Employment and education:
U.S Navy Veteran Bill Coombe graduated from LLCC with his Associate in Applied Science, surveying.
How has LLCC impacted your life?
LLCC provided me with the technical knowledge to purse a career in land surveying and obtain a license to practice land surveying in Illinois. I have been fortunate to be a partner in Coombe-Bloxdorf P.C., an engineering and land surveying firm in Springfield. This career has allowed me to help provide a comfortable living for my wife Martha and our three children. Coombe-Bloxdorf P.C. was acquired by Fehr-Graham Engineering and Environmental in December of 2015 after 24 years, and I am now employed at Fehr-Graham sharing my knowledge and experience as I prepare for retirement in the next five to six years.
What is your great accomplishment?
Even though I have managed large survey projects throughout the state including airports, bridges and major highways, I consider my contributions to the landscape of Springfield as my favorite accomplishments. I enjoy driving around town and seeing past and current projects like Panther Creek, Southwest Plaza, Happy Landing Farm, Fox Meadows West, Kreston Place, the MacArthur – Wabash intersection and numerous other projects that I have had the privilege to contribute to the design and/or construction.
Was there an LLCC professor, advisor, staff member or fellow student who made an impression on you or helped you?
It has been over 35 years since I graduated so I don’t remember their names but I do remember that the professors in the engineering department shared a wealth of technical knowledge in engineering and surveying. There was only maybe five to eight students in any of my classes so teaching was more one on one. I believe that atmosphere is what help me gain a passion for surveying and engineering.
Has Lincoln Land been a part of your family tradition?
M.y daughter Jacki graduated from LLCC with an Associate in Science degree and transferred to SIU at Carbondale were she received a degree in Radiologic Sciences. My other daughter Jessi took classes and LLCC in preparation for attending St. Johns College of Nursing where she is a graduate.
What did you like about LLCC or what is your favorite LLCC memory?
I would spend a lot of time in the library between classes while attending LLCC. I remember it was a great building with a lot of open space and I would do research for class or read magazines while passing time. I look forward to someday having that type of leisure time again.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
I played hockey with the Springfield Kings while attending LLCC. I continued with the sport by coaching and officiating. I was a USA Hockey Official for 25 years, an off ice official for the Springfield Jr. Blues for twenty years and I am a member of the Springfield Youth Hockey Hall of Fame. On the family front, my son Adam and his wife Kristen recently had twin girls so Mart and I now have seven grandchildren all under the age of five. It is truly exciting times at family events.