Lake Land College ranked among best associate degrees in Illinois Posted on November 18, 2022 University HQ ranked Lake Land College as the twelfth best associate degree college in Illinois compared to nearly 50 other community colleges throughout the state. The college earned the recognition based on several factors, one of which was having affordable degree programs, quality teaching and supportive faculty. “We are exceedingly proud of the quality of instruction and the caring environment we provide our students here at Lake Land College,” President Josh Bullock said. “The success we see from our students is truly a testament to the talents and motivation of our entire Laker community. It is because of our students’ willingness to learn and our instructors’ willingness to go the extra mile that our Laker alumni go on to do so well.” With small class sizes, students have more opportunities to connect with instructors and build quality networking experiences beyond the classroom. Lake Land College offers a wide variety of associate degree opportunities that prepare students to enter the workforce immediately or transfer to a four-year college. With courses designed into Areas of Study via a Guided Pathways structure, the students are able to explore the different options available to them before choosing their path. For more information on associate degrees at Lake Land College, visit lakelandcollege.edu/guided-pathways. -30-
Lake Land College signs new apprenticeships with local businesses Posted on November 17, 2022 In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week, Lake Land College students signed 10 new apprenticeship agreements with four local businesses including Hydro-Gear in Sullivan, KC Summers Auto Group in Mattoon, North American Lighting in Paris and Quad Graphics Marketing LLC in Effingham at a signing event on campus Wednesday. Pictured (L-R) are Robert Woolum of North American Lighting in Paris, student Gloria Harris and Lake Land College Director to Center for Business and Industry Bonnie Moore. These agreements are in addition to several already existing apprenticeship agreements with local businesses such as The Equity in Effingham and 3Sisters Logistics in Teutopolis. “The apprenticeship program allows us to be proactive in designing a program with Lake Land that will fast track new technicians and give them the ability to hit the ground running and being productive right away in a very rewarding and well-paying career as an automotive technician with us,” KC Summers Auto Group Service Director Ed Roley said. Lake Land College Director to Center for Business and Industry Bonnie Moore invited representatives from each of the businesses to the stage to join their new apprentices in the signing of the agreements. Representing Hydro-Gear, Brian Baca and Rachael Crane welcomed Derek Clark of Charleston as an Industrial Maintenance Mechanic apprentice. Ed Roley representing KC Summers Auto Group welcomed Carson Body of Mattoon as an Automotive Technician apprentice. Robert Woolum of North American Lighting in Paris welcomed students Gloria Harris of Paris and James Knight of Paris as Industrial Maintenance Mechanic apprentices for North American Lighting. For Quad Graphics Marketing LLC, Mark and Lucas Leffler welcomed students Kevin Baize of Effingham, Adam Carter of Lerna, David Coffin of Salem, Jackson Leffler of Willow Hill, Jordan Ogden of Westervelt and Jordan Schumacher of Sigel as Industrial Maintenance Repairer apprentices. Lake Land College President Josh Bullock declared support for both current and new apprenticeship partners in a proclamation commemorating the 85th anniversary of the National Apprenticeship Act and the eighth anniversary of National Apprenticeship Week. “At the core of apprenticeship is the idea that the transfer of knowledge from mentor to student can be life-changing for the individual, sustaining and successful for the industry, and altogether inspiring for the community,” Bullock said. “As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week together today, it is clear that Lake Land College is staying true to its vision of engaging minds and changing lives through the power of learning.” As part of the celebration, Lake Land College also hosted a panel of new and long-standing apprenticeship employers, including Woolum of North American Lighting, Roley of KC Summers Auto Group and Baca of Hydro-Gear. The panelists shared their thoughts on the evolution of apprenticeships and the benefits they provide to both participants and employers as well as other concepts such as how they decided to develop apprenticeship positions and how the positions coexist within the companies’ dynamics. “Apprenticeships are more than just training; an apprenticeship is an investment,” Lake Land College WIOA Apprenticeship Navigator Nate Carlson said. “It is an investment of time and hard work on the part of the apprentices themselves, who dedicate themselves to studying and honing their skills, and it is an investment on the part of the employers, who fund their apprentices’ education and provide them with the guidance they need to thrive.” -30-
Lake Land College broadcast students receive state accolades Posted on November 14, 2022 Lake Land College broadcast students Stephanie Sample of Sullivan, Kyla Hutton of Arcola and Sue Shirley of Mattoon earned accolades at the annual Illinois Broadcasters Association Student Silver Dome Awards. Sample earned first place in the Best Sales Presentation category for her piece “Shirley Girls Cuts & Curls.” Sample and Shirley also earned first place in the Best Radio Recorded Promotion category for the piece “We’ll Be There for You.” Second place in the Best Sales Presentation category went to Hutton for her piece “Broomtown Café.” “We are very proud of the excellence and talent these students exhibit, and these awards certainly attest to their great work,” Broadcast Communication Instructor and Station Manager of WLKL 89.9 FM Greg Powers said. “Throughout the many years we have been attending the Silver Dome awards, our students have continued to be recognized for their exemplary work and dedication to the field, and this year was no exception.” All three award winners are Broadcast Communication majors. Sample and Hutton are current students at Lake Land College while Shirley graduated from Lake Land College in the spring with an associate degree in Broadcast Communication. For more information about Broadcast Communication at Lake Land College, visit lakelandcollege.edu/guided-pathways and select the Humanities and Social Sciences area of study. -30-
Lake Land College announces 2022-2023 Student Ambassadors Posted on November 11, 2022 Lake Land College announced the 2022-2023 Student Ambassador team this fall following a competitive selection process. The Student Ambassadors are a group of students who serve as official representatives of Lake Land College. They assist the college by informing prospective students of the opportunities available to them at Lake Land. The ambassadors give campus tours, attend college/career fairs, visit high schools and assist with special school functions. Each of the 15 ambassadors will receive a $1,000 scholarship. “We are thrilled to be working with all of these wonderful individuals, and we look forward to the many ways they will enrich others’ Laker experiences,” Associate Dean of Enrollment Pam Hartke said. The current Student Ambassadors are: Sophomore Benjamin Archer of West Greene, Pennsylvania Sophomore Kate Bond of Galatia Sophomore Paige Brock of Auburndale, Wisconsin Freshman Reese Brock of Auburndale, Wisconsin Sophomore Leno Caldieraro of Greenville Freshman Gabe Hanson of La Porte City, Iowa Freshman Paige Lemenager of Hudson Sophomore Tyler Miller of Armington Sophomore Jordan (Jordi) Oliver of Buncombe Freshman Lauryn Samuelson of Mattoon Freshman Jacqueline (Jackie) Schertz of El Paso Freshman Molly Smith of Charleston Sophomore Emerson Tarr of Leroy Freshman Weston Tharp of Newton Sophomore Sophia Wagner of Onarga -30-
Lake Land College announces new student marketing council members Posted on November 9, 2022 Lake Land College selected 13 students from several applicants to participate in The Vibe for the 2022-23 academic year based on their passion for the college and demonstrated communication and interpersonal skills. Lake Land College developed this student marketing council called The Vibe to include a student voice in the college’s marketing and communication materials. “The Vibe members are incredible individuals who tell the daily Laker experience through their own eyes. In addition to sharing their unique journeys, they assist the Marketing & Public Relations team by highlighting key messages and events, while providing valuable feedback on marketing and communication strategies,” Director of Marketing & Public Relations Kelly Allee said. “We are grateful to them for sharing their talents, thoughts and ideas with us, and we look forward to the many wonderful things they will do in the future.” The students serve as social media influencers for Lake Land College, creating authentic testimonials and social media content on the platforms that resonate with their peers and potential students. The 2022-23 Vibe members are: Brooke Benhoff of Ramsey is a sophomore majoring in Agriculture Transfer. Carly Buckley of Rushville, Indiana is a sophomore majoring in Horticulture And Landscape Design. Darrius Frazier of Chicago is a Laker alumnus who has returned to major in Information Technology. Calista Heiser of Paris is a sophomore majoring in Agriculture Transfer. Elfrieda Iheasi of Nigeria is a freshman majoring in Pre-Nursing. Cayla Jolly of Mason is a sophomore majoring in Paramedical Services. Jordi Oliver if Buncombe is a sophomore majoring in Agriculture Transfer. Konner Remlinger of Martinsville is a sophomore majoring in Broadcast Communication. Megan (Mae) Russell of Mattoon is a freshman majoring in Art. Stephanie Sample of Sullivan is a sophomore majoring in Broadcast Communication. Divine Songo of Republic Democratic of Congo (DRC), Kinshasa is a freshman majoring in Pre-Nursing. Emerson Tarr of Leroy is a sophomore majoring in Agriculture Transfer. Macie Waddill of Camp Point is a sophomore majoring in Criminal Justice. -30-
Lake Land College announces 2022 Philanthropy Award recipients Posted on November 8, 2022 The Lake Land College Foundation recognized the 2020-2022 Philanthropy Award recipients as well as incoming and outgoing board members at the Foundation and Alumni Awards Reception in October. The 2022 Philanthropy Awards include the Outstanding Philanthropist Award, The Outstanding Philanthropic Organization Award, The Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award and the Crystal Swan Award. The Outstanding Philanthropist Award went to the Cecil Paul Davis & Marjorie Wilson Davis Trust. Sarah Bush Lincoln earned The Outstanding Philanthropic Organization Award, and The Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award recipient was Gregory “Nic” Nelson. The Crystal Swan Award went to Christine Pilson. “We extend our congratulations and gratitude to the 2022 Philanthropy Award recipients,” Executive Director for College Advancement Christi Donsbach said. “We are proud to honor this extremely deserving group of individuals and organizations that have supported the Lake Land College and Foundation throughout the last 50 years.” Also recognized were the board members rotating off of the board of directors after their second term ending in 2022. These included board members Brian Hutchins, Tom Grunloh and Christine Pilson. The Foundation would also like to welcome new board members Kathleen Anderson of Hindsboro, Robert Payton of Wichita Falls, Texas, and Rudy Huber of Sullivan. “I would like to thank our outgoing board members on their incredible dedication over the years,” Donsbach said. “The Foundation has experienced amazing growth under their leadership and expertise. I am also excited to welcome our newest board members and appreciate their commitment to serve in this capacity. I continue to be amazed with the sincere allegiance of our very own alumni and community members who dedicate their time, talent and treasures to be our board members.” The 2022 Foundation Board of Directors slate of officers includes President Rich Hartke, Vice President Renee Huckstead and Secretary Tom White. The most recent past president is Deacon Patient. For information on the Foundation or to view the most recent Foundation Annual Report, visit lakelandcollege.edu/foundation/. -30-
Lake Land College student nominated for statewide award Posted on Lake Land College nominated sophomore Jordan “Jordi” Oliver, Buncombe, for the 2022 Illinois Community College Student Laureate Award from the Lincoln Academy of Illinois. Oliver serves as a full-time Agriculture Transfer major with hopes of transferring onto the University of Illinois to obtain a dual major in Agricultural Communications and Animal Science. Upon graduation, her goal is to be commissioned into the United States Air Force. “Jordi is an exceptional representative of the outstanding students we have at Lake Land College and it is an honor to nominate her for this award,” Vice President for Student Services Valerie Lynch said. At Lake Land College, Oliver serves as president of both the Student Government Association and the Agricultural Transfer Club, and vice president of the Collegiate Farm Bureau Club. She is also a Student Ambassador and a member of The Vibe, a student marketing council. Oliver is a dedicated individual who is not only extremely active at Lake Land, but serves many outside organizations as well. She is the president of the Illinois State 4-H Livestock Ambassador Team, secretary of the Illinois Junior Angus Association, as well as the past Illinois Junior Angus Association Royal Queen and the 2020-2021 Illinois Association FFA State Secretary. Should she be chosen as the award recipient, Oliver will receive a letter of congratulations signed by the governor, a challenge coin, and a $500 stipend. -30-
Lake Land College Board of Trustees chair earns years of service award Posted on November 4, 2022 Executive Director of the Illinois Community College Trustees Association (ICCTA) Jim Reed presented Lake Land College Board of Trustees Chair Mike Sullivan with the ICCTA 35 Year Trustee Service Award at the October Board of Trustees meeting. Reed presents the 35 Years of Service Award to Sullivan “We are incredibly grateful to Chair Sullivan for the many years he has dedicated to Lake Land College,” Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said. “He continues to make a positive difference and devotes a great deal of his own time and commitment for the good of our college community.” ICCTA created several awards to recognize the longest-serving board members within the association. Sullivan is one of the longest-serving members of the Lake Land College Board of Trustees, and continues to volunteer his time and effort to help support the students, faculty and staff at Lake Land College. -30-
Lake Land College to host apprenticeship panel Posted on In honor of National Apprenticeship Week, Lake Land College will host a Spotlight Apprenticeships: Direct Path to Success event November 16 from noon to 2 p.m. The event will feature employers who utilize apprenticeships in the operations of their businesses, as well as featuring a new apprentice signing and a proclamation from Lake Land College President Josh Bullock. Co-facilitated by ApprenticeshipIllinois.com, the event will feature a wealth of information for those considering taking part in an apprenticeship. These opportunities can further develop skills and knowledge and can create greater marketability for students who complete the programs. For more information on the event or how to get involved with an apprenticeship, contact Apprenticeship Navigator for WIOA Nate Carlson at ncarlson@lakelandcollege.edu or 217-238-8224. -30-
Lake Land College President October 2022 Editorial Posted on October 26, 2022 The following is an Editorial from Dr. Josh Bullock, Lake Land College President. Lake Land College kicked off Manufacturing Month by celebrating a new partnership with Kubota Tractor Corporation providing new career opportunities for students while creating a pipeline of talented technicians for area dealers. Beginning this fall, students enrolled in Lake Land’s Diesel and Ag Power program will have the opportunity to earn eight industry-recognized, portable, stackable certifications through the National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3). Graduates who earn these NC3 credentials will be qualified for careers as Kubota Technicians at any of Kubota’s 1,100 dealerships around the country. This partnership is directly aligned with the college’s 2023-2027 Strategic Plan objective to expand corporate partnerships, work-based learning opportunities and apprenticeship programs. In addition, the Kubota program aligns directly with Lake Land’s commitment to create stackable, transferable credential programs that provide students with the skills needed to succeed in business, while at the same time creating a pool of talented individuals for area businesses. Training students and incumbent employees for the manufacturing jobs of the future is essential to our region, state and country. The Lake Land College district is deeply rooted in the manufacturing sector with 20,000 jobs – nearly double that of the national average according to the Data for Decision Makers report. Beyond our district, there are 800,000 open manufacturing jobs nationwide, according to the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA). The IMA also warns that we are at a critical time in history, as an estimated 300,000 employees are beginning to retire. In gathering data for the new Strategic Plan, the college heard from more than 1,200 stakeholders that the top workforce challenges in our area are recruiting skilled workers, retaining workers and recruiting entry-level workers. To address these challenges, the Lake Land College Center for Business and Industry is working with area businesses to expand apprenticeship programs that provide customized training to students while they learn on the job, as well as address the workforce shortages and growing skills gaps. Lake Land College is grateful to partner with Effingham and Mattoon in a shared commitment to give high school students learning experiences with manufacturing careers through Manufacturing Days, the Effingham Regional Career Academy (ERCA), Leaders Innovating for Tomorrow (LIFT) in Mattoon, and new dual credit programs in automotive and welding. Manufacturing month is an excellent time for business, community and educational leaders to join forces and develop creative ways to educate parents and students on the earnings potential of the technologically advanced manufacturing fields. I look forward to brainstorming strategies and creating new manufacturing partnerships that will help your business meet the workforce demands of the future.