Laker Nation News

Lake Land College recently honored individuals who have retired or reached five, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 year anniversaries of service to the college at the Employee and Retiree Recognition Celebration. The college also inducted three individuals into the Retiree Wall of Fame.

“The longevity of the staff honored at the Employee Recognition celebration is a testament to the passion and dedication with which the Lake Land family members carry out their service to students. The excellence demonstrated by Lake Land staff is further reflected in the three Wall of Fame inductees’ long-list of personal and professional accomplishments,” Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said.

Retirees recognized for their service to the college were: Barb Arthur, payroll specialist; Cathy Bunton, health and physical education instructor; Allen Drake, John Deere technology instructor; Lucinda Horton, biological science instructor; Lee Poffinbarger, student services specialist III-admissions; Randy Seaman, service worker; Vickie Smith, microcomputer support specialist; and Rick Watson, IDOT quality control/quality assurance instructor.

Recognized for 30 years of service were: Lee Poffinbarger, student services specialist III-admissions; and William Warfel, systems programmer and network administrator.

Recognized for 25 years of service were: Ted Miller, custodian-first shift; and Salisa Hortenstine Olmsted, division chair humanities & communications/English/speech instructor.

Recognized for 20 years of service were the following: Tammy Cantwell, custodian; Danielle Downs, financial aid and veteran services advisor; John Hampton, police officer; Tina Moore, director of career services; Kelli Pope, financial aid accountant; Joe Shriver, maintenance II; Chad Smith, police sergeant; Cheryl Staley, business instructor; and David Turnbull, biological science instructor.

Recognized for 15 years of service were the following: Krista Burrell, academic counselor; Andrea Daily, business analyst; Lisa Earp, business instructor/program coordinator office professionals; Katie Lotz, economics instructor; Steven McDevitt, maintenance II; Angela Parr, administrative assistant to the Kluthe Center; and Sharon Uphoff, college nurse.

Recognized for 10 years of service were the following: Thomas Bales, print shop technician; Deborah Bowling, office assistant vo-tech department; Lynn Breer, director of institutional research; Kimberly Davis, education instructor; Cynthia Emerick, administrative assistant Pana extension center; Paul Hanley, commercial driver training instructor; Karla Hardiek, division chair of allied health/nursing instructor; J.R. Hodges, fitness center specialist; James Hull, vice president for workforce solutions and community education; Nichole Jones, nursing instructor; David Matherly, auxiliary services office coordinator; Karla Miller, director of tutoring and testing center; Dirk Muffler, director of adult and alternative education; Emily Ramage, director of grants and academic operations; Brett Roberts, administrative assistant to math/science and social science and education; Madge Shoot, comptroller; Vickie Smith, microcomputer support specialist; Jason Taylor, microcomputer support specialist; Deborah Thomason, dental hygiene instructor; Teresa Wright, administrative assistant at Marshall extension center; and Brandon Young, dean of correctional programs-south.

Recognized for five years of service were: Jana Barker, master gardener; Josh Bullock, president; Jane Cox, student assistance specialist; Kristin Daniels, clinical instructor of cosmetology; Sarah Hill, librarian information services; Shannon Hood, nursing instructor; and Marki Millsap, academic services specialist of dual credit.

Lake Land also inducted three retirees to the Wall of Fame. Located in the Robert K. Luther Student Center, the Wall of Fame recognizes certain retirees for their hard work and outstanding contributions to the college. The 2018 inductees honored were Kathleen Doehring, nursing instructor/AND/PN program director; Tom Kerkhoff, executive dean of correctional programs; and Ben Ragle, academic counselor.

In addition to this year’s program, the annual Shine Award was presented to two employees. The Shine Award is designed to recognize college employees or teams who display the college’s values – communication, caring, innovation, excellence and teamship. To receive a Shine Award, employees must be nominated by a co-worker who must describe why the employee is deserving of the Shine Award. The Shine Selection Committee then reviews the applications and selects the winners to be honored.

This year’s recipients were Dyke Barkley, horticulture instructor, and Jennifer Melton, academic counselor. Additional Shine nominees are Barbara Arthur, payroll specialist; Tammy Cantwell, custodian; Laura Deters, basic nurse assistant instructor; Heather Nohren, academic counselor; Lee Poffinbarger, student services specialist III-admissions; Aaron Tardy, CTPD audio visual assistant; Janet Waymoth, nursing instructor; and the Physical Plant Team.

To learn more about Lake Land College, visit lakelandcollege.edu.