At Lake Land College, Lakers Celebrate Together! In that spirit, here are some of our current and past celebrations! Is something missing? Let us know at idec@lakelandcollege.edu!
This month we join The Autism Society to #CelebrateDifferences of the many individuals in our society living with Autism by celebrating Autism Acceptance Month.
For many reasons, in 2011 the Autism Self-Advocacy Network shifted from using the term “acceptance” to “awareness,” and in 2021 the Autism Society of America followed suit. To learn more about why this wording matters and how terminology is important, read more about the topic from multiple perspectives, including those of people with Autism.
To recognize and empower those living with Autism, take a look at these 20 Famous People with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Also, since 2017, our very own Laker Darrius Frazier has been listed among the 100+ People with Autism to Know. Thank you to Darrius for contributing so much to our monthly celebrations! Be sure to take a look at this exclusive video with Darrius on his amazing story!
Board Policy 01.03.01: At Lake Land College, we recognize and celebrate the variety of learning and thinking abilities that make up neurodiversity. We also value the unique perspectives and insights those with neurodiverse minds bring to our community. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that embraces and supports individuals with neurodivergent minds. Diverse minds are an invaluable contribution to the overall innovation, creativity and success of the College as a whole, and we continue to strive to provide environments where all individuals can thrive.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) is a time for survivors, advocates, and allies to come together, spread awareness, and promote the prevention of sexual violence. This year, the National Sexual Violence Resource Center’s campaign “Building Connected Communities” emphasizes that creating environments free of sexual violence is only possible when we approach the issue on a community level.
College campuses are an excellent place to commemorate SAAM as it is an opportunity to transform campus culture and increase awareness about sexual violence. Faculty, professors, Title IX offices, public safety, student media, and everyday students all have the power to not only take a public stance against sexual violence but to make the college experience safer and more equitable for all.
SAAM is one of the many steps we can take together; we look forward to seeing you all walk down this path with us.
There is no overnight solution to the issue of sexual violence, but there are actions we can all take to make tomorrow brighter.
SAAM Day of Action (Tuesday, April 2nd, 2024)
The SAAM Day of Action takes place on the first Tuesday of every April, and is the opportunity to show your support with your peers and larger community. Put on your teal shirt and show us how you’re commemorating this year’s SAAM Day of Action!
Denim Day (Wednesday, April 24th, 2024)
Denim Day was a campaign started as a result of an Italian Supreme Court Case in which a survivor wasn’t believed due to the tightness of her jeans. The campaign website states, “Denim Day asks community members, elected officials, businesses and students to make a social statement with their fashion statement by wearing jeans on this day as a visible means of protest against the misconceptions that surround sexual violence.
Lake Land College students and employees can submit original artwork to the Spring Art Show for the chance to earn exciting prizes and show off the many talents of our Laker community!
This year’s theme is: “Belonging” As always, the theme is optional and is open to various interpretations.
The show will feature a Student category and a Faculty/Staff category. Everyone is encouraged to submit their art and share their unique perspective with the campus!
Submissions will be accepted from March 1 to April 12 at the Student Life Office along with a physical completed submission form. You can download a submission form here, or forms will be available in the Student Life Office.
Viewing Events:
SAB Event: Wednesday, April 24, 2024 in Laker PointAll artists are invited to attend to accompany their pieces.
Community Art Exhibition: Friday, April 26 from 5-7 p.m. in the Foundation and Alumni Center.Artists are highly encouraged to attend this event.
Food and refreshments will be provided at both events.
Prizes will be awarded and artworks may be picked up at the Spring Carnival event on Wednesday, May 1.
Any artwork left beyond the required pick-date of May 1 without prior arrangements being made becomes the property of Lake Land College. Such work will be dealt with as the college deems appropriate.
Lake Land College is not responsible for damage or loss to artwork. Lake Land College reserves the right to refuse work deemed inappropriate for exhibition on campus.
For questions about submissions or other aspects of the Art Show process, please contact idec@lakelandcollege.edu
“To my younger self and all the disabled kids today who can’t imagine their futures. The world is ours, and this is for all of us.” – Alice Wong
What is a disability? What does having a disability mean to the one in five people in the United States who have one or several?
The seventeen eye-opening essays in Disability Visibility, all written by disabled people, offer keen insight into the complex and rich disability experience, examining life’s ableism and inequality, its challenges and losses, its wisdom, passion, and joy.
The accounts in this collection ask readers to think about disabled people not as individuals who need to be “fixed,” but as members of a community with its own history, culture, and movements. They offer diverse perspectives that speak to past, present, and future generations. It is essential reading for all.
Take a look at our Campus Read Guide webpage, presented by the Lake Land College Library, to check out the many fantastic resources available for this book, or download the discussion guide to get started.
Below are links to diversity related classroom activity directions that can be downloaded and used in a variety of classes. Click on a link below to access a PDF of instructions for each activity.
The Lake Land College Library has several resources on a variety of diversity related topics. Below are direct links to some of the topics we have available. For more information about these library resources, contact the Lake Land College Reference Librarian in the Library.
Taking place during the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, Ramadan is the Islamic holy month of fasting.
During this time, Muslim people who are participating in Ramadan abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and sex during the daylight hours.
This is seen as an opportunity for them to practice patience, spirituality, humility and self-discipline.
Learn more about this important holiday by checking out 6 questions answered about Ramadan.
In support of poverty and hunger awareness, the Laker Food Pantry Food Drive is up and running through March 21! To participate, please donate items to whichever box you would like in the Luther Student Center Lobby (just outside of the Laker Nest Bookstore).
Each box is labeled with a current club name, and each food item donated to a box will count for one “point” for that club. Monetary donations made on behalf of clubs will count for one “point” per dollar. At the end of the drive, the club with the most points will earn $50 club funding!
Not sure which box to donate to? Feel free to give multiple donations to multiple different boxes, or you are always welcome to give donations directly to the pantry. Just stop by room 512 (beside Subway) in the Luther Student Center to arrange monetary or direct donations.
Below and in the attached document is a list of items with a strong need in the Laker Food Pantry. Please consider giving items from this list to help best support our Lakers.
Easing students’ hunger is just one of many ways we can support our students’ success in and out of the classroom. No student deserves to go hungry, so please consider contributing to this important area of need.
If you have any questions, please reach out to the Student Government Association at studentlife@lakelandcollege.edu.
For more information contactStudent Wellness Specialist Wally Rubin viaPhone Call: 217-234-5383Email: vrubin@lakelandcollege.eduOffice: Luther Student Center, room 109 (Beside Subway)
“Each time a girl opens a book and reads a womanless history, she learns she is worth less.” – Myra Pollack Sadker
Originating in 1981 as “Women’s History Week”, March has been recognized as Women’s History Month since 1995 by presidential proclamations.
These proclamations celebrate the contributions women have made to the United States and recognize the specific achievements women have made over the course of American history in a variety of fields.
History helps us learn who we are, but when we don’t know our own history, our power and dreams are immediately diminished.
Multicultural American women are overlooked in most mainstream approaches to U.S. history, so the National Women’s History Project champions their accomplishments and leads the drive to write women back into history.
Recognizing the achievements of women in all facets of life – science, community, government, literature, art, sports, medicine – has a huge impact on the development of self-respect and new opportunities for girls and young women.
Black History Month exists to focus attention on the contributions of African Americans to the United States. The celebration honors all Black people from all periods of U.S. history, including the enslaved people first brought over from Africa in the early 17th century to Black people living in the United States today.
Originally dubbed “Negro History Week” at the time of its creation in 1926, the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History chose the second week of February for this celebration because it includes the birthdays of both abolitionist Frederick Douglass and former U.S. president Abraham Lincoln. Prior to the creation of this celebration, very few individuals studied Black history, and it was not included in textbooks.
The week-long event was officially changed to “Black History Month” in 1976 when U.S. president Gerald Ford extended the recognition to “honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
Take some time this month to learn about African American roles throughout history. A good place to start is 31 History-Making Black Americans Everyone Should Know.
This January, Lake Land College is recognizing Poverty Awareness Month. This is a month-long initiative to increase awareness as well as call attention to the steady growth of poverty in the United States.
A growing number of people have fallen victim to circumstances that leave them with little to no income and thus very limited resources. While there are people with preconceived notions who stigmatize those living in poverty as lazy, mentally ill, disheveled and/or drug-addicted, this is a harmful stereotype that perpetuates many myths about these individuals. As of 2022, millions of Americans are one crisis away from being without vital resources such as food, shelter or basic necessities.
This month and beyond, take some time to learn more about the plight of those living in poverty and if you or someone you know is in need of access to resources, be sure to take a look at the many resources Lake Land College has to offer.
Percentages of Americans living in poverty status as of 2022:
Poverty Thresholds:
People in Household
Yearly Income
One Person
$12,784
Two People
$16,247
Three People
$19,985
Four People
$25,701
Five People
$30,459
Six People
$34,533
Seven People
$39,194
Eight People
$43,602
Nine or More People
$51,393
Homelessness in America 2023:
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream that individuals within the United States would be judged according to their personalities and qualities rather than the color of their skin. King was famous for his contributions to the civil rights movement as well as his nonviolent campaign against racism.
In 1963, more than 250,000 demonstrators marched to the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, where King gave his famous “I have a dream” speech. The following year, President Johnson passed a law prohibiting all racial discrimination.
Also in 1964, King earned a Nobel Peace prize for his efforts, having been at that time the youngest person to do so. However, just four years later, King was murdered by a sniper, an event which not only sparked riots and uprising throughout more than 100 cities across the country, but one that is still surrounded in controversy to this day.
International day of Persons with Disabilities is December 3. On this day, and throughout this month, we take time to recognize the strength, resilience and hardships of those going through life with both visible and invisible disabilities.
Read on to learn about some famous individuals you may not have known live with visible or invisible disabilities!
Simone Biles – ADHD
Umoja (Unity)
Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)
Ujima (Collective work and responsibility)
Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)
Nia (Purpose)
Kuumba (Creativity)
Imani (Faith)
Celebrating Indigenous American Heritage Month!
This month we honor the rich history, culture and contributions that those Indigenous to the land on which we live have made.
The first Indigenous celebration day, then known as “American Indian Day” was celebrated in May 1916 in New York. The event was the result of an effort by Red Fox James, a member of the Blackfeet Nation, who rode across the nation on horseback seeking approval from 24 state governments to have a day to honor Native American peoples.
In 1990, more than seven decades later, then-President George H.W. Bush signed a joint congressional resolution designating the month of November “National American Indian Heritage Month.” Similar proclamations have been issued every year since 1994 to recognize what is now called “Native American and Alaska Native Heritage Month” or “Indigenous Peoples Heritage Month.”
Did You Know?
By the Numbers:
Learn more about many of the influential and famous Indigenous Americans you may not know about then and now!
Read up on the Present-Day Indigenous American Book List
Watch a video of Joy Harjo and Michaela Goade’s book Remember
“Our dead are never dead to us, until we have forgotten them.” – George Elliott
This event will include traditional decorations and activities, such as an ofrenda, food, and a showing of the movie Coco in the LSC Theater.
Día De Los Muertos is a two-day holiday taking place November 1 and 2 that reunites the living and dead. For these days, families create ofrendas to honor deceased loved ones. The ofrendas are decorated with bright marigold flowers, photos of the departed, and the favorite foods and drinks of those being honored. The offerings are believed to encourage visits from the land of the dead as the departed souls hear their prayers, smell their foods and join in the celebrations!
Day of the Dead is a rare holiday for celebrating death and life. Unlike the somberness that usually surrounds death, in this holiday mourning is exchanged for celebration.
Facts:
Visit dayofthedead.holiday to learn more about this exciting celebration!
We are excited to share that Dr. Temple Grandin, an American academic and animal behaviorist, consultant to the livestock industry, and an autism spokesperson, will be coming to Lake Land College on October 12 at 6 p.m.
She will be speaking at a ticketed event in the LSC Theater however the presentation will be livestreamed for FREE for current students in Webb 081 at 6 p.m. on Oct. 12 as well. Students will then be able to take part in a meet-and-greet after the presentation where Dr. Grandin will be signing autographs and such. Refreshments will also be available for students in Webb Hall, room 081.
Dr. Grandin was the subject of the 2010 film “Temple Grandin” wherein she was portrayed by actress Claire Danes. The award-winning film (including seven Primetime Emmy Awards) is now available to view free of charge to all Lake Land College students, faculty and staff through the Lake Land College Library. You can access the film through Swank on the Library Website.
At Lake Land College, we believe that the heritage, visibility, culture, resilience and strength of those Indigenous to the land we now occupy must be recognized and celebrated. Therefore, we are celebrating today as Indigenous Peoples Day.
“We ask those in our Laker community and beyond to consider the history behind the celebration of this day, and to join us in recognizing the vital role that Tribal Nations and Indigenous peoples played in the development and continued progress of our nation and state,” President Josh Bullock said. “We also acknowledge the history of violence and wrongdoings committed against Illinois’ first inhabitants and seek to engage in candid dialogue to facilitate learning from our shared history.”
Many schools, cities and even states across the country have made the shift to celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day in place of Columbus Day due to Columbus’s abhorrent actions against the Indigenous peoples he encountered upon his arrival in South America (which he believed to be India, thus the incorrect term “Indians” that has been misused to describe Indigenous peoples).
Columbus and his crew used violence and barbaric manipulation to force the native Taíno people into slavery and cultural assimilation. The colonizers also introduced a plethora of new diseases to the Indigenous people which, along with the violence and atrocities the newcomers committed against them, let to a near genocide of the Taíno people.
Did you Know?
To learn more about the many myths surrounding Christopher Columbus and why many people support the shift to Indigenous Peoples Day, take a look at this quick video outlining some of the bigger misconceptions surrounding this piece of history.
Each year, we recognize National Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15 by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of those whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.
The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively. Also, “Día de la Raza”, which is October 9, falls within this 30 day period.
Join us in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with a special presentation of the film Sorolla on OCTOBER 5 at 11 a.m. in the Luther Student Center Theater. Spanish Instructor Casey Reynolds will introduce the film and share firsthand knowledge and experience from time he spent in Spain!
Learn about more celebrations throughout the country at the National Hispanic Heritage Month website.
Join us as we recognize and celebrate the achievements, resilience and determination of the LGBTQIA+ community!
In 1994, Rodney Wilson, a Missouri high school teacher, believed a month should be dedicated to the celebration and teaching of gay and lesbian history, and gathered other teachers and community leaders. They selected October because public schools are in session and existing traditions, such as Coming Out Day (October 11), occur that month.
Learn more about LGBTQIA+ History Month and the many icons in the community over the decade.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, take a look at these resources or contact Tom Moll at tmoll@lakelandcollege.edu.
Celebrate National Recovery Month with this Laker’s incredible story of overcoming!
Explore more mental health resources.
Here at Lake Land College, we know that Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging are important to our Laker community. You may often hear these terms or perhaps the acronym “DEIB,” but you’re not exactly sure what they mean. That’s okay!
Check out this blog post to learn more about what these terms mean and how you can recognize them in your day to day life!
Lake Land College is coming together with the community to celebrate Juneteenth and recognize the struggles and hardships enslaved peoples fought bravely to overcome as well as the challenges people of color still face today.
“We want to take this opportunity to express honor and appreciation for all of the members of our Lake Land College community who have been and continue to be impacted by the events of Juneteenth,” President Josh Bullock said. “It is our pleasure and privilege to be home to a diverse and inclusive community, and we strive to maintain a sense of belonging for everyone within that community.”
Also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Liberation Day and Emancipation Day, Juneteenth is celebrated each year as a day to honor the culture, lives and accomplishments of the Black community and celebrate this liberation from slavery.
With the original day arriving a full two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, Juneteenth is a special way to honor the brave and inspiring individuals who fought for the rights and privileges they deserve.
Lake Land College is committed to developing and maintaining an environment that embraces and actively supports diversity. We aspire to be an institution where the quality of education is enhanced and enriched by an inclusive campus community. We strive to provide dynamic learning and working environments that encourage multiple perspectives and the free exchange of ideas.
Join us in recognizing the history and continued effort to raise awareness and inclusivity for the LGBTQIA+ community, including the students, staff, allies and other community members who make up our diverse and supportive Laker community!
This month we join The Autism Society to #CelebrateDifferences of the many individuals in our society living with Autism. To recognize and empower these people, take a look at these 20 Famous People with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Also, since 2017, our very own Laker Darrius Frazier has been listed among the 100+ People with Autism to Know. Thank you to Darrius for contributing so much to our monthly celebrations! Be sure to take a look at this exclusive video with Darrius on his amazing story!
This month we celebrate the many women who have played pivotal roles throughout history and their contributions to our culture and society. Click the link below to check out a timeline about notable people and events put together by Darrius Frazier!
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
This month we honor the rich history, culture and accomplishments of Black and African American people as well as celebrating the adversities they have overcome and recognizing the challenges they still face.
Join the Student Activity Board and the Inclusion and Diversity Education Committee for Black History Month Bingo on February 22 at 11 a.m. in Laker Point! Learn about contributions of African Americans to the United States and play bingo to earn prizes.Be sure to pick up your copy of our campus read book “So You Want to Talk About Race,” by Ijeoma Oluo while you’re there.
Also, take a moment to brush up on this information with the timeline below, researched and compiled by Lake Land student Darrius “Doc” Frazier!
Timeline of Events in Black History
You may have noticed available copies of the book “So You Want to Talk About Race” by Ijeoma Oluo at several recent events.
We as a College feel that the content of this book is important because we understand that many people have questions. Many of these questions feel difficult to ask, and it is very easy to feel that you are getting the conversation “wrong.” In this book, the author addresses many of these questions as well as many that she said she wishes more people would ask.
Issues such as intersectionality, micro-aggressions and many other situations people of color face on a regular basis are explored in this book, with the author sharing personal experiences about living life as a black woman.
We understand that some of the concepts and topics explored in these pages can be difficult to read or may make you uncomfortable. As Ijeoma says in the introduction to the book, “I hope that if parts of this book make you uncomfortable, you can sit with that discomfort for a while, to see if it has anything else to offer you.”
We hope you will take a book to read and we look forward to sharing discussions with you on this important topic.
Visit the Library Website to learn more!
Take a look at these links to learn more about many of the influential Native American and Indigenous people throughout history!
20 Famous Native and Indigenous Americans in Hollywood, Politics and More
20 Influential Indigenous Americans You Might Not Know About | Stacker
This month, we are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with Laker alumna and campus-wide friendly face Brandy Verdin! Here is something she had to share about the significance of this event.“Finding the beauty in our culture and values is very heartwarming. I appreciate and love when other people who are not of my culture learn and celebrate people like me and our traditions.”~ TRIO Student Support Services Enrollment Assistant Brandy Verdin
CLICK HERE to read more of Brandy’s story on our Laker Life Blog!
Read what Juneteenth means to a member of our Laker community!
Take a look at this video to learn more about the experiences of several LGBTQIA+ members of the Lake Land College community!
A Safe Zone is a safe place in which all individuals are encouraged and reassured they can be their authentic selves and feel safe, welcomed and included. These are areas on and around campus where supportive faculty and staff can provide information and work toward the elimination of myths, misconceptions, and stereotypes. Those who have participated in this training will receive a Safe Zone sticker or window cling to display in their area.
Those interested in the Lake Land College Student Pride Club can contact Marcy Satterwhite at msatterw@lakelandcollege.edu or 217-234-5359.
This month we celebrate and support those living with mental or behavioral health issues in an effort to help reduce the stigma surrounding many people living with these challenges.
Lake Land College believes in supporting the success of our students on both a personal and academic level, and we know that this all starts with their mental health and wellness. We have established these mental health resources, including free online mental health counseling through BetterMynd, for our students.
We are also excited to introduce the Calm app as our newest resource available to students at Lake Land College! Whether you have 30 seconds or 30 minutes, Calm’s diverse content library offers resources to suit your schedule and needs. Explore guided meditations and specialized music playlists to help with studying, stress, and focus, mindful movement video and audio, relaxing Sleep Stories, tailored content for children, wisdom-filled masterclasses led by experts, and much more.
Simply follow the instructions below to gain full access to Calm—the #1 app for mental fitness.
To get started:
Once complete, you can download the Calm app and log into your new account. Your Calm subscription gives you unlimited access to the full library of content at calm.com and in the Calm app.
If you have questions about accessing the Calm app, contact Counselor for Accommodations and Mental Health Initiatives Amber Niebrugge at aniebrugge71503@lakelandcollege.edu or 217-234-5259.
This month we honor the rich history, culture and accomplishments of Black and Brown people as well as celebrating the adversities they have overcome. Click the link below to learn more about influential people, events and movements in African American history put together by our very own Laker, Darrius Frazier!
BLACK HISTORY MONTH TIMELINE