Laker Nation News

Lake Land College alumna and current Lake Land student, Annette Lynch, Charleston, recently received the 2019 Lifelong Learning Award from the Illinois Community College Trustees Association (ICCTA). Lynch was the only recipient throughout the state of Illinois to receive the award. The award recognizes Illinois community college students over the age of 50 that have utilized their community college as a resource on multiple occasions.

“Annette has been an inspiration to countless Lake Land students and staff for her voracious thirst for knowledge and her willingness to help others benefit from her community college experience,” ICCTA President Fritz Larsen said.

Lynch, age 75, continuously demonstrates her commitment to developing her professional and personal skills to positively impact her peers, family and friends. Lynch, who retired from teaching science at Charleston Middle School in 2001 after 35 years, returned to school in June 2006, enrolling at Lake Land College as a part-time student in order to keep herself up-to-date with the world around her. Since enrolling at Lake Land College, Lynch has completed 135.5 credits with the college, earning a cumulative GPA of 3.96.

Her involvement and dedication to education has allowed her to accumulate a wide variety of certificates including: a certificate in esthetics in 2007, a massage therapy certificate in 2008 and a digital media specialist certificate. She also takes classes in the Radio/TV program where she has written step-by-step tutorials for the program and DJs for 89.9 FM The Max Alternative radio station on campus.

Lynch spends countless hours volunteering her time to the college by working with fellow students, participating in Club IT and working with the Business Division on projects related to the Information Technology (IT) programs. She was instrumental in the creation and planting of the Club IT Garden and regularly organizes campus clean up days.

Lynch’s contributions don’t stop at Lake Land though. She has used film editing and Photoshop skills learned at Lake Land to create a documentary showcasing her hometown, as well as over 100 embroidered throws that she donated to a local nursing home.

Josh Bullock, Lake Land College president, also had high praise for the contributions that Lynch has made since enrolling in Lake Land.

“Annette defines what it means to be a lifelong learner. She brings an unquenchable thirst for knowledge to the classroom, and willingly shares her talents with peers. At every opportunity, Annette promotes Lake Land’s vision to engage minds and change lives through the power of learning,” Bullock said.

This award is one of many for Lynch who received the 2011 Outstanding Student Award from the Lake Land College Business Division and was honored by Lake Land with the 2013 Distinguished Service Award for her outstanding service and dedication to the college.