Laker Nation News

Lake Land College recently held its annual Foundation Scholarship Reception recognizing scholarship recipients as well as the donors who provide the scholarship. The Foundation Scholarship Reception allows students and donors to meet and get to know more about one another.

About 450 students received scholarships totaling more than $400,000 for the 2017-2018 academic school year.

The reception began with a short welcome from Debbie Benefiel, chair of the foundation scholarship committee and remarks from Josh Bullock, Lake Land College president, Jacqueline Joines, executive director for college advancement, , Charles Meaker, 2017-2018 student trustee & scholarship recipient and Pat Monahan, former Foundation Board member and longtime donor, Arcola.

“When I first started college, I went to class and came straight home. I never thought about scholarships or how they could impact the cost of college,” Meaker said in his speech. “After some time in school, I became familiar with all the great things the Lake Land College Foundation does and how every bit of assistance helps.”

He also pointed out to his fellow students as they prepare for the end of the year, to have a sense of duty toward their gracious donors.

“With finals coming up, so are tests and papers. It is up to you to keep those grades up to make your donors proud,” Meaker said.

Monahan, owner of Monahan Partners and longtime donor to the Foundation, said that he remembers coming to Lake Land to read scholarship applications and continued to do so for many years. He stated that the scholarships are always “all great and poetic in their own way” and how he sees financially supporting someone’s education is “giving the gift of hope.”

Lake Land College Foundation Board members include: Mike Bohannon, president, Charleston; Chad Thompson, vice president, Effingham; Tom Grunloh, secretary, Effingham; Bullock, ex-officio, Lake Land president, Mattoon; Doris Reynolds, ex-officio, Lake Land Board of Trustees liaison, Mattoon; David Frisse, ex-officio legal counsel, Paris; Debbie Benefiel, Paris; Steve Childers, Charleston; Alan Fedrigon, Shelbyville; Dr. Tom Fonner, Effingham; Chris Pilson, Mattoon; Lisa Kallis, Charleston; Michelle Blackwell, Pana; Rich Hartke, Teutopolis; Bob Pancoast, Shelbyville; Deacon Patient, Sullivan; Preston Smith, Mattoon; Tom Wright, Dieterich; Brian Hutchins, Charleston.

Lake Land Foundation staff includes: Jacqueline Joines, executive director for college advancement, Brocton; David Cox, director of alumni relations & annual giving, Mattoon; Paula Rosine, director of foundation operations, Mattoon; JJ Blazich, administrative assistant to college advancement, Neoga; Madge Shoot, foundation treasurer, Mattoon.

Honorary Board members include: Paul Glenney, Mattoon; Garth Jones, Mattoon; Linda McCabe, Mattoon; Deana Nuxoll, Effingham; Jennifer Jansen, Effingham; and Dr. Nanci Huels, Effingham.

The Lake Land College Foundation was established exclusively for educational, scientific and charitable purposes. The foundation assists the college in developing and enhancing the educational opportunities and service to its students, alumni and citizens of the district.

For more information about foundation scholarships, please visit https://www.lakelandcollege.edu/scholarship-opportunities/.

For more information about Lake Land College, visit www.lakelandcollege.edu.