Effingham Technology Center Hosts First-Ever Laker Day

Published on March 31, 2026

On Friday, March 27, Lake Land College hosted its very first Laker Day at the Effingham Technology Center, giving local high school students a chance to explore career pathways and discover local academic resources.

A total of 236 high school juniors attended the event, representing Altamont, Beecher City, Dieterich and Effingham high schools. During the event, the students met with Lake Land faculty, asked questions and enjoyed interactive demonstrations – including virtual reality games and nursing patient simulators – to learn about careers in healthcare, transportation, early childhood education, medical coding, apprenticeship and more.

Students also enjoyed the chance to explore the Effingham Technology Center, Lake Land’s newest state-of-the-art facility, and discover wrap-around academic support services available in the building. Students learned how valuable resources such as financial aid and TRIO can help reduce barriers to education and make their goals attainable.

To learn more about the Lake Land College Effingham Technology Center, visit the Lake Land College website at LakeLandCollege.edu/Effingham-Technology-Center-ETC/.

An image of Special Assistant to the Vice President for Academic Services Scott Rhine demonstrating Lake Land’s virtual reality training equipment along with a high school student volunteer during the College’s first-ever Laker Day at the new Effingham Technology Center.
At left, Special Assistant to the Vice President for Academic Services Scott Rhine demonstrates Lake Land’s virtual reality training equipment along with a high school student volunteer during the College’s first-ever Laker Day at the new Effingham Technology Center.
An image of Division Chair Allied Health/Nursing Instructor Erin Swingler, Allied Health Specialist Hilary Donley and Nursing Instructor/Director of Nursing Programs Cassandra Porter showcasing the Effingham Technology Center nursing labs to several high school juniors during Lake Land College’s Laker Day.
(In back of image, from left to right): Division Chair Allied Health/Nursing Instructor Erin Swingler, Allied Health Specialist Hilary Donely and Nursing Instructor/Director of Nursing Programs Cassandra Porter showcase the Effingham Technology Center nursing labs to several high school juniors during Lake Land College’s Laker Day.
An image of Simulation Lab Nurse Rachael Walker and Division Chair Allied Health/Nursing Instructor Erin Swingler leading a CPR demonstration along with a high school student volunteer to help students learn about careers in healthcare during the College’s first-ever Laker Day at the new Effingham Technology Center.
Simulation Lab Nurse Rachael Walker, left, and Division Chair Allied Health/Nursing Instructor Erin Swingler, center, lead a CPR demonstration along with a high school student volunteer to help students learn about careers in healthcare during the College’s first-ever Laker Day at the new Effingham Technology Center.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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