Laker Nation News

Lake Land College is offering a new, flexible program format for all Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC-R) classes.

Under the new format, HVAC-R classes start every three to four weeks, allowing students to begin at nearly any time rather than having to wait for a new semester. All classes are also held in the evening to account for students’ work schedules.

“HVAC technicians possess a crucial skillset that homeowners and businesses throughout our community rely on,” HVAC Instructor Joe Hoenes said. “The new program format will maximize flexibility and remove barriers for students interested in earning this high-demand credential.”

Lake Land College HVAC-R courses prepare students for entry-level employment as an HVAC technician. The program covers installation, troubleshooting, maintenance and repair of residential and light commercial equipment.

For more information, visit the Lake Land College website at LakeLandCollege.edu/trades or contact Hoenes at 217-234-5372 or jhoenes2@lakelandcollege.edu.

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Lake Land College instructor Lisa Earp, Mattoon, was recently named the Eastern Illinois Business Education Association (EIBEA) 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year.

Earp has worked with Lake Land College for 21 years. She currently serves as a business instructor, coordinator of the Office Professionals program and director of the Court Reporting & Captioning program.

Earp was nominated for the award by Business Instructor and Program Coordinator of Accounting Cindy Phipps. In the nomination form, Phipps said, “During her 21 years at Lake Land College, Lisa has consistently demonstrated dedication to her students and their success. Her passion for teaching and her support for students make her an exceptional role model and leader.”

As an instructor, Earp is committed to helping students prepare for careers and removing barriers to employment. Her classes include interactive activities in email practices, letter writing, mock interviews, resume creation and even dining etiquette.

In 2021, Earp led the launch of the College’s Court Reporting & Captioning program, which addresses a local need for qualified stenographers.

Beyond the classroom, Earp is a member of the Lake Land College Curriculum Committee and Staff Development Committee, and she serves as a Building Representative for the Lake Land College Faculty Association.

“Her impact on the Lake Land College district is far-reaching, and I believe she possesses the qualities celebrated by this award,” Phipps added.

The EIBEA Teacher of the Year Award is presented annually to an outstanding business instructor within the EIBEA region. The EIBEA is made up of business teachers from the Eastern region of the state of Illinois and is an affiliate of the Illinois Business Education Association. The EIBEA’s purpose is to promote business education and share instructional resources and teaching techniques with other business educators.

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Lake Land College recently honored agriculture students at the annual Ag Banquet.

During the event, Dave Guyer, Robinson, was recognized as the Agriculture Division’s Honored Alumnus.

Several students also received awards for outstanding performance in their respective programs.

The Jordan Fledderjohann Memorial Award was presented to Anna Webel, Farmington. Walker Housley; Dayton, Tennessee, received the Phil Rincker Memorial Award.

For the Livestock Judging Team, Maggie Goodson, Greenville, was named the Top Reasons Presenter, and Hailey Wells, Mattoon, was named the Top Hog Evaluator.

For the Ag Business program, Kadence Crowley, Sibley, and Joleen Deters, Sigel, received the High GPA Award. Crowley also received the Outstanding Student Award.

Alex Kaufmann, Neoga, was named Ag Power Outstanding Student and also received the Ag Power High GPA Award.

The Ag Production awards went to Shayden Hogg, Highland, for Outstanding Student and Connor Flach, Montrose, for High GPA.

Nia Fuller, Trilla, was named Horticulture Outstanding Student, and Brock Goonan, Mattoon, was named Horticulture High GPA.

For the John Deere Tech program, Chance Hank, Mattoon, was named Outstanding Student, and Eric Ebersole, Sterling, was honored with the High GPA Award.

Kaylee Blackford, Potomac; Ila Richter, Lerna; Sydney Sanders, Leesburg, Ohio; Anna Webel, Farmington; and Walker Housley; Dayton, Tennessee, received the Ag Transfer High GPA Awards. Blackford also received the Ag Transfer Outstanding Student Award.

The Overall Outstanding Student Award went to Sydney Sanders.

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The Lake Land College Center for Business and Industry is offering Powered Industrial Truck courses to help students become certified to operate forklifts.

The courses are designed for individuals interested in elevating their workplace skills and earning a valuable credential. Courses are available in basic, advanced and refresher levels.

The Powered Industrial Truck Basic course provides participants with the skills required for safe operation and maintenance of forklifts in compliance with OSHA regulations. The eight-hour course includes four hours of classroom instruction and four hours of practical exercises, covering topics including stability, hazards, loading and unloading, stacking and inspection. The course is available for $250 to all beginners interested in earning the qualifications to operate a forklift in an entry-level position.

The Powered Industrial Truck Advanced course allows certified forklift operators to enhance their skillsets and upgrade their credentials. With eight total hours of classroom learning and hands-on exercise, the course offers advanced instruction on box clamps, roll clamps, ramps, loading docks and semitrailer safety. The course is available for $250.

The Powered Industrial Truck Refresher course provides quality training tailored to individual needs and safe practice review in compliance with OSHA guidelines. The course is designed for individuals who need to renew an expiring license or enroll in an OSHA-certified review course following an operating incident. The four-hour course includes a review of safe practices and proper protocols and is available for $200.

All Lake Land Powered Industrial Truck courses are available on the College’s campus at the Center for Business and Industry.

For more information, contact CBI Training Specialist Adam Carter at 217-234-8258 or acarter2@lakelandcollege.edu.

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Lake Land College is offering courses that follow an innovative HyFlex format, which gives students flexible options for attending class.

The HyFlex format provides students with three options to attend class: in-person, online live and online recorded. In-person students attend traditional classes at a Lake Land location. The classrooms are equipped with high-tech streaming equipment that allows students who are attending remotely to engage with the class live from anywhere with an internet connection. Students who are unable to attend in-person or participate live online can also access recordings of each class session.

The HyFlex format aligns with the College’s strategic focus to leverage innovative opportunities to make education accessible. Lake Land began investing in HyFlex technology in 2021, when the board of trustees approved the installation of the equipment in 24 classrooms. Today, the use of HyFlex has expanded to 30 classrooms and is implemented in Lake Land’s extension centers in Effingham, Marshall and Pana.

“HyFlex is a tool to bridge education and life,” Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said. “So many of our students balance their education while holding jobs or raising families. This format ensures students don’t have to choose between education and personal obligations, because they have the freedom to attend classes in a way that works around their schedules.”

The following courses are available in the HyFlex format for the Fall 2025 semester: Introduction to Business, Principles of Econ I, Weather and Climate, Elementary Spanish I, History/Culture of Nonwestern Civilization, History of the U.S. I and Strategies for Success.

The full Lake Land College course schedules for Summer and Fall 2025 are available on the Lake Land College website at LakeLandCollege.edu/Schedules.

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Lake Land College has introduced a new Substance Abuse Counseling concentration within its Human Services program. Beginning Fall 2025, the program aims to provide students with the necessary skills and experience to excel in the field of substance abuse counseling.

“We are thrilled to introduce this new concentration to our Human Services program. The demand for compassionate professionals in the substance abuse counseling field is significant, and this program offers students a clear pathway to earn the necessary clinical hours for certification efficiently,” said Madison Dailey, Health and Physical Education Instructor.

The program features a competency-based learning approach, offering hands-on experience in alcohol and other drug counseling. The curriculum includes key courses such as Introduction to Substance Abuse, Substance Abuse Treatment and Diversity in Addiction. This hybrid program combines online courses with in-person training, creating a flexible option for students to accommodate work and family responsibilities.

Additionally, students will complete an internship, preparing them to become a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor through the Illinois Certification Board.

The Substance Abuse Counseling concentration can be modified for seamless transfer to Eastern Illinois University or the University of Illinois, providing a pathway for students to continue their education and advance their careers.

For more information about the Substance Abuse Counseling concentration and enrollment details, contact Madison Dailey, Health and Physical Education Instructor, at 217-234-5361 or mdailey@lakelandcollege.edu.

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In February, the Lake Land College TRIO Destination College program conducted engaging scheduling workshops to more than 200 students across 18 local middle schools and high schools. The workshops aimed to equip students with essential tools and insights to prepare for their college journeys.

The workshop events were led by TRIO Destination College Assistant Director Ashley Bigard and Outreach Advisors Tara Schaljo and Codi Julius. The students applied mathematical reasoning, problem-solving and data organization to create optimized college schedules. After an advisor discussed time management and scheduling strategies, students used sticky notes or spreadsheets to arrange course options, ensuring no conflicts while balancing workload and break times. Working in small groups, they compared and refined schedules, presenting their most efficient plan to the class. The hands-on activity helps expose students to college life and expectations as well as time-management skills that will prepare them for future success.

The workshops are a testament to TRIO Destination College’s dedication to preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of higher education, empowering them to take proactive steps toward future success.

TRIO Destination College, a grant-funded college readiness program, supports junior high and high school students in graduating from high school and enrolling in the colleges of their choice. To learn more about TRIO Destination College at Lake Land College, contact Director of TRIO Programs Lori Ohnesorge at 217-234-5007 or lohnesor@lakelandcollege.edu.

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Lake Land College will host Laker Visit Day on Friday, March 21 from 9 a.m. to noon in the Luther Student Center. The event is designed for prospective students to learn about Lake Land College and the resources available to help them succeed.

Attendees will tour campus with a student ambassador, who will share information from a student perspective. Participants will also meet with faculty to learn more about specific programs.

Representatives from many services, including Counseling Services, Career Services, Student Accommodations, Student Wellness, TRIO Student Support Services, Financial Aid and more will be available to provide information and answer attendees’ questions.

Attendees are also welcome to bring their parents or guardians to the event. A session will be offered to provide information relevant to parents or guardians of future Lakers.

“Laker Visit Day is the best way to experience the College and see if Lake Land is the right fit for you,” Pam Hartke, Associate Dean of Recruitment & Enrollment Management, said. “Whether you’re interested in a full-time course load or just wanting to take a few classes, Laker Visit Day will help set you up for success.”

For more information or to register, visit the Lake Land College visit page at LakeLandCollege.edu/visit.

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Lake Land College students Jared Kelly, Effingham, and Jennifer Uthell, Teutopolis, placed among the top students in Illinois in the 2024 Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) State Championship.

The MOS State Championship consists of six certification exams covering Microsoft office products such as Word, PowerPoint and Excel. Kelly placed among the top competitors in Illinois in two categories, earning second place in Excel and fifth place in PowerPoint.

“I’ve been using Microsoft products for a long time. They’re actually one of the earliest things I ever learned to use on a computer,” Kelly said. “Finding out I finished that high in the entire state felt cool.”

Uthell, meanwhile, finished fourth in Illinois for Microsoft Word.

“The exam included things like editing documents, layouts and table of contents,” Uthell said. “I really only started using Word since I started school here, and Lake Land has helped me expand my skills.”

Kelly and Uthell both participated in the competition through the Advanced Software Applications Course. In place of traditional tests, students in the course take the MOS exams, which provide students with nationally-recognized credentials for passing, said Lisa Earp, Business Instructor/Program Coordinator of Office Professionals/Director of Court Reporting & Captioning.

“The great thing about the MOS exams is that they are industry-standard assessments, and finishing among the top in the state proves to potential employers that you’ve mastered the material,” Earp said. “It was super exciting to find out that they both placed so well.”

Earp also earned an award for Outstanding Educator in Illinois during the MOS State Championship.

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The Lake Land College Broadcast Communication department will host an open house on Friday, March 21 from 12-2 p.m. The event will take place following Laker Visit Day, and lunch will be provided at noon.

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about Lake Land’s Broadcast Communication program as they tour the college’s student-run FM radio station, WLKL 89.9, The Max Alternative, along with the TV studio and production control room. Attendees will also have the chance to view professional audio equipment, state-of-the-art camera and video equipment and industry-standard digital editing software.

Registration for the event is now open on the Lake Land College visit website at LakeLandCollege.edu/Visit.

“The open house is the perfect chance for students to learn about careers in broadcasting and get their first hands-on experience with the equipment they will get to use in the program,” Greg Powers, Speech Communication/Broadcasting Instructor and Director of Broadcast Operations, said.

Students in the Broadcast Communication program can earn an associate degree leading to either immediate employment or transfer to a four-year university. Students can also choose among three certificate programs.

The Broadcast Communication program includes a wide range of opportunities both on-screen and behind the camera. Students can gain experience broadcasting live on WLKL 89.9 The Max Alternative, anchoring a newscast, using equipment in the TV production control room and studio, creating a podcast, commentating on live sports events, using professional audio equipment, operating state-of-the-art camera and video equipment and experimenting with industry-standard digital editing software.

For more information on the Broadcast Communication Open House or program, contact Powers at gpowers@lakelandcollege.edu or 217-234-5335.

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