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Lake Land College Announces Summer Graduates

Posted on September 14, 2018

Lake Land College announces summer graduates

Lake Land College is proud to announce the 2018 summer graduates. The following students completed their degrees and certificates this summer:

Name City Degree Acad. Program Title
Carrie Ruholl Altamont Associate in Arts Business Administration
Kaylee Shane Argenta Certificate Cosmetology
Hannah Diener Arthur Certificate Practical Nursing
Isaac Kitchen Atwood Associate in Applied Science Agriculture Business & Supply
Angelica Haslett Beecher City Associate in Arts Sociology/Social Work
Kailyn Boyer Bethany Certificate Esthetics
Kristina Mounce Bloomington Associate in Applied Science Early Childhood Care and Education
Stephen Oberhill Bowling Green Associate in Applied Science Electronics Engineering Technology
Seth Powell Brownstown Certificate Entrepreneurship
Seth Powell Brownstown Certificate Electronic Marketing
Jennifer Blair Casey Associate in Arts Liberal Arts
Chelsea Clapp Casey Associate in Arts Business Administration
Madison Dane Casey Certificate Practical Nursing
Karla Drum Casey Associate in Liberal Studies Associate In Liberal Studies
Olivia Judson Casey Associate in Science Business Administration
Mickenzie Veach Casey Certificate Cosmetology
Tyler Wright Centralia Certificate Geospatial Technology
Albert Adkins Charleston Associate in Arts Criminal Justice
Lori Douglas Charleston Certificate Esthetics
Ashley Funneman Charleston Certificate Practical Nursing
Emily Galbreath Charleston Certificate Practical Nursing
Chelsie Gast Charleston Certificate Practical Nursing
Kyle Hanks Charleston Certificate Auto Mechanic
Kyle Hanks Charleston Associate in Applied Science Automotive Technology
Hannah Jackson Charleston Associate in Arts Early Childhood Education
Kimberli Jones Charleston Associate in Liberal Studies Associate In Liberal Studies
Jared King Charleston Certificate Programmable Logic Controllers
Jared King Charleston Associate in Applied Science Mechanical-Electrical Technology
Robert Miller Charleston Associate in Science Pre-Engineering
Steven Oliver Charleston Certificate Geospatial Technology
Steven Oliver Charleston Associate in Arts Business Administration
Steven Oliver Charleston Associate in Science Earth Science
Lashawnda Poree Charleston Certificate Practical Nursing
Andrea Spears Charleston Certificate Practical Nursing
Kyle Stewart Charleston Certificate Manufacturing Skills I
Drew Stoutin Charleston Associate in Science Business Administration
Jerod Thomason Charleston Associate in Arts Criminal Justice
Kelly Hargrave Clinton Certificate Management
Kelly Hargrave Clinton Certificate Professional Sales
Kelly Hargrave Clinton Certificate Marketing
Kelly Hargrave Clinton Associate in Applied Science Management
Kyle Hardiek Dieterich Associate in Science Pre-Engineering
Noah Heuerman Dieterich Associate in Applied Science Mechanical-Electrical Technology
Allie Mahaffey Dieterich Certificate Accounting
Tristan Warner Edwardsville Associate in Arts Business Administration
Keegan Avery Effingham Associate in Science Clinical Laboratory Science
Kory Avery Effingham Associate in Science Bioscience Non-Teaching
Lauren Fox Effingham Associate in Arts Art
Justine Funneman Effingham Associate in Arts Pre-Nursing
Jayson Graves Effingham Certificate Manufacturing Skills I
Megan Harris Effingham Associate in Arts Business Administration
Tanner Jones Effingham Certificate Geospatial Technology
Tanner Jones Effingham Associate in Science Earth Science
Alysha Loy Effingham Associate in Arts Art
Abby Marxman Effingham Associate in Science Pre-Nursing
Jessica Mette Effingham Associate in Arts Psychology
Faith Miller Effingham Certificate Practical Nursing
Brittney Reed Effingham Certificate Medical Assistant
Courtney Rieman Effingham Associate in Arts Elementary Education
Keiko Ripley Effingham Associate in Arts Pre-Nursing
Blake Schumacher Effingham Associate in Applied Science Agriculture Business & Supply
Misty Snyder Effingham Certificate Practical Nursing
Reanne Thies Effingham Associate in Science Pre-Nursing
Coral Thoele Effingham Certificate Accounting
Collin Wallace Effingham Certificate Practical Nursing
Heather Wallace Effingham Certificate Management
Heather Wallace Effingham Certificate Marketing
Heather Wallace Effingham Certificate Professional Sales
Heather Wallace Effingham Associate in Applied Science Management
Melissa Lye Findlay Certificate Medical Assistant
Paige Tippit Findlay Certificate Practical Nursing
Alyssa Willoughby Gays Associate in Applied Science Medical Assistant
Kirby Casner Herrick Associate in Arts Sociology/Social Work
Heartly Smith Herrick Certificate Accounting
Haylee Short Hillsboro Associate in Science Bioscience Non-Teaching
Kristy Warman Hindsboro Associate in Applied Science Medical Assistant
Kelsey Slager Hopedale Associate in Arts Agriculture
Michelle Chupp Indianapolis Associate in Science Bioscience Non-Teaching
Michelle Chupp Indianapolis Associate in Liberal Studies Associate In Liberal Studies
Nathan Greuel Louisville Associate in Science Physics
Jarrett Stanfield Louisville Associate in Arts History
Jennifer Erixon Lovington Certificate Management
Kelly Schroeder Manhattan Associate in Applied Science Dental Hygiene
Olivia Reynolds Mansfield Certificate Cosmetology
Vance Oetjen Marshall Associate in Science Pre-Engineering
Adora Gowin Martinsville Associate in Arts Business Administration
Alyssa Maxey Martinsville Certificate Practical Nursing
Matthew Healy Mason Associate in Arts Business Administration
Sara Miller Mason Certificate Cosmetology
Amber Aleshire Mattoon Certificate Office Support Specialist
Lynette Bell Mattoon Certificate Medical Coding Specialist
Jodie Carey Mattoon Certificate Medical Assistant
Cherilyn Carlson Mattoon Certificate Practical Nursing
Kristen Chumbley Mattoon Associate in Arts Psychology
Anna DeBuhr Mattoon Associate in Arts Agriculture
Sarita Dunne Mattoon Associate in Applied Science Human Services – Psychology
Shalana Elder Mattoon Certificate Practical Nursing
Taylor Fray Mattoon Certificate Practical Nursing
Brylin Garren Mattoon Certificate Cosmetology
Anthony Golding Mattoon Associate in Arts Criminal Justice
Stephanie Gordon Mattoon Certificate Cosmetology
Julie Gosnell Mattoon Certificate Medical Coding Specialist
Morgan Hampton Mattoon Associate in Arts Psychology
Dylan Harper Mattoon Associate in Applied Science IT-Network Administration
Jacqueline Hawkins Mattoon Associate in Arts Liberal Arts
Jonathan Johnson Mattoon Certificate Practical Nursing
Scott Johnson Mattoon Certificate Manufacturing Skills I
Tashi Kuti Mattoon Certificate Practical Nursing
Nicholas LeDoux Mattoon Certificate Manufacturing Skills I
Benjamin Mabiala Mattoon Associate in Arts Business Administration
Kristen Morlen Mattoon Certificate Accounting
Clarissa Mouley Mattoon Certificate Practical Nursing
Kyla Ohm Mattoon Certificate Medical Assistant
Triston Overton Mattoon Certificate Computer-Aided Drafting
John Price Mattoon Certificate Manufacturing Skills I
Rachel Renwick Mattoon Associate in Arts Sociology/Social Work
Julie Rose Mattoon Certificate Practical Nursing
Clarissa Seal Mattoon Certificate Medical Assistant
Rebecca Smith Mattoon Associate in Applied Science Human Services – Psychology
Danielle Stapleton Mattoon Certificate Welding Technology
Melinda Strawn Mattoon Certificate Practical Nursing
Jackson Utsler Mattoon Associate in Applied Science Ag Power Technology
LesLee Watkins Mattoon Certificate Practical Nursing
Zoe West Mattoon Certificate Cosmetology
Kelly Harmon Montrose Certificate Practical Nursing
Megan Bush Neoga Certificate Practical Nursing
Hunter Krampe Neoga Associate in Arts Psychology
Josie McMahon Neoga Certificate Practical Nursing
Joshua Jefferson New Albany Associate in Arts Business Administration
Karla Madden Newman Associate in Arts Business Administration
Joseph Brooks Newton Certificate Geospatial Technology
Erica Swisher Newton Certificate Esthetics
Rayanna Mboma Normal Associate in Science Health Education
Micayla Clapp Oakland Associate in Arts Pre-Nursing
Lori Magnussen Oconee Certificate Practical Nursing
Bethany Beeson Pana Associate in Science Business Administration
Whitney Matthews Pana Certificate Practical Nursing
Whitney Matthews Pana Associate in Liberal Studies Associate In Liberal Studies
Joshua McCombe Pana Certificate IT-Computer Game Development
Aubrey Puckett Pana Associate in Science Pre-Nursing
Edith Warcup Pana Certificate Practical Nursing
Karen Cook Paris Associate in Arts Sociology/Social Work
Madison Gates Paris Certificate Practical Nursing
Kamryn Kingery Paris Associate in Arts Pre-Nursing
Jenna Lawson Paris Associate in Science Pre-Physical Therapy
Darla Redman Paris Certificate Practical Nursing
Phillip Williams Rosenberg Associate in Arts Undecided
Taran Duckworth Saint Elmo Associate in Science Pre-Dental
Parker Nolan Schaumburg Associate in Arts Business Administration
Ryann Ambrose Shelbyville Associate in Arts Psychology
Megan Donnel Shelbyville Associate in Arts Early Childhood Education
Hannah Koonce Shelbyville Associate in Arts Pre-Veterinary Medicine
William Lenz Shelbyville Associate in Arts Liberal Arts
Abby Manship Shelbyville Associate in Applied Science Agriculture Production & Management
Olivia Reimer Shelbyville Associate in Science Pre-Medicine
Lisa Kaufman Shumway Associate in Applied Science Human Services – Criminal Justice
Barbara Phillips Shumway Certificate Practical Nursing
Rachel Gratz Sigel Certificate Practical Nursing
Ty Hewing Sigel Associate in Applied Science Agriculture Business & Supply
Sean Kromah Smyrna Associate in Arts Physical Education
Baylee Cohan Sullivan Certificate Esthetics
Micah Dickens Sullivan Certificate Practical Nursing
Tiffani Golden Sullivan Certificate Practical Nursing
Cadisen Nuzzo Sullivan Associate in Applied Science Human Services – Psychology
Jennifer Penberthy Sullivan Certificate Practical Nursing
Kaleb Shumard Sullivan Associate in Science Pre-Dental
Andrew Sims Sullivan Associate in Arts Speech Communication
Trina Smith-Roberts Sullivan Certificate Medical Assistant
Bailey Sparling Sullivan Associate in Arts Undecided
Bailey Sparling Sullivan Associate in Science Pre-Pharmacy
William Tate Sullivan Certificate Welding Technology
Lija Workman Sullivan Associate in Science Bioscience Non-Teaching
Hayley Zirkle Sullivan Certificate Medical Assistant
Jonathan Beck Teutopolis Associate in Arts Pre-Nursing
Jordan Wellbaum Teutopolis Associate in Arts Criminal Justice
Austin Light Toledo Associate in Arts Business Administration
Chasity Moses Toledo Associate in Arts Criminal Justice
Walter Robison Toledo Certificate Electronic Control Technician
Alisha Ruholl Toledo Associate in Liberal Studies Associate In Liberal Studies
Teresa Allsop Tower Hill Certificate Practical Nursing
Randa Morris Tower Hill Certificate Medical Assistant
Alicia Pritchard Urbana Certificate Practical Nursing
Brady Cappe Waterford Ontario Associate in Arts Criminal Justice

Lake Land College Honors First Medical Assistant Graduates in Pinning Ceremony

Posted on September 12, 2018

 At the 2018 Lake Land College first ever Associate Degree in Medical Assisting Pinning Ceremony, graduating medical assistants received their pins.

Medical Assistant Program Instructor Molly Yeske said she saw huge improvement in her students academically and professionally. “Some students went from absolutely no healthcare knowledge and typing less than three words a minute, to typing 47 words a minute with fewer than two errors and being able to pass their certification exam on the first try,” Yeske said.

Jodie Carey, Mattoon, received the Overall Progress Award, which is given each year to a graduating student who showed overall progress clinically, academically and socially/affectively. The recipient of this award is chosen by instructors.

Kristy Warman, Hindsboro, received the Associate Degree Medical Assisting Peer Award. The recipient is chosen based on his or her clinical and scholastic performance, willingness to help other students, professionalism, maturity and spirit.  The award is characterized by a true team player, who also is considered a leader. The recipient of this award is chosen by fellow medical assisting students.

The new medical assisting program trains students in a combination of clinical and administrative skills. Medical assistants are well-rounded in working on a range of functions, from drawing blood and providing injections, to formatting spreadsheets to medical accounting and billing.

Medical Assisting is a special admission program offered as both a certificate and an associate degree. To learn more visit lakelandcollege.edu and under “Academics” click on “Academic Majors, Degrees & Certificates.”

The following students received their pins at the ceremony:

Jodie Carey                Mattoon

Kyla Ohm                   Mattoon

Kristi Warman          Hindsboro

Trina Smith                Sullivan

Hayley Zirkle             Sullivan

Randa Morris            Shelbyville

Purisima Palmer       Shelbyville

Alyssa Willoughby    Windsor

Clarissa Seal               Mattoon

Melissa Lye                 Findley

Brittney Reed             Effingham

Lake Land College to Rename Hall and Dedicate to Sixth President

Posted on September 11, 2018

At the September meeting, the Lake Land College Board of Trustees approved the renaming of the college’s Net Zero Energy Building to Lensink Hall in posthumous honor of its sixth president, Scott Lensink.

Lensink was instrumental in the building of the Net Zero Energy Building (ZEB Hall) on campus, and for making Lake Land a national leader in sustainable energy. ZEB Hall is a highly energy efficient building offering a sustainable-learning center where students can gain practical experience and training for green-energy jobs. During Lensink’s tenure, the college successfully secured several grants to advance its sustainable energy efforts, expanding solar and geothermal power opportunities on campus, and attracting national attention from public officials and higher education leaders.

A dedication ceremony will be held at the lawn area of the current Net Zero Energy Building, Friday, Sept. 28, at noon.

In the 20 years of service to Lake Land, Lensink is fondly thought of by many for his compassionate personality and constant dedication to Lake Land students and staff.  He began his career at the college as a business instructor and head coach for the Laker women’s basketball team. He went on to hold several leadership positions including business division chair and vice president for academic services before successfully rising through the ranks to become the college’s sixth president from 2007 until his retirement in 2013.

Lake Land College, under Lensink’s guidance, received numerous state and national recognitions such as the esteemed designation by the Aspen Institute to be among the top 10 percent of community colleges in the nation and recognition by SafeCampusUSA as the safest campus in Illinois.

When Lensink was posthumously honored with the College’s Distinguished Service Award in 2017, nominator Dave Cox, director of alumni relations and annual giving said, “Scott will forever be remembered at Lake Land College for the impact of his professional career; but just as importantly, he will be remembered by employees and students as a jovial, caring, larger-than-life personality, who inspired us to make an impact at Lake Land College.”

Beyond his outstanding service at Lake Land, Lensink received praise in his educational skills wherever he went, and received the Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers Award, American Marketing Association Faculty Appreciation Award, Eastern Illinois University Management/Marketing Department Teacher of the Year Award and the Outstanding Young Men of America Award.

Lensink also served as a member of the Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Systems Health Center Board of Directors, the Coles County Historical Society Depot Restoration committee and Mattoon Foundation Board.

Most of all, Lensink cherished time spent with wife Michele and sons Zachary and Alexander.

Lake Land College Honors Nurses in Pinning Ceremony

Posted on

At the 2018 Lake Land College Licensed Practical Nursing Pinning Ceremony held in July, graduating nurses received their pins.

Rachel Gratz, Sigel, received 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.  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. Gratz’s name will be engraved on a plaque that is located in the nursing skills lab in Neal Hall.

Julie Rose, Mattoon, and Lori Magnussen, Oconee, received the Licensed Practical Nursing Peer Award. These students are chosen because of their clinical and scholastic performance, willingness to help other students, professionalism, maturity and spirit.  The award is characterized by a true team player, who also is considered a leader. The recipients of this award were chosen by fellow nursing students.

Faith Miller, Effingham, received the award for Clinical Excellence and Emily Galbreath, Charleston, received the award for Client Advocate.

For serving as a positive representative of the LPN program student liaisons, Gratz and Misty Snyder, Effingham, received certificates of recognition.

 

The following students received their pins at the ceremony:

 

Mattoon/ Lake Land Campus:

Cherilyn Carlson      Mattoon

Hannah Diener        Arthur

Shalana Elder           Mattoon

Taylor Fray                Pana

Ashley Funnema      Charleston

Emily Galbreath       Charleston

Chelsie Gast               Charleston

Madison Gates           Paris

Tiffani Golden            Sullivan

Jonathan Johnson    Mattoon

Clarissa Mouley         Mattoon

Jennifer Penberthy   Sullivan

Lashawnda Poree      Chicago Heights

Alicia Pritchard          Urbana

Darla Redman            Paris

Julie Rose                   Mattoon

Andrea Spears           Charleston

Paige Tippit               Findlay

LesLee Watkins        Arcola

 

 

Effingham/ Kluthe Center:

Teresa Allsop           Shelbyville

Megan Bush             Neoga

Madison Dane         Casey

Micah Dickens         Sullivan

Rachel Gratz             Sigel

Kelly Harmon           Montrose

Tashi Kuti                  Mattoon

Lori Magnussen       Oconee

Whitney Matthews  Pana

Alyssa Maxey            Martinsville

Josie McMahon        Neoga

Faith Miller               Effingham

Barbara Phillips       Shumway

Misty Snyder            Effingham

Melinda Strawn       Mattoon

Collin Wallace          Effingham

Edith Warcup           Pana

Lake Land College Board of Trustee election petitions available

Posted on

Persons who wish to file for a seat on the Board of Trustees of Lake Land College, Community College District No. 517, may pick up nominating petitions at the office of Jean Anne Grunloh, senior executive to the president, at Lake Land College on or after Sept. 18.

Petitions are available from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday when the college is open. Grunloh’s office is located in the Board and Administration Center at the main campus in Mattoon.

Completed petition packets will be accepted on behalf of Board Secretary Ms. Ann Deters in the same office from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Dec. 10 through Dec. 17, 2018.

Two six-year terms and one four-year vacancy will appear on the Lake Land College ballot.  The two six year terms are held by Mr. Bruce Owen, Dieterich, and Mr. Dave Storm, Effingham.  Ms. Meg Yargus Steward, Marshall, was appointed in October 2017 to fill the vacancy created by Dr. Robert Luther’s resignation. Her appointment to the vacancy was to serve on the Board until the next regular election in April 2019 when a successor will be elected to serve the remainder of the unexpired term that goes through 2023.

Persons elected on April 2, 2019, will begin their terms of office by April 30, 2019.

To run in the election, interested persons must:

  • Hold U.S. citizenship;
  • Be 18 years of age or older;
  • Be a resident of the state of Illinois for one year immediately preceding the election;
  • Be a resident of Community College District No. 517 for one year immediately preceding the election and;
  • Be a registered voter.

Nominating petitions require the signatures of at least 50 registered voters and should be filed with the office of the senior executive to the president. The candidate may file in person, by mail or by a representative. Each board candidate must also submit a statement of candidacy and a receipt indicating he or she has filed a statement of economic interest with the county clerk of the county in which the principal office of the unit of local government with which the person is associated is located.

The period for filing objections to nomination papers will be from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. in the same office during the following five business days: Tuesday, December 18, 2018; Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2018; Thursday, Dec. 20, 2018; Friday, Dec. 21, 2018; and Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2019.

For more information, contact Grunloh at 217-234-5329.

LAKE LAND COLLEGE CONTINUES TO BE THE FIRST CHOICE AMONG HIGH SCHOOL GRADS

Posted on September 10, 2018

The 2018 Fall 10th Day Enrollment Report shows Lake Land College continues to be the first choice among district high school seniors. For 17 years, the college has attracted more than 30 percent of all area high school graduates. This fall, 34 percent of the Class of 2018 is enrolled at Lake Land College.

“This is a remarkable achievement considering all the enrollment challenges we have seen throughout the state. During these years, Lake Land College has continued to focus on our students by providing a personalized educational experience that leads to success in the workforce or upon transfer. We are proud to be the college of choice for high school graduates in our area,” Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said.

The enrollment report also indicates Workforce Ready programs are seeing upward growth for the second year in a row. New programs and enhancements in response to workforce needs are paving the way for the increase.

Throughout the district, many schools have nearly 40 percent of the graduating class attending Lake Land, with some schools nearing 70 percent. The schools with the highest percentage enrolled are Neoga Junior Senior High, Stewardson-Strasburg High School, Sullivan High School and Kansas High School. The schools with the largest number of graduates enrolled are Mattoon, Charleston, Effingham and Sullivan. In total, 625 in-district graduates are enrolled this fall. When looking at all new high school graduates, the number grows to 758.

“We are pleased that every high school in our district has 2018 graduates enrolled with us this fall,” Vice President for Student Services Tina Stovall said.

Data from the National Student Clearinghouse indicates in-district graduates have chosen Lake Land College over any other college by a 10 to 1 ratio each of the past three years and we anticipate that 2018 will be no exception, said Stovall who presented the enrollment report to the Lake Land College Board of Trustees at the Sept. 10 meeting.

“Of those in-district graduates attending college, more than 600 were enrolled at Lake Land. In comparison, the second and third colleges on the list each had closer to 60 students enrolled from each graduating class,” she added.

Overall, there are 4,582 students enrolled in Lake Land College classes this fall semester. Despite consistent enrollment of high school graduates, fall enrollment shows an overall 7.7 percent drop in headcount and a 4.9 percent drop in credit hours or full time equivalency (FTE), compared to last fall, according to the 10th day report. Much of the decline comes in the area of non-degree enrollment which includes students taking individual courses but not pursuing a degree or certificate.

Two main factors influencing enrollment are the size of the high school graduating class and increased opportunities for employment in our area. This year’s high school graduating class of 1,826 was the second smallest in the college’s history.

Over time, the college has seen a direct correlation between unemployment rates and college enrollment, particularly with adult students, Stovall said. With today’s unemployment rate less than 4 percent, the adult student enrollment at the start of fall semester has dropped by nearly 40 percent over the past five years.

“A low rate of unemployment is good for our community and allows our alumni to be gainfully employed, families to contribute to their communities and businesses to thrive. With more of our community, particularly adults, employed there are fewer students seeking a college education. Lake Land College stands ready with opportunities to help them to advance in their careers with specific courses or new programs,” Bullock said.

During the past few years, Lake Land College has introduced several new programs and strengthened many others in response to the needs of local employers. These efforts have paid off in the Workforce Ready side of the college which is seeing its second year of enrollment growth. Workforce Ready programs provide workforce credentials through associate degree and certificate programs that prepare students for immediate employment upon graduation.

Recent examples of these new programs include Medical Assistant, IT-LaunchCode and LSC Communications Fast Track. All of these programs were developed in response to a need identified in the local business community.

“Our student population at Lake Land is unique to the communities we serve. Our goal is to provide the education and training to meet those unique needs, Stovall said.

“With new initiatives throughout the state addressing the migration of students outside of Illinois when seeking higher education opportunities, Lake Land College is proud to be the first choice of our district high graduates and our business partners seeking training programs for their workforce,” Bullock said.

The 10th day enrollment report is a standard report among the higher education community that captures opening enrollment data each semester.

 

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Prospective Students Invited to Laker Visit Day

Posted on September 7, 2018

Prospective Lake Land College students and parents are invited to learn more about the college at one of the two upcoming open houses. Laker Visit Days are scheduled for Oct. 12 and Dec. 7.

Beginning at 9 a.m. in the Luther Student Center Lobby and running until noon, Laker Visit Day provides an opportunity for students to tour campus, sit in on 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.

Representatives from Admissions and Records, Financial Aid, Counseling Services, Career Services and Student Life will provide information and answer questions. The event includes campus tours and informational sessions by current Lake Land College Student Ambassadors and college staff. Participants will also meet with faculty members in their academic area of interest to learn about the more than 150 majors at Lake Land.

“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 student life and to learn about financial aid options and opportunities,” Olivia Mintun, admissions representative, said.

Guests should be prepared to walk the beautiful campus. To get to the Student Center take Entrance 1, turn right after the curve and park in Lot B. Then, walk towards the Bookstore as far South as possible. In case of inclement weather on the day of the event, please check the college’s homepage for closures at lakelandcollege.edu.

For more information, or to reserve a space for Laker Visit Day, register online at lakelandcollege.edu/visit or call 217-234-5377.

WALLETHUB: LAKE LAND COLLEGE 4TH BEST COMMUNITY COLLEGE IN ILLINOIS

Posted on September 6, 2018

Lake Land College has been ranked the fourth best community college in the state of Illinois according to a recent independent study by the financial website WalletHub. The study examined 17 key factors, ranging from cost and finances to educational and career outcomes.

The ranking, published August 20, 2018, compares 715 community colleges from across the country, and 40 community colleges in Illinois.

Lake Land College also ranks 20th nationally in the same study for educational outcomes. Metrics used when comparing educational outcomes include first-year retention rate, graduation rate, transfer-out rate, credentials (degrees and certificates) awarded per 100 full-time equivalency students, share of full-time faculty, and student-faculty ratio.

Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said Lake Land College’s standard of excellence is reflected in the college’s ranking.

“The findings demonstrate the commitment of our board, faculty and staff to offer a quality academic environment that provides a local pathway for students to reach their career goals and seek gainful employment,” Bullock said. “We offer this opportunity to students at a price point that allows them to begin a future on solid financial footing. We are pleased to receive this endorsement from WalletHub, an organization that promotes financial literacy.”

At about $4,000 per year, Lake Land College’s tuition and fees are among the lowest in the state. Students who begin a bachelor’s degree at Lake Land College will save about $40,000 in room and board, tuition and fees compared to a state university. Plus, students do not have to pay for books with the college’s textbook rental program. These savings significantly reduce the potential for crippling student loan debt upon graduation. Students who complete a Workforce Ready program gain valuable hands-on training and workforce connections that open doors for employment upon graduation.

This affordability and academic quality are the top reasons students choose to begin their educational journey at Lake Land College, according to the Spring 2018 Novel Levitz Student Satisfaction Inventory Survey. The same study indicated Lake Land College was the first choice of more than 80 percent of its students.

Throughout the district, high school graduates also put Lake Land College at the top. Of those students attending college, students choose Lake Land over other higher education options by a margin of 10:1.

According to WalletHub, the information and data included in the ranking was gathered from the National Center for Educational Statistics, US News, U.S. Department of Education, Council for Community & Economic Research, and College Measures. To view the WalletHub ranking, visit wallethub.com.

Visit lakelandcollege.edu for more information on how to get started at Lake Land College.

Lake Land College Athletes Achieve Honors

Posted on August 31, 2018

Across Lake Land College’s sports teams, 25 students achieved athletic honors, and 16 students achieved academic honors.

Three teams earned the 2018 NJCAA Academic Team honors for GPAs of 3.0 or higher.
Women’s basketball’s GPA was as high as 3.45.

Softball players Addison Baele of Mattoon and Molly McElwee of St. Joseph, both received 2018 NJCAA All-Academic First Team honors for 4.00 GPAs. Baseball players Sam Gubbins, Charleston, and Mitchell Shaw, Colorado Springs, Colorado, and volleyball player Emily Watson, Mattoon, were among athletes honored with the 2018 NJCAA All-Academic Second Team for 3.80-3.99 GPAs.

Of the Athletic Sports Honors, Avery Jackson, Mattoon, achieved the NJCAA 3rd Team Academic All American, Division Two All-Region 24 Team, Great Rivers Athletic Conference All-Conference 1st Team, and Freshman of the Year honors. Both men’s basketball players Josh Jefferson, New Albany, Indiana, and Amel Kuljuhovic, Waterloo, Iowa, received the NJCAA Division One All-Region 24 and Great Rivers Athletic Conference All-Conference 1st Team honors.

The NJCAA is the National Junior College Athletic Association dedicated to promoting and fostering two-year college athletics and ensuring equality among sports practices. The Great Rivers Athletic Conference is the section of the NJCAA that primarily encompasses Southern Illinois and contains nine colleges. Learn more about the association at ncjaa.org and the conference at gracsports.com.

This year the following Laker student athletes and teams were honored:

 

Lake Land College

ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT HONORS 2017-2018

Academic Report

2018 NJCAA Academic Team (must have a team GPA of 3.00 or higher):

Softball, Volleyball, Women’s Basketball

 

2018 NJCAA All-Academic First Team (athlete with 24 credit hours with 4.00 GPA):

Addison Baele (Softball), Mattoon

Molly McElwee (Softball), St. Joseph

 

2018 NJCAA All-Academic Second Team (athlete with 24 credit hours with 3.80-3.99 GPA):

Madison Bostick (Softball), Stillwater, Utah

Abigail Bush (Women Basketball), Brocton

Jamie Sandschafer (Women Basketball), Teutopolis

Callie Williams (Women Basketball), Fairbury

Emily Watson (Volleyball), Mattoon

Taylor Williams (Volleyball), Casey

Deidra Schaal (Volleyball), Saint Peter

Mitchell Shaw (Baseball), Colorado Springs, Colorado

Sam Gubbins (Baseball), Charleston

 

2018 NJCAA All-Academic Third Team (athlete with 24 credit hours with 3.60-3.79 GPA):

Kendall Hastings (Softball), Riverside

Holly Marousek (Softball), Chicago

Dakota Crowder (Women Basketball), Charleston

Avery Jackson (Women Basketball), Mattoon

Kelcie Darnell (Volleyball), Shelbyville

 

Accumulative GPA of all of our athletes (102) for the 2017-2018 academic year: 3.09

By Sport: Women’s Basketball – 3.45

Softball – 3.31

Volleyball – 3.26

Men’s Basketball – 2.58

Baseball – 2.8

Cheer – 2.8

 

Total number of athletes achieving a 3.0 or higher GPA for the 2017-2018 academic year: 60 of 102

By sport: Softball (18 of 21)

Baseball (8 of 24)

Women’s Basketball (13 of 13)

Volleyball (10 of 14)

Men’s Basketball (4 of 17)

Cheer (7 of 13)

 

Athletic Sports Honors

 

Season Records

By Sport: Softball – 48/18

Women’s Basketball – 22/11

Men’s Basketball – 17/14

Volleyball – 15/24

Baseball – 13/33

 

Volleyball

Team Honors

NJCAA Academic Team

 

Individual Honors and Awards

NJCAA 2nd Team Academic All American: Emily Watson – Mattoon, Taylor Williams – Casey, Deidra Schaal – Saint Peter

NJCAA 3rd Team academic All American: Kelcie Darnell – Shelbyville

NJCAA Division One All-Region 24: Ryann Ambrose – Shelbyville, Alexandra Beckers – Mattoon

Great Rivers Athletic Conference All-Conference 1st Team: Ryann Ambrose – Shelbyville, Alexandra Beckers – Mattoon

Great Rivers Athletic Conference All-Conference 2nd Team: Brooklynn Elsas – Lincoln

Great Rivers Athletic Conference Sportsmanship Award: Kristy Burford – Bethany

 

Women’s Basketball

Team Honors

NJCAA Academic Team

NJCAA Division Two Region 24 Runner-Up

 

Individual Honors and Awards

NJCAA 2nd Team Academic All American: Abigail Bush – Brocton, Jamie Sandschafer – Teutopolis, Callie Williams – Fairbury

NJCAA 3rd Team Academic All American: Dakota Crowder – Charleston, Avery Jackson – Mattoon

NJCAA Division Two All-Region 24 Team: Avery Jackson – Mattoon

Great Rivers Athletic Conference All-Conference 1st Team: Avery Jackson – Mattoon

Great Rivers Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year: Avery Jackson – Mattoon

 

Men’s Basketball

Individual Honors and Awards

NJCAA Division One All-Region 24: Josh Jefferson – New Albany, Indiana, Amel Kuljuhovic – Waterloo, Iowa

Great Rivers Athletic Conference All-Conference 1st Team: Josh Jefferson – New Albany, Indiana, Amel Kuljuhovic – Waterloo, Iowa

 

Softball

Team Honors

NJCAA Academic Team

NJCAA Division One National Tournament – 12th Place

NJCAA Division One Region 24 Champions

 

Individual Honors and Awards

NJCAA Division One Region 24 Player of the Year: Holly Marousek – Chicago

NJCAA Division One All-Region 24: Braylyn Burdick – Boonville, IN, Allison Helton – Colorado Springs, Colorado, Madeline Adams – Hobart, Indiana, Kendall Hastings – Riverside, Alina Lance – New Athens, Addison Baele – Mattoon

Great Rivers Athletic Conference All-Conference: Alina Lance – New Athens, Addison Baele – Mattoon, Madeline Adams – Hobart, Indiana

 

Baseball

Individual Honors and Awards

Great Rivers Athletic All Conference: Garrett Brachbill – Shelbyville

 

Lakers Moving On

Baseball

Parker Nolan – Schaumburg – University of Indianapolis

Brady Cappe – Brantford, Ontario, Canada – University of Pikeville

Devon Still – Camby, Indiana – Columbia College

Jake McClellan – Beloit, Wisconsin – University of Wisconsin La Crosse

Bryan Melendez – Caguas, PR – Benedictine University

Alex Moore – Lakeside, California – Central Methodist University

Garrett Brachbill – Shelbyville – Eastern Illinois (Academic)

Ben Sweeny – Charleston – Lincoln College

 

Volleyball

Kelcie Darnell – Shelbyville – Culver Stockton College

Deidra Schaal – Saint Peter – Indiana State University (Academic)

Hannah Koonce – Shelbyville – University of Illinois (Academic)

Adora Gowin – Martinsville – Eastern Illinois (Academic)

Claudia Watson – Shelbyville – Indiana State University (Academic)

Emily Watson – Mattoon – Lake Land College Nursing (Academic)

Ryann Ambrose – Shelbyville – Loyola Chicago (Academic)

 

Men’s Basketball

Josh Robinson – Normal – Central Methodist University

Amel Kuljuhovic – Waterloo, Iowa – Cal State Fullerton

Josh Jefferson – New Albany, Indiana – Illinois State University

Sean Kromah – Smyrna, Tennessee – TBA

 

Softball

Maddy Adams – Hobart, Indiana – University of Illinois

Haylee Short – Hillsboro, Missouri – University of Tennessee Martin

Addison Baele – Mattoon – Liberty University

Alina Lance – New Athens – Stoney brook University

Holly Marouske – Chicago – Southern Illinois University

Molly McElwee – St. Joseph – Police Academy (Academic)

Kendall Hastings – Riverside – University of Illinois Chicago (Academic)

Hope Collier – Effingham – Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (Academic)

Lake Land College Hosts Athletic Reunion for Homecoming

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Lake Land College is inviting all former athletes to a Laker Athletic Reunion during Laker Homecoming on Friday, Sept. 28 at 5 p.m. The reunion will be held in the Field House’s Walden Room.

Attendees can visit with former teammates, coaches and fellow athletes and enjoy a taco bar before cheering on the Laker Volleyball team at 6 p.m.

“We are excited to welcome back our alumni.  The Laker athletic programs have a long-standing tradition of success both on the field and in the classroom,” Bill Jackson, athletic director and head baseball coach, said. “Our alumni are the ones who have paved the way for our current Laker student athletes and have set the standards high. We truly enjoy the opportunity to welcome our former student athletes back to campus.”

All former Laker athletes and coaches in attendance will be recognized at the intermission of the match (between second and third set).

Throughout the college’s history, there have been many athletic programs. Looking back through The Anchor yearbooks from 1968-1972, Lake Land College had the following programs: golf, cross country, baseball, women’s recreation association, pom-pon girls, cheerleading, basketball and wrestling. Today, Laker athletics consists of volleyball, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, softball, baseball and cheerleading.

To RSVP to the reunion contact Ashli Wicker at awicker1@lakelandcollege.edu or 217-234-5260.