Laker Nation News

Since opening in 1995, the Lake Land College Kluthe Center, located in Effingham, has provided opportunities for thousands of area students to earn a college education close to home.

Kluthe Center Director Karen Kull presented an annual report to the Lake Land College Board of Trustees during the regular August meeting which is held at the center each year.

Kull reported new security cameras were installed in the entryways, hallways and outside of the building. Campus police and Kluthe staff can monitor the video feed. Additional updates include the painting of several classrooms and updates to landscaping.

Additionally, the Kluthe Center recently became a host site for I-CAR (Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair) training sessions. I-CAR is a not-for-profit organization providing continuing education and training for auto collision repair technicians.

The Kluthe Center also hosted several events throughout the year including Lake Land College Day where more than 300 area high school juniors attended to learn more about college and the options available in their own community. The Kluthe Center also hosted a C.E.F.S. Sign-up Day which was held in late July. The C.E.F.S. staff assisted more than 40 students in three hours, with several students driving from Mattoon. At the event, TRiO Student Services was able to recruit several students, Perkins information was given to all and several students’ questions were answered regarding financial aid and academic counseling.

In addition to hosting informational events and general education courses, the Kluthe Center is home to several full-time programs: Basic Nurse Assisting, Practical Nursing, Associate Degree Nurse, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Basic Welding, Massage Therapy and Physical Therapist Assistant.

Adult Education GED classes were also offered at the center this past year along with English as a Second Language classes and Pathways Alternative high school classes. Basic computer training, Food Service Sanitation Certificate, and Welding Certificate classes were also held.