Laker Nation News

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.”

The Lake Land College Community Choir will begin its fall rehearsals Tuesday, Oct. 1 from 7 – 9:30 p.m. in the Lake Land College Theater.

The choir is a group of approximately 45 mixed voices including students, college employees and members of the community. All singers age 18 and older are welcome to participate. No audition is required.

Choir members may earn one hour of college credit for singing in the choir. Interested singers can complete a registration form at the first rehearsal or register online. Registration for college credit is not required and participation in the choir is free for those who do not register.

“Although the couch may look inviting on Tuesday nights, my singers tell me they are energized by our rehearsals, which feature both familiar songs and new selections just challenging enough to prove a sense of accomplishment when we master them. Singing in a large group is a wonderful experience and with many church choirs shrinking in size, I am happy to provide this opportunity for residents of the Lake Land College district. Performing arrangements of favorite Christmas carols, as we do each fall, is always a treat,” Nancy Caldwell, music instructor and director of the choir, said.

The fall season will culminate in a concert on Sunday, Nov. 24 at 3 p.m. in the Theater. Selections feature an updated arrangement of the “Ukrainian bell Carol” and a setting of “Patapan” with piano four-hands accompaniment, as well as a breathtaking song bringing together “O Holy Night” and “Silent Night.” Listeners will reminisce with Christmas at the Movies, a medley that features “Snow,” “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” and “Believe” from the Polar Express. A trumpet and drum combo will join the choir for jazzy settings of “We Three Kings” and “Ding Dong Merrily on High,” and the concert will close with “Flow,” written and made famous by Paris, Illinois native Brett Eldredge.

For more information contact Caldwell at 217-234-5464.

The 2019 Laker Homecoming week is in full swing with several events yet to come. The celebration, centered on the theme Rewind, Remix and Reconnect, continues throughout the week and into the weekend with major events scheduled for Friday, Sept. 27 and Saturday, Sept. 28.

Laker Spirit Day is set for Friday with the Laker Athletic Reunion at 5 p.m. in the Field House, Walden Room, preceding the Laker Volleyball game against Vincennes University at 6 p.m. Fans are also encouraged to go to Grimes Field at Peterson Park in Mattoon to watch the Laker Baseball team take on Eastern Illinois University at 6:30 p.m.

A free dance party will follow the volleyball game at 8 p.m. at Laker Point in the Luther Student Center. Students and alumni can get their groove on to four decades of hit music with the Throwback Time Machine Dance Party, led by the interactive dance party company DEGY Entertainment.

On Saturday, Lake Land will hold many alumni events throughout the day such as the Alumni Recognition Luncheon, a car show, catering from Don Sol Mexican Grill and a free concert by the regionally famous band, The Brat Pack.

The Brat Pack will revive hits from the 80s at 5 p.m. in Alumni Park with the car show taking place nearby in parking lot E beginning at 3 p.m. A car cruise from Lake Land to downtown Mattoon will begin at the conclusion of the concert.

Students, alumni and the public are encouraged to take part in the festivities at no cost. Lake Land is thrilled to welcome home its alumni with lively events and share in the pride of being a Laker.

The Lake Land College Dental Hygiene program is offering free dental cleanings for children, adolescents and adults from Sept. 30 to Oct. 11.

Clinic hours are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from1-5 p.m., and Wednesday from 12-4 p.m. and 4-8 p.m. The Heartland Dental Dental Hygiene Lab is located in the Northwest Building, room 116 on the Lake Land College campus, 5001 Lake Land Blvd., Mattoon.

Call 217-234-5249 to schedule an appointment.

Lake Land College is offering a series of grant writing courses: Grant Writing 101, Grant Proposal Development and Grant Research.

Grant Writing 101 is a three-hour course and is designed for nonprofit employees and board members who have limited or no experience with grant writing.

Throughout the course, students will learn about different types of grants funders, the core components of a grant application, how to work within their organization to find the information they need and how to build and manage relationships with funders.

After completion of the course, students will have a much better idea of whether grants are a good fit for their school, nonprofit or agency.

Grant Writing 101 will be held on Friday, Nov. 8 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Workforce Development Center, room 105 located at 305 Richmond Ave. East, Mattoon. The cost is $99.

Grant Proposal Development is a more advanced course and will dive deep into each section of a standard grand proposal. Students will be given a grant narrative template that will be described in detail and the instructor will provide tips and tricks for each section.

After the three-hour course, each student will be asked to fill out the narrative template and schedule a one-hour follow up consultation call with the instructor to receive individualized feedback on their narrative.

Participants should have some grant writing experience or have attended the Grant Writing 101 course.

Grant Proposal will be held on Friday, Nov. 8 from 1 – 4 p.m. at the Workforce Development Center, room 105 at 305 Richmond Ave. East, Mattoon. The cost is $349.

The final course in the series is Grant Research. It is a six-hour course that will cover best practices for finding grants and basic information on search engines, including hands on practice on the use of the one of the most popular databases. Using their own potentially “fundable” projects, participants will learn how to identify potential funders, evaluate the likelihood that a funder would be interested in his/her project and communicate effectively with funders.

Participants do not need to have any grant experience for this course.

Grant Research will be held on Monday, Dec. 2 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Workforce Development Center, room 101 at 305 Richmond Ave. East, Mattoon. The cost is $199.

All courses will be taught by Fielding Jezreel. Fielding has worked in the grants field since 2013, is Grant Professional Certified (GPC) and has raised $20 million for nonprofits.

All courses are designed for nonprofits – not grants for individuals or businesses or grants to attend college.

To register for one or all three courses, go to lakelandcollege.edu/learn.

For more information, contact Professional Development Support Jackie Wake at jwake@lakelandcollege.edu or at 217-234-5087.

Lake Land College is offering Microsoft Excel classes in October at the Kluthe Center in Effingham.

The Microsoft Excel II – Intermediate level class will be held on Oct. 14 from 6 – 9 p.m. This class will cover topics such as managing multiple-sheet workbooks, working with charts, adding graphics to worksheets and applying advanced functions.

The Microsoft Excel – Advanced level class will be on Oct. 21 from 6 – 9 p.m. This class will cover topics such as creating pivot tables and macros, using financial functions and data analysis and integrating excel with other programs.

Both classes will be located at the Kluthe Center, room 222 and will be taught by Jill Bushue. The cost is $50 per class.

Students can take the Intermediate Level or the Advanced Level, or both. To register, go to www.lakelandcollege.edu/learn, scroll through the community education classes to choose a class and enroll. Drop date for a refund is five business days prior to the class.

For more information, contact Jackie Wake at 217-234-5087 or jwake@lakelandcollege.edu.

Visit Lake Land College and find out all the college offers at Laker Visit Day. The event will be held Friday, Oct. 11 in the Field House starting at 9 a.m. and will run until noon.

The event is for potential students who are interested in learning more about Lake Land College. Prospective students are provided with the opportunity to tour campus, visit a class, meet current students and talk with faculty. Parents and guardians are welcome to attend and learn more about the college during a parent session.

The event will feature informational sessions by current Lake Land College Student Ambassadors and college staff. Representatives from Admissions & Records, Financial Aid, Counseling Services, Career Services, Student Life and other departments will provide information and be available to answer questions. Students will also meet with faculty members in their academic area of interest.

“Laker Visit Day is a great way for prospective students and parents to talk to faculty and staff about academic options and majors, to talk to current students about their experiences at the college and to learn about various services and opportunities we offer,” Michelle Zumbahlen, coordinator for strategic student communication and initiatives, said.

On Laker Visit Day, attendees will tour campus with Student Ambassadors; comfortable shoes are recommended. To get to the Field House, take Entrance 1 from Route 45, proceed straight after the curve and park in Lot A. The Field House will be on the west side of Parking Lot A and has a white, circular roof. Enter the lobby from the south side of the building.

Student Ambassadors will greet guests and help with directions. In case of inclement weather on the day of the event, please check the college’s homepage at lakelandcollege.edu for closures.

For more information, or to register for Laker Visit Day, go to lakelandcollege.edu/visit or call 217-234-5377.

Since opening in 1995, the Lake Land College Kluthe Center, located in Effingham, has provided opportunities for thousands of area students to earn a college education close to home.

Kluthe Center Director Karen Kull presented an annual report to the Lake Land College Board of Trustees during the regular August meeting which is held at the center each year.

Kull reported new security cameras were installed in the entryways, hallways and outside of the building. Campus police and Kluthe staff can monitor the video feed. Additional updates include the painting of several classrooms and updates to landscaping.

Additionally, the Kluthe Center recently became a host site for I-CAR (Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair) training sessions. I-CAR is a not-for-profit organization providing continuing education and training for auto collision repair technicians.

The Kluthe Center also hosted several events throughout the year including Lake Land College Day where more than 300 area high school juniors attended to learn more about college and the options available in their own community. The Kluthe Center also hosted a C.E.F.S. Sign-up Day which was held in late July. The C.E.F.S. staff assisted more than 40 students in three hours, with several students driving from Mattoon. At the event, TRiO Student Services was able to recruit several students, Perkins information was given to all and several students’ questions were answered regarding financial aid and academic counseling.

In addition to hosting informational events and general education courses, the Kluthe Center is home to several full-time programs: Basic Nurse Assisting, Practical Nursing, Associate Degree Nurse, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Basic Welding, Massage Therapy and Physical Therapist Assistant.

Adult Education GED classes were also offered at the center this past year along with English as a Second Language classes and Pathways Alternative high school classes. Basic computer training, Food Service Sanitation Certificate, and Welding Certificate classes were also held.