Meg Yargus Steward Selected To Serve On The Lake Land College Board Of Trustees Posted on October 9, 2017 The Lake Land College Board of Trustees selected Meg Yargus Steward, Marshall, to fill a vacancy on the board following a regular meeting Monday, Oct. 9, 2017. Yargus Steward will take her seat at the Nov. 13 board meeting. Yargus Steward has served on the Lake Land College Foundation Board of Directors for the past three years. She served as the president of the board for 2016-2017. She is the national account director at Yargus Manufacturing, Inc. in Marshall. She has a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Butler University in 2006 and serves on the Marshall Main Street Board along with the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association PAC Board. In the letter she wrote to trustees as part of the application requirements, she stated her experience on the foundation has shown her “the impact this college has on its students and communities. I am asking for the available Board of Trustee seat to be a part of a team of people who wants to see the best for Lake Land College.” “We look forward to working with Meg. Her experience and expertise will be a welcome addition to the board as we continue to guide Lake Land College into another 50 years of success,” Lake Land College Board Chairman Dave Storm said. Storm spoke on behalf of all trustees in thanking the five individuals who submitted materials by the deadline. The trustee vacancy was created in September with the resignation of former trustee Robert Luther, Mattoon. Yargus Steward will serve until the next consolidated election in April of 2019, at which time the voters of Community College District No. 517 will select an individual to serve out the remainder of Luther’s unexpired term. -30-
Lake Land College To Hold Tuition Steady For Spring 2018 Posted on The Lake Land College Board of Trustees approved a recommendation to keep Spring Semester 2018 tuition and fees the same as fall at the regular board meeting on Monday. “We are committed to making college affordable for our students,” Josh Bullock, Lake Land College president, said. “By keeping our tuition and fees the same as in the fall, our current students are able to confidently plan for the next semester and new students can begin creating a plan to pay for their first semester.” The spring semester begins Jan. 8. Advisement for current students is underway and New Student Orientation will begin Nov. 13. Tuition and fees for one semester at Lake Land College are about $1,900. This includes textbook rental which equals about $700 in savings per semester. For in-district residents, the cost of one credit hour averages $133. Students can apply for financial aid and take advantage of the payment plan that spreads payments out over the course of the semester. According to the college’s annual financial aid report, 73 percent of students who apply for financial aid, receive some form of assistance. In addition, the Lake Land College Foundation awards more than 500 scholarships each year. Throughout the district, Lake Land College remains the top choice among high school graduates with the top three reasons for enrolling being cost, availability of financial aid and academic reputation, according to the 2015 Noel Levitz Student Satisfaction Survey. Recent studies indicate higher education results in higher earnings throughout a person’s lifetime. Graduates who earn a two-year associate degree earn nearly 20 percent more than those with a high school diploma, according to a recent national study titled “Current Population Survey” conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Investing in yourself and your future by earning a college degree or certificate will benefit you for your entire life,” Bullock added. To assist students in getting started for the spring semester, Lake Land is offering two Explore Lake Land open houses. The events are designed for individuals who have been out of school for several years or who did not enroll in college immediately after high school graduation. New Lake Land students who meet the qualifications will receive a tuition waiver for one class of up to three credit hours. The events will be held Tuesday, November 28 from 2-7 p.m. at the Kluthe Center in Effingham or Thursday, November 30 from 2-7 p.m. on campus in Mattoon. Explore Lake Land will follow an open house style with a resource fair format. Students will find resources on how to pay for college; how to get started; and support services to ensure success. For more information visit lakelandcollege.edu and look for the Enroll now button. ###
Lake Land College Offers Concealed Carry Classes Posted on October 4, 2017 Lake Land College Offers Concealed Carry Classes Lake Land College is offering two-day Introduction to Concealed Carry classes at Accuracy Firearms, 1300 S. Raney St. in Effingham. Two separate sections are available: Saturday, Nov. 4 and Sunday, Nov. 5 Saturday, Dec. 2 and Sunday, Dec. 3 All classes will meet from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Instructor Dwayne Beccue has designed this class to educate students about handguns best suited for personal defense, how to carry them safely and how to deploy and use them efficiently in the context of a dynamic critical incident. The class will also cover the laws pertaining to the appropriate and lawful use of carrying handguns in public. The cost is $150 for the two-day class. To register, login to www.lakelandcollege.edu/works, click the “Introduction to Concealed Carry” link under Course Listings, select the course date and enroll. Students can also call Admissions & Records at 217-234-5434. The drop date for a refund is five business days prior to the class. For more information, contact Sandy Spaulding, professional development support, at 217-234-5087 or email sspaulding@lakelandcollege.edu. -30- Lake Land College District 517, located in Mattoon, Illinois, serves the second largest community college district in the state, with a total population of 189,869. The Lake Land College district comprises all or part of 15 counties and 31 public school districts in rural east central Illinois. Counties served by Lake Land College include: Christian, Clark, Clay, Coles, Crawford, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Effingham, Fayette, Jasper, Macon, Montgomery, Moultrie and Shelby.
Lake Land College Celebrates Medical Assistant Month Posted on Lake Land College, along with the Registered Medical Assistants (RMAs) of American Medical Technologists (AMT), will be observing National Medical Assistants Recognition Week (NMARW), October 16-20. Since 1984, RMAs and others in the healthcare community have honored the vital role and the professional excellence that medical assistants provide in the delivery of healthcare to patients. The 2017 theme, “Medical Assistants, Outstanding Skills. Outstanding Care” emphasizes their commitment as a vital member of the healthcare team. This fall marks the first class of students enrolled in the Medical Assistant program at Lake Land College. The program offers two options to train for a growing field within the rapidly expanding healthcare industry. In this program students are trained in both administrative and clinical duties. Lake Land College’s Medical Assistant is a special admission program with specific criteria. Students can choose from a two-year associate degree or a one-year certificate program. The medical assistant field is expected to grow by 23 percent through 2024, much faster than the average occupation according to the National Bureau of Labor Statistics. (bls.gov) “This is a great field for someone who is interested in working in the healthcare field. The position offers professionals an opportunity to both complete administrative duties in an office setting, while interacting on a personal basis with patients,” Molly Yeske, MS, CCMA, medical assistant instructor/ program director, said. A medical assistant is a multi-skilled professional who combines clinical and administrative responsibilities to assist in all aspects of medical practice in a physician office, hospital, clinic, government agency, or laboratory. Clinical functions include: taking vital signs, charting patient information, recording medical histories, performing routine tests, and applying dressings. Administrative duties include: scheduling appointments, billing and maintaining patient files. “Medical assistants provide an invaluable service to both the patient and the healthcare providers in the community. We recognize their dedication to the profession and to the industry.” says Christopher A. Damon, JD., executive director of AMT. To learn more about the medical assistant program at Lake Land College, contact Yeske, MS, CCMA, medical assistant instructor/ program director at 217-234-5055 or myeske@lakelandcollege.edu. ###
Lake Land College Offers Self-Defense Classes Posted on Lake Land College is offering one-day Self Defense classes taught by instructor Dwayne Beccue. Two separate sessions will be available: Saturday, Nov. 18 – West Building, Lake Land College Saturday, Dec. 16 – Kirby Building Suite 1, 444 S. Willow St. in Effingham All classes will meet from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Beccue has designed this class to educate students about self-defense, how to de-escalate violence and how to manage fear efficiently in the context of a violent situation. The class will also cover the laws pertaining to the appropriate and lawful use of force in self-defense. The cost is $50. To register, login to www.lakelandcollege.edu/works, click the “Self-Defense” link under Course Listings, select the course date and enroll. Students can also call Admissions & Records at 217-234-5434. The drop date for a refund is five business days prior to the class. For more information, contact Sandy Spaulding, professional development support, at 217-234-5087 or email sspaulding@lakelandcollege.edu. -30-
Lake Land College Named IPRF Member of the Year Posted on October 3, 2017 The Illinois Public Risk Fund Recognizes Lake Land College As the 2016 IPRF Member of the Year Pictured left to right are: Dustha Wahls, Lake Land College Director of Human Resources; Bill Bloch, IPRF Loss Control; Josh Bullock, Lake Land College President; Bob Buhs, IPRF Executive Director; Bryan Gleckler, Lake Land College Vice President for Business Services; Elena Lumbreras, IPRF Claims Supervisor; Robert Brummell, IPRF Senior Claim Manager; and Mark Donaldson, Dimond Brothers Chief Operating Officer. Every year Illinois Public Risk Fund, a public entity workers’ compensation program, recognizes the best member agency from the 736 members that have had the most success in lowering workers’ compensation losses as well as managing claims. On a yearly basis both IPRF Loss Control and Claims Division Representatives nominate one of the IPRF member agencies from their regional territory. To achieve this honor, IPRF members must have an effective safety program in place as well as an efficient claims management process. Most notable criteria are that the member must actively promote safety awareness at every level of their organization; they should have an active Safety Committee that reviews employee accidents and recommends safety improvements; and they should be continuously involved in managing their claims. Other qualifying criteria include a loss ratio under 25 percent and being an IPRF member of five or more years. Lake Land College in Coles County has achieved the recognition of being the 2016 IPRF Member of the Year. Lake Land College administration and staff have exhibited their commitment to reducing workplace injuries by conducting regular safety training programs, having an active safety committee and implementing programs that prevent workplace accidents. In recognition of its claims management, Lake Land College has done an exceptional job of being proactive, responding and being very timely with managing and handling a work-related injury claim. The college’s risk management philosophy is simple—take care of our injured workers and then support them to ensure a smooth transition in the process of returning them to work. Congratulations to Lake Land College!
Adult Ed Offers Free Welding Classes Posted on Lake Land College’s Adult Education is offering free welding classes in Pana, Marshall and Sullivan. The classes will be held in the fall, and orientation will begin in October. Attend the first night of orientation held at the following locations, dates and times: Lake Land College Western Region Center, 600 E. 1st St., Pana – Monday, Oct. 23 at 5 p.m. Lake Land College Eastern Region Center at the Forsythe Center, 224 S. Sixth St., Marshall – Monday, Oct. 23 at 5 p.m. Sullivan High School, 725 N. Main St., Sullivan – Thursday, Oct. 26 at 5 p.m. For more information contact Adult Education at 217-238-8292, email adulteducation@lakelandcollege.edu or visit us on Facebook at Lake Land College Adult Education. -30-
Lake Land College Offers Dance Classes Posted on October 1, 2017 Lake Land College is offering a series of dance classes in Mattoon and Effingham. Five different dance styles will be offered including Cha-Cha, Night Club 2-Step, Rumba, Swing and Tango. Beginner and advanced classes will meet at both Lake Land College West Building Atrium and Effingham Emergency Management Agency Building starting in October and lasting through April. Students can choose either location. Instructors Scott and Cheryl Sweet have been teaching dance for many years. The cost is $36 for four sessions of class. To register, login to www.lakelandcollege.edu/works, click the appropriate dance class link under Course Listings, select the course date and enroll. Students can also call Admissions & Records at 217-234-5434. The drop date for a refund is five business days prior to the class. For more information, contact Sandy Spaulding, professional development support, at 217-234-5087 or sspaulding@lakelandcollege.edu. -30-
Lake Land College Accepting Top 50 VIP Nominations Posted on September 27, 2017 Lake Land College is accepting nominations for the top 50 Very Important People of Lake Land College. The Lake Land College Foundation would like to recognize those individuals who have made a significant positive contribution to the development of the college and to the student learning experience over the college’s first 50 years through a special 50th anniversary recognition. Criteria for nominations include recognizing individuals for their actions, activities, financial contributions and accomplishments which have made a positive contribution to Lake Land College. Alumni and friends are eligible to be recognized and can receive the recognition posthumously. Written nominations will be accepted but must include the same information as the form online and should be sent to the Lake Land College Foundation, Neal Hall, room 003, 5001 Lake Land Boulevard. The deadline for nominations is Oct. 31. Individuals selected will be notified in February and recognized in the spring at a special event. The selection committee is comprised of foundation members and Lake Land retirees. Foundation board member Tom Wright serves as the committee chair. Other foundation members include Chris Pilson, Bob Pancoast, Alan Fedrigon, Mike Bohannon and Rich Hartke. Lake Land retirees on the committee include Linda Von Behren, Pam Crisman, Dennis Gathmann, Bill Hollada and Max Jaeger. Mike Sullivan is a representative from the Lake Land College Board of Trustees and Alumni Board. For more information, contact Jackie Joines, executive director for college advancement, at 217-234-5354 or email jjoines@lakelandcollege.edu. -30-
Lake Land College Announces GED Class Schedule Posted on Lake Land College’s Adult Education is offering GED classes throughout the Lake Land College district beginning the first week of October. The class orientation locations and dates are as follows: Arthur – Arthur Public Library, 225 S. Walnut St. – Oct. 10 at 4:30 p.m. Charleston – Coles County Health Department, 825 18th St. – Oct. 10 at 4 p.m. Effingham – Lake Land College Kluthe Center for Higher Education and Technology, 1204 Network Centre Dr. – Oct. 10 at 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Marshall – Lake Land College Eastern Region Center, 224 S. 6th St. – Oct. 9 at 4 p.m. Mattoon – Lake Land College Workforce Development Center, 305 Richmond Ave. E. – Oct. 11 at 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Pana – Lake Land College Western Region Center, 600 E. 1st St. – Oct. 12 at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Paris – First United Methodist Church, 324 W. Court St. – Oct. 10 at 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Shelbyville – Shelby Christian Church, 200 N. Hickory St. – Oct. 9 at 5:30 p.m. For these GED classes, students’ tuition will be waived and all class materials will be provided. To find a GED class near you, to find more information or to register call 217-238-8292 or email adulteducation@lakelandcollege.edu. -30-