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-
CEFS offers paid work experience opportunities to high school students Posted on November 22, 2021 The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) provides a Youth Training and Education Program that provides services such as paid work experience, tuition assistance for occupational training in an approved program, job search assistance, resume development, leadership skills, job readiness training and supportive services such as transportation, childcare, tools, uniforms and more. The program’s objective is that each participant will achieve high school diploma attainment, increase basic reading and math skills, create a marketable resume and secure employment or attend post-secondary education/training while enrolled in the program. C.E.F.S. is a partner of the Local Workforce Development Area #23, which receives WIOA funding to provide activities that increase employment, retention, earning and skills in the American workforce. Through partnership with LWIA 23, CEFS provides guidance with job readiness, job search, work-based learning and classroom training needed to secure and retain employment and become self-sufficient. To meet general eligibility requirements, an applicant must be a resident of Clark, Clay, Coles, Crawford, Cumberland, Edgar, Effingham, Fayette, Jasper, Lawrence, Marion, Moultrie or Richland counties in Illinois, be a US Citizen and be compliant with selective service requirements. Online applications for Youth Services are available for the spring semester at cefseoc.org/wioa-online-application. Local businesses interested in becoming a Youth Work Experience work site will provide training and development of employability skills to students and young adults at no cost to the company. Local employers mentor and cultivate future potential employees as the youth participant works part-time hours, and wages are paid by CEFS. To be eligible, an employer must have the desire to supervise and mentor young adults with little to no work experience as well as document and submit biweekly hours worked to CEFS. For more information on Youth Services eligibility or how to become an approved work site contact, CEFS Economic Opportunity Corporation at cefs@cefseoc.org or 217-347-2102. -30-
SAB and Foundation host Subs and Scholarships Posted on November 17, 2021 The Lake Land College Foundation Scholarships, which are open November 1- February 1, and again August 1 – 31 for the 2022-2023 academic year. The Foundation awards students more than $400,000 worth of scholarships in a range of amounts up to $5,000. For more information, visit https://www.lakelandcollege.edu/foundation/scholarships/ Additionally, we promoted the COVID-relief funds that provide financial assistance to students to help cover educational expenses, such as tuition and fees, course materials, technology, food, housing, transportation, or for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus such as health care (including mental health care) or childcare. Students do not have to repay these grant funds. In addition to the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSA), the college has additional funding available to assist students through the HEERF funds authorized through the American Rescue Plan. This fall, Lake Land College prioritized the distribution of these funds in three tiers: 1. Students with the most financial need, based on their FAFSA 2. Students enrolled in programs that have high costs for tools, supplies or tests 3. Any student with a self-identified area of need Students enrolled in the fall as of the tenth day of the semester, will have the opportunity to request funds due to hardships experienced throughout the pandemic. Full-time students enrolled in at least 12 credit hours can request up to $1,000 and part-time students enrolled in three to 11 credit hours can request up to $500 to assist with educational expenses. The request form will be available in the Laker Hub, the student portal. Students may still apply if they have not done so and they can call or stop by the Financial Aid office with questions: Financial Aid 217-234-5231 or financialaid@lakelandcollege.edu. Students who have completed the application for Fall for these funds should watch for information about the opportunity in the Spring semester.
Lake Land College announces 2021 Philanthropy Award recipients Posted on November 11, 2021 The Lake Land College Foundation recognized the 2021 Philanthropy Award recipients as well as incoming and outgoing board members at the October Foundation Board of Directors meeting. The 2021 Philanthropy Awards include the Outstanding Philanthropist Award, The Outstanding Philanthropic Organization Award and The Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award. The Outstanding Philanthropist Award went to the Burnham Neal Charitable Trust. The Fuqua Foundation earned The Outstanding Philanthropic Organization Award, and The Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award recipient was Preston Smith. “Congratulations to our 2021 Philanthropy Award recipients,” Executive Director for College Advancement Christi Donsbach said. “We are so proud to honor this very deserving group of individuals and organizations that have supported the Lake Land College and Foundation over the last 50 years.” Also recognized were the board members rotating off of the Board of Directors after their second term ending in 2021. These included board members Michelle Blackwell, Mike Bohannon, Brian Hutchins and Lisa Kallis. The Foundation would also like to welcome new board members Angela Downs of Paris, Kellie Eastham of Paris, Austin Frank of Mattoon and Tyler Micenheimer of Effingham. “I would like to express my gratitude to our outgoing board members on their incredible dedication over the years,” Donsbach said. “The Foundation has experienced amazing growth under their leadership and expertise. I am also excited to welcome our newest board members and appreciate their commitment to serve in this capacity. I continue to be amazed with the sincere allegiance of our very own alumni and community members who dedicate their time, talent and treasures to be our board members.” The 2021 Foundation Board of Directors slate of officers includes President Deacon Patient, Vice President Rich Hartke and Secretary Renee Huckstead. The most recent past president is Tom Grunloh. For information on the Foundation or to take a look at the most recent Foundation Annual Report, visit lakelandcollege.edu/foundation/. -30-
Lake Land College to host Laker Visit Day Posted on November 8, 2021 Lake Land College will host Laker Visit Day from 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 3 in the Luther Student Center, giving potential students the opportunity to learn about The Laker Advantage and how it can guide them on the path to success. Attendees will tour campus with a student ambassador, who will share information from a student perspective. Participants will also meet with faculty to learn more about specific programs. Representatives from many services, including Counseling Services, Career Services, Student Accommodations & Mental Health Initiatives, TRIO Student Support Services, Health Services and more will be available to provide information and answer attendees’ questions. A parent/guardian session will be offered as well to provide information relevant to potential parents or guardians of future Lakers. “This is a great opportunity for people to get to know the campus and learn about all the great things Lake Land has to offer,“ Michelle Zumbahlen, coordinator for strategic student communication & initiatives, said. “I highly encourage anyone considering attending to come to this event” For more information or to register, visit lakelandcollege.edu/visit. -30-
Preparing for the automation of the future Posted on October 19, 2021 October 2021 Editorial Earlier this month hundreds of area high school students witnessed the impressive automation and robotics of area businesses as part of the national Manufacturing Month celebration. These Manufacturing Day events are critical to helping young people realize that careers in manufacturing, especially those of the future, involve a high level of skill and knowledge. As Lake Land College prepares for its next strategic plan, it is taking into consideration the significant impact automation technologies and intelligent machines will have on the U.S. labor market. According to The Future of Work in America: People and Places, Today and Tomorrow, in the next decade, these changes will put many jobs that are automatable at risk. While less than 5% of jobs can be automated entirely, more than half of jobs can have up to 30% of their activities automated using current technologies. As jobs move forward, how work is organized and the mix of jobs will change based on available technology. As a result, businesses, educators and workers will have to adjust to jobs that require higher cognitive and technological skills. These changes will cause gaps in employment especially in rural America, where The Future of Work in America authors speculate more than 25% of workers could be displaced. Areas less affected by automation are more likely to have diversified economies and workers with higher educational attainment. The occupational categories impacted the most by automation include some of the largest occupational categories, such as office support, food service, production work, customer service and retail sales. Many businesses important to our local economy fall into these categories. While some occupations will lose jobs, other occupations such as healthcare, STEM occupations, creative fields and business services, will see strong growth. Certain occupations may see both displacement and growth, as the automation of some tasks will result in the shifting of more non-automatable tasks to current workers. According to the Higher Education in the Era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the skills needed for an automation economy are different than the skills accentuated by higher education in the past. The prioritized top ten skills needed by employers are: complex problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, people management, coordinating with others, emotional intelligence, judgment and decision making, service orientation, negotiation and cognitive flexibility. Ultimately, the increasing reliance on automation in occupations leads to higher salaries, however, these higher salaries can only be acquired with advanced education and skills. This means that workers with only high school diplomas are the most likely to be displaced by automation and technology. In the Lake Land College district, only about 17.8% of residents have a bachelor’s degree, which is almost half of the statistic for all Illinois residents at 34.7%. However, on average, the number of people with an associate degree in Lake Land’s district are at the same level or higher than Illinois or the nation at 8.5%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Automation, the skills needed to succeed in the workplace and educational attainment are just a few of the topics College staff researched for the recently published Trend Analysis in preparation for developing the 2023-2026 Lake Land College Strategic Plan. Please be a part of our strategic planning process by taking a five-minute survey to help us in the process of identifying the goals and objectives for our next strategic plan. I invite you to review the information presented in the Trend Analysis or quick-facts Executive Summary to consider how we can work together to serve the next generation of students, residents and businesses in our communities. Dr. Josh Bullock Lake Land College President