Laker Nation News

Lake Land College and the Education for Employment System 340 will co-host an 8th grade career conference on April 3 and 4, 2025 at the Lake Land College Field House from 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

The conference introduces 8^th grade students to various career possibilities by connecting them with local professionals representing a wide range of employment fields. The event is an opportunity for area businesses to connect with students and invest in the workforce of the future.

Business partners can participate in either one or both the conference days. A complimentary lunch will be provided both days for all participating company representatives. Interested businesses must register online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RKFB62Z.

For more information, contact Perkins Specialist Joy Kaurin at 217-234-5032 or jkaurin@lakelandcollege.edu.

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In November, the Lake Land College TRIO Destination College program held time management workshops for middle school and high school students.

TRIO Destination College Outreach Advisors Tara Schaljo and Codi Julius delivered the workshops in 18 local schools and connected with 200 total students. The workshops included a time management challenge, in which students earned points by completing tasks within a set timeframe. Afterwards, the advisors facilitated discussions on activity results, highlighting the roles and unique time management strategies each student adopted as well as the value of collaborating with peers.

The time management workshop is one of many offered by TRIO Destination College to help students acquire essential life skills and prepare for their future college and career plans. The program also provides workshops in financial literacy, college and career exploration, leadership development, goal setting and planning for the future. Additionally, TRIO advisors meet individually with high school students to help them explore career and college pathways, complete financial aid applications, apply for scholarships, navigate college orientation and register for courses.

TRIO Destination College is grant-funded through the U.S. Department of Education and is dedicated to supporting junior high and high school students in successfully graduating from high school and enrolling in the college of their choice. To learn more about TRIO Destination College at Lake Land College, contact Director of TRIO Programs Lori Ohnesorge at 217-234-5007 or lohnesor@lakelandcollege.edu.

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Two Lake Land College staff members, Coordinator of International Studies Denver Daniels and Director of Student Success Services Kim Hunter, recently presented the College’s efforts to support international students at the 2024 Interstride Fall Symposium.

The Interstride Symposium is a virtual conference that unites higher education leaders across the country under the common goal of supporting international student success. During the conference, participants share strategies, insights and resources to help their peers better serve international students.

Lake Land College was among more than 20 colleges and universities that presented during the conference, sharing its international education initiatives alongside the most prestigious institutions in the country, including Harvard University, University of North Carolina and University of Georgia. Hunter and Daniels provided the presentation, offering a unique perspective on international education at a rural community college.

“Our international students are such an integral part of our campus here at Lake Land, and we want to make sure we do everything we can to help them accomplish their goals in an unfamiliar place,” said Daniels. “We’re so proud of the growth we’ve seen in our international studies program recently and can’t wait to see how it continues to expand.”

In Fall 2024, Lake Land College’s international student population grew by more than 50%. The College’s comprehensive approach to education and broad range of academic programs provide international students the perfect start to higher education or a direct path to workforce success. The College also offers an Intensive English Language Program (IELP) for all non-native speakers interested in advancing their English Language skills. To learn more about Lake Land College’s International Studies program, visit the Lake Land College website at LakeLandCollege.edu/International.

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In October, the Lake Land College TRIO Destination College program held financial literacy workshops for middle school and high school students.

The workshops were led by TRIO Destination College Outreach Advisors Tara Schaljo and Codi Julius, who engaged with 140 students across 18 schools. Schaljo and Julius led discussions on differentiating between needs and wants and helped students explore the cost of everyday items. The workshops also included an interactive “Price is Right” activity to help students discover the prices of various essential food items.

The financial literacy workshop is one of many offered by TRIO Destination College to help students acquire essential life skills. The program also offers workshops on college and career exploration, leadership development, time management, goal setting and planning for the future. Additionally, TRIO advisors meet individually with high school students to help them explore career and college pathways, complete financial aid applications, apply for scholarships, navigate college orientation and register for courses.

TRIO Destination College is grant-funded through the U.S. Department of Education and is dedicated to supporting junior high and high school students in successfully graduating high school and enrolling in the college of their choice. To learn more about TRIO Destination College at Lake Land College, contact Director of TRIO Programs Lori Ohnesorge at 217-234-5007 or lohnesor@lakelandcollege.edu.

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Lake Land College will host Laker Visit Day on Friday, Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to noon in the Luther Student Center. The event is designed for prospective students to learn about Lake Land College and the resources available to guide students 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, Student Wellness, TRIO Student Support Services and more will be available to provide information and answer attendees’ questions.

Attendees are also welcome to bring their parents or guardians to the event. A session will be offered to provide information relevant to parents or guardians of future Lakers.

“There’s no better way for a prospective student to learn what it’s like to attend Lake Land College,” Pam Hartke, Associate Dean of Recruitment & Enrollment Management, said. “If you’re interested in studying at Lake Land, even if it’s only for a few classes, this event is perfect for you.”

For more information or to register, visit the Lake Land College visit page at LakeLandCollege.edu/visit.

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In honor of National Apprenticeship Week, Lake Land College held a celebratory luncheon to recognize business partnerships and apprentice accomplishments.

During the event, Michael Baker, Manager of Strategic Planning and Innovation from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, joined Lake Land College President Josh Bullock for a proclamation of National Apprenticeship Week. Courtney Yockey, President/CEO of Effingham Regional Growth Alliance, highlighted the personal and community-wide benefits of apprenticeship with a keynote address.

The newest Lake Land College apprentices, Ean Gardner of North American Lighting and Wyatt Haycraft of JB Esker & Sons, were also honored during the event with celebratory signings in recognition of their commitment to apprenticeship.

“It’s incredible to see apprentices and companies thrive with these ‘Earn and Learn’ programs, and it’s always an honor to celebrate these successes,” said Bonnie Moore, Director to the Center for Business and Industry. “We are proud of our many partnerships throughout our community to create these opportunities for both our students and local businesses.”

With Lake Land College’s apprenticeship programs, students develop crucial career skills with hands-on learning on Lake Land’s campus and apply those skills in real workplaces. The format provides students with a practical education, mentorship opportunities and the ability to earn a salary while their tuition is covered by a sponsoring business. These businesses, meanwhile, benefit from an expanded pool of qualified candidates for high-demand positions.

Apprenticeship opportunities at Lake Land College are available in a wide range of career fields, including construction, manufacturing, commercial driving and early childhood education. For more information, contact Moore at 217-238-8260 or bmoore71258@lakelandcollege.edu.

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Lake Land College and the Rotary Club of Mattoon held a ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024 dedicating two new peace poles for Podesta Park and making history with the first reading of Lake Land’s Land Acknowledgment.

Acquired in collaboration with Mattoon Rotary, the peace poles serve as a symbol of worldwide unity, with the phrase, “May Peace Prevail on Earth,” currently inscribed in 19 languages across the two poles. The included languages represent those spoken by past and present international students as well as the indigenous tribes that first populated the region.

The dedication ceremony included addresses from Lake Land College President Josh Bullock and Rotary representatives Mike Martin, Rotary District Governor, and Noah A.J. Olson, Mattoon Rotary President. International student Tanatswa Mutamira, Zimbabwe, read an original poem during the event about her experiences. The event also featured the premiere of a video of the newly-installed peace poles in Podesta Park.

The event also included the inaugural reading of the Lake Land College Land Acknowledgment, recognizing the native tribes who first inhabited the region. Presented by Bullock as a presidential proclamation, the Land Acknowledgment demonstrates the College’s commitment to supporting local indigenous populations. The full Land Acknowledgment is available on the Lake Land College website at LakeLandCollege.edu/diversity/landacknowledgment.

“The Land Acknowledgment is a part of Lake Land’s commitment to creating an inclusive campus environment that celebrates diversity and values enrichment through awareness and education,” Bullock said. “For these reasons and more, we were thrilled when the Rotary Club of Mattoon approached the College with a proposal to install an International Peace Pole on campus.”

Rotary District Governor Mike Martin said the Peace Poles align with Rotary’s commitment to facilitating peace throughout the world.

“Rotary encourages conversations to foster understanding within and across cultures. We create an environment of peace. We believe peace is central to everything we do. In considering a location for the Peace Pole project, Lake Land College was a natural fit to support and engage their learners who come from local communities, from communities around the country and from communities around the world,” Martin said. “We thank you everyone for the opportunity for Rotary to partner with Lake Land College and lend our support this very worthy and noble cause.”

Mattoon Rotary President Noah A. J. Olson said the idea for the Peace Poles originated with the Peace Builder Club.

“What began as a suggestion, turned into a singular project, turned into a Lake Land- Rotary Partnership, and finally into a grassroots group to make this happen: involving Lake Land students, retired/current Lake Land staff and indigenous peoples,” Olson said.

“Our hope for the future is for the Peace Pole area to be utilized by the community, campus visitors, Lake Land students and employees to find comfort, peace and enjoyment in the area,” he added.

To learn more about the Lake Land College Peace Pole project, Land Acknowledgement and other diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, visit the Lake Land College website at LakeLandCollege.edu/diversity.

To learn more about Rotary, including the Rotary Youth Exchange, visit rotary.org/en.

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The Lake Land College Board of Trustees election will be held in the April 1, 2025, general election. Two six-year terms and one four-year unexpired term will appear on the ballot for Lake Land College.

The following three individuals have submitted petitions for a six-year term: Charles (Chuck) Deters, Teutopolis; Scott Montgomery, Gays; and Nash H. Naam, Effingham. Larry D. Lilly, Mattoon, submitted petitions to be on the ballot for the four-year, unexpired term.

The period for filing objections to nomination papers will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the following five dates: Tuesday, November 19, 2024; Wednesday, November 20, 2024; Thursday, November 21, 2024; Friday, November 22, 2024; and Monday, November 25, 2024.

File all materials at the Office of the President, Lake Land College, Board and Administration Center, 5001 Lake Land Blvd., Mattoon, IL 61938. For more information, please contact Jean Anne Highland, Chief of Staff, at 217-234-5329 or jhighland@lakelandcollege.edu.

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Lake Land College Business Instructor/Program Coordinator of Accounting Cindy Phipps was named the Illinois Businesses Education Association (IBEA) Post-Secondary Teacher of the Year. Phipps was recognized for the honor at the 2024 IBEA Fall Conference in Springfield.

Phipps has instructed a variety of accounting and business courses at Lake Land College for 29 years. In this role she developed the Accounting Certificate program and the Accounting Internship course at Lake Land, and most recently, she integrated the Intuit Certified Bookkeeping Professional exam into the curriculum.

“She is always willing to spend extra time outside of class with her students to help them understand concepts and be successful,” said Marcy Satterwhite, Business Instructor/Program Coordinator of Desktop Publishing/Graphic Design. “As a program advisor, she helps her accounting majors stay on track toward successfully completing their graduation goals.”

In addition to her role as instructor, Phipps has been an active member of several committees and organizations. She has served as Chair of the Lake Land College Faculty Association Audit Committee since 1997, along with roles on the Academic Council, Accreditation, Sabbatical Leave and Safety committees. She has been an active member of the IBEA since 1998 and the Eastern Illinois Business Education Association (EIBEA) since 1995, where she currently serves as treasurer. In 2023, she received the EIBEA Teacher of the Year award.

“EIBEA is so fortunate to have had her serve as our treasurer, and she continues to serve year after year,” Satterwhite said. “As the current EIBEA President, I do not know what I would do without her in the treasurer role.”

To learn more about Lake Land College accounting or business programs, visit the Lake Land College website at LakeLandCollege.edu or contact Phipps at 217-234-5350 or cphipps@lakelandcollege.edu.

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Fall 2025 applications for the Lake Land RANGE engineering program are now available on the College’s website.

RANGE, the Recruitment and Advancement of the Next Generation of Engineers, was established in 2024 to support students pursuing high-demand careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). All students in the program receive a tuition scholarship, free specialized tutoring and a cohort class schedule to ensure success in the program.

Lake Land has also created partnerships with local universities to ensure all RANGE graduates are granted admission into competitive four-year engineering programs. Currently, RANGE graduates are guaranteed transfer into the University of Illinois and Southern Illinois University Carbondale engineering programs, with more university partnerships coming soon.

“Right now, the fastest-growing job markets in our area are in the STEM field,” Mathematics Instructor Bambi Jones said. “This program helps support students to excel in these crucial fields and provide a strong workforce for our community.”

All high school seniors interested in a STEM major are eligible to apply for the RANGE program. To apply, visit the Lake Land College RANGE webpage at LakeLandCollege.edu/range.

To learn more about the RANGE program, contact Mathematics Instructors Sarah Harley at sharley@lakelandcollege.edu or Jones at bjones@lakelandcollege.edu.

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