Laker Nation News

Lake Land College and the Rotary Club of Mattoon held a ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024 dedicating two new peace poles for Podesta Park and making history with the first reading of Lake Land’s Land Acknowledgment.

Acquired in collaboration with Mattoon Rotary, the peace poles serve as a symbol of worldwide unity, with the phrase, “May Peace Prevail on Earth,” currently inscribed in 19 languages across the two poles. The included languages represent those spoken by past and present international students as well as the indigenous tribes that first populated the region.

The dedication ceremony included addresses from Lake Land College President Josh Bullock and Rotary representatives Mike Martin, Rotary District Governor, and Noah A.J. Olson, Mattoon Rotary President. International student Tanatswa Mutamira, Zimbabwe, read an original poem during the event about her experiences. The event also featured the premiere of a video of the newly-installed peace poles in Podesta Park.

The event also included the inaugural reading of the Lake Land College Land Acknowledgment, recognizing the native tribes who first inhabited the region. Presented by Bullock as a presidential proclamation, the Land Acknowledgment demonstrates the College’s commitment to supporting local indigenous populations. The full Land Acknowledgment is available on the Lake Land College website at LakeLandCollege.edu/diversity/landacknowledgment.

“The Land Acknowledgment is a part of Lake Land’s commitment to creating an inclusive campus environment that celebrates diversity and values enrichment through awareness and education,” Bullock said. “For these reasons and more, we were thrilled when the Rotary Club of Mattoon approached the College with a proposal to install an International Peace Pole on campus.”

Rotary District Governor Mike Martin said the Peace Poles align with Rotary’s commitment to facilitating peace throughout the world.

“Rotary encourages conversations to foster understanding within and across cultures. We create an environment of peace. We believe peace is central to everything we do. In considering a location for the Peace Pole project, Lake Land College was a natural fit to support and engage their learners who come from local communities, from communities around the country and from communities around the world,” Martin said. “We thank you everyone for the opportunity for Rotary to partner with Lake Land College and lend our support this very worthy and noble cause.”

Mattoon Rotary President Noah A. J. Olson said the idea for the Peace Poles originated with the Peace Builder Club.

“What began as a suggestion, turned into a singular project, turned into a Lake Land- Rotary Partnership, and finally into a grassroots group to make this happen: involving Lake Land students, retired/current Lake Land staff and indigenous peoples,” Olson said.

“Our hope for the future is for the Peace Pole area to be utilized by the community, campus visitors, Lake Land students and employees to find comfort, peace and enjoyment in the area,” he added.

To learn more about the Lake Land College Peace Pole project, Land Acknowledgement and other diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, visit the Lake Land College website at LakeLandCollege.edu/diversity.

To learn more about Rotary, including the Rotary Youth Exchange, visit rotary.org/en.

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The Lake Land College Board of Trustees election will be held in the April 1, 2025, general election. Two six-year terms and one four-year unexpired term will appear on the ballot for Lake Land College.

The following three individuals have submitted petitions for a six-year term: Charles (Chuck) Deters, Teutopolis; Scott Montgomery, Gays; and Nash H. Naam, Effingham. Larry D. Lilly, Mattoon, submitted petitions to be on the ballot for the four-year, unexpired term.

The period for filing objections to nomination papers will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the following five dates: Tuesday, November 19, 2024; Wednesday, November 20, 2024; Thursday, November 21, 2024; Friday, November 22, 2024; and Monday, November 25, 2024.

File all materials at the Office of the President, Lake Land College, Board and Administration Center, 5001 Lake Land Blvd., Mattoon, IL 61938. For more information, please contact Jean Anne Highland, Chief of Staff, at 217-234-5329 or jhighland@lakelandcollege.edu.

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Lake Land College Business Instructor/Program Coordinator of Accounting Cindy Phipps was named the Illinois Businesses Education Association (IBEA) Post-Secondary Teacher of the Year. Phipps was recognized for the honor at the 2024 IBEA Fall Conference in Springfield.

Phipps has instructed a variety of accounting and business courses at Lake Land College for 29 years. In this role she developed the Accounting Certificate program and the Accounting Internship course at Lake Land, and most recently, she integrated the Intuit Certified Bookkeeping Professional exam into the curriculum.

“She is always willing to spend extra time outside of class with her students to help them understand concepts and be successful,” said Marcy Satterwhite, Business Instructor/Program Coordinator of Desktop Publishing/Graphic Design. “As a program advisor, she helps her accounting majors stay on track toward successfully completing their graduation goals.”

In addition to her role as instructor, Phipps has been an active member of several committees and organizations. She has served as Chair of the Lake Land College Faculty Association Audit Committee since 1997, along with roles on the Academic Council, Accreditation, Sabbatical Leave and Safety committees. She has been an active member of the IBEA since 1998 and the Eastern Illinois Business Education Association (EIBEA) since 1995, where she currently serves as treasurer. In 2023, she received the EIBEA Teacher of the Year award.

“EIBEA is so fortunate to have had her serve as our treasurer, and she continues to serve year after year,” Satterwhite said. “As the current EIBEA President, I do not know what I would do without her in the treasurer role.”

To learn more about Lake Land College accounting or business programs, visit the Lake Land College website at LakeLandCollege.edu or contact Phipps at 217-234-5350 or cphipps@lakelandcollege.edu.

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Fall 2025 applications for the Lake Land RANGE engineering program are now available on the College’s website.

RANGE, the Recruitment and Advancement of the Next Generation of Engineers, was established in 2024 to support students pursuing high-demand careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). All students in the program receive a tuition scholarship, free specialized tutoring and a cohort class schedule to ensure success in the program.

Lake Land has also created partnerships with local universities to ensure all RANGE graduates are granted admission into competitive four-year engineering programs. Currently, RANGE graduates are guaranteed transfer into the University of Illinois and Southern Illinois University Carbondale engineering programs, with more university partnerships coming soon.

“Right now, the fastest-growing job markets in our area are in the STEM field,” Mathematics Instructor Bambi Jones said. “This program helps support students to excel in these crucial fields and provide a strong workforce for our community.”

All high school seniors interested in a STEM major are eligible to apply for the RANGE program. To apply, visit the Lake Land College RANGE webpage at LakeLandCollege.edu/range.

To learn more about the RANGE program, contact Mathematics Instructors Sarah Harley at sharley@lakelandcollege.edu or Jones at bjones@lakelandcollege.edu.

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The Community Colleges of Illinois are the largest source of workforce development or trades training in the state, preparing students with the short-term training they need to excel in high-demand career fields. By creating pathways to affordable, accessible credentials, these programs present unique opportunities for career development and economic mobility for the most underserved communities, such as low-income students.

Lake Land College is proud to share this commitment to strengthen local regions and offer pathways to success for all students. Earlier this year, the College received a grant from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to provide free CDL training for U.S. veterans and active service members, as well as their spouses and dependent children.

With the support of this grant, up to 30 veterans and their family members can earn a CDL license or licensure upgrade with all tuition, course and testing fees covered. As the only college in Illinois to receive this grant funding, Lake Land is proud to provide underrepresented veteran populations with rapid access to rewarding, in-demand careers to help them support their families as they return from service.

Lake Land College also provides innovative apprenticeship programs that strengthen both individuals and communities. Under the apprenticeship model, students develop crucial career skills with hands-on learning on Lake Land’s campus and apply those skills in real workplaces. The format provides students with a practical education, mentorship opportunities and the ability to earn a salary while their tuition is covered by a sponsoring business. While often associated with construction, manufacturing and other trade careers, apprenticeships have evolved to include sectors such as commercial driving, early childhood education, nursing and IT.

Sponsoring businesses also benefit from the apprenticeship structure, which expands the pool of qualified candidates for high-demand positions. The businesses also play a critical role in developing all apprenticeship curriculum, ensuring their future employees receive the precise training they need to succeed. As a result, businesses who participate in apprenticeship programs enjoy an impressive return on investment of $1.49 for every dollar spent, according to the Department of Labor.

Lake Land College also provides a wide range of workforce development solutions through its Adult Education programs. At Lake Land College, students can enroll in free High School Equivalency (HSE) courses to complete a GED, receive an in-depth introduction to the English language with English Language Acquisition (ELA) courses and upgrade their career skills through the Center for Business and Industry. These programs all help students develop crucial skills and maximize their career potential.

Lake Land College is proud to be among the Community Colleges of Illinois to serve the most underrepresented student populations and offer life-changing career pathways for all. When education and industry collaborate to develop accessible, affordable and relevant training opportunities, the result is a powerful workforce equipped for immediate and ongoing success.

To learn more about workforce development or trades training programs available at Lake Land College, contact Director of the Center for Business & Industry Bonnie Moore at 217-238-8260 or bmoore71258@lakelandcollege.edu.

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In a new partnership, Lake Land College graduates will be automatically accepted to Millikin University and be able to complete their Millikin bachelor’s degree in two years with full-time enrollment, strengthening the transfer process and providing a seamless transfer experience for students.

Lake Land students who wish to transfer to Millikin will be provided with a plan of study, as well as automatic acceptance into a Millikin baccalaureate degree program upon successful completion of an Associate in Arts (AA), Associate in Science (AS), Associate in Engineering Science (AES) or Associate in Applied Science (AAS) with a 2.0 cumulative GPA.

“For some students, the transfer process from community college to a four-year institution can be a complex and nuanced process,” Millikin President Dr. Jim Reynolds said. “This transfer agreement with Lake Land College provides a clear and attainable path to pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Millikin University, with the benefits of our unique opportunities, including Performance Learning and access to our outstanding graduate programs.”

Upon successful completion of an AA and AS with a 2.0 cumulative GPA, transfer students can successfully complete the following programs in two years (four semesters):

Art, Art Therapy, Arts Administration, Business Communication, Communication, Criminal Justice, Elementary Education, English Studies, English Writing, Environmental Studies, History, Multimedia Communication, Music (requires audition), Organizational Leadership, Political Science, Sociology, Sport & Recreation Management, and Theatre.

“When neighboring higher education institutions work together to provide affordable, accessible pathways to bachelor degree completion, we are benefitting students and supporting the economic growth of East Central Illinois,” Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said. “This transfer agreement with Millikin University aligns perfectly with our strategic planning goal to strengthen and expand transfer pathways for students and provides an outstanding opportunity for students to earn a life-changing education close to home.”

Lake Land College students transferring to Millikin with a completed AA and AS will have completed 100% of Millikin’s University Studies requirements and can complete their Millikin bachelor’s degree in two years, provided they are enrolled full-time (12-18 credits per semester).

This agreement also provides paths to bachelor’s degrees for students in several Associate in Applied Science (AAS) programs, including Accounting, Management, Marketing, Information Technology, and Law Enforcement.

“This collaboration with Lake Land College creates unique and seamless pathways for their graduates to continue their studies in Central Illinois at Millikin,” said Millikin Provost Mary Black. “It is a testament to our longstanding relationship with Lake Land and underscores our overarching goal to developing strong community partnerships.”

Students who have successfully met the requirements of the Lake Land Honors Program are guaranteed automatic acceptance into the James Millikin Honors Scholars Program upon application. This agreement is effective beginning the 2024-25 academic year.

“We appreciate Millikin University’s commitment to creating new opportunities for community college students,” Lake Land College Vice President for Academic Services Ikemefuna Nwosu said. “With this partnership, Lake Land College students know they can seamlessly transfer to Millikin and continue to enjoy the highest standards of academic excellence.”

Lake Land College students can also take advantage of the Millikin Tuition Promise and Big Blue Pledge: Illinois Free Tuition Program, which began in the fall of 2024. The Millikin Tuition Promise provides a reduced tuition rate of $26,000 for all full-time traditional undergraduate students. Students can then anticipate an annual inflationary tuition rate increase of less than 4% (at $1,000) each year in the future.

The Big Blue Pledge: Illinois Free Tuition Program represents an investment in Illinois students who may lack the financial options necessary to pursue a private college education and will cover 100% of their undergraduate tuition with Millikin grants and scholarships, filling the gap after available state and federal grants.

To qualify for the Big Blue Pledge, students must:

– submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

– be an Illinois resident (as determined by the FAFSA);

– be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant; and

– be enrolled full-time (minimum of 12 credit hours per semester) as a traditional undergraduate student at Millikin.

For more information on the Millikin programs available to Lake Land transfer students and a complete list of the specific program and course articulation details, visit millikin.edu/LakeLand.

Lake Land College presented the Non-traditional Student of the Year Award to Gertie Schrock, Tuscola, during a ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 7. Schrock was among 11 students who were recognized for their perseverance and outstanding determination in pursuing their academic goals.

The nominees were: Jessica Jones, Tuscola; Jean Michael Rincon Rojas, Columbia; Kelly Richardson, Charleston; Eric Stanley, Charleston; Corinne Coad, Toledo; Lacey Crawley, Mattoon; Darin Miller, Shelbyville; Tamara Beck, Stewardson; Glen Sharpmack, East Alton; and Robert Shoraga, Mattoon.

“The individuals we honor this evening are a special group of students. We know their journeys have been full of obstacles, and yet, as they come to class every day ready to learn with smiles on their faces, you would never guess the hardships they’ve overcome to be here today,” said Kelly Allee, Director of Marketing and Public Relations. “With resilience and determination, they inspire their peers and instructors. They all are shining examples of what it means to be Lakers.”

Gertie Schrock is a non-traditional student from Tuscola. Growing up in the Amish community, she was taught German as her first language and was not afforded the opportunity to earn a high school diploma. As an adult, she enrolled in Lake Land’s Adult Education program to earn her GED along with her daughter. She completed her GED and currently studies in Lake Land’s BNA program to fulfill her dream of becoming a CNA.

Schrock was nominated by Adult Education Transition Coordinator Mariah White-Landrus. In the nomination form, White-Landrus said, “You could not ask to have a better student than Gertie. She stands as a beacon of strength to those who are lucky enough to know her.”

Jessica Jones is a non-traditional student from Tuscola and attends Lake Land to pursue her dream of working in archeology. She balances her college studies with two jobs, demonstrating great determination to complete her degree. After graduating from Lake Land, she plans to transfer to a university to continue pursuing her archeological studies.

Jones was nominated by Director of TRIO Programs Lori Ohnesorge. In the nomination form, Ohnesorge said, “Jessica is a very humble person with grounded values. She is thankful for all the opportunities that Lake Land College has provided to her.”

Jean Michael Rincon Rojas is a non-traditional, international student from Columbia. He came to Lake Land College to improve his English skills and prepare for his ultimate goal of earning a master’s degree in agriculture. He is always upbeat and positive as he navigates a foreign culture and is driven to succeed in his classes. Recently, he excelled as a research intern in plant breeding for Ag Alumni Seed Improvement in Lafayette, Indiana.

Allee nominated Rojas for the honor. In the nomination form, she said, “Jean is a very caring person with a lot of ambition and goals. He absorbs information from all his experiences, and I am confident he will be an excellent leader when provided with the opportunity.”

Kelly Richardson is a non-traditional student from Charleston who is studying in Lake Land’s nursing program. She is dedicated to her studies and balances her time between work, school and raising a family. She is driven to excel and shows incredible integrity and compassion for others in all that she does.

Richardson was nominated by Library Cataloging/Acquisitions Assistant Kathryn Helmink. In the nomination form, Helmink said, “It is admirable to see Kelly finding her way and becoming successful as a non-traditional student through the different challenges and barriers.”

Eric Stanley is a non-traditional student from Charleston who is studying biology. He initially faced uncertainty about how to fit in as a non-traditional college student, but he was quickly grown to excel at Lake Land and stands out as a leader among his peers. He serves as a TRIO ambassador, is active in the Alternative Education Club and has maintained a strong GPA.

Stanley was nominated by Director of Student Success Services Kim Hunter. In the nomination form, Hunter said, “Eric is kind, helpful and ready to help folks out. He is everything we want a standout of the Laker community to be.”

Corinne Coad is a non-traditional student from Toledo who balances her studies with her responsibilities as a single mother. She is a first-generation college student and has worked diligently, maintaining strong grades throughout her time in both the practical nurse and registered nurse programs. She leads other students in classroom exercises and group work, always willing to assist other students in the class.

Coad was nominated by Nursing Instructors Nichole Jones and Karla Hardiek. In the nomination form, they said, “Corinne is a model student. She works hard and uses her resources well, and it shows in her grades. She is humble, kind and focused. She empathizes with her fellow classmates and patients.”

Lacey Crawley is a non-traditional student from Mattoon who balances her studies with her employment at both LIFT and The Learning Zone. She is also a dedicated mother, and has shown great resilience in balancing all of life’s responsibilities. She is a leader among her peers and a willing volunteer in the campus community, consistently lending a hand to others and always ready to offer help when needed.

Crawley was nominated by Director of Student Life Lisa Shumard-Shelton and Early Childhood Education Instructor Tanille Ulm. In the nomination form, Shumard-Shelton said, “With a willingness to face new challenges, Lacey inspires those around her to do the same. Her unique insights, shaped by her personal and professional experiences, contribute to enriching class discussions and group dynamics, further highlighting her leadership potential.”

Darin Miller is a non-traditional student from who comes to Lake Land after working for more than two decades at Graphic Packaging in Shelbyville. He manages his studies along with his role as a father, as he and his wife have adopted multiple children. He brings a fresh perspective to the classroom with his years of workforce experience and often steps up to lead group projects. At Lake Land, he studies Agriculture Business and Supply and serves as a motivating example to the younger students around him.

Miller was nominated by Shumard-Shelton and Agronomy Instructor Christian Kessler. In the nomination form, Kessler said, “Darin is an exemplary student that anyone on campus can look up to and utilize as a role model. He truly embodies all traits that make leaders effective and fair. He always has a smile on his face and is determined to succeed to matter what life throws at him.”

Tamara Beck is a non-traditional student from Stewardson. A single mom of four, she earned her GED in 2023 and is currently pursuing her dream of becoming a nurse. Tamara always gives back to others, volunteering to support her daughter’s softball team and providing care to others by working in a nursing home. She gives full effort in everything she does and always maintains a positive attitude.

Beck was nominated by Perkins Specialist Joy Kaurin. In the nomination form, Kaurin said, “In continuing to pursue her education, Tamara is showing her children that anything is possible. Truly, her potential is limitless because of her determination to continue to pursue her education, even when it’s difficult.”

Glen Sharpmack is a non-traditional student from East Alton. He is pursuing a degree in business while also maintaining a full-time job and serving as a dedicated husband, father and grandfather. He entered the workforce at just 18 years old back in 1985 and always prioritized his children’s needs over his own interests. By attending Lake Land now at 56 years old, he is pursuing a lifelong dream of earning a degree. Sharpmack is an inspiration to others through his hard work and commitment to personal growth.

Sharpmack was nominated by his daughter, Bailey Cole, Foundation Awards & Corporate Relations Coordinator, and his son-in-law, Dylan Cole, Assistant Comptroller & Purchasing Coordinator. In the nomination form, Bailey said, “Glen sets a strong example of what a non-traditional student can achieve if they put their mind to it. I am so proud of him and the role model he has been, teaching us to work hard, to be grateful and prioritize family.”

Robert Shoraga is a non-traditional student from Mattoon and is pursuing a degree in broadcast communication. With his age and background in the U.S. Navy, he brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to his studies. He helps his peers through his leadership, character and ability to connect with his others. He also sets an example to future generations with his determination and passion for learning.

Shoraga was nominated by his daughter, Constance Rickey, Nursing Instructor. In the nomination form, Rickey said, “Not only is Robert an inspiration, he is the best dad and grandpa anyone could ask for. He embodies the spirit of perseverance and lifelong learning, proving that it is never too late to pursue one’s dream.”

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The Lake Land College Clay Target Shooting team was named the National Trap Shooting Champion Runner-Up Team at the USA College Clay Target Nationals.

Multiple Lakers also received individual honors during the event. Jaxson Wilson, Newton, was named National Individual Champion with a score of 197/200. Wilson also placed first in the High Silver Male Category. Brandon Himes, Toledo, placed second in the High Gold Male Category with a score of 194/200.

The Lake Land Clay Target Shooting team was added to the College’s athletic lineup in Fall 2023. In just its second year of competition, the team impressed against the 18 colleges and universities across the nation that participated in nationals tournament.

“I am very proud of our team’s accomplishment. Being just our second year as an athletic program on campus, this achievement definitely sets the bar high for future years,” Clay Target Shooting Head Coach Josh Fulk said. “Coming in second at Nationals to a program that is well known in the trapshooting community with years of history is definitely a huge accomplishment. I look forward to the future and what we will accomplish.”

The 2024-2025 Lake Land College Clay Target Shooting team consists of the following students:

To learn more about the Lake Land College Clay and Trap Shooting team, contact Fulk at 217-234-5073 or jfulk@lakelandcollege.edu.

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Lake Land College received a grant of $130,000 to provide free Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training and testing for up to 30 U.S. military Veterans and active service members, as well as their spouses and dependent children.

The funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) through a Commercial Vehicle Operator Safety Training Grant (CVMOST). Lake Land College is the only community college in the state of Illinois to receive the grant.

“At FMCSA, our job is all about safety. That includes safety of the roadways and safety of our nation’s commercial motor vehicle drivers,” said FMCSA Deputy Administrator Vinn White. “So we are proud to make this funding available, and we’re committed to working with the awardees to put it to good use, making it easier for drivers to enter into and stay in the CMV industry.”

The grant will cover the costs of CDL completion or license upgrade for up to 30 students, including course tuition and all fees for permits, background checks and hazmat checks. Classes for the CDL program at Lake Land College start every two weeks and take just six weeks to complete, providing students with a rapid pathway to a high-demand career in transportation.

“We’re thrilled to be able to offer this opportunity to our local Veterans and active service members,” Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said. “We’re very thankful for their service to our country, and we hope to see many capitalize on this unique opportunity to jumpstart a rewarding career for minimal cost.”

To learn more about the Lake Land College CDL program, contact Transportation Training Coordinator Justin Onigkeit at 217-238-8239 or jonigkeit@lakelandcollege.edu.

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Lake Land College hosted a Día de los Muertos celebration on Friday, November 1 in the Luther Student Center. During the event, students, staff and local community members enjoyed traditional food, activities, an ofrenda and a showing of the movie “Coco.”

Día de los Muertos, commonly known as “Day of the Dead,” is widely observed in Mexico from Nov. 1-2. The holiday includes the creation of ofrendas, which families use to honor deceased loved ones with photos, flowers and the favorite food and drinks of the departed.

“We hosted a similar event last year and had great success, so we were thrilled to celebrate Día de los Muertos on campus again this year,” said Mercury Bowen, Coordinator of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. “It’s an incredible way to help some of our international students feel welcomed and included, while allowing other students to experience a new culture maybe for the first time.”

The Día de los Muertos celebration is just one of many initiatives Lake Land College has taken to uphold an inclusive campus culture. More information about these ongoing events is available on the Lake Land College website at LakeLandCollege.edu/celebrations/.

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