Laker Nation News

Lake Land College students graduating from the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program took part in a pinning ceremony Dec. 15. Each student received a nursing pin and a keepsake card.

When the students pass their NCLEX licensure exam, they will become Registered Nurses (RNs).

“We are all very proud of these students’ accomplishments,” Director of Nursing/Nursing Instructor Cheryl Beam said. “They worked so hard to get here, and we know they will continue to do great things in their futures.”

Students who received their pins at the ceremony include Carli Bridgeforth from Paris, Kelly Cook from Montrose, Madison Dane from Casey, Betsy Daugherty from Altamont, Sierra Duvall from Casey, Nicole Febus from Champaign, Chelsie Gast from Charleston, Merideth Goodwin from Mattoon, Lauren Haskins from Mattoon, Rachel Hunter from Charleston, Kayla Jones from Charleston, Lana Keigley from Charleston, Kristin Pearcy from Mattoon, Destiony Phillips from Shelbyville, Julie Rose from Mattoon, Rhonda Ruff from Shelbyville, Emily Smith from Shelbyville, Olivia Telgmann from Strasburg, Spencer Tinder from Sullivan, Klair Vogt from Effingham, Candace Washburn from Ramsey, Rachel Weber from Teutopolis and Brett Wilhelm from Sullivan.

Several students were also presented with awards at the ceremony. Telgmann received the Marilyn Fuqua-Thompson Award, Keigley received the Patient Advocate Award and Duvall received the Clinical Excellence Award.

These graduates completed the PN to ADN program at Lake Land College. To learn more about this process, attend a virtual information session at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 26. To register, visit lakelandcollege.edu/visit.

“All of these students have done an incredible job getting to this point,” Division Chair Allied Health/Nursing Instructor Erin Swingler said. “We are so excited to be able to celebrate these students, and we look forward to what their futures will hold.”

Lake Land College Dental Hygiene students will now have the opportunity to transfer seamlessly to Eastern Illinois University. A new agreement will allow students who earn an associate degree in dental hygiene from Lake Land to go on to earn a bachelor’s degree in public health community health at Eastern Illinois University.

“I am thrilled that students have this opportunity,” Lake Land College Division Chair Allied Health/Nursing Instructor Erin Swingler said. “This option is just one of the many ways we are demonstrating the mission, vision and values of Lake Land College within our community.”

The agreement will create more options for students or those in the community who wish to pursue higher education. Any student who has completed an associate degree consistent with the Illinois Articulation Initiative, submits the required application and supporting documentation and meets program admissions requirements will be eligible to be admitted to EIU at the junior level.

Chair of the EIU Department of Public Health Julie Dietz said completing a bachelor’s degree in Public Health enhances the professional education and training dental hygienists receive by layering an understanding of the larger context which affects an individual patient’s dental health status, and provides additional tools focused on reducing barriers between individuals and better dental health.

“This agreement will provide for a seamless transition for Lake Land College’s dental hygiene students into the Public Health program, including regular contact with our academic advisor prior to coming to EIU,” Dietz said. “It’s a win-win situation for students, for Lake Land and for EIU.”

The agreement will be effective from 2020 to 2024 and is subject to renewal quadrennially.

Ellucian selected Lake Land College as one of 25 schools to receive a 2020 PATH Scholarship from more than 160 community college applicants. PATH (Progress, Accomplishment, Thriving and Hope) awards scholarship funds to institutions which, in turn, deliver the financial support to students experiencing economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Early in the semester, we identified students with a dire need for financial assistance, but due to federal guidelines and the fact that our internal scholarship opportunities had already been awarded, funding was an issue,” Scholarship Coordinator Hannah Crnkovich said. “Thanks to Ellucian’s generosity, we were able to assist these students financially to relieve at least some of the COVID-19 hardship they’re experiencing.”

Lake Land College received $20,000 which will be distributed to 12 students. These funds will help to cover items such as housing costs, tuition expenses, technology needs, childcare and food. Each student received $1,670 to assist with their COVID- related expenses. These students were selected to receive PATH because their application for CARES relief was denied and they were not eligible to receive federal grant funds.

“COVID-19 has placed immense pressure on students financially, academically and personally making it even more difficult for some to achieve their educational dreams,” said Laura Ipsen, CEO and president of Ellucian. “As a partner to higher education institutions around the world, we have been humbled to see how the community responded in the wake of COVID and are committed to do our part to help students succeed.”

Ellucian, the leading provider of software and services built to power higher education, has pledged an initial $1 million to the scholarship fund and distributed $500,000 to community and technical colleges across the United States in November. The program aims to continue its growth with the support of partners to reach a $10 million goal in 2021. For more information or to get involved, visit: www.ellucian.com/path.

Lake Land College is pleased to announce it will be honoring graduates at the first-ever Lake Land College Winter Virtual Commencement Ceremony on Dec. 21, 2020 at 6 p.m.

“Completing a college degree or certificate is a milestone worthy of great celebration in the best of circumstances, but succeeding during these unprecedented times is remarkable and very worthy of celebration,” Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said. “We are thrilled to be able to celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of the Laker Nation Class of 2020 at the college’s first-ever Winter Virtual Commencement Ceremony.”

The virtual ceremony will include many aspects of the traditional commencement ceremony, such as speakers and the reading of graduates’ names along with a slide.

The ceremony will premiere on the college’s YouTube channel at 6 p.m. on Dec. 21. A link to the ceremony will be available from the college’s home page and then available on the graduation webpage at lakelandcollege.edu/admissions/graduation.

In recent years, colleges across America have developed comprehensive services for students that go beyond academic support. In addition to tutoring, study skills courses and individualized office hours to ensure classroom success, colleges are creating resources and services that support students’ well-being and mental health.

Educational leaders realize students have trouble reaching their full potential when they are under pressure to succeed academically, have trouble selecting a major or career, are not sure how to afford college and face constant feedback from social media use.

A 2019 article published on the National Academic Advising Association Academic Advising Today cited several studies that found a direct correlation between mental health and academic performance. Independent research conducted by the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) revealed that “one in four [college] students has a diagnosable [mental] illness” and “50% become so anxious that they struggle in school.”

Our Lake Land College students are having similar experiences. In 2019, Phi Theta Kappa, the college’s honor society, conducted a survey asking students for feedback on their mental health. The results mirrored the ACCT study. Of the 557 participants, 54% said their mental health has affected their academic potential. In addition, more than one-third said they felt sadness for longer than a month.

For many college students, the pandemic has created additional stress and negatively impacted their mental health. Active Minds, a student advocacy group, surveyed 2,051 students regarding the impact of COVID-19 on their mental health in September 2020. The survey revealed that “almost 75% of respondents reported their mental health has worsened since the beginning of the pandemic, with nearly 90% reporting they have experienced stress or anxiety.”

Last year, the state of Illinois recognized the mental health crisis colleges were facing and passed the Illinois Mental Health Early Action on Campus Act to increase mental health services and awareness among students. While statewide implementation and funding has been delayed due to the pandemic, Lake Land College believes in the intention of the Act and is in the process of implementing a comprehensive plan for our students.

Earlier this year, the college created two stipend faculty positions for academic counselors to implement our plan. One position focuses on student outreach and awareness while the second position acts as a compliance coordinator to identify, develop, and monitor internal and external formal mental health supports for students.

To date, the work of this team has resulted in the establishment of a new student club, Active Minds, a peer training and support program; secured linkage agreements with area mental health agencies for referral and crisis intervention support; evaluated mental health assessment resources for adoption; and identified potential training in mental health first aid for faculty and staff. Expanded implementation of these initiatives is slated for the Spring 2021 semester.

At the November meeting, the Lake Land College Board of Trustees approved a contract with BetterMynd to provide online mental health counseling services to students. BetterMynd ensures that counselors are available at times that work for students and it also provides the opportunity for students to work with a consistent counselor over multiple counseling appointments.

In addition, a Lake Land College academic counselor is devoting a sabbatical to updating her clinical counseling skills and knowledge in areas such as suicide prevention and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM–5) to assist her and the other academic counselors to better assess, assist and refer students in the future.

We are pleased to share our progress in creating a comprehensive mental health services plan that demonstrates our concern for our students. Historically, higher education has focused its efforts on providing opportunities to enhance the physical health of students. However, in considering the holistic health needs of our students, we now have an opportunity to openly discuss the need for mental health services, in a similar manner to how we discuss the need for physical health services. I welcome the opportunity to engage in a conversation about how we are assisting the mental health needs of our students, our employees and our communities. Together, we can share resources and build partnerships that contribute to the well-being of all.

Lake Land College alumna Layna Bond recently accepted a position as location manager and livestock specialist at Hueber Feed, LLC in Roanoke. Bond also recently took on the role of president for the Illinois Club Pig Association. In this role, she is responsible for organizing fundraisers, working hand in hand with junior members and board members and organizing all ICPA jackpot shows.

“In a life full of uncertainty, I believe everything happens at the perfect time, and for me this position checked all the boxes I wanted in a dream job,” Bond said. “Usually your first job out of college isn’t your dream job, but I am very fortunate with the position I hold now.”

As a fourth-generation agriculturist from Galatia, Bond has a diverse livestock operation background primarily focused on beef cattle and show pigs.

Bond grew up showing cattle nationwide and pigs competitively at the state level. While attending Lake Land College, Bond was a member of the livestock judging team and a student ambassador.

After completing an associate degree at Lake Land, Bond earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science Oklahoma State University, where she was a member of the 2017 National Champion Livestock Judging Team and the 2017 Reserve Champion National Meat Evaluation Team.

Bond had several internships in the livestock industry, some of which included the National Junior Swine Association, National Western Stock Show, Oklahoma Youth Expo, Illinois Bred and the American Chianina Association.

Currently finishing a master’s degree in animal science at Kansas State University, Bond said she knew she would face challenges as a woman in agriculture but that women also play a vital role for the industry to succeed.

“All of us involved in agriculture realize it takes a team to be successful, and that is what I love the most,” Bond said. “Both women and men have important parts in our industry to continue the success.”

Having recently had the opportunity to judge swine showmanship at the Kansas State Fair, Bond said it was not only an experience that she will never forget and will forever be thankful for, but she also discovered she was the first female to judge at the Kansas State Fair.

“To me that was incredible,” Bond said. “Being a strong-willed female in agriculture has been challenging, but it has most certainly prepared me for a position like this. If we want to see good in the industry we have to be the good. The future generation is counting on us to be the role models we wanted to see at their age.”

In attributing her success, Bond said no matter where she goes Lake Land College will always hold a special place in her heart.

“I remember hearing my aunts talk about their experience at Lake Land and knowing it was a place I would call my home one day,” Bond said. “Lake Land cares about you and gives you a home away from home. The transition from a small high school to Lake Land was a breeze for me. I felt that my teachers cared about my success in school and my involvement in other school activities.”

Bond said she feels the most important advice for anyone is to be the role model one wanted as a child.

“It costs nothing to be kind and to be a good friend,” Bond said. “Everything happens for a reason, and you just have to trust the process. Never give up because you are worried about failing.”

Interested in agriculture? Click here to check out our agriculture area of study!

The Lake Land College Board of Trustees appointed Valerie Lynch, Pana, as the interim vice president for student services at the October board of trustees meeting.

Lynch will be leading the comprehensive student services program including admissions and records, financial aid and veteran services, counseling services, student conduct and judicial affairs, career services, health services, international student services, student life, intercollegiate athletics, intramural, TRIO programs, tutoring and testing and marketing and public relations.

As an academic support faculty member, Lynch previously served as the director of student life and is a member of the Student Services Leadership Team (SSLT). She began her career at Lake Land College in 2006 in the TRIO Destination College program, transitioning to director of student life in 2011. She also brings experience as an elementary and special education teacher.

“I’m excited to have the opportunity to work with the amazing staff in Student Services who do such great work for our students,” Lynch said. “I am honored, as a Lake Land alumna, to have the opportunity to serve our students in this position of leadership.”

Lynch is a Lake Land College graduate who transferred to Eastern Illinois University to earn a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She went on to obtain a master’s degree in student affairs and higher education from Indiana State University and is currently pursuing a doctorate of education in higher education leadership at Maryville University in St. Louis.

“Valerie’s knowledge and experience will be great assets to her new role,” Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said. “I am certain her leadership and capability will continue to provide strong direction and organization to the many areas of student services.”

At the virtual 2020 Lake Land College Foundation Donor Celebration and Annual Meeting, the Foundation celebrated 50 years of service to students and the Lake Land College community.

The Foundation continues to grow since its inception, with close to $13 million in total net assets, including $3.6 million in unrestricted gifts. Throughout the past 15 years, the Foundation has awarded more than $5 million in scholarships, with more than $500,000 in scholarships going to more than 440 students this academic year.

“The Foundation extends congratulations and gratitude to all of the award recipients as well as the many other members of the community who continue to offer their support,” Executive Director for College Advancement Christina Donsbach said.

The Foundation welcomed new board members Denise Bence from Shelbyville, Amanda Martin from Paris and Blake Pierce from Mattoon as well as thanked outgoing board members Robert Pancoast from Shelbyville, Alan Fedrigon from Shelbyville and Chad Thompson from Effingham.

The virtual event also introduced the community to the newly completed Foundation & Alumni Center. As well as providing a central location for the college development staff, the center will serve as a space for future Foundation and alumni events.

The Foundation board bestowed several awards via the virtual event, including the Crystal Swan award, the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser award, the Outstanding Philanthropic Organization award and the Outstanding Philanthropist award.

The Crystal Swan award was created in 1993 to recognize Foundation Board members who have gone above and beyond in their leadership and service to the Foundation during their tenure. The 2020 Crystal Swan recipient, Michael Bohannon from Charleston, is a Lake Land College alumnus. Bohannon has served two terms as a board member, and served as President from 2017-2019 as well as serving on several committees.

The Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser award is bestowed upon an individual who has given time and talent on behalf of Lake Land College students in securing private funding.  This year’s recipient, Ann Bacon from Charleston, served the Foundation board from 1999 to 2011, including time as vice president and president.  During her time as President, the Foundation saw unprecedented record fundraising revenues. Bacon was the 2001 Crystal Swan recipient, and she and husband, Terry, have 14 consecutive years of giving to the Foundation.

The Outstanding Philanthropic Organization award is awarded to corporations, small businesses, industry, community organizations, and private foundations who have demonstrated commitment to Lake Land College students’ educational experience by by providing financial support through a pattern of reoccurring gifts and pledges. This year, the Foundation recognized John Deere and Co. as the 2020 Outstanding Philanthropy Organization. John Deere has supported scholarships, gifts of equipment, a classroom naming, events support, and ultimately their support helped establish the John Deere Tech Program at Lake Land College.

The Outstanding Philanthropist award is bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated dedication to Lake Land College students’ educational experience by providing sustaining financial support through lifetime contributions, pledges or planned gifts and service to the College and the community. This year’s recipients of the Outstanding Philanthropist Award, Bob and Joyce Adcock from Assumption, created an endowed scholarship in agriculture to help students like their own children and grandchildren, who graduated from the Lake Land College agriculture program.

To learn more about the Foundation and the many services it provides, visit lakelandcollege.edu/foundation or look for Lake Land College Foundation & Alumni on social media.

To watch the virtual meeting visit www.lakelandcollege.edu/foundation/.

The 2021-2022 Lake Land College Foundation scholarship application is available now. Applications for the 2021-2022 academic year are due Feb. 1 at 11:59 p.m.

Students graduating from high school, adults who are enrolling at Lake Land College and current students are encouraged to apply.  Students who received a Lake Land College Foundation Scholarship for the current academic year and wish to be considered for a 2021-2022 award must reapply.

To apply, students will need to complete a Laker profile and Intent to Enroll at lakelandcollege.edu/enroll. The student will then receive a welcome packet via mail containing a student ID number and password to access the Laker Hub. Within the Laker Hub, the student can locate the scholarship application button to access and complete the application. New students are advised to allow two weeks for this process.

Applicants will be considered for all foundation scholarships for which they qualify by submitting just one application. Applications will not be accepted after the deadline.

Each year, the Foundation awards students more than $500,000 worth of scholarships in a range of amounts up to $5,000.

Throughout the past 15 years, the Foundation has awarded more than $5 million in scholarships, with close to $530,000 in scholarships going to more than 440 students this academic year.

For additional information, contact scholarships@lakelandcollege.edu.

The Lake Land College Board of Trustees approved the appointment of Chris Strohl as the dean of workforce solutions and community education at the November board of trustees meeting.

Strohl, Neoga, currently serves as the director of adult and alternative education at Lake Land College. She began her career at Lake Land College in 2000 and has held numerous positions related to workforce development, including as the secretary to the associate dean of workforce development, workforce development specialist and director of community outreach.

“Chris’s skill set and experience align very well with the position’s responsibilities,” Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said. “I am certain she will maximize the potential for new community partnerships with the opening of the new Workforce Development Center on campus.”

“I am very excited to make the transition from director to dean,” Strohl said. “I look forward to working with internal and external stakeholders to find a pathway for students and meet the needs of local employers.  Lake Land College is a great asset in our communities and I want to continue collaborating and finding new and innovative ways to serve our local workforce and communities.”

Strohl has an associate degree from Lake Land College, a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Illinois University and a master’s degree from the University of Illinois at Springfield.

Strohl will begin her official duties on November 16, 2020.