Laker Nation News

Lake Land College hosted a Día de los Muertos celebration on Friday, November 1 in the Luther Student Center. During the event, students, staff and local community members enjoyed traditional food, activities, an ofrenda and a showing of the movie “Coco.”

Día de los Muertos, commonly known as “Day of the Dead,” is widely observed in Mexico from Nov. 1-2. The holiday includes the creation of ofrendas, which families use to honor deceased loved ones with photos, flowers and the favorite food and drinks of the departed.

“We hosted a similar event last year and had great success, so we were thrilled to celebrate Día de los Muertos on campus again this year,” said Mercury Bowen, Coordinator of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. “It’s an incredible way to help some of our international students feel welcomed and included, while allowing other students to experience a new culture maybe for the first time.”

The Día de los Muertos celebration is just one of many initiatives Lake Land College has taken to uphold an inclusive campus culture. More information about these ongoing events is available on the Lake Land College website at LakeLandCollege.edu/celebrations/.

-30-

The Lake Land College mascot Laker Louie is featured in a brand-new children’s book, “Cheers for Laker Louie.”

Written by Director of Student Life Lisa Shumard-Shelton and illustrated by Business Adjunct Brett Sawyer, the book follows Laker Louie as he tries out for various Lake Land College athletic teams.

“Cheers for Laker Louie” is a follow-up to last year’s “High Fives for Laker Louie,” which was also written and illustrated by Shumard-Shelton and Sawyer respectively. Both books are available to purchase online or in-person at the Laker Nest Bookstore, and all profits are donated to the Lake Land College Foundation student scholarship fund.

“It was so much fun making the first book and seeing all the positive responses to it, so I knew I definitely wanted to continue Laker Louie’s story,” Shumard-Shelton said. “The books are a great way to help young children see the benefits of college, and I’m thrilled that all sales of this new book are again supporting our students through scholarships.”

To purchase a copy of “Cheers for Laker Louie,” visit the Lake Land College Laker Next Bookstore website at https://bookstore.lakelandcollege.edu/default.asp.

Schools, libraries and other’s children’s groups can also request a reading of “High Fives for Laker Louie” or the newly-released “Cheers for Laker Louie” by contacting Lake Land College Student Life at studentlife@lakelandcollege.edu.

-30-

Every year, Lake Land College students enroll in healthcare programs and complete high-demand credentials with the support of a statewide grant known as the Pipeline for Advancement of the Healthcare Workforce (PATH).

The PATH grant was created to address shortages in the healthcare workforce by creating, supporting and expanding opportunities for students in nursing and select healthcare pathways in Illinois. Support opportunities include tuition reimbursement, tutoring services and cost assistance for lab equipment and licensure fees. PATH support is available to Lake Land College students entering or advancing their healthcare careers through the following programs: Associate Degree Nurse, Practical Nursing, Registered Nurse, LPN-ADN Bridge, Basic Nursing Assistant, Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Medical Technician and Paramedical Services.

Since its creation, the PATH program has successfully expanded healthcare training opportunities and the overall healthcare workforce in Illinois. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 more than 27,600 students enrolled in Illinois community colleges under the PATH grant, 45% of which were first-generation college students, and more than 15,500 completed their programs. In this same timeframe, Lake Land College enrolled 643 students under the grant and saw 437 PATH students obtain their licenses and secure healthcare employment.

Magon Germscheid, one of the many Lake Land students currently receiving PATH support, came to the College to pursue her dream of nursing and help her husband support their six children. She is currently enrolled in Lake Land’s Registered Nurse (RN) program and plans to continue her education to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. For Germscheid, The PATH grant has helped alleviate financial constraints by covering costs of tuition, books and lab equipment.

“I am grateful for the PATH team and their assistance,” Germscheid said. “When I started back to school, my top prayer was that it would not be a financial burden on our family. The PATH grant and tuition reimbursement has helped make that a reality.”

Germscheid is completing her clinical training in the nursing program at HSHS St. Anthony’s Hospital in Effingham.

HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital shares Lake Land College’s commitment to develop a highly skilled healthcare workforce from within our communities. By strengthening the educational pathways to success through the PATH Grant, we are expanding opportunities for individuals to advance in their careers and provide valuable contributions to the mission of providing quality care to our patients, said Anthony Powers, Chief Administrative Officer of HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital in Effingham and HSHS Good Shephard Hospital in Shelbyville.

With PATH support, Illinois community colleges have also expanded training and employment opportunities with partnerships throughout the state. Since the grant’s creation, Illinois community colleges have engaged with 1,032 healthcare employers, successfully developed 27 new healthcare education programs and expanded 74 others. During this time, Lake Land College has developed one new healthcare program, expanded two others and has partnered with 42 local employers to create opportunities for student clinicals.

“Sarah Bush Lincoln is proud to partner with Lake Land College to strengthen our communities by creating new educational and career opportunities from within. As an organization we have seen the positive impact the PATH grant has had in developing a highly skilled workforce in high demand healthcare fields,” Sarah Bush Lincoln President and CEO Kim Uphoff said.

For more information about the PATH grant at Lake Land College, contact PATH Grant Manager Amanda Dickens-Montgomery at 217-234-5202 or adickensmontgomery@lakelandcollege.edu.

-30-

Lake Land College is celebrating National Apprenticeship Week on Tuesday, Nov. 19 with an event for apprentices, apprentice alumni and business partners. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Foundation and Alumni Center on the Lake Land College campus, 5001 Lake Land Blvd., Mattoon.

The celebration is a luncheon event that includes a declaration of National Apprenticeship Week, a keynote address and celebratory signings for all new apprentices. Courtney Yockey, President and CEO of the Effingham Regional Growth Alliance, will provide the keynote address. All apprentices who have enrolled at Lake Land College since November of 2023 will be honored with celebratory signings during the event.

“Apprenticeships play such a crucial role in our communities, strengthening employers and employees throughout our economic region,” said Bonnie Moore, Director to the Center for Business and Industry. “We’re thrilled to be able to celebrate apprenticeship as a whole and recognize so many incredible individuals who are excelling in these programs.”

Catered lunch will be provided at the event for all in attendance. Those interested in attending should RSVP by contacting Moore at 217-238-8260 or bmoore71258@lakelandcollege.edu. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

-30-

Lake Land College is celebrating Veterans Appreciation Month by recognizing and honoring local Veterans throughout the month of November.

During the week of Nov. 4-8, all Veterans throughout the Lake Land community are invited to add a photo from their time of service to a display in the Luther Student Center. Family members and friends are also invited to display a photo of a loved one who served. Picture frames and information cards will be provided. All photos can be picked up at the end of the week.

On Wednesday, Nov. 6, Lake Land will hold a Veterans Ceremony for all staff and student Veterans from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will begin with a Laying of the Wreath Ceremony and short program at the Veterans Wall in Podesta Park on Lake Land’s campus. The event will then continue in the Luther Student Center, where the Student Activity Board will provide refreshments and activities for those in attendance.

Students in the Lake Land College Dental Hygiene program will offer free dental cleanings and x-rays to veterans through the entire month of November for Veterans Appreciation Month. Appointments are available on Monday and Tuesday at 12:30 p.m., and Wednesday and Thursday at 12 p.m. Each appointment is 3.5 hours and will be held in the Dental Hygiene Clinic in room 116 of the Northwest Building on the Lake Land College campus, 5001 Lake Land Blvd., Mattoon. To schedule an appointment, contact the clinic at 217-234-5249.

Students in Lake Land’s cosmetology program will also be offering free haircuts to all veterans and active-duty military personnel during the week of Nov. 11-15. Free haircuts are available by appointment on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Appointments can be made by contacting the cosmetology department at 217-234-5300. The haircuts will take place in the Cosmetology Clinic in the West Building on the Lake Land College campus in Mattoon.

-30-

The Lake Land College Foundation recognized the 2024 Foundation and Alumni Award recipients at a reception on Thursday, Oct. 24.

Individuals and organizations alike were recognized during the reception for going above and beyond in their support of the Lake Land College Foundation. The following 2024 Foundation Awards were presented during the event: the Outstanding Volunteer Organization Award, the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award and the Crystal Swan Award.

The Outstanding Volunteer Organization Award was presented to First Mid Bank & Trust in recognition of sustained financial support and dedication to the Lake Land College student experience.

Mike Sullivan, Mattoon, received the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award for the generous sharing of time and talent to secure private funding on behalf of Lake Land College students.

Madge Shoot, Mattoon, received the Crystal Swan Award. The Crystal Swan Award is presented annually to a Lake Land College Foundation Board Member who has gone above and beyond in service to the College.

“We extend our congratulations to the 2024 Foundation Award recipients,” said Christina Donsbach, Executive Director for College Advancement. “It is an honor to recognize their generosity and commitment to impacting the future of the College and the lives of our students.”

During the reception, several additional awards were presented to Lake Land College Alumni and community members in recognition of their service and personal achievement. Justin Pals, Effingham, received The Distinguished Alumnus/Alumnus Achievement Award in recognition of his outstanding professional accomplishments as a Lake Land College alumnus.

The Pacesetter Award was presented to Kiersten Edgar, Athens, for her accomplishments as a recent Illinois community college graduate.

Three Lake Land alumni were inducted into the Lake Land College Distinguished Alumni Society: Kristen Dolan, Mattoon; Valerie Lynch, Pana and Abigail Donaldson, Statesboro, Georgia. The Distinguished Alumni Society recognizes alumni who have utilized the Lake Land experience to make an imprint on their professions and communities.

Three former Lake Land employees were also inducted into the Lake Land College Retiree Wall of Fame for their outstanding achievements in service of the College. Randy Ervin and Lana Fuller of Mattoon were both honored during the ceremony as 2024 inductees, and Barbara Arthur was inducted posthumously.

Three board members, Denise Bence, Renee Huckstead and Blake Pierce, were also recognized during the reception, as their terms concluded in 2024.

“I would like to thank our outgoing board members for generously sharing their time and talents throughout their service,” Donsbach said. “The recent growth and success we’ve seen from the Foundation is due in no small part to their efforts and devotion to our mission.”

The 2025 Foundation Board slate of officers is comprised of President Larry Blackerby, Vice President Tom White and Secretary Amanda Martin.

For information on the Lake Land College Foundation, visit the Lake Land College Foundation website at LakeLandCollege.edu/foundation/.

-30-

Lake Land College will be visiting local coffee shops throughout November for “Coffee and College Chat” to help community members through the admission and registration process.

The events will be hosted at three alumni-owned coffee shops: Casey Coffee Company of Casey, Coffee and Creams of Toledo and Joe Sippers of Effingham.

During each event, Lake Land College Enrollment Specialists will be available to answer questions regarding college admission, scholarships and class registration for the Spring and Fall 2025 semesters. Those who attend and ask questions will also receive a voucher for a free coffee from the host location.

“We’re excited to connect with the community in a way that is both fun and informative,” said Pam Hartke, Associate Dean of Recruitment & Enrollment Management. “It’s even more special when you consider that the three participating coffee shops are all alumni-owned, which makes for an awesome connection between past and future Lakers.”

The Lake Land College “Coffee and College Chat” schedule is as follows:

To learn more, contact Enrollment Specialists Holly Ferren at 217-238-2719 or holson@lakelandcollege.edu or Rachel Ervin at 217-238-2704 or rervin2401@lakelandcollege.edu.

Lake Land College welcomed local TRIO Destination College students to campus on October 19 for college tours and presentations.

In attendance were 52 junior high and high school students from nine local communities: Altamont, Brownstown, Casey, Cowden, Mattoon, Pana, Paris, Ramsey and St. Elmo.

During the event, students toured Lake Land College and explored degree and certificate possibilities. The students also visited Eastern Illinois University for a campus tour and admissions presentation.

“We were thrilled to see so many students come to campus and explore what Lake Land has to offer,” said Lori Ohnesorge, Director of TRIO Programs. “Our goal is to prepare these students with everything they need to succeed and promote the merits of a college education, no matter where it is they choose to attend.”

TRIO Destination College is a grant-funded, college readiness program that supports junior high and high school students, helping them graduate high school and enroll in the colleges of their choice.

To learn more about TRIO Destination College at Lake Land, contact Ohnesorge at 217-234-5007 or lohnesor@lakelandcollege.edu.

-30-

Lake Land College broadcast students earned awards at the annual Illinois Broadcasters Association Student Silver Dome Awards.

Lauryn Samuelson, Mattoon, earned First Place Best Sales Presentation for “Shear Bliss.” Samuelson also earned First Place Best Radio Recorded Promotion for “Bedtime Story Promo.”

Olivia Carroll, Mattoon, earned Second Place Best Longform Radio Entertainment Programming for “Roadside Bomb Interview.”

The Silver Dome Awards recognize the highest achievements in both commercial and student broadcasting throughout Illinois. Lake Land College was among 12 Illinois colleges and universities to be recognized during the ceremony.

“Our Broadcast Communication students produce outstanding work every year, and it’s so rewarding to see their efforts recognized among the top broadcasters in Illinois,” Communication Instructor Greg Powers said. “We are so proud of their accomplishments and can’t wait to see how their careers will blossom from here.”

For more information about Lake Land College’s Broadcast Communication program, contact Powers at 217-234-5335 or gpowers@lakelandcollege.edu.

More information is also available on the College’s Broadcast Communication webpage at LakeLandCollege.edu/guided-pathways/broadcast-communication or on the 89.9 The Max Alternative webpage at LakeLandCollege.edu/student-life/themax.

-30-

Lake Land College will be offering Men and Women’s Cross Country and Half Marathon teams for the first time in 20 years, as approved by the board of trustees during the regular October meeting.

Also approved by the board was scholarship funding to support Lake Land College Cross Country athletes. Up to 20 students per academic year, 10 on both the men and women’s teams, will receive tuition and fees scholarships for their participation in Cross Country.

Both the Men and Women’s teams will begin competition in fall 2025, 20 years since the College last offered the sport in 2005.

“Cross Country was among the first sports we offered as a College, and it’s exciting to see it make its return now,” Director of Athletics Bill Jackson said. “Providing our students with a wide range of competitive, high-quality athletics is a key aspect of our mission to attract and retain students and elevate the Laker pride throughout our campus.”

To learn more about the Lake Land College Cross Country and Half Marathon teams, contact Jackson at 217-234-5296 or wjackson60312@lakelandcollege.edu.

-30-