Laker Nation News

The Lake Land College Foundation recently honored the life and generosity of Dr. William and Margaret Podestá with a dedication ceremony of the Dr. William L. and Margaret Podestá Park on Friday, Sept. 27.

Lake Land College Foundation Board President Mike Bohannon opened the ceremony with a statement of praise to the Podestá family members for their dedication to the growth and success of Lake Land College.

“Dr. William and Margaret Podestá were extremely generous to the college. Their initial gift has grown over time, and when combined with memorial gifts and a generous gift of her own, Ms. Willie Podestá Young has built a park that signifies the contributions of her mother and father at Lake Land College and in the community,” Bohannon said.

Jackie Joines, executive director for college advancement, touched on the life and successes of Dr. William and Margaret Podestá beginning with their marriage 85 years ago, as well as the mentioning of the Podestá family ground that Lake Land College currently sits on.

Dr. William Podestá gave his all to the communities he lived in and the nation as a whole. Among several military duties, he served in the United States Army as a lieutenant in the Dental Corps and headed the Plastic Eye Programs for all military branches during World War II.

For more than 30 years, Podestá served his country and upon retirement, he served on the Mattoon school board as well as the Lake Land College Board of Trustees from 1970-1976 and 1978-1981. During his time on the Lake Land College Board, Podestá established the Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting programs. From there, Podestá served as a director of the Lake Land College Foundation from 1982-1997.

Margaret Podestá also generously gave her time and effort to supporting the war efforts. Along with many other responsibilities, she served as the receptionist for the Plastic Eye Clinic at Dibble General Hospital in Palo Alto, California, served as secretary to the Red Cross and was the first person to organize house-to-house fundraising campaigns in Mattoon.

Throughout the years, education was always a top priority to both Dr. William and Margaret Podestá. Margaret Podestá taught at Jefferson Junior High School in Mattoon for eight years and was the first woman to receive the Illinois Administrative Certificate in Curriculum in Coles County.

“The Podestás were as generous with their time to virtually all organizations in Coles County. They were significant benefactors to these organizations, improving the lives of many in their community. Dr. William L. and Margaret Podestá served their country and community well. Their impact on Lake Land College and the surrounding community is felt even today,” Joines said.

Visitors to the park are welcomed with beautiful scenery along a quiet walking path that accommodates those with disabilities including those using a wheelchair. The center of Podestá Park boasts a bronze sculpture depicting soaring eagles atop three pillars and a plaque reading:

Bald Eagles

Stefan Savides – sculptor

In memory of

Dr. William L. and Margaret Doelling Podestá

Podestá Park is located on the corner of Podestá Drive and Cemetery Road near the south entrance of campus.

For more information, contact the Foundation at 217-234-5363 or foundation@lakelandcollege.edu.

Lake Land College Adult Education is offering free welding classes in Effingham and Sullivan for the 2020 Spring Semester.

The first night of orientation will be held at the following locations:

• Effingham High School, Media Center Entrance, 1301 W. Grove Ave, Effingham – Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 4 p.m.
• Sullivan High School, 725 N. Main St., Sullivan – Wednesday, Nov. 13 at 4 p.m.

Classes begin in January and run 16 weeks, for qualified applicants. The classes count as college credit and there is no cost to attend. Registration is limited to the first 12 applicants.

For more information contact Adult Education at 217-238-8292 or adulteducation@lakelandcollege.edu. Visit the Adult Education Facebook page at Lake Land College Adult Education.

Lake Land College will celebrate and recognize all first-generation or first-gen Lakers on Wednesday, Nov. 6 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the Field House.

A first-gen student is someone whose parents do not have a college degree. With a student population of more than 17,300 students at Lake Land College in 2019, more than 2,000 students were first-gen students.

During the celebration, first-gen students, staff and faculty will share their college experiences and advice on how to thrive in college.

Food and beverages and prizes will follow a game of trivia. Pick up a first-gen button on campus the week of Monday, Oct. 28 – Nov. 1 and wear it to the event to show first-gen pride!

For more information about the celebration and TRiO Student Support Services (SSS) and TRiO Destination College (DC), contact Director TRiO SSS Amber Niebrugge at 217-234-5007 or aniebrugge71503@lakelandcollege.edu or contact TRiO DC Outreach Advisor and Office Coordinator Jonathan Coit at 217-234-5047 or jcoit@lakelandcollege.edu.

Counseling, Financial Aid and TRiO services will introduce the Kluthe Center’s first Student Services Event on Thursday, Oct. 24 from 8:15-11:15 a.m. for Effingham area and Kluthe Center students.

“As students dive deeper into their studies, it is important for students to be aware of the services provided at the Kluthe Center to help students make the most of their time at Lake Land College,” Karen Kull, director of the Kluthe Center, said.

From advising students who are looking to change their major to finding affordable ways to pay for college, student services assist current and potential students in achieving their academic goals leading to a successful career path.

During the event, student service representatives will be available to answer students’ questions in an individual and comfortable setting.

“I see the services benefiting current students, especially those who don’t have classes on campus. The services will allow the students to stay in Effingham and have their questions answered in a familiar setting.  Having regular monthly hours will also benefit future students, saving them time and driving expense,” Kull said.

The next Student Services Event is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 2-5 p.m. preceding Kluthe’s evening registration night.

Veterans, their families and community members joined the Lake Land College community in honoring service men and women during a ceremony dedicating the newly installed Veterans Memorial Wall on Friday afternoon.

Spearheaded by Lake Land College Trustee Mike Sullivan and the Lake Land College Foundation Board of Directors, the memorial honors all service men and women, past, present and future. Spanning 28 feet in length, the black granite wall depicts the six characteristics of the U.S. Armed Forces with a centered quote, “Never forget those who bore the scars and those who gave everything.”

The memorial is located in a scenic area on the west side of Lake Land’s campus in Mattoon and offers visitors an opportunity to reflect on those it honors.

Former State Representative and Air Force Veteran Mike Weaver, provided the keynote and participated in the ceremony as a member of the American Legion Post #88.

“The wall is an inspirational monument to the relationship between veterans and education. I want to thank Lake Land College for the memorial and what it means to our veterans,” Weaver said.

Sullivan, a Navy veteran who has served on the Lake Land College Board of Trustees for more than 30 years, said veteran students are woven into the history of the college.

“Throughout all of those years living in this area and serving as a board member, there was always one thing I kept thinking about: we need a memorial to those who served. In the early years, there were a lot of veterans attending, not only at Lake Land, but at many colleges throughout Illinois and the nation. Veterans, especially those who were returning from the war in Viet Nam, became a big part of getting the community college system in Illinois up and running strong.

“Today, we see another surge of returning veterans, this time from Iraq and Afghanistan. They too come to the community college system to start a new life through education. And, others are serving while attending Lake Land through the financial aid benefits the military service offers,” Sullivan added.

Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said Lake Land College has welcomed countless service men and women to campus during the past 52 years.

“Members of the college community are proud to offer those who served, or are currently serving in the U.S. military and their family members, the opportunity to change their lives through the power of education. Not only do they inspire all of us to reach our fullest potential, they share their valuable experiences and knowledge in the classroom,” Bullock said.

Members of the American Legion Post #88 and VFW Post 4325 began the ceremony with a presentation of colors and concluded it with the playing of taps.

“The Foundation is honored to share this wonderful structure on campus that signifies the powerful trilogy of the community college, rural America and selfless service,” Lake Land College Foundation Executive Director for College Advancement Jacqueline Joines added.

Sullivan explained that there will be a second phase of the memorial in which a solid granite flag will be constructed. For additional information on how to be a part of phase II of the project, contact the Foundation at 217-234-5363 or foundation@lakelandcollege.edu.

Four Lake Land College students received awards at the annual Illinois Broadcasters Association’s Student Silver Dome Award Competition held on Sept. 20 at Illinois State University. The awards took place in conjunction with the Illinois Broadcasters Association annual student conference.

Michael Mriscin, Mattoon, won first place in Best Sales Presentation. Dylan Smith, Charleston, won second place in Best Radio Longform Entertainment Programming. Kaleb Reed, Charleston, and Mriscin placed third in Best Radio Recorded Promotion.

Student work for the competition is completed throughout the semester through class assignments. Placing at the awards competition is difficult with an entry of more than 200 student broadcasters from across the state each year and 21 competitive categories in radio, television and multi-media.

“Students are competing with numerous two-year and four-year institutions throughout the state, and Lake Land College students continue to bring home awards each year,” Greg Powers, speech communication/broadcasting instructor, said. “We’re excited about the award-winning work students produce here at Lake Land College.”

To learn more about the broadcast programs at Lake Land College, visit lakelandcollege.edu/high-demand-programs/ or contact Powers at 217-234-5335 or gpowers@lakelandcollege.edu.

Deciding on what to do after high school graduation can be an overwhelming process. That’s why Lake Land College is scheduling high school visits to help students know more about transitioning from high school to a college or university.

“Meeting with higher education professionals is a very valuable experience for students making the difficult but important decision about college and college life,” said Pam Hartke, admissions representative. “We hope to answer the students’ questions and ease any anxiety they may have about this time in their lives.”

Hartke, along with Olivia Mintun, admissions representative, meet with high school students throughout the college’s district in the fall and spring semesters.

The dates, times and locations of the area high school visits are as follows:

For more information visit lakelandcollege.edu.

The Lake Land College Foundation Board of Directors invites all veterans and community members to the dedication ceremony of the newly installed Lake Land College Veterans Memorial Wall on Friday, Oct. 11 at 1 p.m. The dedication ceremony will take place adjacent to Podestá Park located on Podestá Drive near the back of campus.

The memorial honors all service men and women, past, present and future. Lying 28 feet in length, the black granite wall depicts the six qualities of the U.S. Armed Forces with a centered quote, “Never forget those who bore the scars and those who gave everything.”

“Veterans have been valued members of the Lake Land College student body, faculty and staff throughout the college’s history. The characteristics displayed in the Veterans Memorial Wall design are the same attributes we see in our student veterans and graduates. We are thrilled to honor all who have served with this fitting tribute,” Jackie Joines, executive director for college advancement, said.

“The Foundation is proud to share this wonderful structure on campus that signifies the powerful trilogy of the community college, rural America and selfless service,” Joines added.

Light refreshments will be served.

For additional information, contact the Foundation at 217-234-5363 or foundation@lakelandcollege.edu.

Help your high school student get a jump start on earning college credits with Lake Land College’s Dual Credit Program.

This fall, the Lake Land College Dual Credit program will host multiple Dual Credit Parent Night sessions throughout the college district. The sessions are open to parents and students who are high school sophomores, juniors and seniors.

“Sometimes college can be intimidating, costly or overwhelming, but for high school students throughout the Lake Land College district, they can experience a college class without ever leaving their high school classrooms,” said Lisa Shumard-Shelton, director of dual credit and honors experience.

The Lake Land College Dual Credit program offers eligible high school juniors and seniors the chance to enroll in college-level courses while earning both high school and college credit, tuition free. Courses are taught by a high school teacher who is qualified to instruct college-level classes during the regular high school day at the high school’s facilities.

During the sessions, parents and students will learn about opportunities at district high schools, types of courses offered, transfer information and costs associated with dual credit classes.

The sessions will be held during the following times:

• Tuesday, Nov. 5 at Lake Land College in Mattoon, Webb Hall, room 081 from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, Nov. 12 at the Kluthe Center, room 105, 1204 Network Centre Dr., Effingham, from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, Nov. 19 at the Eastern Region Center, room 102, 224 S. Sixth Street, Marshall from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

To enroll in dual credit courses, students must be juniors or seniors and initially have a high school grade point average equivalent of a C to enroll.  Once a student has taken at least one dual credit course, he/she must maintain a Lake Land College grade point average of 2.0 to continue enrollment. Students must meet all prerequisites and requirements as any other student taking classes on the Lake Land College campus would.

District schools participating in the Dual Credit program through Lake Land College include Altamont High School, Arcola Jr./Sr. High School, Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond High School, Beecher City Jr./Sr. High School, Brownstown High School, Casey-Westfield High School, Charleston High School, Cowden-Herrick High School, Cumberland High School, Dieterich Jr./Sr. High School, Eastern Illinois Education for Employment Services, Effingham High School, Faith Bible Christian Academy, Kansas High School, Marshall High School, Martinsville High School, Mattoon High School, Neoga Sr. High School, Oakland High School, Okaw Valley High School, Okaw Area Vocational Center, Pana Sr. High School, Paris Cooperative High School, Ramsey High School, Shelbyville High School, Shiloh High School, St. Anthony High School, St. Elmo Sr. High School, Stewardson-Strasburg High School, Sullivan High School, Teutopolis High School and Windsor Jr./Sr. High School. 

To learn more about dual credit opportunities through Lake Land College contact Shumard-Shelton at 217-234-5044 or lshumard-shelton@lakelandcollege.edu.

Lake Land College Alumni will induct five new members into the Distinguished Alumni Society and Laker Athletics will honor one new member to the Athletics Hall of Fame during the 2019 Laker Homecoming weekend Sept. 27-28.

The Distinguished Alumni Society (DAS) Class of 2019 inductees are Amanda Perdomo, Mattoon, formerly of Louisville; Richard M. Clapp, Toledo, formerly of Hindsboro; Kelly Sager, Greenville, formerly of Effingham; Mark McCully, Wooster, Ohio, formerly of Varna; and Wesley Wise, Bethany.

The Distinguished Alumni Society recognizes alumni who have utilized the Lake Land experience to make an imprint on their profession or community.

The newest member of the Lake Land College Athletics Hall of Fame is Michael Reynolds, Terre Haute, formerly of Effingham. The Athletics Hall of Fame recognizes athletes, coaches and friends who have excelled in their careers or brought recognition and support to the program.

The honors will take place during the Alumni Recognition Luncheon on Saturday, Sept. 28 at the Mattoon Golf & Country Club. The luncheon is just one of the many events scheduled during the college’s Laker Homecoming.

ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME

Michael Reynolds, Laker Nation Class of 1989

Reynolds is a current head pro at the Wabash Valley Tennis Club. As a Lake Land College star athlete from 1987 to 1989, Reynolds played #1 singles and #1 doubles making his way to the quarterfinals in singles and the semifinals in doubles at the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Championships.

After more than 20 years of coaching, Reynolds has taught and coached nearly 100 tennis players who have received college scholarships at the NJCAA, NAIA, and NCAA Division I, II, and III levels.

“I couldn’t have made a better choice than to play tennis for Lake Land College,” Reynolds said. “My experience on the court and in the classroom at Lake Land was an extremely positive one, and I hope to be able to contribute to another successful tennis program at Lake Land in the future.”

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI SOCIETY CLASS OF 2019

Amanda Perdomo, Laker Nation Class of 2003

Perdomo is the owner of Don Sol Mexican Grill in Mattoon. As an outstanding business owner who does not shy away from giving back to the regional community, Perdomo gained a world of experience during her years as a Lake Land student.

Perdomo was a member of the Student Activity Board and created a number of articles for the Navigator. Through her involvement in student organizations and instructors and staff who guided her through her studies, she made contacts that would go on to become close friends and networking companions for her successful business.

“Marlene Meek was always there just like a mom when we needed her. Krista Burrell always pushed us to do our best and believed in use even when we didn’t believe in ourselves,” Perdomo said.

Not only does Perdomo own and operate Don Sol Mexican Grill, she served for three years as the Mattoon Chamber of Commerce president of the board of directors. She frequently donates proceeds of her sales to numerous organizations including Cops for Kids, Operation Sleigh Ride and Piensa Rosa which supports the Sarah Bush Lincoln Regional Cancer Center. She also participates in One Stop Community Christmas and collects toys and socks throughout the year to donate to the event. She contributes to local sports teams, school booster clubs and volunteers at school breakfast programs. She recently implemented a food truck to her business model and frequently visits both the main campus and the Kluthe Center.

“This small town girl came to the big town of Mattoon to attend Lake Land College. I was met with open arms and wonderful experiences. The staff were always there whenever you needed them and helped prepare me for the business world. Every time I’m back here on campus, I am still met with open arms and now with my business I get to make people happy by feeding them! Thank you to all of those who helped me get to where I am today. Lake Land College will always hold a special place in my heart!” Perdomo said.

Richard M. Clapp, Laker Nation Class of 2002

Clapp is a nursing instructor at St. Mary of the Woods College in Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana. From the time Clapp began school, he wanted to be a nurse and follow in his mother’s footsteps.

Richard has a passion for learning and planned his educational and career paths carefully after graduating from Lake Land so that he would gain the most experience and education possible in an effort to better serve his patients.

Clapp continued his formal education at Indiana State University receiving a bachelor’s degree in nursing and at the University of Rhode Island where he received a master’s degree in nursing, becoming an advanced practice registered nurse. Clapp worked at the same time he pursued his formal education at facilities across the country. He recently served as a hospitalist at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center with the designation ACNP-BC. Always looking to learn as much as possible and be prepared to serve patients, he enlisted in the United States Naval Reserves in 2013 where he currently has the rank of Lt. Commander. He was deployed to Afghanistan in 2015. Richard previously served as faculty for the Lakeview College of Nursing affiliated with Eastern Illinois University.

Clapp’s drive to become the best healthcare provider possible and his passion to be a lifelong learner began at Lake Land College. His career and educational paths both bring distinction to Lake Land College and the nursing program.

“For me, my time at Lake Land College was perhaps the most formative and satisfying years as a student in higher education,” Clapp said. “From the moment I arrived on campus as a nursing student there was a clear expectation of personal accountability, social/community responsibility and academic excellence. Inside the classroom, the small class size, rigorous curriculum, endless clinical opportunities and frequent personal interactions with expert faculty provided a solid educational and clinical foundation that would set the standard for how I view a nursing professional. Outside of the classroom, the numerous social opportunities, both within and outside my area of study allowed me the opportunity to explore a variety of experiences and interact with peers from a variety of backgrounds.

“These experiences, both inside and outside the classroom, shaped me personally, socially and professionally, and have served me in my future endeavors. I will forever be grateful to Lake Land College for setting the foundation for my future successes.”

Kelly Sager, Laker Nation Class of 1991

Sager is the President and CEO of HSHS Holy Family Hospital in Greenville, Illinois. Sager has earned significant accomplishments in her professional career following her time at Lake Land College.

Sager began her career as a staff nurse at HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital. Her genuine spirit and natural leadership abilities earned her subsequent roles as chief nursing officer at St. Anthony’s and later, chief nurse executive for HSHS Southern Illinois Division.

In addition to her diploma from Lake Land College, Sager holds a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership from Greenville College, a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville and a master’s degree in nursing administration from Bellevue University in Bellevue, Nebraska. Sager serves on many community advisory and administrative boards and selflessly volunteers with her church, neighborhood events and more.

“Her passion and commitment to helping others is demonstrated through her work and has resulted in her growing leadership roles,” her nominator, Deana Nuxoll, said. “Sager is a terrific role model for aspiring nursing students and the community.”

“Lake Land College served as my first extension to higher education. It became the platform I used to begin to move my way into a nursing career. I had mentors that encouraged me to attend due to its great reputation for nursing programs. I was so lucky to get in and the program was challenging,” Sager said. “Mrs. Thompson ran the programs at that time and she was very encouraging to all students. They were all tough so we could become the best professionals we could be. I remember her saying, ‘Nurses save lives. They heal−body and soul.’ What a great foundation for a lifelong career. I am proud to be an alumni!”

Mark McCully, Laker Nation Class of 1992

McCully is the current CEO of the American Angus Association, one of the largest livestock associations in the world.

In his previous position, McCully served as vice president for production at Certified Angus Beef, the most well-known branded meat program. McCully’s influence and leadership has impacted animal and meat production on a global scale.

McCully obtained an associate degree from Lake Land College as an Ag transfer major. He completed a bachelor’s degree from Western Illinois University and conducted master’s research at Michigan State University.

“As far as achievements and leadership, McCully has had a career that most could only dream of. He is a great supporter and advocate of Lake Land College and is the epitome of a successful Laker alumnus,” nominator Ryan Orrick, division chair agriculture/agriculture instructor, said.

“My time at Lake Land College was incredibly beneficial and impactful on my life,” McCully said. “Most importantly, Lake Land was where I met my wife, Gerry. Professionally, my involvement in the livestock judging team dramatically expanded my horizons of the livestock industry. This, coupled with various life skills developed through judging, set my career on the path I’ve been blessed with ever since.

“There were many staff and faculty that had a marked impact but probably most notable was Curt Rincker. He was a true mentor and saw more in me than I did in myself. I consider myself blessed to have had Curt in my life’s path.”

Wesley Wise, Laker Nation Class of 2003

Wise is the agricultural educator and FFA advisor at Okaw Valley High School (OVHS). After receiving an associate degree from Lake Land College, Wise attended the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana and received a bachelor’s degree in Ag education.

“Wise has taken the Okaw Valley Ag program to new heights under his leadership. He is amazing with students and is always thinking about the students first. Over the last five years at OVHS he has been instrumental in developing a program with the CORPS of Engineers which won a National Partnership Award. This program also won the Army CORPS of Engineers in Shelbyville the National Stem Award. His Ag students do a lot of work on Lake Shelbyville and even farm acreage for the CORPS,” nominator Matt Shoaff, Okaw Valley High School principal, said.

Wise led a team at OVHS that built a new state of the art ag facility. It is a one of a kind complex which houses animals and allows students to participate in hands on learning. Wise and the OVHS staff have presented at the Illinois School Board Convention in Chicago the last two years about the OVHS Ag program.

“He is a strong promoter of Lake Land College and is always pushing students to attend Lake Land. He is still connected with the ag program at Lake Land and works closely with Division Chair Agriculture/Agriculture Instructor Ryan Orrick,” Shoaff said.

“Lake Land College helped to lay the foundation for my career and success in education,” Wise said. “Lake Land was the perfect fit for me as a small town student that needed to bridge the gap between high school and a university. Not only were the faculty beyond outstanding, the experience was first rate also. I was allowed to develop the skills needed for me to be successful because of the personal relationships that I had with my teachers. I wasn’t just another face in the crowd. They knew my name, my goals and my dreams. More importantly, they took it as a personal challenge to help me become successful. Without Lake Land College, I have no doubt that I would never be in the position that I am today. I am beyond proud to say that I am celebrating my 15th year in education because of the outstanding education that I received at Lake Land College.

“During my time at Lake Land College several of the faculty inspired me to continue to follow my dream of becoming an educator. Curt Rincker was the first to cultivate this passion and was the main reason that I chose education. Curt was a mentor of mine before I even began Lake Land and allowed me to job shadow him throughout my high school years. Additionally, while attending Lake Land Jon Althaus and Bob Jurgens built upon the foundation that Curt had started and fed my passion of agriculture and education. Both of those men loved their job and made it apparent that they had a vested interest in all of their students. Also, Jon Van Dyke was someone who made every effort to assist me in my career goals. Although Jon never taught a class, he worked with me to make sure that all my objectives and needs were met. These men no doubt helped shape me into the educator I have become today.”