Laker Nation News

Lake Land College students Suhyun Moon, Gimhae, South Korea and Chandler Smith, Charleston, submitted essays for consideration in the 2020 Illinois Community College Trustees Association’s Paul Simon Essay Contest.

The theme of the essay contest was “How My Community College Changed My Life,” and both Moon and Smith had some heartfelt words to share about their time at Lake Land College.

All students enrolled at ICCTA member colleges were eligible to participate in the contest at the local level, with one entry per college entered at the statewide competition each year.

This year, the Lake Land College Board of Trustees chose Suhyun Moon’s essay to represent Lake Land College at the statewide competition. In her essay, Moon expressed her gratitude to Lake Land.

“Being a Lake Land College student absolutely changed my life,” Moon said. “I gained the importance of working hard, overcoming failure and embracing a challenging spirit, which changed my behavior forever.”

Moon also expressed in her essay that even prior to attending Lake Land College she was interested in finding ways to help give back to her community. Upon becoming a student at Lake Land College, Moon was able to become involved with many areas she supported.

“Throughout the process of seeking ways to give back to my campus, I found that I truly enjoy participating in many challenging activities and always find something to learn,” Moon said. “Through this experience, I realized what inclusion was like.”

Having done a great deal of searching before choosing to attend Lake Land, Moon attributed her choice to attend Lake Land College to its affordability and programs in a variety of fields.

“I decided to attend Lake Land College,” Moon said. “That was the best decision I have ever made.”

Smith also commended Lake Land College in his essay for helping him change his life.

“Lake Land College gave me more than just a degree,” Smith said. “They gave me an education and a job.”

Smith also praised the instructors and fellow students for the experiences he gained during his time at Lake Land College.

“Especially with autism, it’s hard to communicate your point across to people,” Smith said. “I know I will always have great support from people here at Lake Land.”

Lake Land College is working with industry professionals to assess the extent of damage caused by a fire that broke out on an isolated section of the roof of Neal Hall at Lake Land College on Tuesday, April 14, 2020 at approximately 2:50 p.m.

The Mattoon Fire Department declared the fire out by 4:35 p.m. after determining all smoldering and hot spots were extinguished.

The initial assessment reveals the building is structurally safe, however there is smoke damage throughout the building and water damage to the roof and the commons area of the north wing near the art and music classrooms.

Crews and specialists have begun the cleanup process and continue to assess damage to classroom materials and electronics in addition to the structural elements.

The College’s goal is to restore the classrooms and building to a safe and healthy learning environment when classes resume on campus.

The roof of Neal Hall was being replaced and the contractors who were working on the roofing project escaped from the building without injury. There were no students or staff in the building when this occurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The campus remains on Level 3 Restricted Access to all students and staff, with the exception of a select few employees authorized under the Level 3 Restricted Access.

The College extends its gratitude to the following agencies that joined Lake Land College Police Officers in responding to the 911 call: Mattoon Fire Department, Charleston Fire Department, Lincoln Fire Department, Mitchell-Jerdan Ambulance Service, Mattoon Police Department and Coles County Sheriff’s Department.

Neal Hall houses staff offices, a nursing lab, 2-D and 3-D art labs, a music classroom, a biology lab and greenhouse, an earth science lab and general education classrooms.

The Neal Hall Roofing Project is one of several facilities projects approved to continue as an essential operation under the Governor’s Executive Order 2020-10. The Lake Land College Board of Trustees approved the project during the special meeting held on March 27, 2020. All construction employees are required to submit a Campus Visitor Approval Form and take proactive measures to practice social distancing of six feet, use personal protective equipment when appropriate and use hand sanitizer and wash hands frequently while on campus.

Topping off an outstanding year in which the Lake Land College Women’s Basketball team was seated as fourth seed in the NJCCA National Tournament, Region 24 honored Coach Dave Johnson of Mattoon as Coach of the Year and Carsyn Fearday as Player of the Year.

In addition to these awards, the NJCAA Division II Women’s Basketball Committee awarded Fearday First Team All-American. Johnson is also a finalist for the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Coach of the Year. Both Fearday and Johnson have expressed humility and gratitude at receiving their awards, even amid a great deal of disappointment at the current situation.

Just days before the team was scheduled to depart, the players received word that the National Tournament would not take place. While the news was a heartbreaking blow for Fearday, she said the team understood that it was what had to happen to keep everyone healthy.

“It hurt, and there were tears shed,” Fearday, a physical therapy major from Effingham, said. “We put in all the time and effort since last May with the goal to go win a national championship. Knowing we had a chance to do just that is hard, but we as a team have to realize that what happened was out of our control.”

Prior to this devastating news, positivity surrounded the team and the Region 24 Coach and Player of the Year awards, as the Lake Land College Women’s Basketball team had a record of 30 wins throughout the season. Johnson said even qualifying for the national tournament was very satisfying with all the hard work the players and coaching staff put in.

“I’m extremely proud of how they performed game in and game out and how much they got better from the start of the season to the finish,” Johnson said of the team.

Having coached basketball for 31 years, 22 of which were at Lake Land College, Johnson said he could not be more excited about the way the season went even in light of the way things worked out.

“I was already excited that we’d just won the championship,” Johnson said of his thoughts upon hearing the announcement. “I felt it was a great honor to be named Coach of the Year.”

Coming from a family of hard workers, Johnson said his goal is the same each year; to work hard, make the national tournament and place as high as possible. A number of players will be returning next season, along with several new high-quality recruits.

Carsyn Fearday expressed her appreciation for Johnson, saying he was very deserving of the Coach of the Year honor.

“Coach Johnson is a great coach and an even better guy,” Fearday said. “He is always pushing us to reach our goals, and I appreciate him a lot for that.”

Johnson said it was Fearday’s high quality of play and outstanding year that earned her the title of Player of the Year.

“I felt very humbled to receive the award,” Fearday said. “There are so many great players in our region. To win it as a freshman was very humbling for me.”

Making up the rest of the women’s basketball team are Sophomores Arie Sims from Normal, Lucille Smith from Wayne City, Baylee Breedlove from Rockville, Indiana, Freshmen JoAnna Schultz from Altamont, Harley Barry from Newman, Kamaria Gant from Bloomington, Aubrey Barker from Plainfield, Indiana, Abby Weiss from Effingham, Jae Lynn Riggleman from Casey, Shania Schoonover from Pana, Josie Orris from Sullivan, Mya Tinsley from Colfax, Elizabeth Buescher from Charleston and Tresoir Newson from Normal.

Fearday said her best memory from the season was winning the region championship and she expressed her appreciation for all the support the team received.

“I am so blessed with the best teammates and coaching staff around,” Fearday said. “Winning that championship with them made it a whole lot better.”

Having played basketball from an early age, Fearday said she believes it is a combination of hard work, family support and great teammates and coaches that has led her to where she is.

“My family is always so supportive of everything I do, especially in my basketball journey,” Fearday said. “A big reason I chose to come to Lake Land College was so they could continue to follow my basketball career just as close as they would in high school.”

Both Johnson and Fearday expressed appreciation to the Lake Land College community for their encouragement and support throughout the season and after. For more information on the women’s basketball team as well as all Laker athletics, be sure to follow the “Lake Land College Laker Athletics” Facebook page and “@LLCATHLETICS” on Twitter.

Lake Land College students elected Lucas Duduit, Pana, to serve as the student trustee for 2020-2021. In this role, Duduit serves as the liaison between the student body and the Lake Land College Board of Trustees.

Duduit will take the reins from current student trustee Shelbie Kile, Marshall, whose last meeting will be April 13.

“I hope to do the best job I can for the current graduating class and all classes that ensue during my time as student trustee,” Duduit said. “I’m happy to be here and serve as student trustee during these times of uncertainty.”

As the student trustee, Duduit looks forward to sharing ideas on student technology as well as mental health opportunities.

Having always been interested local government, Duduit said he hopes his time as student trustee will give him the necessary experience and skill set to serve on future boards.

“I’m very interested in fulfilling civil duties in my future,” Duduit said.

Having participated in Phi Theta Kappa, the Student Government Association and Student Ambassadors, Duduit said he believes he has developed the experience necessary to be an effective liaison for the students.

Duduit expressed his appreciation for Lake Land College’s quick action and communication during the transition to a virtual campus as well as his hopes for the future during this difficult time.

Duduit will officially be seated at the May 11 Lake Land College Board of Trustees regular meeting. As the student trustee, will have the ability to make and second motions and have an advisory vote on the board.

Duduit is majoring in engineering science and plans to transfer to the University of Illinois to study electrical engineering. Having led a solar car racing team when he was a junior in high school, Duduit also placed first in the WYSE Competition in Engineering Graphics that same year. He said these events solidified his ambitions to become an engineer.

The Lake Land College Board of Trustees presented the 2020 Pacesetter Award to Danelle Jackson, Laker Nation Class of 2007, at the March board meeting.

The Pacesetter Award recognizes the achievements of recent community college graduates who are excelling in their careers.

Working in the healthcare profession during such a tumultuous time, Jackson said it has been a challenge for her, but that her faith is getting her through it.

“It’s definitely been a challenge,” Jackson said. “It’s so different from anything I’m used to doing. Nobody knows how to deal with where we’re at right now. I try to help people keep finding their hope, but also let them know it’s okay to grieve where we’re at too. I want people to be able to have faith and have hope, but also common sense and take care of themselves. Find the balance.”

Setting out on a path to go from being a GED student to a nurse practitioner, Jackson was determined to “pick herself up by the bootstraps” according to her nominator, Director of Dual-Credit and Honors Experience Lisa Shumard-Shelton.

Shumard-Shelton said she was proud to recognize Jackson for the hard work she has done, not only for herself, but for the community and for Lake Land College.

“The amount of people she has touched along the way is amazing,” Shumard-Shelton said. “That includes our own faculty and staff. Knowing her humble beginnings is what made me think she was a perfect candidate to be recognized.”

According to Shumard-Shelton, Jackson has a tireless drive to help others, both in her profession as a nurse practitioner and in her personal life as a pastor and advocate for higher education.

“Danelle Jackson is a shining example of a Lake Land College graduate,” Shumard-Shelton said. “She is very well deserving of this award.”

Jackson started her journey by taking one or two classes at a time after having dropped out of high school and earning a GED. She kept pushing forward, finishing an associate degree in four years at Lake Land College.

From there she transferred to Southern Illinois University where she earned a bachelor’s of science in nursing. After that, she continued on to Indiana State University, where she earned a master’s degree in nursing, family nurse practitioner.

“If it hadn’t been for affordable college options with programs offering a trade that is high in demand, I honestly do not know where I would be at this time,” Jackson said. “It took me over ten years to go from a GED recipient to a master’s degree because I had options that allowed me to work and pay for school. I am debt-free, employed and in a career that I love with an education I am forever personally indebted to.”

Seeing her efforts come to fruition, Jackson has now worked for SIHF, the Charleston Health Center, for the last six years. During her time there, Jackson has developed a very successful practice, and she said she is most proud to have cultivated a positive atmosphere with employees who value patients and provide excellent care to them.

“I have an internal motivation from God to help people out in different ways,” Jackson said. “I feel like it is my ministry in different areas. I have ministry in the workplace and a ministry through the church.”

To those considering beginning an educational journey, Jackson offered words of encouragement based on her own experience.

“Take that first step. Don’t think too far out. Just see what’s in front of you, where you feel led, and be bold enough to step out and take the risk. Then you end up finding your destiny.”

As everyone continues to adapt to the new virtual campus, it is important to maintain a sense of community support. Lake Land College students Michael Mriscin and Chandler Smith have found ways to stay connected and help out their peers.

As work study students at Lake Land College’s radio station WLKL, Mriscin and Smith were unable to perform their usual duties due to the social distancing measures. Because of this, the students collaborated with Broadcasting/Communication Studies Instructor Greg Powers to find a new outlet for their work.

Reaching a solution, Mriscin and Smith took on the task of reaching out to students who had otherwise not responded to communication about advisement. According to Powers, much of the communication was successful as he got a number of phone calls after the students reached out.

“When I heard this information, I was filled with an immense sense of pride in our students,” Vice President for Academic Services Jon Althaus said.

Mriscin and Smith have even taken the assistance one step further, offering help with the registration process and other areas as needed. A major area of focus for the students is helping other students navigate the transition from face-to-face classes to the virtual campus.

“I think the stuff I’m doing to help navigate people is something everyone should be doing right now,” Smith said. “It’s going to be difficult for a little while, but we have to remember it could be way worse.”

Mriscin also expressed words of encouragement and support for fellow students.

“There’s a lot of this virtual stuff that we’re all still trying to learn,” Mriscin said. “I’m going to do the best I can to help students through this and share whatever I need to offer.”

As is working on completing his second degree at Lake Land College, Mriscin said the changes have had him nervous along with his peers, but that he is doing his best to get through it.

“It’s what has got to be done for right now,” Mriscin said. “It’s definitely what’s needed even if it is frustrating.”

Having the students available for assistance is also beneficial to instructors, who are still transitioning to the virtual campus as well.

“So far the instructors have done an amazing job,” Mriscin said. “The faculty members have really become a support system.”

Both students said through helping other students and navigating this unprecedented situation, they have learned to appreciate things more.

“I have definitely learned to appreciate everything I’ve got,” Smith said.

Not only has the situation helped the students develop greater appreciation, Mriscin said it has also helped him realize how much Lake Land College means to him.

“I love Lake Land. It’s amazing how much it’s helped me change and grow,” Mriscin said. “Lake Land is to me what Hogwarts is to Harry Potter.”

Lake Land College Phi Theta Kappa President Tanner Clark will receive a scholarship of $1,500 for his selection as a national Gold Scholar on Coca-Cola’s 2020 Academic Team. Clark was one of 50 students chosen to receive the award out of more than 2,000 applications. His score in the All-USA Academic Team competition secured him the scholarship.

“I was definitely very excited,” Clark said. “It’s very rewarding to know that a lot of the work we do is recognized, even though we don’t do it for the recognition. We do it for the process and the ability to serve others.”

This marks the first time The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has awarded a Lake Land College transfer scholar this honor. Clark will be transferring to a university in the fall.

“I hope that I can be an encouragement to other students to just apply and see what can come out of Phi Theta Kappa scholarships and their different academic competitions and awards,” Clark said. “It’s kind of another job in and of itself to go through the process of documenting, so I would urge other students to keep track of what they’ve done.”

Clark’s award was one of 50 New Century Gold Scholar scholarships presented every year by The Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Program and administered by Phi Theta Kappa.

To continue to embody all that the award stands for, Clark plans to apply himself in all areas of his life.

“Whatever situation I find myself in I can always try and be beneficial to people,” Clark said.

As an active member of his community at home in Strasburg, Clark is involved with organizations benefitting others such as the Lion’s Club and the Strasburg Community Action Network.

“As I go throughout these next few years and the rest of my life, I guarantee I will find opportunities to get involved and serve other people,” Clark said. “I hope that I can be around other people who want to succeed and want to help one another, because that is definitely how I have learned.”

To finish the semester, Clark plans to focus on incorporating leadership, scholarship, service and fellowship, Phi Theta Kappa’s four hallmarks, into everything the group does by continuing to serve and be a hub of leadership.

“I hope that the ways I act, serve and lead can inspire other people to go the extra mile for their fellow neighbor,” Clark said.

Phi Theta Kappa will recognize Clark and the other award recipients at PTK Catalyst, Phi Theta Kappa’s annual convention, via live stream. The virtual event will take place April 2-3 with registration for the event ending March 31.

The Illinois Local Workforce Development Area (WIOA) #23 and Lake Land College are pleased to recommend the appointment of Jamie Corda Hadjaoui as the new director of workforce investment. She replaces Gerry Schlechte who will retire this spring.

Lake Land College President Josh Bullock will recommend Corda Hadjaoui to the Lake Land College Board of Trustees at the regular April 13 board meeting.

In this position, Corda Hadjaoui will lead the Local Workforce Innovation Board (LWIB) staff to meet the program goals, fulfill the mission, and pursue the vision of the WIOA Board. The director accepts all Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) executive and leadership responsibilities for the successful management, lawfully compliant administration, operational performance, and financial integrity of all procedures, programs, and activities of the LWIB. The director represents the LWIB, chief elected officials, and Lake Land College.

Chairman of the Local Workforce Innovation Board (LWIB) Pat Click said, “We have sincerely appreciated the leadership and hard work that retiring director Gerry Schlechte has done for our organization.  We welcome Jamie in this new role and look toward her leading LWIA 23 in both in the individuals we serve as well as the businesses we work with, both large and small.  Her experience in Career and Technical Education programs will be very valuable as we work together in bringing economic growth and job opportunities to the thirteen counties that we serve.”

Having spent more than a decade in training and supervisory positions, Corda Hadjaoui has experienced firsthand how vital it is to help job seekers access employment, education and training in the labor market as well as matching employers with the skilled workers they need to compete in the global economy.

“Jamie’s management and human resources skills are closely aligned with the responsibilities of this position,” Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said. “I am certain our workforce development team and the college community will see many positive outcomes from Jamie’s leadership.”

Corda Hadjaoui developed her sales skills in her position at the real estate company, The Atkins Group, for more than seven years. She previously held management positions at Bergner’s Department Store and Arby’s in Rantoul. Corda Hadjaoui currently serves as the Perkins Specialist at Lake Land College. In this role, she provides services to help students enrolled in Workforce Ready programs successfully complete an associate in applied science (AAS) degree or certificate, with the goal to enter the workforce in the chosen field immediately after completion.

Corda Hadjaoui has an associate degree from Parkland College and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Eastern Illinois University. She will complete a master’s of business administration from Eastern Illinois University in May.

WIOA provides activities that increase employment, retention, earnings, and skills in the American workforce. C.E.F.S. is part of the 13-county Illinois Local Workforce Development Area #23, which receives its funding from the U.S. Department of Labor through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and Lake Land College.

As everyone is adjusting to a virtual campus, Lake Land College is pulling together to maintain the sense of community among faculty, staff, students and alumni.

Lake Land College Student Life organizations have planned several fun and entertaining activities to keep members of the Lake Land College community in touch with one another.

In addition to these events, Lake Land College will host a competition via the popular social media platform TikTok beginning April 3. To participate, students, faculty, staff and alumni need only post a video of themselves wearing their Lake Land College gear with the hashtag #LakerNationTikTokTakeover and tag the Lake Land College TikTok page @LakeLandCollegeIL.

The videos should show what Lake Land College community members are doing to keep busy during this unprecedented time. Singing, dancing and lip-syncing are all welcome, and participants are urged to be as creative as they like.

Students are advised to follow the college’s Student Code of Conduct and avoid instances of profanity and/or inappropriate conduct.

Three winners will be chosen to receive a $20 dollar Amazon gift card. The contest will run through April 17, and the winners will be notified via TikTok on April 20.

For more fun opportunities to engage with the Lake Land College community, be sure to follow us on the official “Lake Land College” Facebook page, on TikTok at @LakeLandCollegeIL, on Instagram at “lakelandcollegeil,” on Twitter at “@LakeLandBuzz” and on YouTube at “Lake Land College.” For more information please email mpr2@lakelandcollege.edu.

In the current time of need, Lake Land College has taken steps to help support local hospitals.

Lake Land College Allied Health programs on campus and at the Kluthe Center have gathered and donated personal protective equipment (PPE) to local hospitals.

Some of the items donated to HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital in Effingham and Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in Mattoon include gloves, protective gowns, hand sanitizer, masks and sanitization wipes

The college has also donated several boxes of isolation gowns, shoe covers and disposable masks.

“Lake Land College benefits from our partnerships with area health care facilities and wants to support our local organizations whenever possible,” Josh Bullock, Lake Land College President, said. “We are very grateful to the healthcare professionals in our area who are working around the clock to keep our communities safe. As many of these individuals are our own Laker Alumni, please know how very proud we are of your commitment to your profession.”