Laker Nation News

The Lake Land College TRIO Student Support Services program recently received a four percent increase in funding. Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, TRIO supports students in need to help them complete their academic goals, graduate from Lake Land College and transfer to a four-year college. This increase in funding provides valuable support to help TRIO continually offer and expand these services.

“TRIO SSS is a support system for students to ensure success as they progress through their education at Lake Land. We help them with all aspects of life while they are attending LLC, such as financial resources, tutoring, community resources, and much more. Students are often unsure about their major and their future, so we provide a welcoming environment to help them navigate this journey,” Lori Ohnesorge, Director of TRIO Programs, said. “We are here to help students be successful from one semester to the next until they successfully graduate or transfer to a four-year institution. This is a program that would have been very helpful to me when I was a Lake Land College student years ago.”

The purpose of the TRIO Student Support Services program is to provide holistic support services to college students to increase student retention and graduation rates, facilitate their transfer from two-year to four-year colleges, and foster an institutional climate supportive of the success of students. To accomplish this mission, TRIO provides academic, social, and cultural support, increases retention and graduation rates, assists students in the admissions process and completion of all necessary forms, develops relationships with external and internal entities to provide referrals and collaborative services and assists in developing short and long term goals for each academic semester based on students’ needs.

Counselors and advisors work with each student individually, providing and connecting students with a wide variety of support services, events and activities. TRIO provides one-on-one meetings with advisors, informative workshops and access to educational, social and cultural opportunities and trips, available only to TRIO participants. All TRIO services are free to all TRIO participants.

There is an eligibility process for TRIO Student Support Services, and eligibility surveys are available LLC’s website, the student Hub and in the TRIO office.

More information can be located on the Lake Land College website at lakelandcollege.edu/trio-student-support-services or by calling or texting 217-234-5456. For further questions, please contact triosss@lakelandcollege.edu.

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Lake Land College is making its basic nursing assistant (BNA) class more accessible than ever for the fall 2023 semester. In addition to offering a convenient class schedule, the program will be available at both the Kluthe Center in Effingham and the Western Region Center in Pana. The class is an opportunity for those interested in healthcare professions to begin a career in the field.

The Basic Nursing Assistant Program includes 90 hours of theory/classroom and 40 hours of clinical practice. This program is approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to provide instruction of basic nursing skills in the classroom, laboratory, and clinical settings. The classroom portion of the course includes basic anatomy, medical terminology, communication skills, safety, infection control, personal care skills and patient rights.

During this program, students will also access the nursing lab, where they will master the 21 patient care skills mandated by the IDPH.

Students who complete this program will enhance their knowledge and skills to be more marketable as a certified nursing assistant in all health care settings. Successful completion of the BNA course grants students eligibility to take the IDPH Competency Evaluation Examination to receive qualification to work as a certified nursing assistant.

At the Kluthe Center in Effingham, classes begin on August 22^nd and will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.

At the Western Region Center in Pana, classes begin on August 21^st and will be held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 12:30 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.

For more information, contact BNA Instructor and Program Director Beulah Uphoff at 217-234-5568 or at buphoff12042@lakelandcollege.edu. To enroll, contact Admissions Counseling at 217-234-5232 or at counsel@lakelandcollege.edu.

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The Dollar General Literacy Foundation recently awarded Lake Land College an $8,500 grant to support adult literacy in English Language Acquisition classes.  This local grant is a part of the Foundation’s largest, one-day literacy donation of more than $13 million throughout the 47 states in which Dollar General operates to support adult, family and summer literacy programs.

Lake Land College’s English language acquisition classes introduce non-native speakers to the English language and equip them with the skills necessary to function in American society. The program’s immersive courses help students develop English speaking and listening skills through conversational English, phonics, and written and oral reports. Student skill levels are assessed upon both entrance and completion of the program to monitor development, with the expectation that their improvement throughout the courses will prepare them for successful employment.

Shannon McGregor, Lake Land’s director of adult and alternative education, said, “All students, no matter their language or learning level, are welcome to attend our English language classes.  We offer ESL classes throughout the district in Arthur, Charleston, Effingham, Mattoon, Marshall, and Shelbyville. We are primarily funded through an ICCB Adult Education and Family Literacy grant, so there is no cost associated with this programming. This Dollar General grant will help us purchase necessary and new items to bring new engagement and learning resources to our students.”

“It is a joy to celebrate this historic grant announcement during our 30^th anniversary year,” shared Denine Torr, executive director of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. “For three decades, DGLF’s investment in community programs has created meaningful access to literacy skills for adults, children and families alike and exemplified Dollar General’s mission of Serving Others. We believe everyone deserves the opportunity and access to a quality education, and we look forward to seeing these literacy grants inspire reading and build brighter futures.”

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation supports organizations that increase access to educational programming, stimulate and enable innovation in the delivery of educational instruction and inspire a love of reading. Each year, DGLF awards funds to nonprofit organizations, schools, and libraries within a 15-mile radius of a Dollar General store or distribution center to support adult, family, summer and youth literacy programs. The Foundation also offers a student referral program for individuals interested in learning how to read, speak English, or prepare for the high school equivalency exam.  Referrals to a local organization that provides free literacy services are available online here or through referral cards found in the Learn to Read brochures that are available at the cash register of every Dollar General store.

About Lake Land College
Lake Land College District 517, located in Mattoon, Illinois, serves the second largest community college district in the state, with a total population of 189,869. The Lake Land College district comprises all or part of 15 counties and 31 public school districts in rural east central Illinois. Counties served by Lake Land College include: Christian, Clark, Clay, Coles, Crawford, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Effingham, Fayette, Jasper, Macon, Montgomery, Moultrie and Shelby.

About the Dollar General Literacy Foundation

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation is proud to support initiatives that help others improve their lives through literacy and education. Since 1993, the Foundation has awarded more than $233 million in grants to nonprofit organizations, helping more than 19.3 million individuals take their first steps toward literacy, a general education diploma or English proficiency. Each year, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation provides financial support to schools, nonprofit organizations and libraries within a 15-mile radius of Dollar General stores and distribution centers. To learn more about the Dollar General Literacy Foundation or apply for a literacy grant, visit www.dgliteracy.org.

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Lake Land College celebrated the John Deere Tech program graduates at an annual John Deere Tech banquet in May.

The John Deere Tech High GPA award went to Andrew Ferguson.

Greg Strawhacker earned the John Deere Tech Outstanding Student award.

The graduates below were honored at the ceremony:

• Cole Barry
  Decatur, Illinois
  S&N Partners – Albion, IL

• Brenton Blacker
  Colfax, Indiana
  AHW LLC – Crawfordsville, IN

• Blake Bryant
  Mount Pulaski, Illinois
  AHW LLC – New Holland, IL

• Andrew Ferguson
  Dewey, Illinois
  AHW LLC – Urbana, IL

• William Frazee
  Hillsboro, Indiana
  AHW LLC – Williamsport, IN

• Cain Galloway
  Hillsboro, Indiana
  AHW LLC – Crawfordsville, IN

• Gordon Gray
  Hampshire, Illinois
  AHW LLC – Hampshire, IL

• Kaleb Harris
  Sheldon, Illinois
  AHW LLC – Hoopeston, IL

• Cotter Hiestand
  Alma, Illinois
  Riechmann Bros – Farina, IL

• Cameron Hildebrand
  Rosamond, Illinois
  Sloan Implement – Assumption, IL

• Brody Huddlestun
  Kinmundy, Illinois
  Riechmann Bros – Farina, IL

• Kyle Kelson
  Momence, Illinois
  AHW LLC – Manteno, IL

• Dominic Rivas
  Highland, Illinois
  Riechmann Bros – Breese, IL

• Brody Roberts
  Orion, Illinois
  Martin Tractor – Aledo, IL

• Kolby Schable
  Atwood, Illinois
  Sloan Implement – Atwood, IL

• Alex Sporleder
  Effingham, Illinois
  Sloan Implement – Shelbyville, IL

• Greg Strawhacker
  Annawan, Illinois
  Martin Tractor – Kewanee, IL

To learn more about the John Deere Tech program at Lake Land College, visit lakelandcollege.edu/john-deere-ag-tech or jdtechprogram.com

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Lake Land College instructor Greg Powers, Mattoon, was recognized as Lake Land College’s nominee for the Illinois Community College Trustee Association (ICCTA) Full Time Faculty Award at an awards banquet on June 2 in Normal.

Powers serves as the director of broadcast operations at Lake Land College and teaches students as an instructor in both speech communications and broadcasting. He also oversees WLKL, Lake Land’s student-staffed radio station, which helps students gain broadcasting experience and prepares them for careers within the field.

In the nomination form, Vice President for Academic Services Ike Nwosu said, “With obvious passion for his students and commitment to their success, Greg Powers has proven himself a multi-faceted asset to Lake Land College as a skilled instructor, an effective advisor, an innovative program director and an engaged community member.”

Both as an instructor and as a program director, Powers has continued to reimagine the broadcast program and stay up-to-date on industry standards and best practices.

“He works diligently in service to the college, and his work in state and national field organizations inspires his students to be active members of their chosen field,” Nwosu added.

As the WLKL Radio Station Manager and in the classroom, Powers shares the fast-paced environment of always doing something new with his students in ways that provide not only the information and skills they will need to succeed, but also the enthusiasm to enjoy doing so.

“In an ever-changing world of media, Powers is a constant driving force behind the quality education his students receive, giving them more marketability and potential to excel in the future. Largely thanks to Powers’ efforts, students at Lake Land College can experience opportunities they could not receive anywhere else,” Nwosu said.

In addition to his Lake Land College roles, Powers is also extremely active in the Mattoon community as the voice of Mattoon High School sports and as a coach of youth and high school community sports.

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Lake Land College student Rebecca “Becky” Ennis earned the 2023 Illinois State Paul Simon Scholarship Award for her essay on how community college changed her life. She also received the 2023-2024 LLCFA Foundation Scholarship.

“Since enrolling at Lake Land College, I have learned that I have what it takes to get my degree,” Ennis said in her essay. “I connected with instructors who wanted success as much as I did. I received a quality education and found missing pieces of myself. Lake Land College has changed my life, and I will be eternally grateful.”

Ennis is a nontraditional student who returned to college after years of being out of school. With five children at home and while dealing with family health problems, Ennis decided to enroll at Lake Land College.

Though she said she felt overwhelmed at the very idea of enrolling in college, Ennis said her academic advisor met her worries and emotions with kindness and compassion.

Ennis is currently working towards an associate degree in Psychology and has maintained a 4.0 grade point average during her time at Lake Land.

“I believe it’s ok to trust the process of waiting and embracing things as they come,” Ennis said. “This has helped me so much in my non-traditional approach to education. I’m thankful that God led me to Lake Land and that I’ve been blessed with such a fantastic opportunity to meet amazing people and find myself through my experience.”

To read Ennis’s winning essay and to watch a video of her story, visit the Laker Life Blog.

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Three Lake Land College Phi Theta Kappa Honors students were recognized at a banquet in Springfield for their inclusion on the All-Illinois Community College Academic Team.

Andrew Matheny, Charleston, was one of two Lake Land College transfer student nominees recognized at the banquet. Matheny’s leadership is evident in his service as the vice president of the PTK chapter and in his drive to help students obtain essential home goods through the House-to-Home project. In addition to his All-Illinois nomination, Matheny received the Coca-Cola scholarship, a prestigious honor presented to select students who demonstrate academic excellence and community outreach.

Josie Strauch, St. Elmo, was also a transfer student nominee. A member of PTK since early 2022, Strauch’s inclusion on the All-Illinois Community College Academic Team is a testament to her leadership and academic accomplishments. This fall, she plans to transfer to Murray State to obtain a bachelor’s degree in agriculture education. Following graduation, she plans to return to the St. Elmo area to begin her teaching career near her home town.

Darrius Frazier, Chicago, a career and technical education student nominee, was also included on the All-Illinois Community College Academic Team. Frazier held the position of PTK president, is a founding member of the Central Illinois chapter for Autism Society, and he currently serves on the Council of Autistic Advisors (CAA) for the national office of Autism Society of America. In addition to his All-Illinois nomination, Frazier received the General Assembly Scholarship from the state of Illinois.

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Lake Land College Board Trustee Doris Reynolds, Mattoon, received the Illinois Community College Trustee Association (ICCTA) 30-Year Trustee Award for her 30 years of service to Lake Land College and the Illinois academic system.

ICCTA President Maureen Dunne said, “Serving on a local community college board demands countless hours of unpaid time and energy. Doris Reynolds has a tireless passion for the work of community colleges. We appreciate all the good work that she has done to promote Lake Land, ICCTA, and our statewide system of higher education.”

Reynolds received the ICCTA recognition at an awards banquet on June 2 in Normal.

“On behalf of the students, faculty and staff of Lake Land College, we congratulate Trustee Reynolds on receiving the Illinois Community College Trustee Association 30-Year Trustee Award,” Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said. “Throughout her three decades of service, Trustee Reynolds has truly made an impact on the success of the college as a whole and more importantly, has touched the lives of countless Lake Land students. We thank her for her years of service and look forward to the future.”

In addition to her contributions on the Lake Land College Board of Trustees, Reynolds has served as the Lake Land College Foundation board liaison, ICCTA member, past Mattoon Lights Works Committee charter member and past CCAR board member and chair.

Having served on the Lake Land College Board of Trustees since 1993, Reynolds described her time as a trustee as of yet to be an incredible experience.

“At Lake Land College, we put students first. Everyone from trustees to faculty and staff do all that they can to help students succeed,” Reynolds said. “The education and experiences our Lake Land College students receive are among the best in the nation. As a trustee it is an honor to meet the Lake Land alumni in our communities and see them excelling in their careers.”

Reynolds said she appreciates the interaction board members have with employees and especially students.

“I still get to learn new things all the time, and I love that about my role. The students are constantly sharing new ideas that motivate and inspire us,” Reynolds said.

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Lake Land College recognized EMS program graduates at an annual pinning ceremony in May.

The recipient of the Top Student Award for highest score in the program was Zachary Homerding.

The Professional Development for overall growth in skills and confidence went to Sean “Patrick” Hannagan II.

Elizabeth Dudley earned the Perseverance Award for pushing through personal difficulties.

The Bumble Bee Award for untapped potential recipient was Cayla Jolly.

The Shirley Sherwood Award for Excellence in EMS education went to Zachary Homerding.

The following graduates were pinned at the ceremony:

• Elizabeth Dudley from Brockton, IL being pinned by her husband Rob Dudley
• Zachary Dye from Effingham being pinned by his daughter Nora
• Sean “Patrick” Hannagan II from St. Elmo, IL being pinned by his instructor Paramedic Lucas Ruholl
• Zachary Homerding From Lovington, IL being pinned by his daughter Raelynn and wife Dakota
• Cayla Jolly from Honolulu, HI being pinned by her husband Paramedic Brandon Jolly, a 2021 graduate of the Lake Land College Paramedic program
• Konner Kloever from Pana, IL being pinned by his dad Paramedic Danny Kloever
• Preston Ozier from Bethany, IL being pinned by his dad Assistant Fire Chief/Paramedic Phil Ozier
• Colton Romine from Mattoon, IL being Pinned by his dad Shift Captain and EMT-Basic Mike Romine
• Aaron Templeton from Decatur, IL being pinned by his mom Andrea Templeton
• Dakota Waldhoff from Sigel being pinned by her dad EMT-Basic Troy Althoff

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Lake Land College dental hygiene graduates received their pins at the annual pinning ceremony.

Several students received scholarships or awards during the ceremony.

Jae Lynn Riggleman, Casey, IL, and Nashlynn Williams, Findlay, IL, received the Linda Lee Fletcher Scholarship earlier this year.  Riggleman, Braelynn Barnes, and Kelly McGill were also recognized for receiving a Heartland Dental Scholarship earlier in the year. Citlali Hoyos, Effingham, IL, received the Colgate Student Total Achievement Recognition (STAR) Award, which is offered to a graduating student who shows excellence and commitment to the hygiene profession by demonstrating true dedication to the profession, exhibiting extraordinary compassion in patient care, displaying enthusiasm and follow-through for community service, and demonstrating outstanding patient education and motivation skills.

Carlin Shumard, Sullivan, IL, received the Best Dental Hygienist Award, which was voted on by students in the program. Cassidy Smith, Pana, IL, and Kianna Sharp, Bone Gap, IL, received the Golden Scaler Award for demonstrating advanced skills in instrumentation.

During the ceremony the following students were pinned:

Dental Hygiene is a special admission program at Lake Land College. The program prepares students with specialized skills necessary for employment as a dental hygienist. Emphasis is on dental hygiene treatment and on the hygienist’s abilities as a dental health educator. The hygienist’s services are sought by dentists, schools, prisons, hospitals, departments of health and industry. The dental hygiene program is accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation.

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