In 1967, the first group of Lake Land College students entered classrooms around the Mattoon community on September 6. At that time, there were 692 students and classes were held in a variety of short-term buildings in downtown Mattoon. This August, the 50th class of students walked through Lake Land College’s doors in a beautiful, technology-rich, 317-acre campus south of the city. They will be among 22,000 students to enter Lake Land College this year. In order to honor this Lake Land College’s momentous celebration, we have several activities planned that will span the entire year. Check them out below and remember to mark your calendars!
Lake Land College Board of Trustees kicks off the college’s 50th anniversary celebration by commemorating the college’s rich history. Explore the Living Archive and take a look at important moments that Lake Land College has endured and conquered to become the school you know today.
Lake Land College welcomed the 50th class of students onto campus at the Welcome Day Celebration! We are so excited to start another year with Laker Nation.
The Laker Loyalty fight song was officially unveiled during a Student Life Pep Rally to kick off Homecoming activities on campus! The Laker Loyalty fight song’s music and lyrics were originally written by Wayne Bradtke, Lake Land College’s first music instructor. Through the generosity of the Lake Land College Foundation, we were able to work with Allan Horney, Eastern Illinois University professor emeritus of trombone and jazz studies, to convert the original sheet music to a full band score and we couldn’t be more excited!
https://www.lakelandcollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/lakerloyalty.mp3
“Make way for the Lakers now our champions we do cheer! We’ve played the game, we’ve earned the name, our foes we do not fear! So, raise up your voice in praise let’s shout for victory! The Lakers are best forget all the rest, to Lake Land our loyalty!
GO LAKERS!”
Welcome home Lakers! Laker Homecoming 2017 will be held from Sept. 27-Oct. 1. Visit our Laker Homecoming page here for more information!
Cheer on the past and present Lakers at the Laker Softball Alumni Game and BBQ! The game will start at noon.
Come celebrate with us at the Employee & Retiree Celebration Holiday Luncheon! Visit with friends, hear from staff, and enjoy moments as a member of Laker Nation! More information to come.
Community businesses and organizations are a large part of what makes Lake Land College one of the greatest higher education institutions in Illinois. We are so fortunate to have partnerships with businesses all over the state and we are proud to honor these relationships! Join us in celebrating our partners this February.
“For 50 years, Lake Land alumni have been a major part of a growing, well-trained workforce in East Central Illinois,” said Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving David Cox. “In today’s business environment it is crucial to attract potential employees with the skills that our alumni possess. We look forward to highlighting throughout the month of March the role that our alumni play in a vibrant workforce.”
Businesses interested in participating can follow these simple steps.
Contact Allee at kallee@lakelandcollege.edu or message Lake Land College on Facebook today!
Lake Land College is fortunate enough to not only have a wonderful staff and faculty who care about their students, but also employees who go above and beyond what is expected each day. This event will feature an Employee & Retiree Recognition, Wall of Fame Induction & Shine Presentation. The event will take place at the end of March and we can’t wait to honor the deserving Lake Land employees, past and present!
Lake Land College will be honoring the top 50 most influential people in our history with a special ceremony. We will also be recognizing members of the first graduating class as part of our 50th anniversary celebration. We are so proud of each member of Laker Nation and we are excited to reveal the “Top 50 Most Influential Lakers” in April!
Ceremony & Recognition of the Members of the First Graduating Class
The end of the academic school year for Lake Land College will bring many exciting and historical events!
Join us in celebrating the 50th graduating class of Lakers at the end of May! Lake Land College has been fortunate enough to build and grow over the last 50 years, and we hope you can all be there to celebrate with us!