program Coordinators and student workers, ensuring the smooth operation of the LLCs. 

    Supports Students: Leads all-LLC events, retreats, and recruitment efforts to foster a strong, engaged, and inclusive community. 

    Working with Faculty & Staff: Collaborates with Faculty Mentors and staff to support programming, student action plans, and department initiatives. 

    Key Responsibilities: Strategic planning, leadership development, and creating meaningful experiences that promote student learning and connection. 

Carmel Stralen

female-presenting-individual-with-icecream

Program Coordinator

  • Bio

    Role: Design and facilitate department-wide and individual LLC programs to provide engaging and impactful experiences.

    Supports Students: Advise LLC Council members, provide mentorship, and help students develop and implement action plans.

    Working with Faculty & Staff: Collaborate with Faculty Mentors to align programming with LLC themes and department goals.

    Key Responsibilities: Program development, student mentorship, and fostering a supportive community within the LLCs.

Linda Ussi

female-presenting-hiking

Program Coordinator

  • Bio

    Role: Design and facilitate department-wide and individual LLC programs to provide engaging and impactful experiences.

    Supports Students: Advise LLC Council members, provide mentorship, and help students develop and implement action plans.

    Working with Faculty & Staff: Collaborate with Faculty Mentors to align programming with LLC themes and department goals.

    Key Responsibilities: Program development, student mentorship, and fostering a supportive community within the LLCs.

Maddy Torres

female-presenting-smiling

Student Administrative Assistant

  • Bio

    Role: Assists the Assistant Director and Program Coordinators with administrative tasks that support the department’s daily operations.

    Supports Students: Manages social media, communications, and student outreach to keep students informed and engaged.

    Working with Faculty & Staff: Supports event planning, recruitment efforts, and department-wide communications.

    Key Responsibilities: Administrative support, event coordination, and outreach to enhance the LLC experience for students.

Student Testimonials

Sarah B. '20

female-presenting

What is your favorite LLC memory?   

My favorite LLC memory was the spring white water rafting trip, I loved getting to spend a weekend with some of my favorite people and rafting through Brown's Canyon was so fun and exciting. I remember running through one of the rapids and we all got soaked and couldn't stop laughing for a long time. 

Hannah C. '20

female-presenting-smiling

Why did you choose to apply to the LLCs? 

I chose to apply to the LLCs in order to broaden my view of the world and deepen my understanding of the cultures around me. Additionally, I applied because the LLC offers an amazing community of students, which can make being a first-year a lot less scary.

Allison J. '20

female-presenting-smiling

Why did you choose to apply to the LLCs? 

I chose to apply to the LLCs because I wanted to be involved in a group of like minded individuals, and I wanted to work on my mental health quite a bit last year. Overall, I do think it helped a decent amount!

Kania C. '20

female-presenting-smiling

What is your favorite LLC memory? 

My favorite memory with the CM LLC was visiting Serene, my favorite restaurant right off campus. We had really fulfilling conversations over amazing food. It was a great way to end our year.

Ryan G. '24

male-presenting-smile

Why did you choose to apply to the LLCs? 

I was always a big fan of the environment especially after taking an environmental science class in high school. I was also really interested in the community building and being able to meet people and make friends through the LLC and the events seemed really fun.

Sara G. '24

female-presenting-smile

Why did you choose to apply to the LLCs? 

Being able to be a part of a group of like minded individuals, and gain more hands on experience in relation to my major.

Shelby C. '25

female-presenting-smiling

Why should an incoming student apply to the LLCs at DU?

The LLCs build community and help new students find a group. You also know someone to turn to in your hall who is in a similar place or had similar interests. The class is interesting as there is a focus on something you are passionate about and making the classes more personal and intimate.

Susan R. '25

female-presenting-smiling

What is one takeaway or favorite activity from your LLC class?

My favorite thing we have done so far is go to the YMCA at the Rockies and our Faculty Mentor Don taught us all about ponderosa pines and other natural processes that happen in the Rockies

Will F. '25

male-presenting-smiling

Why should an incoming student apply to the LLCs at DU? 

The LLC’s are a great way to learn more about your interests and make new friends. Meeting new people and learning about the history of Denver.

Olivia S. '25

Why should an incoming student apply to the LLCs at DU? 

LLCs host so many events that allow you to get to know students from other LLCs, and there’s usually free food! Everyone in your LLC is like minded and cares about the same events. The class is only once a week and often involves a field trip. It’s awesome to get out in the city and learn about Denver, and also go on weekend overnight trips to amazing places.