Lake Land College celebrates assessment month Posted on January 14, 2022 February is the month to celebrate assessment at Lake Land College. Students and staff members are encouraged to participate in this year’s activities to learn about the importance of assessment. According to Lisa Madlem, director of assessment and program review for the college, the assessment process at Lake Land is essential to help students and staff make informed decisions that ultimately improve the teaching-learning process. “Assessment seems fairly straightforward, but in reality it is an involved process that systematically measures student performance in order to improve the quality of educational programs, courses and the institution overall,” said Madlem. “Essentially, assessment is what students should know, value or be able to do upon the completion of a course, program or interaction with a department.” Lake Land College uses institution-wide measures and program and course-specific measures to assess student outcomes. Learner outcomes have been established for each of the college’s associate degree and certificate programs, as well as all courses and departments at the College. During Assessment Week from February 7 to 11, Madlem will provide online activities for students, faculty and staff. Additionally, a student quiz will be available for the chance to win a $100 Walmart gift card or a grand prize $200 Amazon gift card. “Overall, the college is actively assessing courses, programs and institutional departments,” said Madlem. “Each component of assessment is working toward assessing the student experience and we are continuously learning from the assessment process in order to make necessary changes and plans of action to ensure that every student at Lake Land College is provided with a continuous learning environment.” Assessment is an important step in developing Lake Land College’s programs to best suit its students and their growing skills in order to prepare them to enter the workforce or transfer to a four-year university. For more information about assessment at Lake Land College, contact Madlem at 217-234-5088 or lmadlem@lakelandcollege.edu or visit lakelandcollege.edu/assessment. -30-
Lake Land College 2021 Fall graduates announced Posted on January 13, 2022 Lake Land College is pleased to announce the students who graduated following completion of the Fall 2021 semester. The Fall 2021 graduates are: First & Last Name City Degree Degree Title Katelynn Grimsley Altamont Associate in Arts Secondary Education-Biology Cierra Reed Altamont Certificate Medical Assistant Jessica Spour Altamont Associate in Applied Science Human Services – Health Mariah Winter Altamont Certificate Office Support Specialist-Medical Mariah Winter Altamont Certificate Office Support Specialist Dalee Leinweber Arcola Certificate Cosmetology Hannah Diener Arthur Associate in Applied Science Associate Degree Nurse Noah Switzer Ashmore Associate in Applied Science Human Services – Sociology Brittany Quick Atwood Certificate Cosmetology Anthony Wilkins Atwood Associate in Applied Science Medical Coding & Health Information Anthony Wilkins Atwood Certificate Medical Coding Specialist Grant Hoke Bainbridge Associate in Applied Science Civil Engineering Technology Katlyn Johnson Beecher City Associate in Arts Business Allie Stell Beecher City Associate in Arts Business Cohen Collins Bethany Associate in Applied Science Horticulture Production & Landscape Scott Miller Blue Ridge Associate in Liberal Studies Kayla Haslett Brownstown Associate in Science Conservation/Pre-Wildlife Peyton Richie Buckingham Associate in Arts Agriculture Transfer Crushion Stubbs Champaign Associate in Liberal Studies Amethyst Ames Charleston Certificate Cosmetology Dayse Brenes Villela Charleston Associate in Applied Science Medical Assistant Tamar Brookins Charleston Associate in Applied Science Associate Degree Nurse Andrea Buell Charleston Certificate Medical Coding Specialist Josiah Estrada-Drum Charleston Associate in Applied Science Broadcast Communication Josiah Estrada-Drum Charleston Certificate Radio Broadcasting Matthew Griffith Charleston Certificate Basic Welding Abigail Held Charleston Associate in Applied Science Associate Degree Nurse Lyndsy Hunt Charleston Associate in Applied Science Associate Degree Nurse Nicole Johnson Charleston Associate in Arts Psychology Paige Nisbet Charleston Certificate Cosmetology Preston Shambo Charleston Associate in Applied Science IT-Network Administration Chandler Smith Charleston Associate in Arts Communication Studies Marla Villalobos Charleston Associate in Arts Pre-Nursing: BSN Transfer Natasha Wiley Charleston Associate in Arts Other Major Kayla Williams Cherry Associate in Applied Science Medical Coding & Health Information Kayla Williams Cherry Certificate Medical Coding Specialist Adam Service Cisne Certificate Renewable Energy Technician Victoria Caldwell Edgewood Associate in Applied Science Human Services – Health Andrew Brown Effingham Associate in Liberal Studies Andrew Brown Effingham Certificate Computer Technician Casey Clow Effingham Certificate Entrepreneurship Jamie Dillow Effingham Certificate Accounting Emily Durbin Effingham Associate in Arts Business McKenzie Gallagher Effingham Associate in Applied Science Associate Degree Nurse Victoria Gormley Effingham Certificate Medical Coding Specialist Averee Greene Effingham Associate in Arts Psychology Aleah Hamilton Effingham Associate in Applied Science IT-Graphic Design Aleah Hamilton Effingham Certificate Desktop Publishing Liam Hammer Effingham Associate in Applied Science Automotive Technology Mariah Kramer Effingham Associate in Arts Elementary Education Alan Lovell Effingham Associate in Applied Science IT-Network Administration Dylan Ritz Effingham Associate in Arts Business Jared Roderick Effingham Associate in Applied Science IT-Computer Applications Jared Roderick Effingham Certificate IT-Digital Media Specialist Kailey Rush Effingham Associate in Applied Science Automotive Technology Teri Sapp Effingham Certificate Management Teri Sapp Effingham Certificate Accounting Stacey Sehy Effingham Associate in Applied Science Associate Degree Nurse Jennifer Smith Effingham Certificate Accounting Wyatt Steffen Effingham Associate in Applied Science Associate Degree Nurse Sam Thompson Effingham Associate in Arts Business Zachary Worman Effingham Associate in Applied Science Computer Aided Design Technology Garrett Tippit Findlay Associate in Applied Science Agriculture Production & Management Paige Tippit Findlay Associate in Applied Science Associate Degree Nurse Sophie Zimmerman Findlay Associate in Arts Elementary Education Jerik Bishop Greenup Associate in Arts History Elijah Lamb Greenup Associate in Science Pre-Medicine Michael Reynolds Greenup Associate in Applied Science Renewable Energy Michael Reynolds Greenup Certificate Sustainable Energy Justin Wallace Greenup Associate in Applied Science IT-Network Administration Emily McBee Herrick Associate in Arts Undecided Kristen Rake Hidalgo Associate in Arts Business Gabriela Becerra Hindsboro Associate in Applied Science Human Services – Psychology Chavala McClenahan Hindsboro Associate in Arts Business Cory King Humboldt Associate in Arts Business Blake Lee Kansas Associate in Arts Physical Education Kaitlyn Rardin Kansas Associate in Liberal Studies Tieyeala Barnes Lynwood Associate in Science Pre-Physical Therapy Kenneth Noble Marshall Associate in Applied Science Management Kenneth Noble Marshall Certificate Entrepreneurship Kenneth Noble Marshall Certificate Management Kenneth Noble Marshall Certificate Business Development Kenneth Noble Marshall Certificate Professional Sales Kenneth Noble Marshall Certificate Marketing Gage Rager Marshall Certificate Basic Welding Joanna Carver Martinsville Associate in Applied Science Associate Degree Nurse Kylie Zimdars Mason Associate in Arts Business Gage Beck Mattoon Certificate IT-Computer Applications Specialist Alissa Bell Mattoon Associate in Applied Science Horticulture Production & Landscape Alissa Bell Mattoon Certificate Horticulture Selah Brimner Mattoon Certificate Cosmetology Derek Brown Mattoon Associate in Applied Science Welding Derek Brown Mattoon Certificate Welding Technology Meah Butler Mattoon Associate in Arts Elementary Education Alicia Buttery Mattoon Certificate Cosmetology Kaden Cook Mattoon Associate in Science Pre-Engineering Dean Cope Mattoon Certificate Basic Welding Kyle Coulom Mattoon Associate in Arts Undecided Rhiannon Douglas Mattoon Associate in Science Bioscience Non-Teaching Lexi Dutton Mattoon Associate in Applied Science Early Childhood Care and Education Shelby Grissom Mattoon Certificate Cosmetology Amanda Imlay Mattoon Associate in Applied Science Medical Coding & Health Information Amanda Imlay Mattoon Certificate Medical Coding Specialist Alex Junge Mattoon Associate in Arts Pre-Nursing Brendon Miller Mattoon Associate in Applied Science IT-Programming Brendon Miller Mattoon Certificate IT-Programming Madison Milligan Mattoon Certificate Cosmetology Jade Pearce Mattoon Associate in Arts Criminal Justice Kynley Scott Mattoon Associate in Arts English Michael Thomas Mattoon Certificate Industrial Maintenance Ashly Thompson Mattoon Associate in Liberal Studies Veronica Tryon Mattoon Associate in Applied Science Medical Coding & Health Information Veronica Tryon Mattoon Certificate Medical Coding Specialist Jacob Upton Mattoon Associate in Applied Science Electronics Systems Specialist Teresa Urie Mattoon Associate in Applied Science Accounting Teresa Urie Mattoon Certificate Accounting Cheyanne Ward Mattoon Associate in Arts Other Major Molly Baker Neoga Certificate Cosmetology Amanda Phillips Neoga Associate in Liberal Studies Erika Roderick Neoga Associate in Applied Science Associate Degree Nurse Emily Barrow Newman Certificate Cosmetology Lori Hunt Oakland Associate in Applied Science Medical Assistant Charlene Parsley Oakland Associate in Applied Science Medical Coding & Health Information Charlene Parsley Oakland Certificate Medical Coding Specialist Jordan Wright Oakley Certificate Cosmetology Linsaie Gatons Oconee Associate in Applied Science Associate Degree Nurse Baylee Adams Pana Certificate Cosmetology Michele Anderson Pana Associate in Applied Science Human Services Isabel Carter Pana Associate in Arts Communication Studies Tyler Conlin Pana Associate in Arts Agriculture Transfer Alex Crawford Pana Associate in Applied Science Management Shayna Stremming Pana Associate in Applied Science Accounting Shayna Stremming Pana Certificate Accounting Patrick Beal Paris Certificate Basic Welding Sara Drake Paris Associate in Applied Science Accounting Sara Drake Paris Certificate Accounting Christina Duke Paris Associate in Applied Science Accounting Christina Duke Paris Certificate Accounting Christina Duke Paris Certificate Management Alexander Garcia Paris Certificate Basic Welding Teri-Rae Long Paris Associate in Liberal Studies Hillary Robison Paris Associate in Applied Science Medical Coding & Health Information Hillary Robison Paris Certificate Medical Coding Specialist Johnathan Sexton Paris Certificate Basic Welding Benjamin Schuler Pontiac Associate in Science Pre-Physical Therapy Sally Schirmer Prairie Village Certificate IT-Network Administration Jessica Carroll Ramsey Associate in Applied Science Accounting Jessica Carroll Ramsey Certificate Management Jessica Carroll Ramsey Certificate Accounting Brianna Kelly Ramsey Associate in Arts Business Maureen Bruns Rosamond Certificate Management Maureen Bruns Rosamond Certificate Professional Sales Maureen Bruns Rosamond Certificate Business Development Maureen Bruns Rosamond Certificate Marketing Deserae Allen Shelbyville Associate in Applied Science Associate Degree Nurse Matthew Amerson Shelbyville Associate in Applied Science IT-Network Administration Blake Hayden Shelbyville Associate in Applied Science IT-Graphic Design Blake Hayden Shelbyville Certificate Desktop Publishing Tiffany Moeller Shelbyville Associate in Applied Science Associate Degree Nurse Gabrielle Pierce Shelbyville Associate in Liberal Studies Cody Rodman Shelbyville Associate in Applied Science Horticulture Production & Landscape Cody Rodman Shelbyville Certificate Horticulture Whitney Thompson Shelbyville Associate in Applied Science Associate Degree Nurse Amy Whitaker Shumway Associate in Applied Science Management Amy Whitaker Shumway Certificate Management Amy Whitaker Shumway Certificate Electronic Marketing Amy Whitaker Shumway Certificate Marketing Amy Whitaker Shumway Certificate Business Development Amy Whitaker Shumway Certificate Professional Sales Becca Turner Sigel Associate in Applied Science Associate Degree Nurse Blake Mummel Sorento Associate in Arts Criminal Justice Mackenzi Tabbert Stewardson Certificate Cosmetology Layni Boyer Sullivan Certificate Cosmetology Colin Ernst Sullivan Associate in Applied Science Management Colin Ernst Sullivan Certificate Management Colin Ernst Sullivan Certificate Marketing Colin Ernst Sullivan Certificate Business Development Colin Ernst Sullivan Certificate Professional Sales Michael Gingerich Sullivan Associate in Applied Science Mechanical-Electrical Technology Michael Gingerich Sullivan Certificate Programmable Logic Controllers Caleb Lane Sullivan Certificate IT-Programming John Sentel Sullivan Associate in Science Conservation/Pre-Forestry Jessica Voyles Sullivan Associate in Arts Liberal Arts Madison Wall Sullivan Associate in Applied Science Associate Degree Nurse Tiffany Wallis Sullivan Associate in Science Bioscience Non-Teaching Lucas Drees Teutopolis Associate in Applied Science Welding Amy Goeckner Teutopolis Associate in Applied Science Associate Degree Nurse Claire Rhodes Teutopolis Certificate Cosmetology Emily Uthell Teutopolis Associate in Arts Business Molly Wendt Teutopolis Associate in Applied Science Accounting Molly Wendt Teutopolis Certificate Accounting Cole Jackson Toledo Associate in Arts Criminal Justice Tayler Brizendine Tower Hill Associate in Applied Science Associate Degree Nurse Alex Crawford Tower Hill Certificate Management Alex Crawford Tower Hill Certificate Entrepreneurship Alex Crawford Tower Hill Certificate Marketing Dean Link Tower Hill Associate in Applied Science Applied Engineering Technology Owan Patton Tower Hill Associate in Arts Undecided Allison Simpson Tower Hill Associate in Arts Communication Studies Savannah Barnes Tuscola Certificate Cosmetology Jeannette Dyer Tuscola Certificate Medical Coding Specialist Austin Hagen Watson Associate in Arts History Chelsea Coleman-Scott Windsor Associate in Arts Sociology/Social Work Mesa Cruz Windsor Associate in Liberal Studies
There’s Still Time to Enroll Posted on December 22, 2021 There’s still time to enroll for Spring! Even though the college is closed through Jan. 2, there are several things you can check off your to-do list. You can take the first step now by completing your intent to enroll at lakelandcollege.edu/enroll. While you wait, check out our Career Coach tool. This online resource is a way to connect interests to careers and majors. You can also take a virtual tour of campus, which includes a 360-degree experience. Start exploring today here. Remember to take a look at the many scholarship opportunities we have available! Click here for more information. Applications are due Feb. 1. When we return on Jan. 3, faculty and staff will be available virtually, or in some cases in person by appointment, to assist you. Visit lakelandcollege.edu/offices-and-services/ to connect with us beginning Jan. 3! Accounting/Tuition & Fees Payment 217-234-5214 mbailey1292@lakelandcollege.edu Admissions and Records 217-234-5434 admissions@lakelandcollege.edu Bookstore 217-234-5420 bookstore@lakelandcollege.edu Counseling Services 217-234-5232 counsel@lakelandcollege.edu Financial Aid and Veterans Services 217-234-5231 financialaid@lakelandcollege.edu New Student 217-234-5301 assessment@lakelandcollege.edu Placement Testing 217-234-5301 assessment@lakelandcollege.edu TRiO Student Support Services 217-234-5456 triosss@lakelandcollege.edu
Resources for Current Lakers Posted on We hope you have a wonderful winter break and look forward to welcoming you to the Spring Semester in January! Like you, our advisors, faculty and staff will be taking a break between Dec. 23 and Jan. 2. Here is some helpful information for the break, as well as when we return on Jan. 3. If you have been cleared to register by your advisor, you can register for classes in the Laker Hub. If you have not been cleared, you can email your advisor to request clearance. Visit your Advisement Information page in the Laker Hub. Here’s how! If you have not already returned them, mail your fall textbooks by Jan. 3. Print your spring book list or order your textbooks. Learn More Complete your scholarship application which is due Feb. 1. Click here or look for the link in the Laker Hub. When we return on Jan. 3, faculty and staff will be available to assist you. Visit lakelandcollege.edu/offices-and-services/ to connect with us beginning Jan. 3! Accounting/Tuition & Fees Payment 217-234-5214 mbailey1292@lakelandcollege.edu Admissions and Records 217-234-5434 admissions@lakelandcollege.edu Bookstore 217-234-5420 bookstore@lakelandcollege.edu Counseling Services 217-234-5232 counsel@lakelandcollege.edu Financial Aid and Veterans Services 217-234-5231 financialaid@lakelandcollege.edu New Student Orientation 217-234-5301 assessment@lakelandcollege.edu Placement Testing 217-234-5301 assessment@lakelandcollege.edu TRiO Student Support Services 217-234-5456 triosss@lakelandcollege.edu
Lake Land College Broadcasting Club holds successful food drive Posted on December 20, 2021 The Broadcasting Club at Lake Land College recently collected several boxes of non-perishable food items to donate to the Lake Land College Laker Food Pantry. The Broadcasting Club at Lake Land College recently collected several boxes of non-perishable food items to donate to the Lake Land College Laker Food Pantry. Pictured in the front row are Stephanie Sample, Sullivan and Chandler Smith, Charleston. In the back row are Paige Van Dyke, Louisville; Konner Remlinger, Martinsville and Anthony Vonderheide, Stewardson. “Nobody should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from, and being a part of a community that takes care of their own is really one of the best parts of being a Laker,” Broadcasting Club President Stephanie Sample said. “I’m honored to have been able to participate and support the wonderful work that our food pantry is doing. I’m hoping that more people can become aware of its presence on campus and know that it is there for them if they need it.” Sample said students in need of food and the mission of the Laker Food Pantry were topics with which she had personal experience. “As someone who grew up in a low-income household, I’m familiar with the helplessness that comes with having to go without,” Sample said. “My motivation for getting involved with the food drive was to make sure none of my peers ever had to feel that way as they go about the process of getting an education and sharpening their skills.” Communication Studies/Broadcasting Instructor and Station Manager of WLKL 89.9 FM Greg Powers also acknowledged the importance of the food drive. “This is a great opportunity for the club to give back to the community and understand the importance of volunteering,” Powers said. “Broadcasters are always involved in their communities and have the potential to do so much for the areas they serve.” The food drive is a month-long event put on every year by the club since 2008. To learn more about clubs and organizations at Lake Land College, visit lakelandcollege.edu/student-life. -30-
Lake Land College Nursing program donates to local programs Posted on December 16, 2021 The Lake Land College Nursing program put together an assortment of items to donate to the Crisis Nursery of Effingham County and One Stop Community Christmas. Some of the items included diapers, wipes, snacks, clothes and art supplies. Pictured are Stephanie McNealy, Jenny Seaney, Mandy Snowden, Tina Hooper, Meghan Rewers, Heather Guy, Cassandra Porter, Erin Swingler, Jessica Byers, Michael Wall, Bethany Workman, Tisha Goad and Autumn McCormick. “Our students and faculty are thrilled to help provide items that can assist these programs and the individuals who benefit from them,” Lake Land College Division Chair of Allied Health/Nursing Instructor Erin Swingler said. “Programs like these are a great value to the community, and we are very proud to offer our support to them.” HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital also partnered with Lake Land College to donate the items. “It is a joy to share in this holiday donation,” Nursing Manager at HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital Autumn McCormick said. “Thank you to the nursing students for making an impact on our much needed community organizations. We enjoy partnering with Lake Land in learning opportunities each semester as well as giving opportunities.” Representatives from Sarah Bush Lincoln, HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital and the Crisis Nursery of Effingham County joined the nursing students on campus to receive the donations and expressed gratitude for the donation. “We are incredibly grateful for the Lake Land College Nursing program for putting together this generous donation that will support two local programs,” Executive Director of Crisis Nursery of Effingham County Meghan Rewers said. “Because of wonderful acts of kindness such as this, our nursery is able to provide children in crisis with all the necessities they may need while in our care.” It is the Crisis Nursery of Effingham County’s mission to prevent and protect children from trauma, abuse and neglect by providing a free, 24-hour emergency shelter care program for children birth through six years of age in partnership with HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital. “We are very grateful to Lake Land College and its students for the donations to One Stop Community Christmas,” Sarah Bush Lincoln Community Service Representative Mandy Snowden said. “It’s partnerships like this that help support not just our two organizations, but the community as well.” One Stop Community Christmas is a local organization created to help families in need during the holiday season in Coles, Clark, Cumberland, Edgar, Shelby, Moultrie and Douglas counties. For more information on these programs or how to donate, visit crisisnurseryofeffingham.com/wish-list or onestopcommunitychristmas.com. -30-
Lake Land College accepting nominations for awards Posted on December 3, 2021 Lake Land College is accepting nominations for the Distinguished Service Award, Pacesetter Award, Retiree Wall of Fame, Distinguished Alumnus Award, Alumnus Achievement Award and Distinguished Alumni Society. All nominations for these awards will be accepted until February 1, 2022. The Distinguished Service Award is presented to an individual whose exemplary service and contributions have benefited Lake Land College or its affiliated organizations. Current paid members of the faculty and staff and current members of the board of trustees are not eligible for this award. Past Distinguished Service Award winners are Sheri Barnett (2021), Debbie Benefiel (2020), Kathleen Doehring (2019), Robert Luther (2018), Scott Lensink (2017), James Shaffer (2016), Robert Pancoast (2015), Max Jaeger (2014), Annette Lynch (2013), Gerald Forsythe (2012), John Livesay (2011), Rick Manuell (2010), Preston Smith (2009), Bob Willenborg (2008), Don Portugal (2007), Dwight Schilling (2006), Ann Bacon (2005), Susan Leach (2004), Anne Kabbes (2003), James Allee (2002), Roger Dettro (2001), Peter M. Bonutti (2000), Charles Adams (1999), Michael Yager (1998), James Bennett (1997), Tom Reedy (1996), R. Dale Adams (1995), Jack Schultz (1994), Consuello Luttrell (1993), George Mitchell (1992), Melvin Lockard (1991), Lowell Samuel (1990), Eugene Bauer (1989), William Podestá (1988), Jack Oberhill (1987), Floyd Curl (1985), Robert Johnson (1984), Virgil and Charlene Roberts (1983), Eddie Collings (1982) and William B. Hills (1981). The Pacesetter Award is an Illinois Community College Trustees Association award that recognizes the accomplishments of Illinois’ more recent community college graduates. Nominees must have completed a recognized program of instruction (including dual credit courses) or attended at least 30 semester hours at an Illinois public community college. The recipient of the Pacesetter Award will be presented with an appropriate plaque at the 2022 March Board of Trustees meeting. The past Pacesetter Award recipients are Megan McQueen (2021), Danelle Jackson (2020) and Amanda Tucker (2019). The Retiree Wall of Fame Award goes to retired faculty and staff who have made significant contributions to the college and/or who have made contributions through their profession or community at the local, state, regional or national level that reflect positively on Lake Land College. Recipients of the Wall of Fame status must have been employed at Lake Land for a minimum of 15 years and must have been separated from his or her SURS-eligible position for a minimum of five years. The recipient of the Retiree Wall of Fame honor will have his or her plaque unveiled at the annual Employee and Retiree Recognition Celebration designed to reflect upon the past contributions of the honoree. A candidate for consideration may be nominated by another person or may submit his or her credentials directly to the College Advancement Office. Past Retiree Wall of Fame recipients are Dennis Gathmann (2008), Max Jaeger (2008), Joe Albin (2008), Marilyn Gover (2008), Charles Womack (2008), Gerald Parker (2008), Tom Reedy (2008), Bill Rich (2008), Helen Smith (2009), David Greeson (2009), Larry Gutzler (2009), Hal Kottwitz (2009), Joyce Shull (2009), Marianne Morgan (2010), Robert Orr (2010), Richard Heller (2010), Carol Sanders (2010), Jack Browning (2010), Joe Hanley (2011), William Little (2011), Mildred Flottmann (2011), Roberta Hollada (2011), Roberta Williams (2011), Charles Wieck (2012), Jalee Cox (2012), Wayne Weaver (2012), Robert Luther (2013), Marion Rohlinger (2013), James Luedke (2014), Robert Jurgens (2014), Carroll Gibbons (2014), Roy Culp (2015), Marilyn Fuqua Thompson (2015), Ron Sanderson (2016), Dave Stapleton (2016), Cletis Underwood (2016), Bill Hollada (2017), Jim Dudley (2017), Curt Rincker (2017), Kathleen Doehring (2018), Tom Kerkhoff (2018), Ben Ragle (2018), Larry Larvick (2019), Rick Gresens (2019), Linda Ruholl (2020), Sandra Gourley (2020), Wallace (Wally) Taylor (2020), Joyce Allen (2021), Ken Beno (2021) and Pam Crisman (2021). The Lake Land College Board of Trustees presents the Alumnus Achievement Award annually to an individual who has attained outstanding success and distinction in his or her field of endeavor; has gained favorable statewide or national recognition; or has performed service, which has proven beneficial to society. The recipient must hold a certificate and/or a degree from Lake Land College and be active in the endeavor in which he or she has achieved distinction. The recipient of the Alumnus Achievement Award will be presented with an appropriate plaque at an awards ceremony. The recipient will also be nominated for the Distinguished Alumnus Award with ICCTA. The Distinguished Alumnus Award recognizes the many success stories of Illinois’ community college graduates. Nominees must have completed a recognized program of instruction or attended at least 30 semester hours at an ICCTA member college. Currently serving trustees and presidents are not eligible for nomination. Posthumous nominations are not eligible for submission. Past Alumnus Achievement Award recipients are Richard West (1981), Eric Randall Heiple (1982), Tom Stoutenborough (1983), Carol S. Spannagel (1984), Michael Neal (1985), E. Dennis Charney (1986), K. John Livesay (1987), Gail Marie Darling (1988), Karolyn Kristene Koontz, M.D. (1989), Edward Ward (1990), Larry W. Wilson (1991), Thomas E. Cox (1992), Lieutenant Daniel E. Wise, United States Navy (1993), Patricia McNutt (1994), Gina L. Spinner (1995), Randal J. Miller (1996), James Winfield, D.M.D.(1997), Richard Smith (1998), Dianne Schultz (1999), Carolyn Kolling (2000), James Zimmer (2001), Harry Carter, M.D. (2002), Michael Searles (2003), Greg Grunloh (2004), Larry Lilly (2005), Commanding Officer Zack Taylor, United States Naval Reserves, Retired (2006), Scott, M. Frailey (2007), David Storm (2008), Thomas Wright (2009), Monte Reel (2010), Larry Blackerby (2011), Rex Morgan (2012), Frank Brummer (2013), Greg Conrad (2014), Chad Moutray (2015), Kenin Smith (2016), Diane Sterchi (2017), Cari Rincker (2018), Greg Sapp (2019), Wesley Wise (2020) and Bernard (Hank) Habing (2021). The Distinguished Alumni Society recognizes alumni who have utilized the Lake Land experience to make an imprint on their profession or community. An alumnus is anyone who has graduated from Lake Land College or has taken classes. The Distinguished Alumni Society inductees will be honored for their accomplishments and contributions to Lake Land College. Nomination information of those selected Distinguished Alumni Society inductees will be used for publicity. Past Distinguished Alumni Society inductees are Ann Bacon (2007), Jodi Baker-Dart (2007), Bert Bradley (2007 ), Frank Brummer (2007), Cindy Bushur-Hallam (2007), Gail Bushur-Irwin, D.V.M (2007), Dr. Harry Carter (2007), Ken Fearday (2007), Scott Frailey (2007), Gary Gaetti (2007), Greg Grunloh (2007), Kristene K. Gugliuzza, M.D. (2007), Dr. Dan Hallam (2007), John Inyart (2007), Joe Kingan (2007), Larry Lilly (2007), John Livesay (2007), Carl Meinhart, Ph.D. (2007), Randy Miller (2007), Chad Moutray (2007), Steve Myers, Ph.D. (2007), Mike Neal (2007), Nancy Neal (2007), Dr. Gary Niehaus (2007), Karen Noffke (2007), John Phipps (2007), Rick Reid (2007), David Reis (2007), Jeremy Rickey (2007), Jill Rogers (2007), Greg Sapp (2007), Charlie Schwerman (2007), Michael Searles (2007), Larry Smith (2007), Jan Storm (2007), Zack Taylor (2007), Denny Throneburg (2007), Jon Van Dyke (2007), Dick West (2007), Bill Whitworth (2007), Larry Wilson, Ph.D. (2007), James Winfield, D.M.D. (2007), Tom Wright (2007), Mike Yager (2007), James Zimmer (2007), Larry Blackerby (2008), Dr. Lyn Marnee Fieldman (2008), Margaret Merry-Niebrugge (2008), Larry Norton (2008), Milton Sees (2008), Don Jesse (2009), Linda Sue Kull (2009), Carla Lundy (2009), Monte Reel (2009), Tim Fedrigon (2010), Brian Hastings (2010), Patrick Kirchhofer (2010), Bub McCullough (2010), Julie Thomas (2010), Bob Black (2011), Tom Grunloh (2011), Tony Halsey (2011), Dr. John Killough (2011), Cari Rincker (2011), Tracie M. Egger, Ph.D. (2012), Julie Ann Janssen (2012), Rush Record (2012), Dave Storm (2012), Adam Bohnhoff (2013), Matt Bowyer (2013), Carol Jo Fritts (2013), Chris Rennels (2013), Terrall Stewart (2013), Tony Aghaei (2014), Brett Henschen (2014), Patty Montgomery (2014), Mike Sullivan (2014), Wendy Greeson (2015), Brian Henningsen (2015), Mike Kallis (2015), Ryan Montgomery (2015), Mathew Cekander (2016), Kerry Fearn (2016), Renee Fonner (2016), David Greeson (2016), Kristopher Vansickle (2016), Todd Gartner (2016), Thomas L. Overmyer (2017), Dr. Sally Salmons (2017), Katie Williams (2017), Paul Crutcher (2018), James (JC) Fultz (2018), Donna Homann (2018), Dave Pruemer (2018), Gary Sullivan (2018), Amanda Perdomo (2019), Richard M. Clapp (2019), Kelly Sager (2019), Mark McCully (2019), Wesley Wise (2019), Bobbi Kinkelaar (2020), Brad Tammen (2020), Cheryl Beam (2020), Clayton Zwilling (2020) and Patrick Drees (2020). Forms are available from the College Advancement office by calling 217-234-5376 and on the college website at lakelandcollege.edu/alumni/award-nominations/ -30-
Lake Land College offering a second-chance Presidential Scholarship opportunity to 2021 High School Graduates Posted on December 1, 2021 Lake Land College is pleased to announce it will reopen the Presidential Scholarship opportunity to qualifying 2021 high school graduates who did not enroll at Lake Land in Fall 2021. The Presidential Scholarship is available to eligible in-district high school seniors who have demonstrated outstanding academic performance. The scholarship covers the full cost of tuition for up to two consecutive academic years and is available to graduates who enroll in Lake Land College in the fall following high school graduation. With this initiative, Class of 2021 Presidential Scholars who attended a college other than Lake Land College or did not enroll in college this fall now have a second opportunity to take advantage of the scholarship to continue their education at Lake Land beginning in January. This is a one-time opportunity and will only be available for the Spring 2022 semester. Students who meet one of the following criteria are eligible for the Presidential Scholarship: were in the top 15 percent of students in their senior class at the end of the 7th or 8th semester or have an ACT composite score of 26 or higher/SAT total score of 1230 or higher. Qualifying students must also have: Resided in the Lake Land College district at the time of graduation. Graduated from high school within the last year. Graduated from a high school located in the Lake Land College district or Graduated from a high school serving a portion of the Lake Land College district, including Hume-Shiloh, South Central, Newton, and North Clay high schools. Interested students, including home schooled and private school students, in the district who meet the eligibility requirements should contact Financial Aid Scholarship Specialist Braddi Browning at 217-234-5392 or scholarships@lakelandcollege.edu. For additional information regarding the Presidential Scholarship, visit lakelandcollege.edu/scholarships. -30-
November 2021 Editorial – Personal Financial Uncertainty Posted on November 30, 2021 The following is an Editorial from Dr. Josh Bullock, Lake Land College President In Lake Land College’s recently published Trend Analysis report, research indicates financial insecurity is a major concern for many community college students and can often impede their ability to complete their higher education goals. A national survey conducted early in the pandemic showed four in 10 community college students were affected by food insecurity and 11% experienced homelessness. Local data collected prior to the pandemic supports this national trend. A fall 2019 survey conducted with 557 students by Lake Land’s PTK Chapter revealed that 74% of respondents reported experiencing financial struggles in their day-to-day life to pay for basic needs such as gas, food and bills, and 73% of respondents reported having to work at least 11 or more hours per week. Nearly 50% of all community college students participating in a national survey reported that a lack of finances was an issue that could cause them to withdraw from college. It could be easy for us as a community to look the other way; however, the impact of this data extends beyond the Lake Land College campus. When our Lake Land College students who are living paycheck to paycheck have a financial incident–a trip to the emergency room, a car breaking down, an unexpected bill–it can be a breaking point in their educational journey. At Lake Land College, we have several mechanisms in place to assist students, such as the Laker Food Pantry and an Emergency Assistance Fund established by a generous Lake Land College Foundation donor. However, that only helps the students who ask. How many of our students do not turn to us for help? Why is this an important topic for us to consider as a community? The educational attainment of a community can be linked to economic success. In a recently published study, the authors found a significant positive correlation between educational attainment and strong economic growth, indicating just a 1% increase in the number of people earning a bachelor’s degree can have a positive impact on the economy. The 2021 Illinois Community College Board Economic Impact study supports this report, showing students who graduate with a Lake Land College associate degree will have far more earning power over their career, on average earning $550,000 more than someone not attending college. While the Lake Land College district population is on par for residents having earned an associate degree, we lag far behind in the number of residents with a bachelor’s degree. Only about 17.8% of the residents in the Lake Land College district have earned a bachelor’s degree, nearly 50% less than the statistic for all Illinois residents at 34.7%, according to the Trend Analysis report. Lake Land College is a great value for those seeking to transfer to earn a bachelor’s degree or those seeking a credential, certificate or associate’s degree for an immediate career. And, we are fortunate in the Lake Land College district to have many businesses, educational institutions and organizations working together to develop innovative opportunities to grow our region’s economy. The high-level view is optimistic, however I question what that view may look like for someone with financial insecurity seeking to advance through higher education? Does that person have the financial resources, adequate support and personal flexibility to advance theirself through education? I look forward to continuing this important work together to help more students reach their goals, move the needle on our district’s educational attainment and boost our overall regional economy.
Lake Land College Dental Hygiene students to participate in Heartland Dental externships Posted on November 24, 2021 Lake Land College students Jae Lynn Riggleman of Casey, Kelly McGill of Findlay and Braelynn Barnes of Mattoon will each be taking part in a week-long externship through Heartland Dental. The program is designed to place second-year students alongside practiced dentists and teams to help the students develop professionalism, ethics, communication and knowledge. “Lake Land College and Heartland Dental’s values are comparable, in that both of these affiliations want the students to gain hands-on experience through this externship,” Director of Dental Hygiene Program Kristen Holsapple said. “We are proud to have such a collaborative teamship with Heartland Dental.” The externship will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday of the week. On day one, students will learn office logistics with a business assistant. Day two will see students shadowing a dentist to learn about the treatment planning process. On day three students will observe how hygienists work in the office and with the dentist. The fourth day will allow students to follow hygienists strategies on working with patients for treatments. Finally, the students will sit down with the regional hygiene mentor of operations on day five to discuss the experience overall. As part of the program, each of the students also received a $1,000 scholarship and expressed appreciation to Heartland Dental for the opportunities provided by the agreement. “I am so thankful for the opportunity Heartland Dental has given me,” Barnes said. ”With their help, I am even closer to my dream of becoming a Registered Dental Hygienist.” For more information on the Lake Land College Dental Hygiene Program visit lakelandcollege.edu/dental-hygiene-clinic. -30-