Lake Land College to Host Business Division Reception for Homecoming Posted on September 15, 2017 Lake Land College business alumni are invited to attend the Business Division Alumni Appreciation Reception which will be held Friday, Sept. 29 from 4-8 p.m. in the West Building. The reception is part of Lake Land’s 50th anniversary Homecoming. “We have several exciting demonstrations and services planned for this event. We are looking forward to reuniting with all of the alumni who have graduated from the business division,” Kathy Black, business division chair/business instructor, said. Attendees can enjoy an evening with business division faculty and alumni. There will be networking with industry professionals; a complimentary hand treatment and skincare consultation with a Dermalogica sample; manicure or pedicure from the cosmetology and esthetics students; healthy spa snacks and drinks; and door prizes. The event is free to all business alumni and is sponsored by the Lake Land College Business Division. Spa appointments are limited and must be reserved in advance. To register online, visit www.lakelandcollege.edu/homecoming-2017 and look for the “Business Division Alumni Appreciation Reception” tab. -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 Alumni Honored Posted on Lake Land College Alumni will induct four new members into the Distinguished Alumni Society and Laker Athletics will honor one new member into the Athletics Hall of Fame during the Laker Homecoming weekend. The Distinguished Alumni Society (DAS) Class of 2017 inductees are Todd Gartner, Paducah, Ky., formerly of Effingham; Thomas Overmyer, Mahomet, formerly of Mattoon; Dr. Sally Salmons, Mattoon; and Katie (Askew) Williams, Marshall, formerly of Mattoon. The Distinguished Alumni Society recognizes alumni who have utilized the Lake Land experience to make an imprint on their profession or community. This year’s induction ceremony is part of Lake Land College’s 50th anniversary homecoming weekend. The honors will take place during the Alumni Recognition Brunch on Saturday, Sept. 30 in the West Building Atrium. Emily Friese, Stewardson, sophomore member of the 2017-2018 Cheerleaders, will give the welcome at the brunch. “We’re extremely proud of the newest members of the Distinguished Alumni Society. They exemplify the values we all share at Lake Land College. In addition to being accomplished in their careers, they are dedicated to giving back to their communities and improving the world around them,” said Dave Cox, director of alumni relations and annual giving. The newest member of the Lake Land College Athletics Hall of Fame is Denny Throneburg. The Athletics Hall of Fame recognizes athletes, coaches and friends who have excelled in their careers or brought recognition and support to the program. Athletic Hall of Fame Denny Throneburg, Laker Nation Class of 1970 Coach Throneburg served eight years as the athletic director at Lake Land College. During his first four years at the college he served as both the athletic director and head softball coach. He had his start at Lake Land College as a student athlete and played basketball for one year under Head Coach Jim Dudley, later being an assistant coach for five years under him. Prior to coming to Lake Land, he completed 32 years of teaching and coaching at Casey-Westfield Jr-Sr High School. There he was the head coach for 22 years where his teams compiled a winning percentage of 92 percent—a national record for that amount of years. In Coach Throneburg’s four years as the head coach at Lake Land he guided the Lakers to an overall record of 158-42 and a conference record of 104-15. In his first season as the head coach, the Lakers became the first softball team in school history to advance to the D-1 National Tournament. Coach Throneburg has received numerous honors in softball. He has twice been named the National High School Softball Coach of the Year, in 1997 and 2000. He was also named Illinois High School Softball Coach of the Year in 2000 and was inducted into the Illinois Girls Coaches Association Hall of Fame and into the Illinois ASA Hall of Fame in 2000. Coach Throneburg’s travel ball teams have won numerous state and national titles in his career, and in 1987 he was the pitching coach for the Dominican Republic National Team in the Pan Am Games. Coach Throneburg was inducted into the inaugural class of the Lake Land College Distinguished Alumni Society in 2007. Throneburg currently serves as the pitching coach for the Lakers Softball Team. He resides in Mattoon with his wife, Sue. They have three children, Derek, Dara and D.J, and four grandchildren, Brya, Reese, Ella and Paxton. Distinguished Alumni Society Todd Gartner, Laker Nation Class of 2003 Gartner is the director of surgical services at Baptist Health in Paducah, Ky. He has an associate degree in nursing from Lake Land College, a bachelor’s degree in finance from Illinois State University and a master’s in business administration from the University of Maine at Orono. Prior to being named director of surgical services at Baptist Health, Gartner was the director of surgical services at Stone Crest Medical Center in Smyrna, Tn., operating room technician and nurse. Originally, Gartner worked in business accounting, management and sales in Effingham before his career took a change. Now, he supervises the hospital’s surgical staff and coordinates anesthesia services with North Star’s three anesthesiologists and 23 nurse anesthetists. “By obtaining my ADN at Lake Land College, my career has taken me to places and doing things I could only dream of doing. The education I have received has allowed me to help make peoples’ lives better,” Gartner said. “Now, as a director of surgical services at a regional facility, I have the opportunity to influence the care of many patients every day. I have truly been blessed to be able to be a part of healthcare. Lake Land College has played a major role in helping me achieve that goal.” Thomas Overmyer, Laker Nation Class of 1983 Overmyer is the president and owner of Phoenix Consulting Engineers in Mahomet. He has an associate degree in civil engineering technology from Lake Land College and a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Illinois. Overmyer began his career at Daily and Associates, a local engineering firm in Champaign, eventually becoming a principal partner and director until 2005. When Daily and Associates was purchased by another company, he found his entrepreneurial spirit and started Phoenix Consulting Engineers. Overmyer gives Lake Land College a lot of credit for helping him achieve his goals, mentioning the Civil Engineering Technology program provided him with the necessary knowledge to compete with anyone in the marketplace. “Lake Land College gave me both an educational foundation and job skills that seeded my life and career. Upon graduation I was able to find a good job in my major as a civil engineering technician.” “After working in my profession for several years, I decided to continue my education and applied to the College of Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Illinois. It quickly became apparent that the critical thinking skills and educational foundation that I absorbed while attending Lake Land would play a major role in my success at the U of I. In 1989 I graduated with honors from the U of I with a bachelor of science degree from the College of Engineering,” he said. He belongs to the Illinois Society of Professional Engineers and is an Illinois Municipal League Member. He and his wife, Rhonda, have five children and are active supporters of Camp New Hope and Special Olympics. Dr. Sally Salmons, Laker Nation Class of 1982 Salmons is the associate chief medical director, primary care services and medical subspecialties at Carle Hospital in Mattoon and is also a family practice physician in Tuscola. She has an associate degree in business administration from Lake Land College, a bachelor’s degree in business and a master’s degree in business administration from Eastern Illinois University and a doctorate of medicine from the University of Illinois-Chicago. With more than 17 years of diverse medical experience, Salmons is affiliated with many hospitals, including The Carle Foundation Hospital and Hoopeston Community Memorial Hospital. She cooperates with other doctors and specialists in medical group Carle Health Care Incorporated and has worked with 18 primary clinics throughout underserved areas in east central Illinois. In 2016 she received the Physician of Excellence Award from the Illinois Rural Health Association for her commitment to bringing access to medical care to rural communities. Salmons credits Lake Land College instructors for inspiring her path and changing her life with education. “I was working in the healthcare business world when I felt the need to be closer to the delivery of care. I had a bachelor’s of business at the time I decided I wanted to be a doctor. I also had a mortgage, a full-time job and two kids. Lake Land helped me gain the knowledge I needed to pass the entrance exam around my busy schedule. The instructors at Lake Land are incredibly committed to making a difference in the lives of their students. They know education changes lives—just like it changed mine,” she said. Katie Williams, Laker Nation Class of 2002 Williams is the special education coordinator for the Marshall Community School District. She has an associate degree in psychology from Lake Land College, a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Illinois and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Eastern Illinois University. Before she received her master’s degree, she worked as a paraprofessional for special education at Mattoon Middle School. In 2008, she went on to receive a certification of educational specialist in school psychology from Indiana State University. Williams has also published two articles in the Illinois School Psychologists Association Quarterly: “When not to keep a secret” and “The standard basic report card.” Williams noted that Lake Land College was a place in which she immediately felt comfortable as a student. “My experiences while attending Lake Land College have had a very positive impact on my career and life. The time I spent serving as a Lake Land College student ambassador provided me with the experiences that helped me develop leadership skills, integrity and connections among students and surrounding communities.” “All of these skills have assisted me in obtaining a higher education, my career and continued positive relationships. Further, the smaller class sizes and relationships I was able to build with my instructors at Lake Land allowed me to push myself as a student and as an individual, thus lying the groundwork that would later enable me to maximize my educational and professional potential,” she said. Currently she is a member of the Illinois School Psychologists Association, the Illinois Principals Association and the Illinois Education Association. -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 Remembers Former President Robert K. Luther Posted on September 14, 2017 Dr. Robert K. Luther served as Lake Land College’s fourth president from 1988-2006. He also served as an elected member of the Lake Land College Board of Trustees from 2011-2017. The Lake Land College community fondly remembered former president Robert K. Luther following news of his passing on Sept. 13, 2017. Luther joined the Lake Land College community in 1988 as the fourth president of Lake Land College and retired in June 2006. In 2011 Luther was elected to the Lake Land College Board of Trustees where he served a six year term and was re-elected earlier this year. ”As the college’s fourth president, Dr. Luther was the longest serving president in Lake Land’s history. His service as Lake Land’s president spanned across three decades. During his tenure as president, Dr. Luther fostered a culture of innovation and student-centeredness, strengthened the college’s financial foundation, greatly enhanced the beautiful campus we have today and brought national acclaim to our academic excellence. He continued his passion and support for Lake Land while serving on our board. His wise guidance and keen insights will be missed greatly by the college community,” Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said. Under his leadership, Lake Land College emerged as a leader in technology, new programming, enrollment growth and innovation. His vision for growth and excellence led Lake Land to win numerous state and federal awards in these areas. All the while, he continued to foster a community college culture established by his predecessors in which students always came first. Upon his retirement in 2006, Mike Sullivan, who served as the chairman of the board of trustees at the time, said “Returning to his hometown in nearby Charleston, Luther provided the leadership that has allowed Lake Land College to emerge as one of the fastest growing and most respected community colleges in Illinois and the nation. Lake Land College is now fiscally sound, its faculty and board of trustees are united, and the beauty of its campus and furnishings has become an icon for the central Illinois community college. Many Illinois community colleges now look toward Dr. Luther and Lake Land for guidance and leadership in innovation, technology and statewide issues. He is well respected among Illinois community colleges, state legislators, and the business community.” Innovation was one of the keystones of Luther’s presidency. Facing dire financial times, he led faculty and staff to develop new academic courses and programs, create revenue-generating programs and secure funding sources. Innovation also led Lake Land to be one of the first colleges in the state to develop a core value program centered on student success. Online learning, partnerships with state and business organizations and personal relationships that generated private giving are also among the cornerstones of his presidency. During this time, the Foundation experienced tremendous growth, three new buildings were constructed and enrollment increased every year. Knowing how important financial assistance was to students and their success, one of Luther’s top priorities when he joined Lake Land College was to build the Foundation’s assets. He challenged the Lake Land College Foundation Board of Directors to increase its fund raising efforts from an annual fund drive of $50,000 to more than $300,000. That standard continues today with the Foundation helping more than 500 students with scholarships each year. He and his wife Judy also strongly supported the Foundation with personal gifts. Another area of focus for Dr. Luther was athletics. In his initial years he focused on strengthening women’s sports and devoted college resources to building a competitive athletic program. As president and into his retirement, he attended as many athletic games and matches as possible. He was honored to be inducted into the Lake Land College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2005 shortly before his retirement. In April 2011, Lake Land honored Dr. Luther for his tremendous impact on the college by renaming the Student Center building the Robert K. Luther Student Center. During the dedication ceremony, Jim Shaffer, who was the chairman of the board of trustees at the time, said, “I was on the board when we hired the young Robert Luther as the fourth president of Lake Land College. He had a background in student services leadership and at that time we were impressed with him and had great expectations for the future of the college. We didn’t realize how far he would exceed our expectations. As a board, we cared a lot about the students and employees and Dr. Luther always kept them in mind when proposing new ideas for us to consider. Those ideas usually centered around improving services provided to students.” As a tireless advocate for the college throughout the state and beyond, Dr. Luther propelled Lake Land College into a leader at the state and national level. He shared his passion for Lake Land and the community college system by serving on several local and statewide committees and organizations and continued in this role into his retirement as a member of the Lake Land College Board of Trustees. In the workforce development arena, Luther provided the leadership to develop an Illinois Employment and Training Center/Workforce Development Center which was hailed by Illinois officials as the state model. Through his leadership, the region’s first Manufacturing Skills Training Lab was established through the Center for Business & Industry and was replicated by the state of Wyoming. In 1993, the college formed a partnership with John Deere Corporation to provide training for its technicians, followed by Ag Sales and Pro Tech. Through a partnership with the Illinois Department of Transportation, the college became and remains the sole provider of training for concrete and asphalt contractors. He urged the former governor to have community college representation on the Illinois Student Assistance Commission and was appointed to serve on that commission. He was appointed by former governor Jim Edgar to serve on the Illinois Human Resource Investment Council and served as chair of the Employment Opportunities Committee. The Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) appointed Luther as one of the primary representatives on the state Post-Secondary Review of Institutions committee, whose recommendations were forwarded to the federal government for consideration of changes to the financial aid guidelines. Appointed by ICCB, Luther served on the Illinois Board of Higher Education Workforce Development Task Force, which developed a comprehensive strategic plan including the role of education for workforce development. He was appointed by ICCB to serve as chair of the Strategic Planning Committee and served as co-chair on a statewide funding study task force, which addressed issues and concerns of the state’s funding formula. Former governor George Ryan appointed him to a statewide task force on the employability of ex-offenders. Appointed by ICCB to the Adult Education Oversite Committee, Luther successfully helped lead the effort to obtain support for the passage of legislation that moved the administrative responsibilities and funding from the Illinois State Board of Education to the ICCB. He served as president of the Illinois Council of Community College Presidents, and chair of the legislative and student services committees. On the local level, he was a member and past president of the Coles Together Board of Directors, a member of the Christian County Development Corporation Board of Directors, and past president of the East Central Illinois Development Corporation, all essential organizations to the area’s economic development. Luther was the recipient of numerous awards including the Agriculture Education Advocacy Award of Illinois, Coles Together Person of the Year Award and Mattoon Chamber Citizen of the Year in 2005. Under his leadership, the college received numerous awards including a golden award in website design in the 2001 Annual Admissions and Marketing Report National Advertising Awards competition and the 1988 American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Outstanding Alumnus Achievement Award for Dr. Kristene Koontz Gugliuzza. State awards include the Illinois Community College Board 2004 Teaching/Learning Award; Core Values; Learning-centered Instruction, 2003, 1998 and 1999; ICCB Award for Excellence in Substance Abuse; and 1999 ICCB Award for Excellence in Workforce Education. The college also received the 2004 Instructional Technology Council Award for Excellence in Distance Learning Outstanding Technical Support and Service; the Secondary and Postsecondary Collaboration Award from the Illinois State Board of Education recognizing Tech Prep’s exemplary work with high school and college-level students and teachers; the ICCB Perkins Performance Award for meeting or exceeding core indicators of the Carl Perkins Title III IIC Grant in 2002 and 2003; the 2000 Illinois Council of Community College Administrators Innovation Award for the Helping Paws program; and the 2000 ICCCA Innovation Award for GIS/GPS, an interdisciplinary associate degree program, combining disciplines of agriculture, earth science, chemistry and civil engineering technology. The college’s postsecondary education building construction program at Taylorville Correctional Center received state recognition for constructing more than 35 Habitat for Humanity homes. During his tenure, the college’s faculty and staff received numerous state and national awards including the David R. Pierce Faculty Technology Award sponsored by AACC. A Charleston native, Luther previously served as president of Columbia-Greene Community College in New York, and acting president and vice president of Carl Sandburg College in Galesburg. Luther received a doctorate from the University of Michigan and master’s and bachelor’s degrees from Eastern Illinois University. He and his wife, Judy, have two grown daughters, Kari and Dana, and four grandchildren.
Lake Land College Hosts Athletic Reunion for Homecoming Posted on September 13, 2017 Lake Land College is inviting all former athletes to a Laker Athletic Reunion during the 50th Anniversary homecoming on Friday, Sept. 29 at 4:30 p.m. The reunion will be held at One Laker Nation Tent, northeast of the Field House. Attendees can visit with former teammates, coaches and fellow athletes and enjoy dinner 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 Laker athletes and coaches will be recognized prior to the volleyball match. 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 join the reunion, register at lakelandcollege.edu/alumni. -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 announces summer graduates Posted on Lake Land College is proud to announce the 2017 summer graduates. The following students completed their degrees and certificates this summer: Name City Degree Major Elizabeth Homann Altamont Certificate Practical Nursing Katelyn Homann Altamont Certificate Cosmetology Jacob Miller Altamont Associate in Arts Undecided Ashley Stuckemeyer Altamont Certificate Office Support Specialist Ashley Stuckemeyer Altamont Certificate Office Support Specialist-Medical Ashley Stuckemeyer Altamont Associate in Applied Science Office Assistant-Medical Katlyn Woll Altamont Associate in Applied Science Early Childhood Care and Education Andrea Cavazos Arcola Certificate Cosmetology Hannah Schrock Arcola Certificate Cosmetology Hannah Leal Arthur Certificate Esthetics Adam Sickles Arthur Certificate Geospatial Technology Destiny Painter Ashmore Certificate Practical Nursing Hanna Martin Bargersville Associate in Science Agriculture Theresa Kollman Beecher City Certificate Practical Nursing Savannah Birch Bethany Associate in Science Pre-Veterinary Medicine Baylee Knight Bethany Certificate Esthetics Emily Greenwald Bloomington Associate in Science Agriculture Phyllis Osborne Bushnell Associate in Science Agriculture Jacquilynn Arnold Casey Certificate Cosmetology Sarah Lowe Casey Certificate Cosmetology Gavin Shawver Casey Certificate Geospatial Technology James Beech Charleston Associate in Applied Science IT-Network Administration Kristen Byrnes Charleston Certificate Practical Nursing Jeremy Cook Charleston Associate in Arts Business Administration Taylor Culp Charleston Certificate Practical Nursing Payton Davis Charleston Associate in Science Other Major Blake Dunham Charleston Associate in Arts Political Science Merve Efe Charleston Certificate Marketing Alexandria Finn Charleston Associate in Arts Physical Education Caleb Fuller Charleston Associate in Science Pre-Engineering Lori Hughes Charleston Certificate Entrepreneurship Lori Hughes Charleston Certificate Management Lori Hughes Charleston Associate in Applied Science Management Tabetha Kelley Charleston Certificate Practical Nursing Noah Lynn Charleston Associate in Arts Physical Education Ashley Orr Charleston Associate in Arts Criminal Justice Sierra Pendergast-White Charleston Certificate Practical Nursing Courtney Sager Charleston Associate in Arts Psychology Ashley White Charleston Certificate Practical Nursing Janice Johnson Chrisman Certificate Practical Nursing Ashley Faught Dieterich Certificate Cosmetology Chelsey Meinhart Dieterich Certificate Cosmetology Joni Niemerg Dieterich Certificate Management Joni Niemerg Dieterich Certificate Professional Sales Joni Niemerg Dieterich Associate in Applied Science Marketing Sarah Bloemker Effingham Certificate Esthetics Bethany Cluster Effingham Associate in Applied Science Human Services – Psychology Grant Followell Effingham Certificate Computer Technician Sally Furry Effingham Certificate Practical Nursing Steven Gray Effingham Certificate Paramedical Services Jonnah Grove Effingham Certificate Practical Nursing Kathryn Harrison Effingham Associate in Applied Science Human Services – Psychology Reed Higgs Effingham Certificate Ag Power Technology Luke Jansen Effingham Certificate Geospatial Technology Michael Kasdorf Effingham Associate in Science Pre-Medicine Jessie McLaughlin Effingham Certificate Cosmetology Tara Payne Effingham Certificate Practical Nursing Jordan Probst Effingham Certificate Ag Power Technology Jacob Roepke Effingham Certificate Ag Power Technology Elizabeth Ruholl Effingham Associate in Science Special Education Adam Seiler Effingham Associate in Science Business Administration Victoria Sims Effingham Certificate Desktop Publishing Graphic Design Victoria Sims Effingham Associate in Applied Science Desktop Publishing Graphic Design Kelsie Veach Effingham Associate in Arts Business Administration Ralph Walters Effingham Associate in Applied Science IT-Programming Eve Roosevelt Ellery Certificate Geospatial Technology Landon Dial Farina Associate in Applied Science Agriculture Production & Management Kyle Holmes Foristell Certificate Ag Power Technology Robert DeVries Forreston Associate in Science Business Administration Aaron Murdock Gays Associate in Applied Science Welding Shannon Dearing Greenup Certificate Esthetics Megan Grissom Greenup Associate in Applied Science Marketing Paige Stuart Greenup Certificate Practical Nursing Jason Wingler Greenup Certificate Programmable Logic Controllers Jason Wingler Greenup Certificate Industrial Maintenance Jason Wingler Greenup Associate in Applied Science Mechanical-Electrical Technology Amanda Smith Herrick Certificate Medical Coding Specialist Amanda Smith Herrick Associate in Applied Science Medical Coding & Health Information Jordan Hawkins Hindsboro Certificate Practical Nursing Jill Welter Kansas Certificate Cosmetology Taylor Harmon Louisville Associate in Science Business Administration Tara Balkan Lovington Certificate Practical Nursing Emily Harlin Lovington Certificate Practical Nursing Emily Harlin Lovington Associate in Liberal Studies Associate In Liberal Studies Darian Hays Lovington Certificate Practical Nursing Ashley Bialeschki Mattoon Certificate Cosmetology Nathaniel Brettin Mattoon Certificate Practical Nursing Alicia Brien Mattoon Certificate Office Receptionist Melanie Bullock Mattoon Associate in Science Business Administration Ripley Cavazos Mattoon Certificate Practical Nursing Brandon Crozier Mattoon Associate in Science Business Administration Misty Enloe Mattoon Certificate Practical Nursing Estiven Estacio Mattoon Associate in Science Pre-Physical Therapy Alyssa Estes Mattoon Certificate Cosmetology Whitney Gage Mattoon Certificate Paramedical Services Sara Graham Mattoon Certificate Practical Nursing Carolyn Green Mattoon Certificate Practical Nursing Ian Grzelak Mattoon Associate in Science Business Administration Brianna Hall Mattoon Certificate Practical Nursing Lauren Haskins Mattoon Certificate Practical Nursing Taylor Janes Mattoon Certificate Practical Nursing Lindsay Knight Mattoon Certificate Practical Nursing Teah Lawson Mattoon Certificate Practical Nursing Christian Rahim Mboma Mandamuna Mattoon Associate in Science Business Administration Douglas McClellan Mattoon Associate in Arts Criminal Justice Alyssa Nichols Mattoon Associate in Science Business Administration Amber O’Dell Mattoon Certificate Practical Nursing Hannah Prevo Mattoon Associate in Science Bioscience Non-Teaching Jack Raboin Mattoon Associate in Arts Psychology Shelby Raboin Mattoon Associate in Liberal Studies Associate In Liberal Studies Jackson Ritter Mattoon Associate in Science Conservation/Pre-Forestry Lacie Sanderson Mattoon Certificate Practical Nursing Jackson Tinch Mattoon Associate in Arts Liberal Arts Shane Trevino Mattoon Associate in Applied Science Automotive Technology Olivia Turner Mattoon Certificate Practical Nursing Tyler Winkleblack Mattoon Certificate Practical Nursing Samantha Valentine Monticello Associate in Science Agriculture Mendi Getz Moweaqua Certificate Paramedical Services Taylor Baker Neoga Associate in Science Agriculture Taylor Baker Neoga Associate in Liberal Studies Associate In Liberal Studies Madison Easton Neoga Associate in Science Business Administration Lauren Keck Neoga Associate in Science Other Major Logan Malcome Neoga Certificate IT-Computer Game Development Madeline Morrison Neoga Certificate Practical Nursing Lauren Romack Neoga Certificate Practical Nursing Wyatt Lieske North Salem Associate in Applied Science John Deere Ag Tech Autumn Meyer Oakland Certificate Practical Nursing Lexie Darnell Pana Associate in Science Bioscience Non-Teaching Myah Herbord Pana Associate in Science Business Administration Kathleen Miller Pana Associate in Science Other Major Nathaniel Corey Paris Certificate Cosmetology Sabria Cox Paris Certificate Cosmetology Mikayla Downs Paris Associate in Science Early Childhood Education Lindsey Griffin Paris Certificate Practical Nursing Amanda Roberts Paris Associate in Science Business Administration Nicole Maloney-Franklin Rantoul Certificate Esthetics Gabriella Avila Robinson Certificate Esthetics Jonah Pfiester Robinson Associate in Science Economics Nicholas Dawdy Roodhouse Certificate Ag Power Technology Jenna Miller Saint Elmo Associate in Science Business Administration Jacklynn Beck Shelbyville Certificate Geospatial Technology Rachel Fox Shelbyville Associate in Science Pre-Medicine Chase Quick Shelbyville Certificate Basic Welding Chase Quick Shelbyville Associate in Applied Science Welding Amanda Starwalt Shelbyville Associate in Arts Speech Communication Zachary Thomas Shelbyville Certificate Computer Technician Dawn Toberman Shelbyville Associate in Applied Science Child And Family Services Caylee Roberson Shumway Certificate Office Support Specialist Caylee Roberson Shumway Associate in Applied Science Office Assistant-Executive Kristin Deters Sigel Associate in Liberal Studies Associate In Liberal Studies LaKaylee Ordner Sigel Associate in Science Pre-Nursing Andrew Probst Sigel Associate in Applied Science Agriculture Business & Supply Ashley Stodden Sigel Associate in Arts Undecided JayLa Davis St. Charles Associate in Arts Undecided Rachelle Rexroat Stewardson Certificate Practical Nursing Rachel Schultz Stewardson Associate in Science Business Administration Christopher Kessler Strasburg Certificate Management Christopher Kessler Strasburg Certificate Professional Sales Christopher Kessler Strasburg Certificate Marketing Christopher Kessler Strasburg Associate in Applied Science Management Ashlee Tharp Strasburg Certificate Medical Coding Specialist Ashlee Tharp Strasburg Associate in Applied Science Medical Coding & Health Information Maggie Carroll Sullivan Associate in Science Other Major Sydney Clawson Sullivan Certificate Practical Nursing Micah Dickens Sullivan Associate in Liberal Studies Associate In Liberal Studies Peyton Hagerman Sullivan Associate in Science Business Administration Lindsey Henderson Sullivan Associate in Arts Criminal Justice Ariel Heppe Sullivan Certificate Ag Business Ariel Heppe Sullivan Associate in Applied Science Agriculture Business & Supply Heather Murphy Sullivan Certificate Practical Nursing Ashley Purvis Sullivan Certificate Medical Coding Specialist Justine Risley Sullivan Certificate Cosmetology Beth Thompson Sullivan Certificate Practical Nursing Noel Byrd Tacoma Associate in Arts Criminal Justice Amber Heuerman Teutopolis Certificate Practical Nursing Kimmie Lang Teutopolis Certificate Esthetics Aaron Murdock Teutopolis Certificate Basic Welding Aaron Murdock Teutopolis Certificate Welding Technology Richard Overbeck Teutopolis Associate in Science Pre-Engineering Nicholas Pals Teutopolis Certificate Marketing Nicholas Pals Teutopolis Certificate Professional Sales Kodie Martin Toledo Certificate Practical Nursing Myrna Morris Toledo Associate in Science Bioscience Non-Teaching Wendy Radtke Toledo Certificate Practical Nursing Patrick Utter Toledo Certificate Sustainable Energy Patrick Utter Toledo Certificate Renewable Energy Technician Patrick Utter Toledo Associate in Applied Science Renewable Energy Jonathan Welch Toledo Certificate Management Jonathan Welch Toledo Certificate Professional Sales Jonathan Welch Toledo Certificate Marketing Jonathan Welch Toledo Associate in Applied Science Management Katie Nihiser Tower Hill Certificate Practical Nursing Marissa Bratten Tuscola Certificate Cosmetology Chelsey Chupp Tuscola Certificate Cosmetology Amanda Dobson Tuscola Certificate Practical Nursing Taylor Stanbery Urbana Associate in Arts Psychology Cathy Sowa Valdosta Associate in Applied Science IT-Network Administration Maria Began Watson Associate in Science Business Administration Braden Harris Watson Associate in Applied Science Automotive Technology Tanisha Smith Watson Associate in Arts Criminal Justice Callie Vogt Watson Associate in Science Business Administration Alexa Sims Westfield Certificate Practical Nursing Gretchen Getz Windsor Associate in Liberal Studies Associate In Liberal Studies Dalton Howard Windsor Certificate Paramedical Services -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.
Board of Trustees Seat Open Posted on September 12, 2017 The Lake Land College Board of Trustees is accepting letters of interest to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Robert Luther, Mattoon, at the regular Sept. 11, meeting. Luther was elected to the board in 2011 for a six-year term and was re-elected to the board in 2017 for another six-year term. Luther also served as president of Lake Land College from July 1, 1998 to June 30, 2006. In his resignation letter to Lake Land Board Chair David Storm, Luther cited personal health issues as the reason for his departure. Those interested in filling Luther’s seat may submit written materials to Lake Land College Board Secretary Ann Deters, C/O Lake Land College Office of the President, 5001 Lake Land Blvd., Mattoon, IL 61938 by Sept. 29. The following materials should be submitted: reason for seeking the appointment, qualifications and experience in other areas which may enhance public policy or decision-making. Eligibility requirements are: U.S. citizenship, 18 years of age or older, a resident of Illinois for one year immediately preceding election, and a resident of Community College District No. 517 for one year immediately preceding election. The board will vote on the replacement at the Oct. 9 board meeting that will be held in Mattoon. The individual selected will take his or her seat at the Nov. 13 board meeting. The individual selected by the board to fill the vacancy 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-
Community Choir begins its 20th season Posted on September 8, 2017 The Lake Land College Community Choir will begin its 20th season this fall with rehearsals starting Tuesday, Sept. 26. The choir is a group of approximately 50 mixed voices including students, college employees and members of the community. All singers age 18 and older are welcome to participate. No audition is required. Rehearsals are held on Tuesdays from 7-9:30 p.m. in the Luther Student Center Theater. Choir members may earn one hour of college credit for singing in the choir. Interested singers can complete a registration form at the first rehearsal or register online. Registration for college credit is not required, however, and participation in the choir is free for those who do not register. Nancy Caldwell, music instructor at Lake Land College and director of the choir, said, “making music develops a person’s cognitive skills. I recently heard a TED talk by neuroscientist Dr. Anita Collins, and her research demonstrates that ‘playing music is the brain’s equivalent of a full-body workout… Playing an instrument [or singing] engages practically every area of the brain at once.’ Dr. Collins also noted that regularly practicing musical skills is like exercise for your body; you gain strength and flexibility in your brain. So singing in a choir is fun, but it is also a way to build up your brain!” Caldwell continued, “This fall season is special because the choir is celebrating its twentieth year in existence. I am hoping that some of the singers who have participated in the past will come back and help to recognize this anniversary.” The fall season will culminate in a concert on Sunday, Nov. 19, at 3 p.m. in the Theater. A tribute to autumn and the harvest opens the program. The second set of music is a fun compilation related to “The Wizard of Oz,” with “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” from the musical as well as songs from “The Wiz” and “Wicked.” Christmas songs around the theme of Mary in the manger will follow, including “Mary Had a Baby,” “Breath of Heaven” and “The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy.” The concert will close with a musical setting of the Christmas classic, “’Twas the Night Before Christmas,” with poetry by Clement Clarke Moore and music by Ken Darby, arranged by Harry Simeone. Contact Caldwell at 217-234-5464 with any questions. -30-
Transfer Day Held Sept. 13 Posted on September 6, 2017 Current Lake Land College students and community members are invited to attend Transfer Day which will be held Wednesday, Sept. 13 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Lake Land College Field House. More than 20 colleges and universities from all over the Midwest will attend the event to discuss transfer options to four-year colleges or universities. Additionally, opportunities to discuss admission requirements, special major requirements, tuition costs and disability services will be available. Transfer-ready students are also invited to stop by the Transfer Resource Room Open House in the Northwest Building, room 027 to explore their options. The Transfer Resource Room provides a centralized location for students to find resources to assist in creating their plan for transferring. The event is free and open to community members who would like to attend. Institutions present at the event include: Southeast Missouri State University Franklin University Indiana State University – Online Blackburn College Barnes-Jewish College Southern Illinois University Carbondale Northern Illinois University Eastern Illinois University Lakeview College of Nursing Illinois College Butler University University of Illinois at Springfield University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Illinois State University Purdue University – College of Agriculture Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Millikin University St. Johns College of Nursing McKendree University Online Programs University of Missouri-Columbia Kansas State University Saint John’s College of Nursing Murray State University Roosevelt University Illinois Army National Guard For more information, contact Ellie Claybaugh in Counseling Services at 217-234-5574 or eclaybaugh@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 Its 50th Anniversary at Laker Homecoming Posted on September 5, 2017 Lake Land College is calling all alumni home to celebrate the 50th anniversary during Laker Homecoming Sept. 29 – Oct. 1. All alumni, including graduates and those who have taken a class or two, are invited to return to campus and share memories of their alma mater with family and friends throughout the weekend’s activities. Several events are planned including the One Laker Nation Reunion Tent Saturday afternoon and a concert by Nashville recording artist The Henningsens. “As we celebrate Lake Land College’s 50 years of student success we invite all of our alumni to reconnect with friends and faculty and visit campus during homecoming weekend. There are various events that will appeal to everyone during homecoming and those alumni who have been away for a while will be amazed at how their alma mater has grown into a beautiful campus,” Dave Cox, director of alumni relations and annual giving, said. The Henningsens concert is the highlight of the weekend. Brian Henningsen, Laker Nation Class of 1981, will be returning for the trio’s final performance as they will be pursuing new career opportunities. Brian, his son Aaron and his daughter, Clara, make up the group. The Henningsens are from Atwood, where they still have their family farm. The Henningsens’ hit singles include “American Beautiful” and “Why I Farm.” In addition to singles and albums, the Henningsens are songwriters and have written “You Lie” for The Band Perry, a Platinum-certified single, as well as the #1 hit “All Your Life.” Here are the Laker Homecoming events: Wednesday, September 27, 2017 Laker Loyalty fight song unveiled at Student Life Pep Rally Laker Loyalty Selfie Video Submissions open Friday, September 29, 2017 Dental Hygiene Alumni Continuing Education Seminar at Heartland Dental Care, Effingham Nursing Continuing Education Seminar at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, Mattoon Business Division Alumni Appreciation Reception, 4-8 p.m., West Building Laker Athletics Reunion, 4:30 p.m., One Laker Nation Tent, adjacent to the Field House Laker Volleyball Game, 6 p.m., Field House Saturday, September 30, 2017 Alumni Recognition Banquet, Distinguished Alumni Society and Athletic Hall of Fame Brunch, 10 a.m., West Building Ag Alumni Reunion Event, 2:30-4:30 p.m., West Building Campus Tours – 3:30 p.m., 4 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. One Laker Nation Alumni Reunion Tent with entertainment, food and beverages, 4-7 p.m., adjacent to the Field House The Henningsens Concert, 7 p.m., Field House Sunday, October 1, 2017 Laker Softball Alumni Game and BBQ, noon Register for events, buy concert tickets and plan your weekend at lakelandcollege.edu/alumni. Tickets can also be bought by calling 217-234-5363 or stopping by the Lake Land College Bookstore or any First Mid-Illinois Bank location. For more information about any of the homecoming events, contact Cox at 217-234-5376 or dcox5612@lakelandcollege.edu. For athletic events information, contact the Lake Land College Athletic Office at 217-234-5333 or breed43185@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 Welcomes Home The Henningsens for a Final Performance Posted on Join Lake Land College in celebrating its 50th anniversary and homecoming with a farewell concert by Nashville recording artist The Henningsens on Saturday, Sept. 30 at 7 p.m. in the Field House on campus. The Henningsens’ hit singles include “American Beautiful” and “Why I Farm.” In addition to singles and albums, the Henningsens are songwriters and have written “You Lie” for The Band Perry, a Platinum-certified single, as well as the #1 hit “All Your Life.” The concert will be a homecoming for Laker alumnus Brian Henningsen, Laker Nation Class of 1981, who heads the trio, playing bass and guitar while contributing vocals; his son Aaron is on guitar and vocals; and his daughter, Clara, is on lead vocals and guitar. Brian began playing in a band with ag friends during his time at Lake Land College. Never would he have thought this would lead him to a successful career as a country music artist and songwriter. While at Lake Land College, Brian met his wife, Debby, a cheerleader for Lake Land College at the time. Performing their farewell show at Lake Land, where it all started, seems fitting for the band. Brian and Aaron will continue writing, while Clara will be embarking on a solo career. The Henningsens are originally from Atwood, where they still have their 1,700-acre family farm. They most identify with and care about farmers, partnering with companies they believe in, such as Becks Hybrid and Sue Bee Honey. Prior to the concert, all Laker Alumni are invited to the One Laker Nation Homecoming Reunion tent adjacent to the Field House where they can enjoy entertainment, food and beverages while catching up with other alumni. Many retirees may also be in attendance. The concert is made possible by the support of the Lake Land College Foundation and the event’s corporate sponsors. Sponsors are Wells Fargo, a concert-level sponsor; and Cromwell Radio WMCI and WCRC, Pilson Auto Centers, Wright Furniture, D&M Electric, First Mid Illinois Bank & Trust, and Consolidated Communications, all production-level sponsors. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for the community with general admission, festival seating. Buy tickets now at lakelandcollege.edu/alumni, call 217-234-5363 or stop by the Lake Land College Bookstore or any First Mid-Illinois Bank location. The concert is just one of the many activities planned for the Laker Homecoming weekend. To plan your weekend and register for events visit lakelandcollege.edu/alumni. -30-