Laker Nation News

Lake Land College is accepting nominations for the Distinguished Service Award, Alumnus Achievement Award and Retiree Wall of Fame Award to be announced in spring 2020.

The Distinguished Service Award and the Alumnus Achievement Award will be presented at the college’s 2020 Commencement ceremony and the Retiree Wall of Fame recipients will be announced during a ceremony on campus in the spring.

All nomination forms must be received by Dec. 13, and are available on the college’s website at lakelandcollege.edu/alumni/award-nominations/ or by contacting Seirra Laughhunn, administrative assistant to the president’s office, at 217-234-5222 or slaughhunn42647@lakelandcollege.edu.

The Distinguished Service Award is presented to an individual whose exemplary service and contributions have benefited Lake Land College or its affiliated organizations. Current paid members of the faculty and staff and current members of the board of trustees are not eligible for this award.

Past Distinguished Service Award winners are Kathleen Doehring (2019), Robert Luther (2018), Scott Lensink (2017), James Shaffer (2016), Robert Pancoast (2015), Max Jaeger (2014), Annette Lynch (2013), Gerald Forsythe (2012), John Livesay (2011), Rick Manuell (2010), Preston Smith (2009), Bob Willenborg (2008), Don Portugal (2007), Dwight Schilling (2006), Anne Bacon, (2005), Susan Leach (2004), Anne Kabbes (2003), James Allee (2002), Roger Dettro (2001), Peter M. Bonutti (2000), Charles Adams (1999), Michael Yager (1998), James Bennett (1997), Tom Reedy (1996), R. Dale Adams (1995), Jack Schultz (1994), Consuello Luttrell (1993), George Mitchell (1992), Melvin Lockard (1991), Lowell Samuel (1990), Eugene Bauer (1989), William Podestá (1988), Jack Oberhill (1987), Floyd Curl (1985), Robert Johnson (1984), Virgil and Charlene Roberts (1983), Eddie Collings (1982) and William B. Hills (1981).

The Alumnus Achievement Award is presented to a Lake Land College graduate who has attained outstanding success and distinction in his or her field of endeavor. The nominee must hold a degree or certificate from Lake Land and be active in the endeavor for which the degree or certificate is intended.

Past Alumnus Achievement Award recipients are Greg Sapp (2019), Cari Rincker (2018), Diane Sterchi (2017), Kenin Smith (2016), Chad Moutray (2015), Greg Conrad (2014), Rex Morgan (2013), Larry Blackerby (2011), Monte Reel (2010), Tom Wright (2009), David Storm (2008), Scott Frailey (2007), Zack Taylor (2006), Larry Lilly (2005), Greg Grunloh (2004), Michael Searles (2003), Harry Carter (2002), James Zimmer (2001), Carolyn Kolling (2000), Dianne Harless Schultz (1999), Richard Smith (1998), James Winfield (1997), Randall Miller (1996), Gina Spinner (1995), Patricia McNutt (1994), Lt. Daniel Wise (1993), Tom Cox (1992), Larry Wilson (1991), Edward Ward (1990), Kris Koontz (1989), Gail Darling (1988), John Livesay (1987), Dennis Charney (1986), Michael V. Neal (1985), Carol Spannagel (1984), Thomas Stoutenborough (1983), Eric Randal Heiple (1982) and Richard West (1981).

The Retiree Wall of Fame Awards are presented to retired faculty or staff who made significant contributions to the college and/or who have made contributions through their profession or community at the local, state, regional or national level that reflect positively on Lake Land College. The nominee must have been employed at Lake Land College for a minimum of 15 years and must have been separated from his or her SURS-eligible position for a minimum of five years. Present paid members of the faculty and staff and current members of the board of trustees are not eligible for these awards.

Past Wall of Fame Award recipients are Dennis Gathmann (2008), Max Jaeger (2008), Joe Albin (2008), Marilyn Gover (2008), Charles Womack (2008), Gerald Parker (2008), Thomas Reedy (2008), Bill Rich (2008), Helen Smith (2009), David Greeson (2009), Larry Gutzler (2009), Hal Kottwitz (2009), Joyce Shull (2009), Marianne Morgan (2010), Robert Orr (2010), Richard Heller (2010), Carol Sanders (2010), Jack Browning (2010), Joe Hanley (2011), William Little (2011), Mildred Flottmann (2011), Roberta Hollada (2011), Roberta Williams (2011), Charles Wieck (2012), Jalee Cox (2012), Wayne Weaver (2012), Robert Luther (2013), Marion Rohlinger (2013), James Luedke (2014), Robert Jurgens (2014), Carroll Gibbons (2014), Roy Culp (2015), Marilyn Fuqua Thompson (2015), David Stapleton (2016), Cletus Underwood (2016), Ron Sanderson (2016), Jim Dudley (2017), Curt Rincker (2017), Bill Hollada (2017), Kathleen Doehring (2018), Tom Kerkhoff (2018), Ben Ragle (2018), Rick Gresens (2019) and Larry Larvick (2019).

The Retiree Wall of Fame Award recipients will receive their awards at the Employee Appreciation and Wall of Fame Ceremony.

For any questions regarding the awards, contact Laughhunn.

The Lake Land College Dental Hygiene program is offering free dental cleanings and x-rays to veterans through the month of November for Veterans Appreciation Month.

Clinic hours are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 1-5 p.m., and Wednesday from 12-4 p.m. and 4-8 p.m. The clinic is located in the Northwest Building, room 116 on the Lake Land College campus, 5001 Lake Land Blvd., Mattoon. Appointments for free cleanings and x-rays for veterans will be scheduled from Nov. 1-30.

To schedule an appointment, call 217-234-5249.

Lake Land College welcomed the new Executive Director for College Advancement Christi Donsbach, in early October. She replaces Jackie Joines who will retire from the position this fall.

Donsbach has more than 14 years of experience in fostering a culture of philanthropy in a college setting. In her most recent position, as the director of development for Eastern Illinois University (EIU), she was responsible for the leadership and management of alumni and friends to an assigned fundraising portfolio, as well as planned giving. During her time at EIU, she presided over four boards of directors, each totaling 25 members, as well as taught a university foundation introductory course and presented at several regional educational seminars.

Prior to joining EIU, Donsbach served as the director of donor & alumni relations at Midland Institute for Entrepreneurship in Effingham, director of development & alumni relations at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and director of development at Pony Bird Inc. in Mapaville, Missouri.

Donsbach recently served on the membership committee for the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and served as co-chair for the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District V conference. She is a member of the Effingham Chamber of Commerce, a past member of the Effingham PEO, a member of the St. Aloysius Church and an investor/mentor in Effingham County CEO. She was also recognized as one of Effingham Illinois’ Top Community Leaders Under 40 in 2015.

In her new role, Donsbach will lead the Foundation and alumni areas of the college and serve as the chief executive officer of the Lake Land College Foundation. With a primary focus on philanthropy, alumni engagement and building of community partnerships, Donsbach will work closely with several key stakeholders both within the college and throughout the college district, and serve as a catalyst for donor and volunteer involvement for the Foundation through a variety of operational activities.

Lake Land College President Dr. Josh Bullock said Donsbach’s vast experience in higher education development is closely aligned with the mission of the college and Foundation.

“We are pleased to welcome Ms. Donsbach to One Laker Nation. We know her past experiences building relationships to advance the college, students and the community will serve the Lake Land College Foundation well,” Bullock said. “She brings with her a plethora of ambitious strategic initiatives that will build upon the strong framework of the Foundation and will benefit the future of the college, Foundation and alumni. We are fortunate to find in Ms. Donsbach a candidate who has a wide range of development experience in a college setting as well as business and industry.

“We look forward to the potential of her leadership in the college advancement office within the college, in the community and as well as the Foundation and Alumni board members,” Bullock added.

Donsbach said she looks forward to her new role at Lake Land College.

“I am honored to join the Lake Land College community and connect with faculty and staff. I look forward to partnering with the Foundation and Alumni board members who have experienced so much success. I am excited to build upon their accomplishments and positively impact our students, college and the entire Lake Land College region well into the future,” Donsbach said.

Donsbach has a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and a master’s degree in business administration from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She lives in Teutopolis with her husband, Jake, and their four children.

To learn more about the Lake Land College Foundation visit lakelandcollege.edu/foundation/ or contact Donsbach at 217-234-5354 or cdonsbach@lakelandcollege.edu.

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.