Lake Land College introduces new special admission Fire Science program for career advancement Posted on June 14, 2021 Lake Land College will begin offering a new special admission Fire Science program in Fall 2021 designed exclusively for current firefighters and volunteers seeking career advancement. Those interested in applying must first receive a recommendation from their fire chief. Pictured is Fire Science Management Adjunct Faculty Member Rob Plummer who will be an instructor for the course. The program is approved by the state fire marshal and will assist these professionals in earning Fire Officer 1 and 2 certifications, allowing them to increase their knowledge and skills as well as advance their careers. One key advantage of Lake Land College’s new program is the flexible format. “They do have programs like this across the state, but most of them are Monday through Friday,” Fire Science Management Adjunct Faculty Member Rob Plummer said. “For volunteers and folks who work during the week it can be hard to do that. They often have to take vacation time or make other schedule changes.” Plummer, Laker Nation Class of 2000, completed an Officer 2 Certification three years ago, taking traditional Monday through Friday classes. During his time in the class, Plummer said he listened to his classmates’ concerns about the difficulty surrounding the availability of the classes, and that is what inspired him to get involved with the program. The in-person classes in the program will take place only on the weekend, including Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays with a schedule spanning several months to better accommodate the participants’ time frames. The schedule will also have a blended format, with elements of both in-person learning and online work. “This is an effort to get training to volunteer fire departments and such for the officers’ side of things,” Plummer said. “During the hands-on portion, the program will have members of several different local departments working side by side, and I think it will be really beneficial to the community having so many local departments working together.” Plummer said the course will cover the Illinois state objectives, as well as “experience and real-world scenarios” targeted toward local settings. Students will even be given the opportunity to train on the equipment in their respective stations, allowing them to gain knowledge and skills specific to their situations. “This program is a great opportunity to further your education,” Plummer said. “As officers one of our goals should always be to stay up to par with new techniques and ways of doing things. This is another tool in that tool box. It may seem hard to give up those weekends, but this program really has a great value compared to some of the others throughout the state.” For more information on the Fire Science program, visit lakelandcollege.edu/high-demand-programs/paramedical-services/ or contact Jasmine Ballard at jballard9365@lakelandcollege.edu or 217-234-5370. -30-
Lake Land College Eases Campus COVID-19 Measures Posted on June 9, 2021 Lake Land College announced Wednesday that it will be following the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines regarding mask requirements effective June 11 in accordance with the Governor’s plan to reopen the state under Phase 5 of the Restore Illinois Plan. “During the past 15 months, the Lake Land College community has been diligent in following the guidelines set forth in the Return to Campus Plan, creating a safe learning and working environment. With the state reopening this Friday, the College will be suspending the Return to Campus Plan mitigations and begin restoring campus to a pre-pandemic state,” Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said. “It has been wonderful to see students back on campus for summer classes this past week, as well as many who are here for advising appointments and campus tours. We are looking forward to returning to a traditional environment this fall with in-person classes and student activities,” Bullock added. In accordance with guidelines provided by the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Center for Disease Control, effective June 11, those who are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 per CDC guidelines will not be required to wear a mask indoors or outdoors while on the Lake Land campus or college grounds. For individuals who are unvaccinated, masks will be required at all times while indoors on campus or college grounds, except while alone in a room with the door closed. Masks will be required outdoors for unvaccinated individuals when social distancing cannot be maintained, and social distancing while indoors will be encouraged. Vaccination is encouraged but not required by Lake Land College. With the updated guidelines, staff, students and guests who are not wearing a mask should be prepared to provide proof of vaccination when requested by a Health Services or Human Resources staff member. Individuals coming to a college facility are encouraged to self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms prior to visiting campus and to refrain from visiting if feeling ill. This summer, faculty and staff are assisting students in preparing for the Fall 2021 semester, which begins August 23. A majority of courses will be offered in person, with options for virtual and online courses to allow students to build a schedule that best fits their schedule and personal preference. “We are excited to support our students’ learning with options based on traditional, in-person classes as well as formats that worked well in the virtual environment,” Bullock said. “Our students, faculty and staff have been incredibly resilient throughout this time, and we are grateful for their commitment to the values of the Lake Land College community.” Class schedules are available on the college website at lakelandcollege.edu. Current and prospective students can connect with campus offices or faculty and staff in person or via phone and email. Lake Land College’s plans are fluid and guidelines are subject to change with direction provided by the Illinois Department of Public Health, the Illinois Community College Board, the Illinois Board of Higher Education and the Governor’s Office. The college will provide updates should additional relevant information become available. To learn more about Lake Land College, visit lakelandcollege.edu or call 217-234-5434 to get started. -30-
Lake Land College Broadcasting Students Earn Broadcast Sales Certification Posted on Broadcast sales students at Lake Land College earned certification as broadcast sales professionals from the broadcast training company P1 Learning in partnership with the Illinois Broadcasters Associate’s Sales Training Program. The students pictured are Front Row L to R: Brendon Wathan, Louisville; Carson Rebollo, Mattoon; Josiah Estrada-Drum, Charleston. Back Row L to R: Ashley Daniels, Joliet; Josh Bear, Bethany; McKinley Gerdes, Charleston; Sue Shirley, Mattoon; Not Pictured Kaley Tolch, Dieterich. The students completed a variety of online video courses, tests and assignments over the course of four weeks as part of the broadcast sales class in the Broadcast Communications program at Lake Land College. Communication Studies/Broadcasting Instructor and Station Manager of WLKL 89.9 FM Greg Powers assisted students in preparing for the certification, while the Illinois Broadcasters Association (IBA) funded the initiative. Powers also expressed gratitude to the president and CEO of the Illinois Broadcasters Association Dennis Lyle, and the IBA board for its financial support. “Broadcast employers are always on the lookout for employees who are skilled in many different areas,” Powers said. “This certification will be a great asset to the students who have completed the training. They are likely to have several opportunities available to them as they move into their careers.” P1 Learning is a nationally recognized training company that provides content in the topics of sales, leadership, management, on-air, compliance and more. The company also administers training for hundreds of broadcast stations, corporations and state broadcaster associations. Each of the professionals will be honored on a plaque displayed alongside those of previous years’ students. For more information about Lake Land College’s Broadcast Communications program, contact Powers at 217-234-5335 or visit lakelandcollege.edu/high-demand-programs/radio-tv-broadcasting or 899themax.com. -30-
Lake Land College Student Newspaper Staff Earns Awards Posted on June 2, 2021 Several staff members of the Navigator News, the student-led Lake Land College newspaper, earned awards from the Illinois Community College Journalism Association (ICCJA) in a contest judged by professional journalists across Illinois. “I’ve only had the pleasure to work with the Navigator team for a short time, but it was exhilarating to see how the students continuously created high-quality and engaging content during a challenging time,” Student Life Specialist Dustyn Fatheree said. “With multiple prestigious awards received by the Navigator staff, it has never been more clear as to the importance student publications have in building marketable skills and networking possibilities for students. I look forward to this upcoming academic year where the Navigator will continue to develop content for the Lake Land community.” The students who earned awards were recognized at the annual ICCJA Spring Conference. While participating in the event, the Navigator News staff members were able to connect with other student journalists from many different areas of Illinois as well as learn from informative speakers. In the first place category, Madelyn Kidd was awarded for Sports Feature, Jess Oakley for Arts Review and the collective Navigator News staff for Mike Foster General Excellence. Taking second place in their respective categories were Breanna Moore for Page Design and Austin Wendling for Sports Photo. Brett Sawyer earned third place for Editorial Cartoon, and the Navigator News staff placed third for Website. Also receiving honorable mentions, Jess Oakely was awarded for Headline and Michael Grovier for News Photo. “Congratulations to the students who received awards,” Interim Vice President for Student Services Valerie Lynch said. “The Navigator will continue to strive to create innovative and high-quality content for the Lake Land community.” -30-
Partnership EMS program graduates honored in ceremony Posted on June 1, 2021 This spring, Lake Land College partnered with Abbott EMS in Effingham and Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Systems in Mattoon to offer an “Earn While You Learn” Emergency Medical Services program. All nine of the students who began the program were honored in a graduation ceremony May 20 at Abbott EMS in Effingham. All nine of the students who began the “Earn While You Learn” Emergency Medical Services program were honored in a graduation ceremony May 20 at Abbott EMS in Effingham. Pictured are Anneliesse Eads, Codey Devore, Adrianna Knueppel, Kirstin Lindsey, Zachery (Tyler) Lindsey, Heather McKinney, Shianna Neira and Caitlyn Tinker. Not pictured is Tyler Ball. “I think it was an incredible opportunity for the students,” Abbott Operations Manager Derek Burwell said. “Together we have provided something that just can’t have monetary value” The program allowed students not only to earn an EMT-Basic Class certificate debt-free but also to have a position at Abbott EMS after completing the necessary course work and testing. “When we started this, we knew this was going to be a challenging environment students were going to have to go into,” Vice President of Operations for Air Evac EMS, Inc. Joe Grygiel said. “For all nine students who started the class to make it through is a big deal.” Prior to the EMS class partnership, Air Evac EMS, Inc. had never partnered with an outside community college to hold a training program. Upon contacting Lake Land College Emergency Services Program Coordinator Jasmine Ballard and Sarah Bush Lincoln EMS Coordinator Shirley Sherwood, Grygiel said both institutions were eager to take part in the program even with such a short notice. “The support we have gotten has been second to none,” Grygiel said. “It is unbelievable what we’ve been able to accomplish here. We would love to look at the opportunity to do this again in the future, and if we do it again we will with no hesitation go to Lake Land. Everyone there has been wonderful.” Grygiel also presented challenge coins to Caitlyn Tinker, Effingham, and Anneliesse Eads, Monticello. In a speech about her time in the class, Tinker said the question EMS Instructor for Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Systems Lucas Ruholl asked on the students’ first day was still stuck in her head. “He asked us ‘why?’ Why are we here?” Tinker said. “There was a point in my life when I needed someone to show up for me. It was then that I chose to be that person for somebody else. As soon as I found out about this opportunity I jumped right on it, because I knew in my heart that this is where I was meant to be.” Echoing this sentiment in his own speech, Ruholl commended the students for “making a terrific career” for themselves. He went on to express gratitude to the students for both learning from him and teaching him. “I watched all of these students learn and saw how much they progressed in such a fast-paced class,” Ruholl said. “The students put a lot of dedication into it and really worked hard to get where they’re at today.” Ruholl also presented the Lake Land College challenge coin to Zachery “Tyler” Lindsey, Effingham. Praising Lindsey’s professionalism and dedication, Ruholl said he also felt that Lindsey was “someone who the entire class could lean on when they needed somebody to keep them grounded.” “Emergency service has always called my heart,” Lindsey said. “I didn’t always have the money to go to college, so when this opportunity came up I jumped at the chance.” Both Tyler Lindsey and his sister Kirstin Lindsey, Effingham, graduated from the program. Kirstin Lindsey said she was initially planning to study nursing, but a conversation in high school turned her attention toward emergency service. “When Tyler let me know about this opportunity, I knew I wanted to be a part of it,” Kirstin Lindsey said. “I’m excited to get out there and do the job and help make someone’s worst day better.” As the graduates begin their careers, Ballard challenged them to maintain integrity, empathy and professionalism and to always strive to be not just a good, but a great provider for the community. “As we celebrate National EMS Week, this year’s theme of Caring for Our Community could not be more fitting,” Ballard said. “May you remember that to be able to care for your communities you need to keep learning and growing in your profession.” The EMS graduates include Eads, Kirstin Lindsey, Tyler Lindsey and Tinker as well as Tyler Ball, Mattoon; Codey Devore, Beecher City; Adrianna Knueppel, Toledo; Heather McKinney, Flora and Shianna Neira, Vero Beach, Florida. -30-
Lake Land College John Deere Tech Graduates Honored in Ceremony Posted on May 27, 2021 Lake Land College honored the Spring 2021 John Deere Tech graduates at a ceremony May 14 in the Ag-Tech Building. “I think it’s wonderful that we get to celebrate in person with our graduates this year after all everyone has been through,” Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said. “This is one of the most challenging programs we have at Lake Land College, so it is certainly something to celebrate.” Each graduate drove through the building and received a John Deere plaque from John Deere Technology Instructor/Program Coordinator Russell Neu and John Deere Technology Instructors Matt Rodgers and Brent Curry. “These graduates did a great job, and I think they will be very successful,” Neu said. “I am sure they will have good futures at their John Deere dealerships.” The graduates sponsored by Sloan Implement include Patrick Bell, Brockton; Cole Dial, Louisville; Steven Holder, Raymond and Ian Lowry, Sadorus. AHW LLC sponsored graduates Wyatt Brownlee, Gibson City; Eli Ennis, Charleston; Austin Huffman, Roachdale, Indiana; Clint Krug, Wingate, Indiana; Austin Laffoon, New Richmond, Indiana; Brady Moore, Hoopeston; Andrew Pickel, Roachdale, Indiana; Ethan Stultz, Darlingon, Indiana and Shane Young, Waynetown, Indiana. The graduates sponsored by Prairie State Tractor were Mark Corrigan, Pontiac, and Kaden Swanberg, Pontiac. Riechmann Bros LLC sponsored Andrew Hagen, Aviston; SNP sponsored Zachary Lott, Jerseyville; Shiloh Valley Equipment sponsored Jared Phillips, Lebanon and Alliance Tractor sponsored Skylar Rhoads, Mattoon. For more information on the John Deere Tech program at Lake Land College, visit lakelandcollege.edu/guided-pathways and explore Agriculture. -30-
Lake Land College Nursing Graduates Honored in Pinning Ceremony Posted on May 18, 2021 The Lake Land College Nursing associate degree graduates were honored at a pinning ceremony in front of the Luther Student Center May 12. Each of the 70 graduates received a nursing pin and a keepsake card. Nursing graduates release butterflies in memory of their classmate Ryan Hess. Julie Long, Altamont, earned the Marilyn Fuqua-Thompson Award, and two students earned the Clinical Excellence Awards: Darian Hays, Lovington, and Heather Henderson, Charleston. “The vote for Julie was unanimous,” Director of Nursing Programs/Nursing Instructor Cheryl Beam said. “We are very proud of all of our graduates, and we look forward to seeing where they go in the future.” Another nursing faculty member commented on Long’s ability to make connections to activities and skills in class and lab and then apply the information in the clinical setting. “She says she’s nervous, but it never shows in the patient’s room,” the faculty member said. “She communicates easily with patients, students and staff.” Each student and faculty member also wore “in memory of” pins in honor of former student Ryan Hess, Sullivan, who passed away suddenly a few months prior to graduation. The students also nominated Hess for the Peer Award, presenting the plaque to Hess’s family at the ceremony. Near the end of the ceremony, many of the students and faculty present released butterflies in memory of Hess. The students who received pins at the event were Zachary Allie, Effingham; Julie Ambrose, Shelbyville; Ciara Anderson, Sullivan; Sarah Arend, Altamont; Paige Arthur, Mattoon; Blayne Bayles, Charleston; Karen Blomberg-Baylis, Kinmundy; Lauren Brandt, Effingham; Macy Brown, Mattoon; Marissa Caraway, St. Elmo; Tiffany Case, Effingham; Sheila Cline, Neoga; Katie Collinsworth, Mattoon; Denise Craddock, Newman; Daniele Daily, Sullivan; Dayna Delaney, Altamont; Diana Diener, Arcola; Timothy Donnell, Mattoon; Kendall Fonner, Effingham; Bailey Frese, Effingham; Emily Garriott, Charleston; Gretchen Gough, Charleston; Darian Hays, Lovington; Madison Healy, Louisville; Clayton Helmink, Effingham; Elise Hemmen, Montrose; Heather Henderson, Charleston; Christopher Heuerman, Effingham; Vy Hewitt, Effingham; Taylor Hilt, Effingham; Brooke Hodge, Odin; Hannah Holsapple, Greenup; Liberty Jamison, Paxton; Mandy Kasey, Mattoon; Robyn Larsen, Effingham; Julie Long, Altamont; Caitlyn Marlow, Shelbyville; Sarah Matusas, Neoga; Elizabeth McMahan, Strasburg; Regina Miller, Arthur; Sarah Mills, Bethany; Kaylee Morris, Mattoon; Taylor Oldham, Cowden; Sarah Parkison, Brownstown; Jaden Patterson, Mattoon; Amber Pedigo, Charleston; Gracie Plank, Arthur; Matthew Prosser, Macon; Kiera Ptomey, Mattoon; Tracy Raggio, Charleston; Emma Ross, Casey; Kacy Ross, Windsor; Maddison Rothrock, Mt. Zion; Colton Shoot, Mattoon; Shelby Sims, Edgewood; Ashtyn Siverly, Martinsville; Kelsey Smitley Charleston; Amanda Solan, Effingham; Hailey Theriault, Gays; Lakrisha Vanscyoc, Neoga; LesLee Watkins, Arcola; Rachel Weger, Casey; Jacob White, Sullivan; Cailin Wilson, Shelbyville; Whitney Wolff, Beecher City; Ashley Young, Effingham; Haylee Young, Mattoon; Courtney Zasada, Brownstown and Claire Zumbahlen, Effingham. For more information on the Lake Land College Nursing program, visit lakelandcollege.edu/guided-pathways and explore the Health and Public Services area of study. -30-
Lake Land College EMS Graduates Honored In Pinning Ceremony Posted on May 13, 2021 The Lake Land College EMS graduates were honored at a pinning ceremony in Alumni Park May 12. Each student received a pin and a keepsake card. Emergency Services Program Coordinator Jasmine Ballard speaks at the Lake Land College Spring 2021 EMS Pinning ceremony. “These students have worked very hard to get here,” Emergency Services Program Coordinator Jasmine Ballard said. “We are all very proud of their accomplishments.” Lake Land College President Josh Bullock presented Distinguished Service Award to Dr. Sheri Barnett, thanking Barnett for her service to the community. Several students also received awards at the event. Derek Chancy, Altamont, earned both the Top Student Award for GPA and the Shirley Sherwood Award for Excellence in EMS Education. Allison Tinnon, Arthur, earned the Professional Development for Most Improved Award. Amanda Landrus, Marshall, earned the Perseverance Award, and Seth Largent, Pana, earned the Bumble Bee Award for Untapped Potential. Largent was recently inducted into the National Honor Society of Leadership and Success. The graduates each had a guest of their choosing attach the pin to their uniform, and Largent was pinned by his significant other Andrea Estay. Logan Ratliff, Lerna, was also recently inducted into the National Honor Society of Leadership and Success. Ratliff is a second-generation provider, and was pinned by his father, retired firefighter and EMT Rob Ratliff. Lake Land College EMS graduate Logan Ratliff (Right) being pinned by his father, retired firefighter and EMT Rob Ratliff (Left). Pictured are Logan Ratliff, Rob Ratliff and LEAD Instructor for Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Systems Jason Wright. Kyndal Chapman, Charleston, was pinned by her aunt Rachel Thoele. Chapman is a third-generation provider. Her grandmother Gail Brown and her Mother Becky Stewart both had careers as providers as well. Trevor Blackwell, Shelbyville, was pinned by his Fiancé Rachel Lathem; Chancy was pinned by his wife Katelyn Chancy; Brandon Jolly, Wallingford, Kentucky, was pinned by his wife Cayla Jolly; Landrus was pinned today by her friend Paramedic Kevin Morecraft; Chauncey Love, Decatur, was pinned by his significant other Krystal Garett and Tinnon was pinned by her older brother Elliott Tinnon. -30-
Lake Land College Board Appoints New Vice President for Academic Services Posted on May 11, 2021 The Lake Land College Board of Trustees appointed Ikemefuna “Ike” Nwosu as the vice president for academic services at the May 10, 2021 board of trustees meeting. His appointment includes one year of mentorship beginning July 1. He will assume the vice presidency on July 1, 2022 when the current Vice President for Academic Services Jon Althaus retires. In this role, Nwosu will administer and supervise all academic operations of the college, including strategic planning, development, administration, supervision and evaluation for academic programs and personnel. Nwosu began his career at Lake Land College in 2006 as a biological sciences instructor, transitioning to Math and Science Division Chair in 2015. He also currently serves as a member of the Academic Services Leadership Team (ASLT). Nwosu earned a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from the University of Zambia and attended Lake Land College to complete general coursework. He earned a master’s degree in biological sciences from Eastern Illinois University and is currently completing a doctorate of education in community college leadership at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan. “Ike’s experience and vision will be exceptionally valuable to his new role,” Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said. “I am confident that his direction and insight will be great assets to Lake Land College and the role of vice president for academic services.” -30-
Lake Land College Women’s Basketball Team Wins National Championship Posted on May 10, 2021 The Lake Land College Women’s Basketball Team celebrated the first NCJAA Division II National Championship victory in the school’s history during a recognition event in the Field House on campus Friday evening. Pictured is Head Coach Dave Johnson and the team. The team earned the national title at the championship game April 24 where the Lakers won against the Johnson County Cavaliers with a score of 53-49 in Hickory, North Carolina. The team qualified for the national tournament last year, but the event was cancelled due to the pandemic. With 10 sophomores on the team, Head Coach Dave Johnson said missing out on last year’s tournament only fueled the team’s motivation to win this year. “From day one we said ‘We’re getting back’,” Johnson said. “They just kind of willed their way to win. We were down five in the fourth quarter. We called time out. Everyone was calm and they just went out and did it.” Finishing the season with a 25-2 overall record, the Lakers achieved a 16-game win streak to close out the season including the national championship game. “We knew this could be the year we would bring home a Laker championship,” Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said. “As a college community, we are so proud of our Women’s Basketball Team for working so long and so hard to make this victory possible.” During the event, the college revealed a new permanent national championship banner that honors the team. Harley Barry, Shiloh, was voted Most Valuable Player, and Kamaria Gant, Bloomington, earned 2nd Team All-American. Johnson also earned the Coach of the Tournament Award at the national championship game, and was named NJCAA Division II Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year. The members of the Lake Land College Women’s Basketball Team include freshmen Karrington Krabel, Paris; Olivia Niemerg, Teutopolis and Avery Still, Sullivan and sophomores Barry, Gant, Joanna Schultz, Altamont; Tresior Newson, Normal West; Abigayle Weis, Effingham; Jaelynn Riggleman, Casey-Westfield; Shania Schoonover, Pana; Josie Orris, Sullivan; Elizabeth Buescher, Charleston and Mikayla Sirjord, Ulen-Hitterdal, MN. For the latest Laker Athletics information and updates, follow @LLCAthletics on Facebook and Twitter. -30-