Laker Nation News

Lake Land College will welcome a new livestock judging coach, Hayden Wilder of Macomb, this fall. After a successful year for the Lake Land College Livestock Judging Team, Wilder plans to take the team to even greater success in the coming years.

“I am looking forward to the challenge of fully preparing the sophomore team for success on the national level while simultaneously getting the freshman team acclimated to the culture of collegiate judging,” Wilder said.

Wilder’s first and foremost responsibilities include teaching several classes throughout the semester ranging from ag business to animal science, all of which support the Agriculture Division curriculum. Wilder will also play a vital role in team recruiting and coordinating Lake Land’s annual judging contest each March.

Wilder will begin his position at Lake Land with an array of experience under his belt. While earning a master of business administration from Western Illinois University (WIU), he served as the assistant coach of the WIU Livestock Judging Team alongside Mark Hoge. It is clear where his passions lie having grown up on a small grain farm in Remington, Indiana. He showed pigs throughout his youth and participated in 4-H, FFA and livestock judging teams throughout his high school and college years.

Wilder will be a valuable resource to the college, and he knew from the moment he stepped foot on campus that Lake Land would be the place he called home.

“After spending an afternoon on campus, it quickly became clear to me that the students, faculty and administration work collaboratively to make Lake Land College a top-notch place to call home,” said Wilder. “The support that the Livestock Judging program receives from all levels within the college is integral in allowing the team to find national success year in and year out. The attractive environment of the college makes my role as the Livestock Judging Team coach very exciting, as I think the opportunities for the program are endless.”

Wilder received an associate degree from Black Hawk East and a bachelor’s degree in ag business with a minor in animal science from Western Illinois University. He was a member of successful judging teams at both schools. For the last four years, Wilder has also been fortunate to work part time for Lake Land alumnus JR Armstrong of Armstrong Genetics, a 140-sow show pig operation south of Macomb.

Shelbyville High School placed first in the team event at the annual Business and Computer Contest sponsored by the Lake Land College Business Division and Club IT on April 26.

Other high schools participating in the event were Centralia High School, Champaign Centennial High School, Champaign Central High School, Charleston High School, Dieterich High School, Fairfield Community High School, Flora High School, Martinsville High School, Neoga High School, Newton Community High School, Okaw Valley High School, Pana High School, Paris High School, PBL High School, Shelbyville High School, Shiloh High School and St. Elmo High School.

“We look forward to this contest every year,” said Kathy Black, business division chair and coordinator of the contest. “We enjoy seeing and visiting with area business teachers and interacting with talented students.  It’s a great opportunity for students to showcase their business and computer skills.”

Students from area high schools competed in the following categories: accounting, general business and current events, MOS Word, MOS PowerPoint and MOS Excel. Depending on the category, students either completed a written test or a hands-on test on the computer.

First place winners of each contest received a 3-credit-hour tuition waiver from Lake Land College. The winners are as follows:

Accounting: Tristan Will, Newton Community High School

General Business and Current Events: Amber Clark, Fairfield Community High School

MOS Word: Camryn Burris, Pana High School

MOS PowerPoint: Ashton Fifield, Charleston High School

MOS Excel: Trenton King, Charleston High School

For more information, contact Black at 217-234-5348 or by email at kblack@lakelandcollege.edu.

Lake Land College will award the 2019 Distinguished Service Award to Kathleen Doehring, retired nursing program director, during Commencement on Friday, May 10 at 7:30 p.m. The award acknowledges an individual who has rendered outstanding service to the college.

Doehring started her employment at Lake Land College in 1982 as an instructor for the practical nursing and associate degree nurse programs (ADN) before being promoted to the ADN/PN program director where she served until her retirement in 2009.

During her 28-year tenure, Doehring’s innovative contributions helped Lake Land College establish itself as a premier nursing education institution. Doehring was viewed as an expert in curriculum, program outcomes, and outcomes assessment and was instrumental in positioning the nursing program to be the first program on campus to offer classes in online and distance learning.

Along with Marilyn Fuqua Thompson, retired Allied Health Division Chair, and several other instructors, Doehring worked to create the ADN program at Lake Land College. She also developed a process to track applications and admissions to ensure nursing programs accepted the most qualified students.

Doehring believed in using her knowledge to help the community. She was a part of the Illinois Cancer Pain Initiative, which influenced later developments in pain control. She presented pain seminars in Mattoon and served on the editorial board of the Clinical Care Journal. She also served on the board of directors of Lincoln Land Visiting Nurses Association.

Doehring served in a multitude of professional organizations including the American Nurses Association, Illinois Nurses Association, National League of Nursing (NLN), National Organization for the Advancement of ADN, Illinois Council of ADN Directors, Illinois Council of PN Directors and Sigma Theta Tau nursing honorary society. She was a certified NLN Nurse Educator and program evaluator and visited nursing programs nationwide to ensure the programs met the accreditation standards of the NLN.

In 1990, Doehring received the Lake Land TOP Award (Top Overall Performance) and in 2000, she received the Lake Land College Faculty Association Outstanding Service Award.

Doehring currently lives in rural Strasburg with her family.

Lake Land College’s National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) inducted 45 members on April 29 in the Luther Student Center Theater. Since the establishment of the Lake Land College NSLS chapter, more than 489 students have been enrolled as paid members in the chapter and more than 120 students have been inducted.

Valerie Lynch, director of student life, opened the ceremony by sharing words of encouragement. “Today is the first step in a larger journey that you’ll share with other members for years to come.”

According to NSLS, students achieve their highest potential when like-minded, success-oriented individuals come together to learn from and support each other. Creating positive change in the learning environment and inspiring others to pursue their passions are two core values of NSLS.

To be nominated for the society, students need a GPA of at least 2.75, must be involved in at least one campus activity and have completed at least 15 credit hours. Upon accepting the nomination and paying one-time membership dues, students need to complete three requirements to qualify for induction. To be officially inducted, students complete an orientation day, attend leadership training day and three video presentations that consist of success networking team meetings and speaker broadcasts.

For more information about NSLS and Student Life contact Lynch at 217-234-5270 or vlynch@lakelandcollege.edu.

To learn more about NSLS, visit lakelandcollege.edu and select the “Student Life” drop down.

Lake Land College honored exceptional students at the annual Student Recognition Banquet hosted by the Student Government Association on Wednesday, April 24.

Students were recognized for their academic achievements, elected offices and organizational roles for the academic year.

The awards are given to a student from each academic division who has displayed excellence within his/her division as well as contributed to Lake Land College and the community.

The Outstanding Award Recipients are: Micah Smock, Botkins, Ohio, Agriculture Division; Olivia D. Telgmann, Strasburg, Allied Health Division; Logan D. Malcome, Neoga, Business Division; David R. Pruitt, Mattoon, Humanities & Communication Division; Tilda E. Carlelycke, Sweden, Math & Science Division; Christina S. Menna, Lovington, Social Science & Education Division and Justis M. Coventry, Teutopolis, Technology Division.

The Lake Land College Foundation surprised attendees by awarding the Student Life Scholarship of $500 to an exceptional student, Hannah Binnion, Sullivan, SAB co-marketing director.

The following students were also recognized for their participation in the organizations listed:

Mark Niemerg, Mattoon, Lake Land College agronomy instructor and farm manager will receive the 2019 Outstanding Full-Time Faculty Member Award at Lake Land’s commencement ceremony on Friday, May 10 at 7:30 p.m. in the Lake Land College Field House.

Throughout his 22 years at Lake Land College, Niemerg effectively fused his passions for agronomy and student success to create an invaluable learning environment in the Agriculture Division.

Ryan Wildman, agriculture business instructor, said in his nomination, “In observing Mr. Mark Niemerg, one will find that excellence in teaching is demonstrated through his extensive subject knowledge, high standards of achievement and the building of rapport with his students.”

Niemerg’s teaching philosophy reflects his purpose as a Lake Land College instructor as being more than a provider of knowledge, but rather a teacher with the desire to assist students in reaching their full potential.

“As teachers, we have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the next generation. It is a teacher’s responsibility to deliver the information, but it is also the responsibility of the teacher to help students discover what holds them back and if possible, teach them to correct or overcome the cause of struggle,” Niemerg said.

“Mr. Niemerg has an exemplary record as an effective instructor and subject-matter expert,” Dave Storm, Lake Land College Board of Trustees chair, said. “His work to develop web-based agronomy courses, including the implementation of online course conferences for the benefit of students on supervised occupational experiences, demonstrates his dedication to student success and innovative solutions.”

Niemerg fills an invaluable role beyond the classroom as well. He serves as the Ag Business Club advisor, Lake Land College Farm Manager and is a Land College Online Task Force member. Niemerg also enjoys an active membership in the Illinois Association of Community College Agriculture Instructors and advocates at the local level for the Postsecondary Agriculture Student (PAS) Organization.

“I would like to thank the administration as well as the current and past members of the Ag Division for believing in me and supporting me over the last 20 years. I have often relied on the members of the Ag Division for a helping hand and guidance, and I am very fortunate to have been able to work with such outstanding people and educators. Other Lake Land College faculty members, advising/counseling, grounds and maintenance, custodial staff and of course the administrative assistants all deserve the credit as well. Without their help my job would be much more difficult,” Niemerg said.

Niemerg received an associate degree in ag business and supply from Lake Land College before transferring to Southern Illinois University-Carbondale (SIU-C) where he received a bachelor’s degree in plant and soil science and minored in ag business economics. He further pursued his education at SIU-C where he received a master’s degree in soil fertility. He is a native of Jasper County and is a 1981 graduate of Newton High School. He and his wife Julie have three children Andrew, Hallie and Malea.

Lake Land College will present the 2019 Alumnus Achievement Award to Greg Sapp, Effingham, during commencement ceremony on Friday, May 10 at 7:30 p.m.

The Alumnus Achievement Award acknowledges an individual who has attained outstanding success and distinction in his or her field of endeavor; has gained favorable statewide or national recognition; or has performed service, which has proven beneficial in society.

Sapp graduated from Lake Land in 1976 and currently works as the station manager at Premier Broadcasting in Effingham, home to 97.9FM/KJ Country 102.3. At Premier Broadcasting, Sapp also works as a news/sports director.

Since graduating from Lake Land in 1976, Sapp has worked for many stations as a stations manager and news director at WCRA for 19 years, and station manager WXEF and WKJG for a combined 25 years.

Bill Hollada, a retired instructor from Lake Land spoke on Sapp’s dedication and success in his nomination for the Alumnus Achievement Award, “Greg is a shining example for the quality of the Lake Land College Radio/TV Program.”

In more than 40 years of radio announcing, he has interviewed hundreds of people and announced more than 4,000 games. Sapp’s outstanding achievements are skills he began honing as a student at Lake Land College. He worked hard and focused on obtaining all the program information for preparing quality news stories and broadcasting techniques. Sapp would later be known for these skills throughout the college district.

Today, Sapp uses these skills to give back to the Effingham community. He is an active member at Calvary Baptist Church, where he serves as a deacon and choir leader. He also helps with many school and civic activities, church events and has served MC for the Memorial Day program at the Effingham Performing Art Center and events at Lake Land College.

Dave Storm, chair of the Lake Land College Board of Trustees, spoke of Sapp’s success in his nomination to the Illinois Community College Trustees Association. “For more than 40 years Mr. Sapp has kept East Central Illinois up to date, entertained and informed with his knowledge and insight and smooth delivery that was fine-tuned as a student in the Radio/TV Broadcasting program at Lake Land College.”

Sapp’s hard work has been recognized by his peers across Illinois. He is a member of the media wing of the Illinois State High School Association’s Hall of Fame. He lives up to his status as a hall of fame broadcaster by serving on the advisory board for Lake Land’s Radio/TV program and supporting the next generation of broadcasters.

Lake Land College will honor graduates at the annual Commencement Ceremony Friday, May 10. The ceremony will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the Field House.

More than 1,150 students will receive degrees and certificates this spring, with about 350 graduates expected to participate in the ceremony.

“The entire Lake Land family is excited to celebrate the accomplishments of the Laker Nation Class of 2019 at the college’s 51^st spring commencement ceremony,” Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said.

The doors of the Field House will open at 6:30 p.m. with overflow seating available in the Luther Student Center Theater. Handicap accessible seating will be available in both locations. Parking on campus is free with the parking lots A and B being closest to the Field House.

Lake Land College will stream graduation live on Friday, May 10, 2019, at 7:30 p.m. (CST). The ceremony will also be broadcast on WEIU and Mediacom on May 18 at 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., May 19 at 12 p.m., May 21 at 7 p.m. and May 27 at 6 a.m. The Lake Land College Radio-TV Broadcasting Club will film the commencement ceremony. Interested individuals will be able to order a DVD of the ceremony in the lobby of the Field House.

Photos taken by Marketing & Public Relations will be available for download at lakelandcollege.edu and on social media.

For more information, visit lakelandcollege.edu/admissions/graduation.

Shelbie Kile, Marshall, is the new student trustee to the Lake Land College Board of Trustees. The student body elected Kile to replace Tessa Philpot, St. Elmo, whose term expired in early April.

As a trustee, Kile hopes to encourage fellow students to become more active in campus activities and student life overall.

“I’m excited to heighten the involvement of students, especially when it comes to voting. Our numbers were down by almost 100 students from the previous year. I’m ready to help in increasing that number,” Kile said.

Serving as the Lake Land College student trustee had been on Kile’s mind since her first semester at Lake Land and with the support of friends and classmates, she felt confident to pursue the position.

“I had talked with former student trustees Tessa Philpot and CJ Meeker about my interest in serving on the board and they both believed that I would be a good fit. They were very encouraging,” Kile said.

Kile is the current vice president of the Student Government Association (SGA) and spends much of her time managing Hibbett Sports in Mattoon.

As the Lake Land College Student Trustee, Kile’s duties include serving a one-year term that begins April 15. She has all the privileges of a trustee including an advisory vote and the ability to make and second motions and attend executive sessions.

Kile is a 2018 graduate of Marshall High School and is the daughter of Ed and Dira Kile.

Lake Land College equestrian rider Morgan Walker, Altamont, recently competed in both regionals and semi-finals of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA). Of 10,000 riders nationwide, Walker was one of 333 riders to advance to semi-finals.

In February, Walker placed second out of 10 in the Walk-Trot division at IHSA regionals in Bloomington, Ind. allowing her to advance to semi-finals in Utah in March.

“I pushed myself very hard for this so it’s really cool knowing I am one of only 333 riders to make it to semi-finals,” Walker said.

Having no previous experience showing, Walker began the year at the beginner level. However, her talent and drive to improve her riding skills by putting in up to nine hours of practice per week, quickly earned her a position at the intermediate level.

An accumulation of 36 points throughout the season are needed in order to make it to regionals in the western discipline/riding style that the Lake Land College equestrian group competes in.

Walker began riding at the age of 8. Yet a fear of riding suddenly took ahold of her after she was involved in a traumatic incident while riding. This incident left her with a broken hip and arm and unable to walk for one year. Despite her harrowing experience, when the Lake Land College Ag Division announced its new equestrian group in December of 2017, Walker decided to overcome her fear by returning to the saddle and joining the group.

“I was definitely timid when I started and I made sure to talk about my experience with everyone, but I knew that being able to ride multiple horses would help me overcome that unwanted fear I had been holding onto,” Walker said.

Walker anticipates new talent for the 2019-2020 equestrian group. “Our only returning rider will likely do a very good job next year. She has a lot of potential.”

In addition to her interest in horses and furthering her riding sills, Walker is thankful for the opportunities that the Lake Land College Equestrian Riders has given her. She will graduate from Lake Land College in May and transfer to Illinois State University where she plans to continue her passion for riding by joining the ISU Equestrian Club and Team.