Laker Nation News

Lake Land College recently celebrated the John Deere Tech program graduates at an annual John Deere Tech banquet.

The John Deere Tech High GPA award went to Conner Sage, Wilmington.

Parker Norman, Tuscola, earned the John Deere Tech Outstanding Student award.

The following students were honored at the ceremony:

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Graduating nurses received their pins at the 2024 Lake Land College Associate Degree Nursing pinning ceremony.

The Associate Degree Nurse Program Peer Awards were presented to Claire Cardinal, Neoga; Rolando Monte De Oca, Mattoon; and Shellie Witteborg, Beecher City, for exhibiting excellence in the classroom with a caring nature, professionalism and spirit.

The Patient Advocate Award was presented to Emma Moran, Sullivan, for displaying professionalism and compassionate care in the Associate Degree Nurse program.

Autumn Meyer, Oakland, received the Clinical Excellence Award for displaying professionalism, confidence and clinical excellence in the Associate Degree Nurse Program.

The Marilyn Fuqua Thompson Nursing Award, which is given each year to a graduating student who is considered to be the all-around best student in the class and is voted on by faculty, went to Emily Bloemer, Dieterich. To receive this award, the student must be professionally superior and morally responsible, be capable of making wise decisions, be compassionate and caring, be dedicated and possess common sense and a strong scientific knowledge base, demonstrate superior technical skills, possess superior communication skills and composure, often in crises situations. Bloemer’s name will be engraved on a plaque that is located in the nursing skills lab in Neal Hall.

The following students received pins at the ceremony:

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The Lake Land College Lakers Softball Team defeated John A. Logan College on Sunday, May 12 to win the 2024 NJCAA Region XXIV Championship.

The Lakers rallied after an early two-run deficit, scoring the next six runs and holding off a late comeback attempt to secure a 6-3 victory.

With the win, the Lakers will advance to the NJCAA Division I Softball World Series in Oxford, Alabama. Lake Land College will host a watch party on Tuesday, May 14 at noon in the campus Field House for the tournament bracket reveal.

The 2023-2024 Lake Land College Softball Team is comprised of the following students:

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Lake Land College TRIO students were recently honored at an annual banquet. During the event, several students received awards.

The Leadership Award was presented to Deanna Clark, Bethany; Gage Hoene, Mattoon; Ronald Mason, Mattoon; Delaney Nation, Tower Hill; and Amber Roan, Toledo, for leading student involvement and serving as TRIO ambassadors.

The Grit Award was presented to Blessing Nzeribe, Mattoon, for determination in overcoming obstacles to achieve success.

The Above and Beyond Award was presented to Amber Roan, Toledo, for exceptional representation of TRIO values.

The TRIO Non-Traditional Student of the Year Award was presented to Holly Cornell, Montrose.

The TRIO Student of the Year Award was presented to Deanna Clark, Bethany.

The following students were recognized at the banquet for their participation in the Lake Land College TRIO Student Support Services program:

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Two Lake Land College Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honors students were recognized at a banquet in Springfield for their inclusion on the All-Illinois Community College Academic Team.

Natashia Carter, Mattoon, was one of the two transfer student nominees recognized at the banquet. She most recently served as president of the PTK Alpha Theta Psi chapter and was honored with the Lake Land College Non-traditional Student of the Year Award in 2023. After graduating from Lake Land College in May 2024, Carter plans to attend Eastern Illinois University to complete a bachelor’s degree in Human Services.

Brianna Sexton, Charleston, was also a transfer student nominee. She most recently served as the Secretary of Alpha Theta Psi before graduating with an associate degree in Psychology in May 2024. She plans to continue her studies at Eastern Illinois University to earn minors in both 2-D Studio Art and Kinesiology before pursuing a career in art therapy and activity direction for inpatient facilities.

“Tashia and Brianna are both exemplary students and tremendous representatives of our College,” said Tessa Wiles, Director of Dual Credit and Honors Experience. “I can’t think of any students more deserving of this incredible honor.”

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Lake Land College and Eastern Illinois University recently partnered to establish a two-plus-two transfer agreement for students majoring in English.

The agreement provides an opportunity for students to seamlessly transfer to Eastern Illinois with junior status in one of four career pathways leading to a bachelor’s degree.

“One of the key components of our College’s strategic plan is to create seamless transfer opportunities for our students through strategic partnerships just like this,” Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said. “We are thrilled to work with Eastern Illinois University to create a high-quality, economic pathway for area residents to advance their education.”

“This agreement is another shining example of the relationship EIU and Lake Land College share that make student success our highest mutual priority,” said Dr. Ryan Hendrickson, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at EIU. “Lake Land College graduates who transfer to EIU reinforce EIU’s strong academic standing, and we appreciate the value and skills those students reliably contribute to our campus and communities.”

Starting this fall, Lake Land students who graduate with an Associate of Arts in English under the two-plus-two agreement can seamlessly transfer to Eastern Illinois and complete a bachelor’s degree in English in four additional semesters. Students can choose from four areas of concentration: Professional Writing, English Studies, Literacy & Cultural Studies and Creative Writing.

Representatives from Lake Land College and Eastern Illinois University can provide additional information about the two-plus-two transfer agreement. From Lake Land College, contact Heather Nohren, Academic Counselor/Chair of Counseling & Judicial Affairs Advisement, at hnohren@lakelandcollege.edu or 217-234-5256. From Eastern Illinois University, contact Rita Pearson, Transfer Coordinator/Senior Assistant Director of Admissions, at ripearson@eiu.edu or 217-581-7663.

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Lake Land College recently honored agriculture students at the annual Ag Banquet.

During the event, Kurt Coffey; Racine, Wisconsin, was recognized as the Agriculture Division’s Honored Alumnus.

Several students also received awards for outstanding performance in their respective programs.

The Phil Rincker Memorial Award and the Jordan Fledderjohann Memorial Award were both presented to Skyler Ward; New Paris, Ohio.

For the Livestock Judging Team, Paige Lemenager; Hudson, Illinois, was named the Top Reasons Presenter, and Ashtyn Harvey; Straugh, Indiana, was named the Top Hog Evaluator.

For the Ag Business program, Aubrey Youakim; Charleston, received the Outstanding Student Award, and Ada Tappendorf; Altamont, received the High GPA Award.

Kyle Lievens; Geneseo, Illinois, was named Ag Power Outstanding Student, and Bryant Parker; Charleston, received the Ag Power High GPA Award.

The Ag Production awards went to Sam Fox; Michigantown, Indiana, for Outstanding Student and Logan Beals; Charleston, for High GPA.

Frank Slaughter; Charleston, was named Horticulture Outstanding Student, and Sophia Wagner; Onarga, Illinois, was named Horticulture High GPA.

For the John Deere Tech program, Parker Norman; Tuscola, was named Outstanding Student, and Conner Sage; Wilmington, Illinois, was honored with the High GPA Award.

The Ag Transfer Outstanding Student Award went to Reese Brock; Aprin, Wisconsin. Delaney Gillis; Lovington, and Skyler Ward; New Paris, Ohio, were both named Ag Transfer High GPA Award recipients.

The Overall Outstanding Student Award went to Sophia Wagner; Onarga.

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Lake Land College will offer select dual credit courses at zero cost to students within the Effingham Regional Career Academy (ERCA) during the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semesters.

This fall, several select Lake Land College dual credit courses will be offered at zero cost. All of these classes will be taught by Lake Land College instructors at the Kluthe Center through ERCA. The courses offer students opportunities to explore careers in the high-demand fields of commercial driver’s license (CDL), agriculture, healthcare, networking and geospatial technology (GIS).

The courses available for the Fall 2024 semester are:

Schedules for Spring 2025 are currently in development, and classes will be announced soon.

All Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 classes are available to students from the 14 schools within ERCA: Altamont High School, Beecher City High School, Brownstown High School, Cowden-Herrick High School, Cumberland High School, Dieterich High School, Effingham High School, Neoga High School, Newton (Jasper County) High School, North Clay (Louisville) High School, St. Anthony High School, St. Elmo High School, Stewardson-Strasburg High School and Teutopolis High School. Students should hold junior or senior status at the start of the 2024-2025 school year to be eligible.

To take advantage of this opportunity, interested students should connect with their high school guidance counselor. To learn more about the available courses and to register, contact Jerome Tkachuk, Director of Effingham Education and Regional Extension Centers, at 217-540-3500 or jtkachuk@lakelandcollege.edu.

To learn more about the many additional dual credit opportunities through Lake Land College, contact Tessa Wiles, Director of Dual Credit and Honors Experience, at 217-234-5044 or twiles@lakelandcollege.edu.

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The Lake Land College Business Division and Club IT recently hosted 14 local high schools for the annual Business and Computer Contest.

During the event, participating students from local 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.

Flora High School placed first in the team event. The other high schools that participated in the event were Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond High School, Centralia High School, Champaign Centennial High School, Champaign Central High School, Charleston High School, Dieterich High School, Monticello High School, Mt. Zion High School, Neoga High School, Oblong High School, Paris High School, Shelbyville High School and Shiloh High School.

“It was incredible to have high school students participating in individual and team events,” said Tynia Kessler, business division chair. “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.”

The individual winners are as follows:

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

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Lake Land College recognized employees who will be retiring, those who have achieved years of service milestones, faculty award winners and peer-nominated Shine award recipients at an employee recognition event in March.

Lake Land College congratulated the 2024 retirees: Chemistry Instructor Iffat Ali with 27 years of service; Art Instructor Jodi Birdwell with 25 years of service; Kluthe Site Technician Gary Branson with 19 years of service; Academic Counselor Emily Hartke with 28 years of service; Division Chair Humanities & Communication/Communication Studies/English Instructor Salisa Hortenstine Olmsted with 31 years of service; Electronics Engineering Technology Instructor/Program Coordinator Gary Lindley with 24 years of service; Director of Fitness Center/Softball Head Coach Nic Nelson with 10 years of service; IT Instructor/Program Coordinator, IT-Network Administration Scott Rhine with 27 years of service; Police Sergeant Chad Smith with 26 years of service and Dean of Admission Services Jon Van Dyke with 30 years of service.

At the event, Lake Land College President Josh Bullock recognized college employees who met years of service milestones.

Academic Counselor Bryan Burrell and Dean of Admissions Services Jon Van Dyke were recognized for 30 years of service.

Those honored for 25 years of service included Director of Marketing & Public Relations Kelly Allee; Art Instructor Jodi Birdwell; Business Instructor Angela Davison; Administrative Assistant to the Vice President Becky Earp; Accounting & Payroll Specialist Michelle Gill; History Instructor Matthew Greider; Institutional Equipment Technician II Eric Hamilton; Business Instructor Jonathan Lebold; Economics Instructor Brian Lynch; English Instructor Bob Newell and Application Engineer Brenda Venatta Catey.

Honored for 20 years of service was Online Support & Instructional Specialist Sue Nugent.

Those honored for 15 years of service include Developmental Reading and Writing Instructor Judy Bennett; Chair of the Lake Land College Board of Trustees Gary Cadwell; Application Engineer Matthew Gillenwater; Academic Counselor Jennifer Melton; Groundskeeper Jimmie Shoot and Allied Health Dental Clinical Instructor Sheila Wilson.

Those honored for 10 years of service include Human Service Clinical Supervisor Christa Borries; Print Shop Technician Assistant Peggy Campbell; Psychology Instructor Andy Gaines; DOC Special Projects Manager Harvey Groennert; Associate Dean of Enrollment Management Pam Hartke; Chief of Staff Jean Anne Highland; Director of Athletics Bill Jackson; WIOA Operations Coordinator Tony Logue; Chemistry Instructor Claire Miller; Adult Education Instructor Aleyda Munoz; Director of Fitness Center/Softball Head Coach Nic Nelson; Psychology Instructor Amber Niebrugge; Ag Power Technology Instructor Woody Reinhart; Assistant Baseball Coach Volunteer Zachary Stuart; Digital Media Specialist Aaron Tardy and Library Circulation Assistant Catherine Tillman.

Those honored for 5 years of service included Director of Annual Giving & Alumni Relations Amanda Allen; Emergency Services Program Coordinator Jasmine Ballard; Criminal Justice Instructor/Coordinator Criminal Justice Programs David Chambers; Alternative Education Transition Coordinator Laney Cruit; Lake Land College Trustee Kevin Curtis; Executive Director for College Advancement Christi Donsbach; Student Services Specialist III – Admissions Tanisha Fulk; Mathematics Instructor Sarah Harley; Director Student Success Services Kim Hunter; IDOC CPR Instructor Katherine Johnson; Maintenance II Bill Kearns; Print Shop Technician Amanda Latch; Application Engineer Dustin Mason; Custodian David Matherly; Custodian Scott Mummel; Assistant to Dean of Corrections Brittany Myerscough; Custodian Elizabeth Pinner; Alternative Education Instructor Michelle Redd; TRIO Student Support Services Advisor Gavin Shawver; Infrastructure Administrator/Infrastructure Team Lead Kyle Szabo; Groundskeeper Dalton Todd; WIOA Financial Operations Contractor Debbie Whitacre; Agriculture Instructor/Judging Team Coach Hayden Wilder; Nursing Instructor Bethany Workman; Lake Land College Trustee Denise Walk; Lake Land College Vice Chair Tom Wright and Technical Support Specialist II Phillip Zike.

Adjunct faculty members were also honored for semester milestones. For 80 semesters Carolyn Stephens was recognized. For 40 semesters Brooke Ferguson, Damon McNeill and Jodi Swann were honored. James Jarrett was honored for 30 semesters. For 20 semesters, Jesse Horton was recognized. For 10 semesters, Rachel Daugherty and Traci Becker were honored.

Spanish/English Instructor and Faculty Honors Experience Advisor Casey Reynolds presented the 2024 LLCFA Outstanding Service Faculty Award to Marcy Satterwhite, Business Instructor/Program Coordinator and Desktop Publishing/Graphic Design. Vice President for Academic Services Ike Nwosu presented the 2024 ICCTA Outstanding Full-time Faculty Award to Matt Landrus, English Instructor.

President Bullock then announced the 2024 Shine Award recipients including Director Student Success Services Kimberly Hunter, Police Sergeant Chad Smith and Transportation Training Coordinator Justin Onigkeit.

All Shine nominees were recognized at the event, including Dean of Correctional Programs Jennifer Billingsley; Perkins Specialist Joy Kaurin; Coordinator of Mental Health Services Thomas Moll; Director of TRIO Programs Lori Ohnesorge; Comptroller Madge Shoot; Digital Media Specialist Aaron Tardy and Adult Education Transition Coordinator Mariah White-Landrus.

Two teams were also recognized, including the Admissions and Records department of Bailey Sigrist, Claire Carr, Faith Donaldson, Lesley Coderko and Tanisha Fulk and the Enrollment Management Project Team of Heather Nohren, Kelly Allee and Pamela Hartke.

The Lake Land College Board of Trustees expressed congratulations and gratitude to all of the employees honored at the event for the hard work and dedication the employees have shown to the college.

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