New Lake Land College Student Trustee Elected Posted on April 16, 2021 Lake Land College students elected engineering major Katherine “Katie” Greuel, Windsor, to serve as the student trustee for 2021-2022. In this role, Greuel will serve as a liaison between the student body and the Lake Land College Board of Trustees. She will also have the ability to make and second motions and will have an advisory vote on the board. “I am very excited to be given this opportunity,” Greuel said. “I want to represent and speak for the students as best as I can.” Student Trustee Katie Greuel Greuel was officially seated at the April 12 Lake Land College Board of Trustees regular meeting, taking over the role from Lucas Duduit, Pana. Duduit will be transferring to Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois in May 2021. At his final Lake Land Board of Trustees meeting as student trustee, Duduit expressed gratitude to the trustees, President Josh Bullock and the members of the cabinet for his time and experiences as student trustee. Greuel said she plans to continue to support students’ access to mental health resources, as this was one of Duduit’s strongest areas of focus. Greuel also said she would like to advocate for more exploratory opportunities in some programs. Student Trustee Katie Greuel and former Student Trustee Lucas Duduit Having spent three years in the Navy after graduating from high school, Greuel was training to be nuclear machinist mate when a training injury led her down a different path. “To be honest, I was absolutely petrified to transfer back to civilian life after being in the Navy for so long,” Greuel said. “All the staff and students at Lake Land have been very helpful, very comforting and have made it very easy for me to adapt.” During her time in the Navy, Greuel took on a leadership position. As a Leading Petty Officer, Greuel oversaw 100 to 700 sailors at a time, acting as a liaison between the sailors and the Upper Level Enlisted. “I gained a lot of important life skills and leadership skills,” Greuel said. “I made a lot of good contacts, mentors and friends, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.” Greuel said she believes this leadership role was a good precursor to her time as student trustee, as it gave her experience liaising for a large group. “I took questions, comments and concerns,” Greuel said. “I always tried to help the sailors any way I could. I think the student trustee position will be a similar in that I will be speaking for and communicating with hundreds of students and communicating their questions and concerns to the people who can best address them.” English Instructor Matt Landrus suggested Greuel run for student trustee, leading her to ultimately run for and earn the position. “Katie is a hard-working, responsible, intelligent, community-oriented person with great problem-solving skills,” Landrus said. “Anyone who interacts with her will immediately be impressed by her affable and approachable demeanor. I was confident that if she chose to run for the position, the college and her peers would benefit from her insight and stick-to-itiveness.” Greuel said if Landrus had not suggested she run, she may have never given the opportunity a second thought. “It means a lot to me that he thought I would do well in this role,” Greuel said of Landrus’ suggestion. “I’m really glad there are staff like him here at Lake Land who care so much about the students, not only in how they perform but in their wellbeing and personal life as well.”
Lake Land College Women’s Basketball Team seeded No. 2 in national tournament Posted on April 15, 2021 The Lake Land College Women’s Basketball Team earned the No. 2 seed at the 2021 NJCAA Division II Women’s Basketball Championship. The Lady Lakers will begin the tournament facing off against the No. 15 seeded Lackawanna College Falcons. “I’m excited and I’m sure the team is,” sophomore player Tresoir Newson said. “We’ve been working hard all year.” Pictured are the members of the Lake Land College Women’s Basketball Team: Olivia Niemerg, Shania Schoonover, Tresoir Newson, Kamaria Gant, Josie Orris, Harley Barry, Avery Still, Abigayle Weis, Joanna Schultz, Mikayla Sirjord, Jaelynn Riggleman, Karrington Krabel and Elizabeth Buescher. Ranked third in the nation behind Johnson County and Kirkwood, the Lady Lakers’ record is 21-2 with a 12-game win streak leading up to the national championship. Head Coach Dave Johnson said the team has consistently played at a high level, having won against six nationally ranked teams this year. “I think it’s a reflection of the hard work our players have put in this year,” Johnson said. “We’re just super excited, and I’m really proud of how these young ladies have played this year.” Though the COVID-19 pandemic brought challenges to the team’s practicing and games, several of the team’s players agreed that overcoming those challenges helped them achieve the high ranking. “It’s more of a challenge having to practice with masks and have weekly testing,” Newson said. “It’s harder, but pushing through it makes us appreciate it more because we fought for it.” The No. 2 seed is the highest in the program’s history, surpassing even the No. 4 seed the Lady Lakers earned at last year’s cancelled tournament. The Lake Land College Women’s Basketball Team reacts to the No. 2 seed reveal. Sophomore player Harley Barry said she was excited that the team received the No. 2 seed after making it to No. 4 last year, and she is looking forward to participating in the tournament. “Coming back with all of the sophomores that we had that were freshmen from last year, it was such a good motivation for us because we had everything taken away so suddenly last year,” Barry said. “I feel like it pushed us to do what we did this season and be where we are now.” Assistant Coach J. R. Hodges said the strong leadership from the sophomores who were unable to compete in the cancelled tournament last year has pushed the team to work even harder to earn the their ranking this year. “The No. 2 seed is a massive improvement from the fourth seed last year and we’re just happy to be there,” Hodges said. “The girls have worked really hard this year, and we’re so proud of them.” Both Newson and Barry commented on the bond the team developed and how the team’s closeness has contributed to its success. “I feel like this year our chemistry is really good. Even in practice we’re laughing,” Newson said. “We definitely have fun, and we’ve got a pretty talented group.” Barry said though this year’s season looked a little different, the team was still able to build strong connections and unite really well. “From being a part of this team we have just created so many new friendships,” Barry said. “Lake Land has been so fun this year, especially now that we have all gotten to the point where we’re like a family and we know each other really well.” 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 Joanna Schultz, Altamont; Harley Barry, Shiloh; Kamaria Gant, Bloomington; Tresoir 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. The 2021 NJCAA Division II Women’s Basketball Championship tournament will take place April 20 through 24 at Catawba Valley Community College in Hickory, North Carolina. For the latest Laker Athletics information and updates, follow @LLCAthletics on Facebook and Twitter.
Lake Land College employees recognized for years of service Posted on April 8, 2021 At the Lake Land College Virtual Employee Recognition faculty and staff members were honored for their years of service. Lake Land College is proud to honor the commitment and dedication many employees have devoted to helping students succeed at the college. Several of these employees were recognized for reaching years of service milestones. Lisa Cole, director of data analytics, was recognized for 30 years of service. The people recognized for 25 years of service included Dion Buzzard, industrial technology instructor/program coordinator; Dave Earp, print and mail services supervisor; Emily Hartke, chair of counseling and judicial affairs advisement; Walter McHenry, mathematics instructor; Martha Mioux, physical therapist assistant instructor/program director and massage therapy instructor/program director and Art Turner, custodial services supervisor. The people recognized for 20 years of service were Cheryl Beam, nursing instructor/director of nursing; April Byard, community and professional program specialist; Terri Fields, psychology instructor; Brenda Hunzinger, biological science instructor; Dave Johnson, health and physical education instructor/head women’s basketball coach and Krista Pickering, financial analyst. Those recognized for 15 years of service included Dyke Barkley, horticulture instructor; Andrea Bright, academic counselor; Tisha Goad, nursing instructor; Valerie Lynch, interim vice president for student services; Pamela Mayer, lead custodian; Megan Nelson, marketing publication and design coordinator; Heather Nohren, academic counselor; Ike Nwosu, division chair math and science/bio-science instructor; Cassie Porter, nursing instructor; Greg Powers, speech communication/broadcasting instructor/broadcast operations director; Lisa Shumard-Shelton, director of dual credit and honors experience and Erin Swingler, division chair allied health/nursing instructor. The people recognized for 10 years of service were Ben Cohan, art instructor; Hannah Crnkovich, scholarship coordinator; Kristen Holsapple, dental hygiene instructor/director of dental hygiene; Ginger Murray, associate dean of correctional programs; Maria Nohren, nursing instructor; Ryan Orrick, division chair agriculture/agriculture instructor; Scott Rawlings, director of physical plant operations; Casey Reynolds, Spanish/English instructor; Megan Stewart, cosmetology clinical instructor; Benjamin Tomasello, custodian and Nate Westendorf, programmer analyst. The people recognized for five years of service included Emily Bowling, print shop technician assistant; Hilary Donley, allied health specialist; Tarah Haskenherm, nursing instructor; Olivia Koester, admissions representative; Jani Merryman, adult education advisor; Kyle Sims, adult education advisor and Dustha Wahls, director of human resources. Several adjunct faculty members were recognized for their semesters of service as well. Sharon Brown and Terry Salem were recognized for 60 semesters. Linda Gates, Diana Hammond and Jesse Teverbaugh were recognized for 40 semesters. For 30 semesters, David Budde, Debra Denton, Allen Drake, Martin Gibson and Teresa Metzger were recognized. Camille Gordon, Michelle Miller, Jeffrey Paisley, Michael Ritchie and Robert Till were recognized for 20 semesters. Joyce Barnhart, Todd Ehlers, Amy Followell, Matthew Holdman, Leslie Harmon-Mckenzie, Steven Klingler, Ashley Poleon and Heath Strom were recognized for 10 semesters. Lake Land College extends congratulations and gratitude to all of these employees for their years of service and dedication to the vision and values of the college.
Lake Land College to host Virtual Automotive Open House Posted on April 7, 2021 Lake Land College will be hosting a Virtual Automotive Open House at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 28. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from automotive technology faculty members on how Lake Land automotive academic programs prepare students with the entry-level skills and knowledge needed to get a job in auto repair shops as service or parts technicians. Participants will also be able to see the recently renovated automotive lab, including the latest diagnostic equipment and tools students will use to work on vehicles and gain valuable technical knowledge. Registration for the event is now open at lakelandcollege.edu/visit/. “We want to encourage anyone who may be interested in the program to attend this virtual open house,” Automotive Technology Instructor and Program Coordinator Brian Madlem said. “It will be a great way to explore the options the program has to offer, enjoy a virtual tour of the Laker Repair Shop and have your questions answered.” The high-demand automotive technology program curriculum is based on, and follows Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) guidelines and is designed to prepare students for ASE certification. The program covers vehicles’ mechanical, electrical and electronic systems, including light duty diesel fuel and emissions systems. Instruction is provided by ASE certified instructors in a shop with modern tools and equipment. For more information on the automotive technology program, contact Kevin Miller at 217-234-5286 or kmiller@lakelandcollege.edu. To learn how to get started at Lake Land College, visit lakelandcollege.edu/getting-started/ or contact Counseling Services at 217-234-5232 or counsel@lakelandcollege.edu.
Lake Land College Business students among top three scorers at state competition Posted on April 1, 2021 Lake Land College students Austin White, Paris, and Breanna Moore, Mattoon, earned first place in Microsoft Word(Office 2016) and third place in Microsoft PowerPoint(Office 2016) respectively at the 2020 Microsoft Office Specialist State Championship Fall Qualifier competition. “I am very excited and very proud of Austin’s and Breanna’s accomplishments,” Business Instructor/Director of Court Reporting Program/Coordinator for Office Professionals Lisa Earp said. “I applaud them for their hard work in mastering their Microsoft skills. This is the first time any of our students have placed in the top three in the state.” This competition is a precursor to the Microsoft Office Specialist U.S. National Championship competition presented by Certiport, Inc. to test students’ skills on Microsoft Office 2016 or 2019 programs such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint. The Microsoft Office Specialist Program by Certiport offers students the opportunity to learn all of the features and functionality of Microsoft Office programs. This develops the students’ skills and knowledge to prepare them for future success in workforce or academic settings. Ordinarily, Certiport issues six invitations per each fall and spring qualifying period with the top students in each exam category going on to represent their respective states on a national level at the Microsoft Office Specialist U.S. National Championship. While the 2021 Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) U.S. National Championship was canceled this year due to the continued difficulties and concerns with the ongoing pandemic, both students have been recognized and have received certificates for their accomplishments. For information on how to earn these Microsoft Office Specialist certifications, please contact Lisa Earp at learp@lakelandcollege.edu. For information on how to get started in a business program at Lake Land College, contact Counseling Services at counsel@lakelandcollege.edu or 217-234-5232.
Responding to industry needs with new career pathways Posted on March 31, 2021 April is Community College Month and a time for community colleges across the nation to showcase the value they bring to their respective communities. At Lake Land College, the past year certainly tested our core value of innovation as we navigated the pandemic and learned new modes of providing high quality education and services to our students. Our faculty and staff rose to the challenge and continued innovating to meet area workforce demands and create new opportunities for community residents. One way in which the college ensures curriculum is relevant is by hosting a DACUM, Developing a Curriculum. In these workshops, industry professionals share their expertise with the goal of identifying the skills needed to be successful in a given career path. As a result of a DACUM held in March 2019, the Emergency Medical Services faculty and staff have created a new Fire Science major. The program provides an educational pathway for current firefighting professionals to advance in their careers. As the only program south of Chicago, this new opportunity has the potential to positively impact first-responders in our communities. Medical Assistant faculty are also paving the way for career advancement as the only program in the region to be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. Faculty have also created a Medical Assistant Associate Degree Completion program that allows current certified medical assistants to receive credit for professional certification and accelerate the time to complete a degree. Earlier this year, Abbott Ambulance Services in Effingham approached the college about hosting an on-site training program to fill a need for emergency medical technicians. EMS faculty and staff worked with Sarah Bush Lincoln instructors and Abbott Ambulance Services to host an 8-week fast track EMT training curriculum beginning this month. Abbott is paying 10 students a wage, covering their tuition and fees, and guaranteeing them a position upon successful program completion and licensure exam. This fall, the Business Division will welcome the first class of students to the new Court Reporting Technology program. Business faculty have worked closely with area court reporting professionals to create this major in response to a regional and national shortage of court reporters. According to the Occupational Profile on the Illinois virtual labor market information website, there will be a projected 80 job openings in this field each year through 2026. A few years ago, Heartland Dental invested in future dental hygienists by donating state-of-the-art equipment for the Heartland Dental Dental Hygiene Lab. This year, the company selected Lake Land College to pilot a new educational partnership that provides support and opportunities, both financially and academically, to students preparing to enter the field of dentistry. Dental Hygiene faculty have also expanded opportunities for students by working with Eastern Illinois University to establish a transfer pathway. All Dental Hygiene Alumni now have an opportunity to transfer to Eastern Illinois to pursue a bachelor’s degree in public health. Several programs recently updated curriculum to arm students with the skills needed for success today and into the future. The Humanities and Communications faculty enhanced speech and radio-TV courses by creating a new Broadcast Communications department that ensures students are trained in a multitude of skill sets from creating videos, to presenting online to writing advertisements. The Information Technology and IT-Graphic Design programs recently aligned course offerings and programs to maximize opportunities for students interested in design, programming, web creation and gaming careers. The newly revised Diesel & Ag Power provides students hands-on experience working on diesel machinery and a variety of brands, preparing them for future careers in the field or on their family farm. In addition to these program enhancements, the college continues to work with the Effingham Regional Career Academy to secure funding for a new building and to develop training programs for both high school students and adults or incumbent workers that meet the needs of our area business partners. To date, 14 schools have signed intergovernmental agreements to participate in this initiative. We look forward to welcoming you to campus to tour the new Workforce Development Center and the opportunities it presents for customized training. The center houses Adult Education, Center for Business and Industry, the Manufacturing Skills Lab, WIOA and Department of Corrections. As we enter the spring season and look forward to warmer weather, please let us know how we can assist you in fulfilling unmet workforce or training needs. As you can see, we are committed to partnering with area businesses and creating new opportunities for district residents to gain the education they need to advance in their careers. Josh Bullock Lake Land College President
Lake Land College student named Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar Posted on March 24, 2021 Lake Land College student Lucas Duduit, Pana, has been named a 2021 Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar and will receive a $1,500 scholarship. Duduit is president of the Lake Land College Phi Theta Kappa chapter as well as being the Lake Land College Student Trustee on the Board of Trustees. Duduit is also involved in several areas of campus life, including Student Ambassadors and the Student Government Association. “It is definitely a distinguished honor that I am extremely grateful for,” Duduit said. “Lake Land helped me achieve it, and I am really proud to be able to represent Lake Land College on a national scale.” Duduit will be transferring in May 2021 to the Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois, and he said the scholarship will help fund his education there. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation sponsors the Coca-Cola Academic Team program by recognizing 50 Gold, 50 Silver and 50 Bronze Scholars with nearly $200,000 in scholarships annually. Each scholar also receives a commemorative medallion. “The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has a long history of providing financial assistance to outstanding students at community colleges,” said Jane Hale Hopkins, President of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. “We are proud to partner with Phi Theta Kappa and make it possible for deserving students to achieve their educational goals.” Students are nominated for the academic team by their college administrators. Selection is based on academic achievement, leadership, and engagement in college and community service. Coca-Cola Academic Team members will be recognized in both local and statewide ceremonies and will also be recognized internationally during Phi Theta Kappa’s annual convention, PTK Catalyst, to be held virtually April 8-10. “We thank the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation for recognizing these student leaders and for investing in their futures,” said Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, President and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa. “Scholarships like these are integral to the success of these students in reaching their educational and career goals.” Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 3.5 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 11 nations, with approximately 240,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at ptk.org. The Lake Land College chapter of PTK has been ranked as a Five Star Chapter for three years in a row. This is the highest distinction a chapter can earn.
Lake Land College Phi Theta Kappa earns five star status third year in a row Posted on March 22, 2021 For the third consecutive year, Lake Land College’s Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) chapter earned Five Star Chapter status. The Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society is an international organization that ranks campus chapters on a five star system. Completion of an Honors in Action project addressing a need in the community and on campus is required as a final step in advancing to five star status distinction. “We are extremely ecstatic to be recognized as a Five Star Chapter,” PTK President Lucas Duduit said. “It gives a sense of the community and the positive Laker mentality at Lake Land College. These honors students are engaging in programs that will help facilitate a brighter future, whether in the workforce or at another university.” This year the Lake Land College PTK chapter chose virtual learning as the topic for the Honors in Action project. “PTK wanted to be a voice for their peers,” Counselor and Faculty Advisor to the Honors Experience Krista Burrell said. “Each and every student has been impacted by the pandemic and courses being offered in a virtual format. PTK members wanted to know more about how students were succeeding and if they still felt connected to campus. Throughout the process PTK Officers met with groups of Administrators, faculty and students.” Reaching five star status also includes recognizing academic excellence by creating awareness of PTK among the college community, establishing chapter leadership and engagement, developing an Honors in Action project and a college project such as maintaining a chapter Facebook page, increasing the PTK presence on campus and increasing engagement in the region, and submitting three entries in the Hallmark Awards Program. “This PTK chapter should be very proud,” Burrell said. “To earn five stars during a pandemic was no small feat. It took incredible determination and communication between the officers.” To top it off, chapters are encouraged to attend the annual catalyst. The Lake Land College PTK chapter, Alpha Theta Psi, will attend the National PTK Catalyst Convention virtually in April. Duduit has also been named a 2021 Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar and will receive a $1,500 scholarship. PTK members involved in the project include PTK President Lucas Duduit, Pana; PTK Vice President Tim Lawyer, Mattoon; PTK Secretary Macy Vogt, Teutopolis; PTK Treasurer Rachel Buening, Effingham. PTK sends invitations each year to students who have completed 12 credit hours at the collegiate level with a 3.25 GPA or exceptional high school students passing with a 3.5 GPA.
Lake Land College broadcast students receive state awards Posted on March 15, 2021 Lake Land College broadcast students Dylan Smith, Charleston, and Chandler Smith, Charleston, earned awards at the annual Illinois Broadcasters Association Student Silver Dome Awards. Dylan Smith earned first place for Best Sales Presentation with his piece “Tangles Hair Salon” as well as first place for Best Radio Longform Journalism Programming with “COVID-19 and Addiction.” He also earned second place for Best Radio Longform Journalism Programming for his piece “2019-2020 Lady Lakers Basketball.” Chandler Smith earned fourth place for Best Radio Recorded Promotion with his piece “Yeah, The Radio Works Now.” “These awards are a testament to the great work students produce in the Broadcast Communication department at Lake Land College,” Broadcast Communication Instructor Greg Powers said. “Their efforts have paid off again. We’re also excited that Lake Land College was one of just two community colleges in the state that had students recognized for their work, competing against mainly four year schools.” Dylan Smith earned an associate degree in Radio/TV Broadcasting, now renamed as Broadcast Communication, at Lake Land College. He currently studies at Western Illinois University. Chandler Smith also earned an associate degree in Radio/TV Broadcasting at Lake Land College and transferred to continue his education at Eastern Illinois University.
Lake Land College to host graduation parade Posted on March 10, 2021 Lake Land College is adding a new feature to the graduation ceremonies this May. In addition to a virtual commencement ceremony, the college will host a parade for all graduates on campus on May 14, 2021. The Graduate Parade will follow the circle drive of campus. Faculty and staff will line the drive and graduates are encouraged to decorate their vehicles. Graduates are welcome to bring family members to drive in the car with them. Spectators will be limited to Lake Land College employees. Along the route, graduates will stop in front of the Luther Student Center, where Lake Land College President Dr. Josh Bullock will present the graduate a diploma cover. Families are then welcome to park in LOT F and take a photo on campus grounds. “We are excited to celebrate the accomplishments of our graduates on campus and virtually,” Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said. “We know this year’s graduates have much to celebrate and we look forward to our Commencement Day events.” Graduates and guests will be required to go through the COVID-19 check in station and prove that they have a facemask and have been cleared by completing the COVID-19 Screening Form. Only one car per graduate is permitted.