Lake Land College to enter Level 2 Restricted Campus; Events canceled Posted on March 17, 2020 Lake Land College is taking many necessary steps to maintain the health and safety of the college community. As the challenges presented by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continue to evolve, the college is addressing each situation in a proactive manner that is most conducive to the well-being of all involved. “Throughout this time, we will be maintaining college operations, services and instructional delivery. While the environment is rapidly changing, we are committed to helping our students achieve their educational goals. The health and safety of our Lake Land College community is our top priority and we thank our students and their families for their support as we navigate these unprecedented times,” Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said. Effective March 17, in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Lake Land College will be entering a Level 2 Restricted Campus. Only Lake Land College employees will be allowed access to the campus and extension sites. A Lake Land College police officer will be stationed in the main entrance of the Luther Student Center from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to address student or guest requests for access. Guests and students with a specific need to enter campus may call the Campus Police at 217-232-1908. As a safety precaution, spring break has been extended through March 22, during which time no classes will be held. When instruction does resume on March 23, all classes will be held in an online format until further notice. All events presently scheduled to be held at any college location, whether college-sponsored or with outside organizations, will be canceled until further notice. Subway will also be closed until further notice. Radio station WLKL-FM, 89.9 The Max Alternative, will remain on-air with scheduled music programming, however the regularly scheduled WLKL news and sports programming will be canceled. Students may order Mod II books to be shipped via UPS without shipping fees. As added safety measures, the college will be requiring any students and staff that have recently traveled to level 2 and 3 countries, per CDC guidelines, to self-quarantine for 14 days, starting from the day of departure to return to the United States. Lake Land College is working closely with the Coles County Health Department and the Illinois Department of Public Health to take necessary steps to protect the health and safety of the college community. The college will continue to monitor and address the situation. Please feel free to check the Lake Land College website, the COVID-19 FAQ page as well as the Facebook page and new Facebook parent group for more updates.
Lake Land College Trustees Honor Dr. Leland McNeill Posted on March 10, 2020 The Lake Land College Board of Trustees honored Dr. Leland McNeill, Charleston, with the Clem G. Phipps Exemplary Trustee Award. Dr. McNeill accepted the award during the March board meeting. Pictured left to right are Lake Land College President Josh Bullock, Dr. McNeill and Lake Land College Board Chair Doris Reynolds. The award is named after Clem G. Phipps, first chair of the Lake Land College Board of Trustees, to recognize former trustees who have demonstrated leadership and dedication to Lake Land College and the community. Dr. McNeill was a charter member of the Lake Land College Board of Trustees. He was elected to the board on Nov. 22, 1966 and served through April 13, 1970. Bob Johnston, Dr. McNeill’s nominator and former trustee, said that foregoing the establishment of Lake Land College more than half a century ago, Dr. McNeill was instrumental in convincing Mattoon area residents that the development of a community college was an appropriate investment. A growing concern at the time, acknowledged by state legislation, was that young adults were lacking education and specialized training beyond high school. During an essential moment in American growth, further education and training was a necessity for the growing workforce—community colleges were proposed to meet this need. Dr. McNeill, being a college educated, rural medical professional living in Toledo, was aware of the positive impact a community college would have on the area and was actively involved in the campaign to impose a property tax for operations and buildings. “Dr. McNeill knew hundreds of locals on a first name basis, and his reputation was a signal to voters,” Johnston said. As the initial development of the college took way, Dr. McNeill was instrumental in considering various programs and educational needs for the college district. His expertise and enthusiasm toward all aspects of the college and board made him a highly respected board member, Johnston wrote. “Among his contributions were dedicated time and study to founding policy development, selection of people for key leadership positions and faculty members and a willingness to take the time and be helpful in all aspects of the organization,” Johnston said. “He was always ready with a quote or other observation that brought wisdom, and occasionally, a laugh to the board table when tensions ran high.” “When the local community needed a trailblazer for higher education in the area, Dr. McNeill stepped up to the plate without hesitation. Lake Land College is the respected institution that it is today because of the outstanding dedication and insightful leadership by former trustees like Dr. McNeill,” Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said. At the regional level, Dr. McNeill assisted in the growth and development of medical services in the area. He was a charter member of the Charleston-Mattoon Area Medical Planning Council (CMAMPC), a voluntary group made up of area healthcare professionals, and a Public Information Committee (PIC). The two organizations eventually brought about the introduction of a new regional hospital between Mattoon and Charleston, known as Sarah Bush Lincoln Health System. Following the creation of the Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, Dr. McNeill transitioned from the Mattoon Memorial Hospital to the new center and became a medical staff member from 1979 through 2005. Throughout the years, he held several leadership positions including chief of family practice, chair of the bylaws committee, president of medical staff and the medical executive committee. He also served on the board of directors for Area E-7 Hospital Association dba Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center. Today, Dr. McNeill holds the honor of an emeritus staff member. “Dr. McNeill did yeoman work. We are thankful for his dedication, efforts and lasting impact to East Central Illinois and Lake Land College,” Johnston said. “Awarding Dr. McNeill the Clem Phipps Exemplary Trustee Award for his significant contributions in founding Lake Land College is an honor well deserved.”
Lake Land College Broadcasting Students Earn Broadcast Sales Certification Posted on March 6, 2020 Several Lake Land College broadcast sales students recently earned certification as broadcast sales professionals from the broadcast training company, P1 Learning, in partnership with the Illinois Broadcasters Associate’s Sales Training Program. Several Lake Land College broadcast sales students recently earned certification as broadcast sales professionals from the broadcast training company, P1 Learning, in partnership with the Illinois Broadcasters Association’s Sales Training Program. Pictured in the front row, seated from left to right: Braden Taylor, Paris; Dylan Smith, Charleston. In the second row, seated from left to right: Lloyd Colman, Mattoon; Chandler Smith, Cisne. In the back row from left to right: James Silas, St. Louis; Christian Taylor, Pana; Elijah Toothman, Mattoon; Alan Craig, Chicago. Not pictured is Logan Hardesty, Neoga. Over the course of four weeks, students completed a variety of online video courses, tests and assignments as part of the broadcast sales class in the Radio/TV Broadcasting program at Lake Land College. P1 Learning is a nationally recognized training company that administers training for hundreds of broadcast stations, corporations and state broadcaster associations to provide content in the topics of sales, leadership, management, on-air, compliance and more. Broadcasting/Communication Studies Instructor and Station Manager of WLKL 89.9 FM Greg Powers assisted students in preparing for the certification and explained the benefits of receiving the broadcast sales certification. “This certification is a tremendous asset for students entering the broadcast workforce,” Powers said. “Broadcast employers are searching for employees who are multifaceted. The students who have completed this training are very marketable.” Each of the professionals will be honored on a plaque displayed alongside those of previous year’s students. The Illinois Broadcasters Association (IBA) funded the initiative. “I am extremely grateful to Dennis Lyle, president and CEO of the Illinois Broadcasters Association, and the IBA board for their financial support,” Powers said. For more information about Lake Land College’s Radio/TV Broadcasting program, contact Powers at 217-234-5335 or visit lakelandcollege.edu/high-demand-programs/radio-tv-broadcasting or 899themax.com.
Prospective Students Invited to Laker Visit Day Posted on Visit Lake Land College and explore all the college offers at Laker Visit Day. The upcoming event will be held Friday, March 27 in the Luther Student Center starting at 9 a.m. and will run until noon. The event is for potential students who are interested in learning more about Lake Land College. Prospective students will tour campus, visit a class, meet current students and talk with faculty. Parents and guardians are welcome to attend and learn more about the college during a parent session. The event will feature informational sessions by current Lake Land College Student Ambassadors and college staff. Representatives from Admissions & Records, Financial Aid, Counseling Services, Student Life and other departments will provide information and be available to answer questions. Students will also meet with faculty members in their academic area of interest. “Laker Visit Day is a great way for prospective students and parents to talk to faculty and staff about academic options and majors, to talk to current students about their experiences at the college and to learn about various services and opportunities we offer,” Michelle Zumbahlen, coordinator for strategic student communication and initiatives, said. On Laker Visit Day, attendees will tour campus with Student Ambassadors; comfortable shoes are recommended. To get to the Luther Student Center, take Entrance 1 from Route 45, make a right turn after the curve onto Podestá Drive, continue around campus and park in Lot E. Enter the lobby through the main entrance at the front of the building. Student Ambassadors will greet guests and help with directions. In case of inclement weather on the day of the event, please check the college’s homepage at lakelandcollege.edu for closures. For more information, or to register for Laker Visit Day, go to lakelandcollege.edu/visit or call 217-234-5377.
Phi Theta Kappa Reaches Five Star Status for Second Year Posted on March 5, 2020 For the second year in a row, Lake Land College’s Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) chapter reached 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. PTK Vice President and Chair of Honors in Action and College Project Trevor Elder, Sullivan, explained Phi Theta Kappa’s sense of obligation to examine the Lake Land College student body’s mental health, increase mental health awareness and availability of mental health related resources on campus. “In response to a college student’s post on Twitter regarding college student mental health, PTK created an Honors in Action project that captured the mental health concerns of the student body at Lake Land College. Throughout the fall semester of 2019, our Honors in Action team researched and conducted surveys on multiple platforms that were distributed across campus, and full reports were shared with college administration,” Elder said. Members of the Honors in Action team also presented their project research to the Illinois Community College Trustees Association (ICCTA) at the ICCTA East Central Regional Meeting held at Lake Land College on Thursday, Feb. 20. For the second year in a row, Lake Land College’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter reached Five Star Chapter status. The Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society is an international organization that ranks campus chapters on a five star system. Pictured from left to right: PTK Secretary Kyra Jackson, Findlay; PTK Treasurer Macy Vogt, Teutopolis; PTK President Tanner Clark, Strasburg; PTK Vice President and Chair of Honors in Action and College Project Trevor Elder, Sullivan; and PTK Advisor and Academic Counselor Krista Burrell, Mattoon. One of several requirements for recognition as a five star status chapter is the submission of at least three entries in the Hallmark Awards Program including the Honors in Action Project Award, College Project Award and at least one other individual award. PTK Advisor and Academic Counselor Krista Burrell also submitted an individual award for the Distinguished Chapter Officer Team Award. “With each new academic year, we have a new set of students, which means that reaching five stars is not permanent,” Burrell said. “This year, PTK was intentional about making a positive impact on campus through the Honors in Action and college projects first, then meeting submission requirements for five star status second.” 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. To top it off, chapters are encouraged to attend the annual catalyst. The Lake Land College PTK chapter will attend the National PTK Catalyst Convention in Grapevine, Texas in early April. At the national level, the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society is divided into geographic regions. The Illinois Region is a Five Star Region and nominations were sent in to the Regional Awards for Excellence in three categories: Fellowship; Chapter Engagement; and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Regional award finalists will be announced at the PTK Catalyst Convention. “Earning five-star status and attending the catalyst convention is not the end of our efforts. We will still be collaborating with SGA and other students to address mental health needs on our campus, namely through the promotion of the upcoming Active Minds chapter,” PTK President Tanner Clark, Strasburg, said. Coincidently, several student organizations on campus, including the Student Activity Board (SAB) and the Student Government Association (SGA), also focused on the mental health of Lake Land students during the fall semester. SAB coordinated a therapy dog event during finals week for students to decompress between their final exams. Additionally, SGA is currently working toward establishing an Active Minds chapter at Lake Land College. Active Minds is a nonprofit organization that promotes mental health awareness within high schools and college campuses across the nation. “It’s serendipitous that the U.S. House of Representatives authorized The Higher Education Mental Health Act shortly after PTK had the idea to do the Honors in Action project on college student mental health,” Burrell said. “The students identified the concern concurrently with the lawmakers.” “I speak for all of my fellow PTK officers when I say that we want to leave a positive impact on this campus. Our chapter wants to set up students for success at Lake Land College, and promoting a healthy mental well-being is key to that success,” Clark said. 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. Members of the Honors in Action team are PTK President Clark, Strasburg; PTK Vice President and Chair of Honors in Action and College Project Elder, Sullivan; PTK Secretary Kyra Jackson, Findlay; PTK Treasurer Macy Vogt, Teutopolis; Tim Lawyer, Mattoon; Lucas Duduit, Pana; and Lauren Hendershot, Windsor.
Lake Land College to Host Annual 8th Grade Career Conference Posted on In an effort to expose young students to a variety of career and occupational choices, more than 2,000 local junior high students will assemble in the Lake Land College Field House on Thursday, April 2 and Friday, April 3 for the annual 8th Grade Career Conference. Together, Lake Land College and Eastern Illinois Education for Employment System will co-sponsor the conference—an event in which more than 60,000 students have participated throughout the years. The career conference will provide participants career exploration through communication and contact with local professionals representing sixteen career clusters, or employment fields. Students will also experience the motivation and enthusiasm showcased by the event’s featured speaker, Brooks Harper, author of 7 Skills to Make Mill$ and Why Should We Hire YOU? “The conference is an important annual event for local 8th grade students. It provides them with information about career pathways and motivates them to focus on their future,” Sally Shawver, project manager for Eastern Illinois Education for Employment System, said. “The wonderful thing about this conference is how it benefits everyone. The students have this fun experience to get their career questions answered and local businesses have the early advantage to guide their future talents on the right path. The business partners who participate this year may see these same faces again during interviewing processes six to eight years from now. It’s an exciting and valuable event,” Jamie Corda Hadjaoui, Perkins specialist, said. Students from the following schools will participate at the career conference: Altamont, Altamont Luther Interparish School, Arcola, Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond CUSD #305, Beecher City, Brownstown, Casey-Westfield, Charleston, Chrisman-Scottland, Cowden-Herrick, Crestwood-Paris, Cumberland, Dieterich, Effingham, Fresh Start TLC, Humboldt TLC, Kansas, Kansas TLC, Lerna Bridges, Marshall, Martinsville, Mattoon-Blue, Mattoon-Gold, Moulton-Shelbyville, Neoga, Oakland, Okaw-Valley, Paris Mayo, Ramsey, Sacred Heart, Shelbyville Bridges, Shiloh, South-Central, St. Anthony, St. Elmo, St. John’s-Mattoon, St. Michael, Stew-Stras and Sullivan. For more information about the conference, contact Corda Hadjaoui at 217-234-5032 or Shawver at 217-258-6283.
Lake Land College Receives $43,000 Check from Coles-Moultrie Electric Cooperative Posted on March 4, 2020 Coles-Moultrie Electric Cooperative (CMEC) recently presented a $43,000 capital credit check to Lake Land College. CMEC President/CEO Amy Borntrager, presented the check to Lake Land College President Josh Bullock and Vice President for Business Services Greg Nuxoll. Coles-Moultrie Electric Cooperative is a not-for-profit cooperative that provides electrical service to residential members, large and small commercial members, manufacturing facilities and educational facilities such as Lake Land College. Coles-Moultrie Electric Cooperative provides electrical service to more than 9,500 meters. “Because electric co-ops operate at cost, any excess revenues, called margins, are allocated and retired to members in the form of capital credits,” CMEC Member Service Representative Carla Bradbury said. The years 1980, 1981 and 1982 were recently retired and Lake Land College was a large user during those years, resulting in a $43,000 capital credit return. Coles-Moultrie Electric Cooperative (CMEC) recently presented a $43,000 capital credit check to Lake Land College. Pictured from left to right is Vice President for Business Services Greg Nuxoll, CMEC president/CEO Amy Borntrager and Lake Land College President Josh Bullock.
Lake Land College Announces GED Orientation Dates Posted on March 3, 2020 Lake Land College’s Adult Education is offering GED classes throughout the Lake Land College district beginning the first week of March. Classes are 100% federally funded thanks to the U.S. Department of Education. The class orientation locations and dates are as follows: Arthur – Arthur Public Library, 225 S. Walnut St. – Tuesday, March 3, 4 p.m. Charleston – Coles County Health Department, 825 18th – Tuesday, March 3, 4 p.m. Effingham – Lake Land College Kluthe Center for Higher Education and Technology, 1204 Network Centre Blvd. – Tuesday, March 3, 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Marshall – Lake Land College Eastern Region Center, 224 S. 6th – Monday, March 2, 4 p.m. Mattoon – Lake Land College Workforce Development Center, 305 Richmond Ave. East – Wednesday, March 4, 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Pana – Lake Land College Western Region Center, 600 E. 1st – Thursday, March 5, 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Paris – First United Methodist Church, 324 W. Court St. – Thursday, March 5, 4 p.m. Shelbyville – Shelbyville High School, Pathways Classroom, 1001 W. North 6th – Monday, March 2, 4 p.m. For these GED classes, students’ tuition will be waived and all class materials will be provided. To find a GED class near you, to find more information or to register, call 217-238-8292 or email adulteducation@lakelancollege.edu. Like and follow the Lake Land College Adult Education Facebook page for an up to date look at what classes are available.
Lake Land College Announces Important Graduation Information Posted on March 2, 2020 With spring just around the corner, it’s time to begin planning for graduation at Lake Land College. The annual commencement ceremony will take place an hour and a half earlier than previous years, to accommodate students and their guests. This year’s commencement ceremony is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Friday, May 15 in the Field House. There is no cost to students to participate in the ceremony. Important information and deadlines follow. In March students need to: Complete the Intent to Graduate form for the spring 2020 semester by Friday, March 20. The form can be filed electronically through the Laker Hub. Fill out the form to measure for a cap and gown on the Laker Hub by Tuesday, March 31. Purchase graduation announcements in the Laker Nest Bookstore or online at lakelandcollege.edu/bookstore. In May students need to: Pick up their cap and gown at the Laker Nest Bookstore between Monday, May 11-Thursday, May 14 from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. or on Friday, May 15 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Attend graduation practice on Thursday, May 14 at 3 p.m. in the Lake Land College Field House. Report to their assigned buildings for line up at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 15. The ceremony begins at 6 p.m. Any graduate who needs an accommodation due to a disability should call 217-234-5259 to request arrangements prior to the practice session on Thursday, May 14. For any questions concerning the commencement ceremony or practice, stop by Admissions & Records in the Luther Student Center or call 217-234-5028. Visit lakelandcollege.edu/admissions/graduation for more information.
Time to Register for Spring Semester Eight-Week Classes at Lake Land College Posted on February 27, 2020 Ease into college or pick up some extra credits with an eight-week Mod II class this spring! Each semester, Lake Land College offers two sessions of eight-week courses known as Mod I and II. Mod II classes begin March 16 and finish May 11 with finals held through May 15. “Mod II courses serve many purposes. For new students, they are a great way to ease into college. For current students, they are a good way to pick up needed credits before the end of the semester,” Emily Hartke, chair of counseling and judicial affairs advisement, said. Counselors are available to assist students with Mod II registration Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Evening hours are available by appointment. For questions regarding registration, call Counseling Services at 217-234-5232.