Crystal Swan

The Crystal Swan Award is awarded to a Lake Land College Foundation Board Member who has gone above and beyond. This year’s recipient is Larry Blackerby. Larry has been a true example of an ideal board member since he joined in 2019. He is the current Donor Relations committee chair, attends 3 of our 4 board meetings in person annually even though he resides in California, and continues to go above and beyond. Larry, it’s our honor to present you as the 2023 Crystal Swan recipient.

Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser

The Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser award is bestowed upon an individual who has given time and talent on behalf of Lake Land College students in securing private funding. This year’s recipient is Lisa Kallis.

Lisa began her journey in Dentistry as a Dental Hygienist in 1987. She furthered her career by getting her BS in Health Studies from EIU and became a Dental Hygiene Instructor and did this for several years at Lake Land College. She started working for Heartland Dental in 1995 and has continued her career there in many leadership roles. Her passion is education and helping make a difference for team members in their dental careers.

Three of our children graduated from Lake Land College and 2 played volleyball, so they are very supportive of Lake Land College and its future.

Outstanding Philanthropist

Leslie currently resides in Mattoon with her two angels, her cats named Gracie and Kitty. She grew up in Mattoon and went to Mattoon High School.  Shortly after high school, she moved to Oklahoma.  She followed in her mother’s footsteps, taking up a career in nursing.  She feels fortunate to have retired early to help care for her mother during her final stages of life.

After retirement, she really enjoyed traveling and visiting other countries.  She also enjoyed being outside and doing yard work in her favorite season of fall. Leslie also holds her family and cousins near and dear to her heart.

Leslie is a huge believer in Lake Land College. She considers giving back and supporting Lake Land College students through scholarships to be a privilege. 

Outstanding Philanthropic Organization

Patterson Companies Inc. (Nasdaq: PDCO) connects dental and animal health customers in North America and the U.K. to the latest products, technologies, services, and innovative business solutions that enable operational and professional success. Their comprehensive portfolio, distribution network and supply chain are equaled only by their dedicated, knowledgeable people who deliver unrivaled expertise and unmatched customer service and support.

Patterson Companies is committed to the success of Lake Land College and its community. On April 6^th, 2023, Lake Land College and Patterson Companies officials announced that the college was to purchase the nearly 100,000-square-foot building and lease back a portion of the space to Patterson. As part of the agreement, Patterson generously donated the contents of the building to the Lake Land College Foundation, excluding equipment necessary for Patterson’s ongoing operations. Contents included a variety of office furniture, technology and equipment.