The Myth Surrounding College Transfer Posted on April 26, 2018 April is National Community College month, an appropriate time to dispel myths about transferability of community college credits and celebrate Lake Land’s success in preparing students to transfer on to a four-year institution and earn a bachelor’s degree. Whether a student is transferring to an in-state university, or a college outside Illinois, Lake Land College offers transferable degrees and courses that ensure transfer students are well prepared for the next stage of their academic journey. Our Institutional Research office compiles an annual report that details the grade point averages (GPA) of our transfer students at their transfer institution. Each year, the data tells us that our graduates earn GPAs for their coursework at the transfer university that are higher than the students who began their journey at that campus. For example, in 2017, the average university GPA of all Lake Land transfer students was 3.27 compared to an average GPA of 2.93 for native university students who enrolled as freshmen. In addition, Lake Land transfer students are overwhelmingly successful in their pursuit of a bachelor’s degree. The 2017 Transfer Report looked at a cohort of Lake Land students between 2011 and 2017 that transferred to a four-year institution. Of those cohort students, 93 percent of them graduated with a bachelor’s degree and 87 percent of them did so from an Illinois university. We pride ourselves on these data points, but they tell only part of the story. The entire Laker experience is designed around high standards of academic rigor and support services that lead to student success. Once a student declares a Transfer Ready major, academic counselors and advisors work with him or her to create a personalized path ensuring Lake Land courses will count toward the intended major at the transfer university. If students need to explore options, they can stop by the Transfer Resource Room in the Northwest Building. Students can meet with university transfer coordinators and gather information from U.S. colleges. They can also visit the Counseling Services website where they will find established transfer guides and resources. Don’t see the preferred transfer college there? No worries. An academic counselor will work with that university to create an individualized plan for the student. Mapping out courses is just one step in the journey. At Lake Land, students have access to free tutoring as well as several opportunities to build their resumes with leadership skills, community service and campus involvement. Those of particular interest to transfer students include the National Society of Leadership and Success and the Honors Experience which combines the valuable options of the Presidential Scholarship, Phi Theta Kappa honorary society and enhanced learning through honors courses. We are excited to welcome a new group of transfer students to campus this summer and fall. No matter from which university a student ultimately would like to earn a bachelor’s degree, Lake Land is an affordable and well-respected college to begin the journey. For those students graduating this spring who are undecided, please know they will always be welcome here at their community college, Lake Land College. Dr. Josh Bullock Lake Land College President
Lake Land College Adjunct Instructor Lisa Bluhm goes above and beyond Posted on April 25, 2018 Lake Land College faculty is made up of a combination of dedicated full-time and adjunct instructors who together create an outstanding learning environment for students. One business division adjunct instructor recently made a significant impact on a student as she prepares to complete her education at Lake Land. Adjunct Faculty Business Division Instructor Lisa Bluhm has committed her career to ensuring that her students learn proper medical coding. Whether this be holding in-person meetings at the public library with her online students who are struggling, or allowing students to shadow her on the job, Bluhm ensures that students are able to incorporate hands-on experiences in their education. Shae Plush, an office professional student at Lake Land, is currently working with Bluhm to complete her internship with the city of Charleston. “Lisa’s 30-plus years of knowledge and experience have proven to be invaluable to my education,” said Plush. Plush is not the only one grateful to Bluhm for her willingness to invest so much time and patience into teaching. The business division, including Kathy Daugherty, business instructor/program coordinator, office professionals-medical, show their gratitude toward Bluhm’s excellent work and selflessness. “Lisa has gone above and beyond what is expected of an adjunct instructor; she does this because she really cares about the success of the students and has a passion for the medical coding career,” Daugherty said. The business division thanks Bluhm for “being a key member of the business division and for her years of dedication.” With every minute that Bluhm invests, she continues to ensure that all of her students are succeeding and building towards a successful future. For more information about the business division at Lake Land, contact Academic Counselor Heather Nohren at 217-234-5256 or hnohren@lakelandcollege.edu. For more information about Lake Land College, visit lakelandcollege.edu.
Fast track training program leading to jobs in Mattoon Posted on April 24, 2018 Lake Land College and LSC Communications are offering a nine-week fast track training program leading to a job at the printing facility in Mattoon. The unique training program is the first of its kind in the LSC Communications organization. Individuals who complete the training will receive a college certificate and will be hired by LSC Communications in the positions of bindery operator, press operator or assistant press operator at wages of $16 to $18 per hour. Once hired, the employee will enter into an apprenticeship to learn the detailed craft of printing. Those interested in the program must attend one of two informational sessions on Thursday, May 3, 2018 at the Lake Land College Workforce Development Center, 305 Richmond Ave., E, Mattoon from 9-10 a.m. or 6-7 p.m. Details of the Manufacturing Skills training program will be discussed as well as application requirements. Applicants will be required to complete drug screening and a criminal background check as well as create a plan to pay Lake Land College tuition and fees for the certificate program. Financial aid, a payment plan and funding sources will also be discussed. Classes will be held May 14-July 13 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday at the Workforce Development Center. Memorial Day and Independence Day holidays will be observed. “Lake Land College is pleased to work with LSC Communications to create a responsive, customized training program to meet the organization’s need for a skilled workforce,” Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said. “By working with companies such as LSC, we create partnerships that strengthen our regional workforce and communities.” LSC Communications prints, assembles and ships magazines, catalogs and books in the 1.3 million-square-foot facility. “Everything we do here is extremely detail oriented and highly technical,” James Lanman, vice president of manufacturing at LSC Communications, said. “We are looking for people who are interested in technology and want a hands-on experience.” Lanman said LSC offers opportunities for career advancement and has many employees who have been there for decades. The positions include full benefits including health, dental, vision and vacation. The facility includes a weight room, locker rooms and a full-service cafeteria. “We have been making a concerted effort to be more involved in the community and partnering with Lake Land will help us reach that goal. The plant employs more than 700 full-time staff but we are always looking for new and inspired talent,” Lanman said. For more information about the program, contact Bonnie Moore, director to Center for Business and Industry, at 217-238-8260 or bmoore71258@lakelandcollege. -30-
Matt Landrus honored with Lake Land College’s Faculty Association Outstanding Service Award Posted on April 23, 2018 Lake Land College Music Instructor Nancy Caldwell, right, is pictured with Matt Landrus, Lake Land College English instructor, who received the 2018 Faculty Association Outstanding Service Award at the Employee and Retiree Recognition ceremony. Matt Landrus, Lake Land College English instructor, received the 2018 Faculty Association Outstanding Service Award at this year’s Employee and Retiree Recognition ceremony. “Matt has contributed to the college and the community, contributing his time and energy to make them both better places to live and work,” said Bryan Burrell, academic counselor, in his nomination of Landrus. In his many years here at Lake Land College, Landrus has been instrumental in helping the college and the community thrive by getting involved in committees such as Faculty-Association Grievance, Employee Survey Task Force and the Core Curriculum Task Force. Landrus also worked on organizing countless projects such as participating in Eastern Illinois University’s first ever Handshaking Night after being recommended by several EIU English professors and graduate students. He provides electronic and hard copies of course materials for the Dental Hygiene Accreditation. He also took time to assist administration in organizing and promoting a successful dual credit mixer between high school teachers and full-time faculty. The research for Lake Land College’s “Living Archives” was located, organized and prepared over the course of three years by Landrus—a significant undertaking for both Landrus and the college—that lead to the unveiling of a website that is still used today. He created and runs the Pathways Holiday Auction, which raises money to support students in Lake Land’s Pathways’ program during the holiday season. “Matt was the catalyst behind the Pathways Holiday Auction, which raises funds for that program to carry out its mission. It has grown exponentially from a few employees in a Northwest classroom to a well-attended community function. This auction has raised approximately $36,400 since its inception,” Burrell added. Landrus also started and continues to contribute to the annual student vs. faculty softball game, which has raised more than $20,500 in the past 15 years for the Lake Land College Faculty Association scholarships and has served as an event for students and faculty to interact outside of a classroom setting. In his commitment to students, Landrus has written more than 200 letters of recommendations for students, has taught more than 15 independent studies and closed sections of literature courses and was the faculty advisor for the Navigator News. In 2008, he received the Outstanding Mentor Award from Eastern Illinois University’s English graduate students, making him the only non-EIU faculty member to ever win it. “Teaching at Lake Land was always my dream and I thank great instructors from Lake Land College like John Bennett, who is retired, along with Drs. Dana Ringuette and Randy Beebe, both from EIU, for believing in my ability to do so,” said Landrus. Landrus earned an associate degree from Lake Land College in 1993 and a bachelors and masters’ degree in English from Eastern Illinois University. He lives with his partner, Mariah, his daughter, Kate, and their two dogs, Digby and Belle. For more information on Lake Land College, visit lakelandcollge.edu.
Lake Land College Foundation announces Top 50 VIPS Posted on April 20, 2018 The Lake Land College Foundation will honor the 50 most influential people in the college’s history this summer as part of the 50th anniversary celebration. “Since its inception, Lake Land College has had the privilege of creating, growing and serving through an extremely dedicated, visionary group of people from the community and within. The Foundation looks forward to honoring these outstanding men and women and recognizing their roles in making Lake Land College, our communities and most of all, our students, what they are today,” Jacqueline Joines, director of college advancement, said. The top 50 most influential people in Lake Land College’s history are: Gene Alexander—Former Coordinator of Student Records/Athletic Hall of Fame Ken Beno—Former Radio/TV Instructor, WLKL Station Manager/Division Chair Humanities Wayne Bradtke—Former Music Instructor/School Song Composer Josh Bullock—President Pam Crisman—Former Vice President for Development Floyd Curl—Former Trustee/Donor Jim Decker—Former Academic Counselor Jim Dudley—Former Physical Education Instructor/Athletic Director/Men’s Basketball Coach Randy Ervin—Former Chief of Police Gerald Fedrigon—Former Director of Admissions and Records Gerald Forsythe—Donor Lana Fuller—Former Executive Assistant to Five Past Presidents Karen Fuqua—Former Trustee/Donor Dennis Gathmann—Former Bio-Science Instructor Leland Glazebrook—Former Trustee Marilyn Gover—Former Business Instructor Dave Greeson—Former Vice President for Academic Services Richard Heller—Former Social Science Instructor/First Union Negotiator Bill Hollada—Former Humanities Instructor Roberta Hollada—Former Director of Child Care/Child Car Instructor/Founder of Child Care Lab Paul Icenogle—Former Master Gardener Max Jaeger—Former Vice President for Business Services Bob Johnston—First Trustee Member Class Virgil Judge—First President Thomas Kerkhoff—Former Executive Dean Correctional Programs/Established Corrections Education Hal Kottwitz—Former Business Instructor Scott Lensink—Former President Robert Luther—Former President Consuello Luttrell—Donor George Mitchell—Former Trustee/Donor Burnham Neal—Donor Thomas Nolan—First Trustee Member Class Bob Orr—Health/Physical Education Instructor/Former Men’s Tennis Coach Clem Phipps—First Trustee Member Class William Podesta—Former Trustee/Donor Tom Reedy—Former Division Chair Agriculture/Agriculture Instructor Doris Reynolds—Trustee Bill Rich—Former Vice President for Academic Services Cheryl Rich—Former Vice President for Student Services Curt Rinker—Former Division Chair Agriculture/Agriculture Instructor Ron Sanderson—Former Associate Vice President for Workforce Development Jim Shaffer—Former Trustee Helen Smith—Former Division Chair Health/Physical Education/Health Education and PE Instructor Tina Stovall—Vice President for Student Services Mike Sullivan—Trustee/Alumni Board Marilyn Fuqua Thompson—Former Division Chair Allied Health/Nursing Instructor/Donor Linda Von Behren—Former Associate Vice President for Workforce Development Robert Webb—Former President Tom Wright—Foundation Board Member Larry Yargus—Former Foundation Board Member All the honorees will be recognized at a ceremony on June 8 at the Keller Convention Center in Effingham. For more information, contact the Lake Land College Foundation office at 217-234-5363.
Laker fans invited to the Laker Academic Awards Gala Posted on April 18, 2018 On Sunday, April 29, the Lake Land College Leadership Council will host the third annual Laker Academic Awards Gala in the Field House. “We invite the Lake Land College community to join us for a night of honoring our student athletes’ academic achievements,” Athletic Director and Head Baseball Coach Bill Jackson said. The gala includes a silent and live auction, with all proceeds going to Lake Land College Athletics. Some of the live auction items include: a three-month membership to the Mattoon Area Family YMCA; four tickets to a Luke Bryan, Sam Hunt and Jon Pardi concert at Busch Stadium; Cancun vacation package; one-day passes to Holiday World; a trip to Par-A-Dice Casino and much more! For $20 guests can enter a drawing for two St. Louis Cardinals vs. Chicago Cubs tickets, a one-night stay at City Place in St. Louis, and a Cardinals/Cubs corn-hole set. In addition to recognizing each team, the many athletes who have excelled in the classroom will be honored. The students elected to honor Lara Bacino-Althaus, psychology instructor, as Faculty of the Year and Aaron Tardy, CTPD audio visual assistant, as Staff of the Year. Coaches will honor the Laker athletes of the year – Devon Still, Bethany, baseball, as the Male Athlete of the Year and Koty Crowder, Charleston, women’s basketball, as Female Athlete of the Year. Tickets for the Gala are $25 per seat. Each seat includes hors d’oeuvres and a three course sit-down meal consisting of a salad, your choice of pork or chicken, and a dessert. Tables are made up of six seats and are also available for purchase at $125 each. Dress for the Gala will be semi-formal with refreshment hour starting at 5 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. To purchase tickets or donate any items to the live or silent auction, please contact Braddi Browning at 217-234-5333 or breed43185@lakelandcollege.edu.
Lake Land College’s Navigator News receives awards at ICCJA contest Posted on April 17, 2018 The staff of Lake Land College’s Navigator News recently won seven awards at the spring 2018 Illinois Community College Journalism Association ICCJA conference. Pictured in front row, left to right: Catrina Oberfeldt, Dieterich; Derby Roan, Sigel; Abigail Buenker, Effingham. Back row, left to right: Cedric Peoples, Mattoon; Will Starwalt, Effingham; Ethan Neal, Windsor; Zoe Donovan, Windsor. The staff of Lake Land College’s Navigator News recently won seven awards at the spring 2018 Illinois Community College Journalism Association ICCJA conference held at Lincoln Land Community College. The entire staff was commended for their hard work and received Honorable Mention for General Excellence at the conference. The Navigator News is Lake Land College’s student newspaper and is produced by the students for the students every month during the fall and spring semesters. The eight to 12 page tabloid consists of news, features, sports, entertainment and upcoming events. Listed below are the awards the Navigator News staff received: 1st Place Advertising, Tamesha Moss, Mattoon 3rd Place Feature Writing, Derby Roan, Sigel 3rd Place News Column, Catrina Oberfeldt, Dieterich Honorable Mention Editorial Cartoon, Derby Roan, Sigel Honorable Mention Feature Photo, Derby Roan, Sigel Honorable Mention Graphics, Derby Roan, Sigel Honorable Mention General Excellence, staff of Lake Land College Navigator News The staff also had the opportunity to attend education sessions taught by distinguished journalism faculty, current journalists and graphic designers. For more information on the Navigator News or any other student life activity, visit lakelandcollege.edu/student-life.
Lake Land College announces annual Outstanding Club Award winners Posted on April 16, 2018 Lake Land College’s Club I.T. received the Outstanding Club Award at the college’s 2018 Annual Club Recognition Luncheon. Pictured from left to right are: Scott Rhine, IT Instructor/Program Coordinator and Club I.T. advisor; Darrius Frazier, Charleston; Bradley Livingston, Effingham; Olivia Price, Effingham; Cody Borntreger, Oakland; Race Underwood, Bethany; Joshua McCombe, Pana; Logan Malcome, Neoga; Justin Pryor, Mattoon; Samantha McClain, Atwood; Jesse Wright, Neoga; Shelby Cooper, Bethany; Annette Lynch, Charleston; James Munger, IT Instructor/Program Coordinator and Club I.T. advisor. Pictured on the left is Valerie Lynch, director of student life, and James Munger, IT instructor/program coordinator, IT-web technology and one of Club I.T.’s advisors, who received the Outstanding Club Advisor Award for 2018. Lake Land College’s Club I.T. received the Outstanding Club Award at the 2018 annual Lake Land College Club Recognition Luncheon. Over the past year, Club I.T. participated and facilitated numerous activities that benefited the club and the community. The club regularly offers computer maintenance and support to community members in exchange for club donations. Members designed and built a computer application for Boy Scouts. The club hosted a “Cans for Credit” can drive last fall, where they gathered more than 1,000 food items and donated them to local food pantries. Club I.T. sponsors an annual Game Design contest, open to all Lake Land students. During the contest, students are able to participate in game development workshops. Members attend IT talks with a group of industry software developers from the Effingham area. The software developer group also hosts “Hack Nights” where Club I.T. members are able to work on projects and network with professionals in the field. For team-building, the club hosts “Fun Fridays” where members hold software workshops, participate in outdoor activities and play multiplayer video games. To be eligible for this honor and considered an active student club, each club must accomplish its objectives as stated in the club’s constitution and bylaws, maintain a high attendance and participation record of its members, maintain adequate minutes of its meeting and records of its activities, have an up-to-date roster of its members and officers, have complete and accurate financial records of its activities and be a solvent organization. The club must present this information to the Student Government Association (SGA). James Munger, IT instructor/program coordinator, IT-Web Technology and one of Club I.T.’s advisors, received the Outstanding Club Advisor Award. Munger was recognized for his commitment to student success and his enthusiasm for planning club events. Members of Club I.T. went on to praise Munger for all the times he went above and beyond for students. “James deserves this award because the positive attitude he has about his job, the opportunities he has created for educational advancement and his availability to assist us,” said Club I.T. members in Munger’s nomination form. In addition to Club I.T., the following clubs were nominated for the Outstanding Club Award: Phi Theta Kappa, Future Educators Association and Early Childhood and Family Services. Honorable mentions went to Early Childhood and Family Services and Phi Theta Kappa. The runner-up for Outstanding Club Award went to the Future Educators Association. For more information about Lake Land’s clubs and organizations, visit lakelandcollege.edu and look for the “Student Life” drop-down menu.
Lake Land College and LaunchCode to host informational night Posted on April 12, 2018 Lake Land College and LaunchCode will cohost an informational session about the new IT-LaunchCode program on Wednesday, April 18 from 6-7 p.m. at the Kluthe Center for Higher Education and Technology in Effingham. LaunchCode’s Director of Growth Daniel Fogarty and Lake Land College representatives will share information about the LaunchCode organization, the curriculum and outcomes of the new 20-week certificate being offered in the evenings at the Kluthe Center from June 5 to Oct. 18. Lake Land College IT Instructor/Program Coordinator, IT-Web Technology James Munger, who will be teaching the classes, will be available to meet with interested students. Craig Nielson, president and CEO of the Effingham Regional Growth Alliance will also share information about scholarship and employment opportunities. Enrollment in the program is limited. The deadline to apply is May 1 and an aptitude test is required. A practice test, FAQ and list of steps to get started can be found on the High Demand Programs page at lakelandcollege.edu/high-demand-programs. Lake Land College representatives will be available to help students get started with the enrollment process or financial aid. Lake Land College and LaunchCode are partnering to offer students an opportunity to train for a career in the fast growing field of web application development in just 20 weeks. Students will gain skills in Python, Java, SQL and front-end development. Those who complete the program will earn a Lake Land College certificate as well as the opportunity to test for eight industry-leading Microsoft certifications. The program is offered through a collaborative agreement between the college and LaunchCode, an innovative non-profit providing job seekers opportunities to enter the technology field. Jim McKelvey, the co-founder of Square, the payments processing company, founded LaunchCode to create pathways for people seeking careers in technology. For more information about the informational meeting contact Bonnie Moore, director to Center for Business and Industry, at 217-238-8260 or bmoore71258@lakelandcollege.edu. For more information about the IT-LaunchCode certificate program visit lakelandcollege.edu/high-demand-programs.
Lake Land College to fund construction for Rural Development Technology Center in Effingham Posted on Lake Land College President Josh Bullock announced Wednesday that the college’s new master building plan includes funding for construction of the Rural Development Technology Center adjacent to the Kluthe Center in Effingham. Karen Kull, director of the Kluthe Center, left, and Bullock, right, are pictured in front of the sign announcing the future site of the Rural Development Technology Center that will serve as a home to the Effingham Regional Career Academy. Lake Land College President Josh Bullock announced Wednesday that the college’s new master building plan includes funding for construction of the Rural Development Technology Center in Effingham. The new construction is expected to begin in 2022 and will be adjacent to the Kluthe Center for Higher Education and Technology. The center will house the Effingham Regional Career Academy as well as additional classroom and lab space. The goal is to have 150 area students participating in the academy within the first year and provide a space for the partnered programs such as welding and manufacturing skills now held at area high schools. The center will offer opportunities for high school students, in addition to adult students, to gain in-demand workforce skills. “The goal is to make sure that opportunities are available to students, regardless of what school district they reside in. We plan to meet the needs of our students, community members and district employers,” Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said. The center will focus on providing educational opportunities to train for careers in advanced manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, technology and transportation. Through decades of conservative fiscal management the college will be able to implement these new construction plans without raising property taxes. “The Lake Land College Board of Trustees is committed to our communities,” Bullock said. “It’s important that we provide opportunities for students to train for life sustaining careers within their hometowns.” For more information about the Effingham Regional Career Academy, visit effinghamregionalcareeracademy.com. For more information about Lake Land College, visit lakelandcollege.edu.