Laker Nation News

Lake Land College student and Phi Theta Kappa Treasurer Rhyta Hooks of St. Elmo has been named a 2019 New Century Workforce Pathway Scholar and will receive a $1,250 scholarship. This is a prestigious award as only one scholar is selected from each state.

This scholarship is the first of its kind to support students at associate degree-granting institutions who plan to enter the workforce upon the completion of a degree or certificate on a national scale. The program is sponsored by The Coca-Cola Foundation and Phi Theta Kappa.

“Education helps ensure that young people can realize their full potential,” said Helen Smith Price, president of The Coca-Cola Foundation. “The Coca-Cola Foundation places a high priority on supporting education to help build strong communities.”

New Century Workforce Pathway Scholars are selected based on their academic accomplishments, leadership, activities and how they extend their intellectual talents beyond the classroom. More than 2,000 students were nominated from more than 1,200 college campuses across the country. Only one New Century Workforce Pathway Scholar was selected from each state.

Hooks is the current treasurer of the Lake Land College Phi Theta Kappa chapter and contributed to the recognition of Phi Theta Kappa as a Five Star Chapter for the first time in the history of Lake Land College. With more than 50 hours of scholarly research, writing and community service, the Lake Land College Phi Theta Kappa chapter took a lead role in assisting with the opening of the Laker Food Pantry in the fall of 2018.

Hooks thanked Phi Theta Kappa Advisor and Academic Counselor Krista Burrell for being a major help throughout the application process.

“When I received the email saying that I had been awarded the scholarship, I was very surprised! I am simply amazed with it all and very grateful! I am honored to represent Lake Land College through this,” Hooks said.

“We congratulate Rhyta for receiving this prestigious scholarship, and we are honored to partner with The Coca-Cola Foundation to recognize her outstanding achievements,” said Phi Theta Kappa’s President and CEO Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner. “Scholarship programs like this are integral for creating opportunities for students to succeed as they prepare to enter the workforce and for putting college completion within reach.”

The New Century Workforce Pathway Scholars will be recognized during the Association of Community College Trustees’ (ACCT) Leadership Congress in San Francisco, in October 2019.

Lake Land College will offer a one-day Self-Defense class from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 10. The class will be held at Lake Land College in Webb Hall, room 081.

The 6-hour course, taught by Instructor Dwayne Beccue, is designed to educate students on the realities of what can happen to the body and mind in a fight against a violent attacker. It develops the ability to recognize, deter and de-escalate violence and manage fear. It will also train students on how to deal with violent situations should they become unavoidable. Regardless of age, size, strength and ability, students will build confidence while learning natural, simple and practical physical skills for self-defense.

“Using force in defense of yourself or others is a serious subject and should not be left to chance. Proper understanding of the law and how it is applied to self-defense is of utmost importance,” Beccue said. “Should the unthinkable happen and self-defense is necessary, it needs to be done in a manner that will not lead to legal trouble. This seminar is not legal advice, but simply gives the attendees a greater understanding of the law as it pertains to use of force and a practical way to apply and retain the information and knowledge.”

To register, go to lakelandcollege.edu/learn. The 6-hour course is available for registration at $40. The price will increase to $50 beginning July 1. The drop date for a refund is five business days prior to the class.

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

Lake Land College will offer two sections of a two-day Introduction to Concealed Carry class from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, June 1 and 2 and Aug. 17 and 18, at Accuracy Firearms in Effingham.

The 16-hour course, taught by Illinois Concealed Carry Instructor Dwayne Beccue, is designed to educate students about handguns best suited for personal defense, how to carry handguns safely and how to deploy and use them efficiently in the context of a dynamic critical incident. The course will also cover the laws pertaining to the appropriate and lawful use of carrying handguns in public.

Enrollment in the class is $150. To register, go to lakelandcollege.edu/learn and choose the preferred class date to enroll. Drop date for a refund is five business days prior to the class.

Accuracy Firearms is located at 1300 S. Raney St., Effingham.

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

Lake Land College will maintain current tuition and fee rates for the upcoming 2019-2020 academic year.

“Two major factors play a part in Lake Land’s ability to maintain tuition and fee rates – reliable funding from the state combined with a continued focus on affordability by balancing revenues outside of tuition and fees,” Vice President for Business Services Bryan Gleckler explained.

“Whether you are a transfer student with a goal to transfer to a four year program without a significant financial burden, a student with a goal to receive a certificate in a vocational program or are in the middle of your career and are seeking the needed skill for a promotion or a career change, Lake Land College has programs that meet all of these goals at a highly affordable rate for the communities we serve,” Gleckler said.

Current tuition rates for in-district students will remain at $105.50 per credit hour with one year of tuition and fee rates averaging about $4,000. Lake Land College remains well below the state average for community colleges for both in-district and out-of-district per credit hour costs.

The current activity fee of $2.50 per credit hour will stay the same for the upcoming 2019-2020 academic year, as well as the $18.42 per credit hour dual credit fee. The current service fee of $29 will increase by $0.67 for the 2019-2020 academic year to improve textbook rental services.

“Not only does Lake Land College remain committed to delivering a high quality education to our students, we also remain dedicated to being one of the most affordable educational options in the state of Illinois,” Gleckler said.

To learn more about the value of a Lake Land College education visit lakelandcollege.edu.

Lake Land College awarded the 2019 Lake Land College Lifelong Learner Award to Annette Lynch, retired science middle school teacher and part-time student, during the March board of trustees meeting. The award celebrates the accomplishments of Illinois’ community college students over the age of 50 who have used their community college as a resource on multiple occasions.

Lynch, age 74, continuously demonstrates her commitment to developing her professional and personal skills to positively impact her peers, family and friends. Lynch, who retired from teaching science at Charleston Middle School in 2001 after 35 years, returned to school in June 2006, enrolling at Lake Land College as a part-time student in order to keep herself up-to-date with the world around her. Since enrolling at Lake Land College, Lynch has completed 135.5 credits with the college, earning a cumulative GPA of 3.96.

Her involvement and dedication to education has allowed her to accumulate a wide variety of certificates including: a certificate in esthetics in 2007, a massage therapy certificate in 2008 and a digital media specialist certificate. She also takes classes in the Radio/TV program and DJs for 89.9 FM The Max Alternative radio station on campus.

Lynch spends countless hours volunteering her time to the college by working with fellow students, participating in Club IT and working with the Business Division on projects related to the Information Technology (IT) programs.

According to Scott Rhine, IT instructor/program coordinator/IT-network administration, Lynch serves as a positive role model to her fellow students in the IT programs. He said that she is the unofficial advisor for the digital media students and is an advocate for students, helping them acquire the services and supplies they need. Rhine also stated that Lynch is perhaps the most influential person in the group, because she serves as the club’s task master, motivator, public relations person and service-learning mentor.

Rhine said that Lynch organizes clean-up days around Webb Hall and is instrumental in challenging other club members to adopt a building on campus for clean-up.

Although Lynch has never sought praise or recognition for her contributions as a student, mentor and volunteer, there have been numerous staff within the Lake Land family who have wanted to make sure she has been honored for her impact to the college community and how she has inspired numerous individuals with her dedication to lifelong learning.

Josh Bullock, Lake Land College president, also had high praise for the contributions that Lynch has made since enrolling in Lake Land.

“Annette defines what it means to be a lifelong learner. She brings an unquenchable thirst for knowledge to the classroom, and willingly shares her talents with peers. At every opportunity, Annette promotes Lake Land’s vision to engage minds and change lives through the power of learning,” Bullock said.

This will be Lynch’s third award from the college. In 2011, Lynch received the Outstanding Student Award from the Lake Land College Business Division. In 2013, Lake Land College honored Lynch with the Distinguished Service Award for her outstanding service and dedication to the college.

Lynch currently lives in Charleston, IL.

The Charleston LifeSpan Center will host Tech Savvy Saturday, March 23 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Students from the Lake Land College IT Club will assist with technology devices including how to use email, app functions and social media. This event is open to the public and to all ages.

“Seniors in a digital world can be easily overwhelmed by all the new technology. Simple training in using computers, tablets and smart phones can help seniors to stay connected with their families, friends and communities. This is especially important for seniors who wish to live independently,” LifeSpan Center Program/Public Relations Director Chris Garver said.

Participants are encouraged to bring devices from home such as a smartphone, tablet or laptop in order to follow along with the group or for one-on-one assistance with one of the students.

The LifeSpan Center is hosting a second Tech Savvy Saturday in partnership with the Lake Land College IT Club on Saturday, April 13 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Tech Savvy Saturday is sponsored by AARP. For more information and to pre-register, call the LifeSpan Center at 217-639-5150.

Lake Land College Alumna Amanda Tucker, Laker Nation Class of 2015, received the 2019 Lake Land College Pacesetter Award during the March board of trustees meeting.

The award recognizes the accomplishments of Illinois’ recent community college graduates who exemplify academic success, humanitarian service, distinction in their chosen career field and a continued interest in and support of education and community colleges.

Tucker graduated from Lake Land College in 2015 earning both an associate in science degree and an associate in arts degree. She transferred to Eastern Illinois University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management in 2017.

Three months before graduating, Tucker began her current career as the director of weddings and events at the Keller Convention Center in Effingham.

“When starting at Lake Land in 2013, I was not exactly sure what I wanted to do. However, once I finished my first semester, I changed my major so that when I entered a four year university I could easily transfer into hospitality management. I was very excited to get started in this industry,” Tucker said.

Tucker was a highly involved student while attending Lake Land College. During this time she was a Student Ambassador, a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honorary Society and a Peer-to-Peer Student Assistant. While finishing her education at Eastern Illinois University she continued to stay involved at Lake Land College by working in Admissions & Records.

“Mature beyond her years, Amanda impressed our campus community with her work ethic, desire to succeed and willingness to help those around her. It was easy to see that she had large dreams that she continues to work toward today,” Dave Cox, director of alumni relations and annual giving said.

Tucker has achieved great success as the director of weddings and events. Within her first year at the Keller Convention Center, wedding sales increased by 25 percent.

Tucker also regularly takes on extra responsibility in order to please her clients and colleagues.

“I love helping people. Planning weddings and events can be stressful, but the fulfillment that comes with making people happy is unmatched. No matter where I go in life, helping people will be something I look for in any career,” Tucker said.

Her efforts to contribute in any way she can go beyond work. She currently serves as social chair for YBNext in Effingham. YBNext is a group of Effingham Young Business Professionals that has a goal to educate, inform and employ the talents of the next leadership group of Effingham County. Her role as social chair is to plan social events for current members and potential members.

“YBNext events vary, but we do a lot of volunteering and learn how we can become involved with groups that benefit the community. Last week we helped stuff bags for Blessings in a Backpack. Not only do I want to help people, but so do the people in this group. It’s refreshing to be around like-minded people,” Tucker said.

Tucker also shows a great interest in working with educational fundraising and continues to use her skills to serve future students. In October, Tucker attended Lake Land College’s Foundation Board Meeting to learn more about the foundation and the work it takes to raise funds for educational institutions.

“Lake Land College gave me the opportunity to begin my higher education, which led me to my current profession. I want to see the college continue to do great things in the lives of their students and employees. I am lucky to have been impacted by Lake Land College,” Tucker added.

Tucker’s approach to higher education is outstanding and she continues to use the skills she acquired at Lake Land College to benefit her future endeavors, as well as the community around her.

“Lake Land College was a huge blessing in my life that I know I wouldn’t have received anywhere else,” Tucker said.