Lake Land College celebrates Community College Month Posted on April 11, 2023 Lake Land College is joining community colleges throughout the state of Illinois and the entire nation in celebrating National Community College Month this April. As does Lake Land College, community colleges provide opportunities for people to change their lives through the power of an education. Lake Land College helps people transform their lives, and in turn, their families and their communities. “We are very excited to be joining community colleges throughout the state of Illinois and the entire nation in celebrating National Community College Month this April,” Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said. “Just as we do here at Lake Land, community colleges provide opportunities for people to change their lives through the power of an education. We help people improve their lives, and in turn, their families and their communities. “ Governor JB Pritzker recently issued a statewide proclamation for April 2023 to be Illinois Community College month, highlighting the valuable role community colleges have in Illinois. Some highlights from this proclamation include the following: “The Illinois Community College System is the third-largest in the nation, with 48 community colleges and 39 college districts located through the state.” “According to the Illinois Community College Board, Illinois community colleges educate 60% of the students enrolled in public higher education.” “Illinois is first in the nation in bachelor’s degree completion rates among the 54 percent of community college students who transfer.” “Nine of out 10 of the state’s community college graduations live, work, pay taxes and raise their families in Illinois.” “Earning an Associate of Applied Science or long-term certificate from an Illinois community college adds more than $570,000 in lifetime earnings.” “Nearly 74% of Illinois employers have hired a community college graduate.” The Lake Land College Board of Trustees expresses gratitude to the administration, faculty and staff for always putting students first. To learn more about Lake Land College, visit lakelandcollege.edu. -30-
Lake Land College to purchase facility from Patterson Companies in Effingham, IL Posted on April 6, 2023 Partnering on building for our community EFFINGHAM, IL — Lake Land College and Patterson Companies officials announced today that the college is expected to purchase the nearly 100,000-square-foot building and lease back a portion of the space to Patterson. Lake Land College President Josh Bullock and Vice President and General Manager of Dental Software Business at Patterson Companies Cecile Schauer celebrate the partnership. “This partnership is truly a win-win for Patterson, Lake Land College and the Effingham region,” Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said during a press conference at the Patterson building in Effingham. “This collaboration opens the door to new programming and learning opportunities that provide pathways to sustainable careers and a highly trained workforce.” “Patterson Companies is committed to the success of our community. As we have transitioned to a workforce of the future with a significant remote work population, we are invested in keeping a physical presence in the area. Therefore, we will be leasing back space from Lake Land on an annual basis,” Patterson Dental President, Tim Rogan said. “We look forward to the opportunities this arrangement will provide to our community.” At Monday’s regular meeting, the Lake Land College Board of Trustees is expected to approve the use of $12.5 million in bond funds to go toward the purchase of the Patterson building at 1201 Althoff Drive, a 99,216-square-foot, LEED-silver certified building and 20 acres of land. The college will be using a combination of the recent bonded funds and existing building funds to complete the $15.5 million purchase. This will have no impact on the student tuition rate or the college’s property tax levy rate. The Board is also expected to approve a long-term agreement for Patterson to lease back employee and technology workspace to continue their operations and presence in the community. As part of the agreement, Patterson has generously offered to donate the contents of the building to the Lake Land College Foundation, excluding equipment necessary for Patterson’s ongoing operations. Contents include a variety of office furniture, technology and equipment. Originally, the Lake Land Board of Trustees issued $12.5 million in bonds to fund the construction of a new 20,000-square-foot Rural Development Technology Center (RDTC) to house the Effingham Regional Career Academy (ERCA) and to remodel the existing 24,000-square-foot Kluthe Center in Effingham, among other capital projects. This was all done without an increase to taxpayers. Lake Land College will no longer be constructing a new facility for the ERCA, nor further renovating the existing Kluthe Center. Instead, Lake Land will be moving all programming from the Kluthe Center to the facility purchased from Patterson, as well as locating the ERCA in the facility. The building will be named the Lake Land College Effingham Technology Center and will be highly visible from Interstate 57 which has an average daily traffic count of more than 45,000. President Bullock added, “Purchasing the Patterson facility is a much wiser use of the bond funds that were allocated for constructing a new space and renovating the Kluthe Center. With this use of the taxpayer funds, the Effingham Technology Center will provide the college with nearly double the square footage than would have been available with the renovation of Kluthe and construction of the RDTC. This puts Lake Land on a path to continue meeting the educational needs of the region and positions the college for future growth and expansion of innovative programming in Effingham.” The college currently plans to retain the Kluthe Center and is considering alternative uses for the building and surrounding land. Recently, the college installed a new HVAC system and roof at the center. Lake Land College anticipates the Effingham Technology Center will be fully operational for classes by Fall 2024. ### About Patterson Companies Inc. Patterson Companies Inc. (Nasdaq: PDCO) connects dental and animal health customers in North America and the U.K. to the latest products, technologies, services, and innovative business solutions that enable operational and professional success. Our comprehensive portfolio, distribution network and supply chain are equaled only by our dedicated, knowledgeable people who deliver unrivaled expertise and unmatched customer service and support. Learn more: www.pattersoncompanies.com www.pattersondental.com About Lake Land College Lake Land College District No. 517 is a community college that serves almost 9,500 students a year. Founded in 1966, Lake Land College serves the second largest geographic community college district in the state of Illinois, comprising all or part of 15 counties and 31 public school districts in rural east central Illinois within a 4,000 square mile area. The 317-acre main campus is located in Mattoon, Illinois, with three extension centers in Effingham, Marshall and Pana. Lake Land offers education and training from associate degrees and certificates, to short-term training to incumbent workers, to adult education and general equivalency diploma classes, English as a Second Language classes and community education and resources. The college also provides educational services to 23 Illinois Department of Corrections sites and two Juvenile Justice Centers. Learn more at www.lakelandcollege.edu.
Lake Land College broadcast students complete Illinois Broadcasters Association training Posted on March 13, 2023 Several Lake Land College broadcast sales students recently earned certification as broadcast sales professionals from the broadcast training company, P1 Learning, in partnership with the Illinois Broadcasters Association’s Sales Training Program. Seated L to R: Lucas Oakley, Casey; Mahala Van Hise, Charleston; Standing L to R: Blake Aldrich, Teutopolis; Ethan Berger, Effingham; Anthony Vonderheide, Stewardson; Konner Remlinger, Martinsville. These students include Blake Aldrich, Teutopolis; Ethan Berger, Effingham; Mahala Van Hise, Charleston; Lucas Oakley, Casey; Konner Remlinger, Martinsville and Anthony Vonderheide, Stewardson. Over the course of four weeks, students completed a variety of online video courses, tests and assignments as part of the broadcast sales class in the Broadcast Communication program at Lake Land College. P1 Learning is a nationally recognized training company that administers training for hundreds of broadcast stations, corporations and state broadcaster associations to provide content in the topics of sales, leadership, management, on-air, compliance and more. Broadcast Communication Instructor and Station Manager of WLKL 89.9 FM Greg Powers assisted students in preparing for the certification and explained the benefits of receiving the broadcast sales certification. “For students entering the broadcast workforce, this certification can be extremely beneficial to their careers,” Powers said. “Broadcast employers are searching for employees who have experience in multiple areas, so the students who have completed this training are very marketable.” Each of the professionals will be honored on a plaque displayed alongside those of previous year’s students. The Illinois Broadcasters Association (IBA) funded the initiative. “I am extremely grateful to Dennis Lyle, president and CEO of the Illinois Broadcasters Association, and the IBA board for their financial support,” Powers said. For more information about Lake Land College’s Broadcast Communication program, contact Powers at 217-234-5335 or visit lakelandcollege.edu/high-demand-programs/radio-tv-broadcasting or 899themax.com. The Broadcast Communication department will also be hosting an open house on March 24 from noon to 2 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to check out the college’s student-run FM radio station WLKL 89.9 The Max Alternative, TV studio and production control room, professional audio equipment and state-of-the-art camera and video equipment as well as industry-standard digital editing software. For more information about the Broadcast Communication open house, visit lakelandcollege.edu/visit. -30-
Academic Challenge regional competition held at Lake Land College Posted on March 6, 2023 The regional Academic Challenge was recently held at Lake Land College and several local schools came together to battle in biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering graphics, English, mathematics and physics. The St. Anthony, Sullivan and Mattoon high schools were victorious in the 300, 700 and 1500 divisions respectively and took home the regional championship titles. Lake Land College also awarded several participants across various categories tuition waivers for outstanding performances. The waiver recipients include Tobin Morrison, Colin Griguhn, August Siemer, Mason Tegler, Conner Yates, Paul Bates, Marshal Tipsword, Lincoln Wheeler, Sam Deters, Ryan Rich, Keenan Kersh and Sydni Waidelich. The following students earned individual awards in the respective categories. Chemistry 300 Connor Yates Casey-Westfield High School 1st Pierce Verdeyen St. Anthony High School 2nd Michael Beaumont Cumberland High School 3rd Faith Brown Cumberland High School 3rd Chemistry 700 Paul Bates Sullivan High School 1st Brent Helmuth Sullivan High School 1st Will Templeton Paris High School 2nd Isaac Chambers Shelbyville High School 2nd Aydan Fisher Shelbyville High School 3rd Chemistry 1500 Dalton Short Mattoon High School 1st JD Sullivan Mattoon High School 2nd Capone Matthews Mattoon High School 3rd Biology 300 Laney Brandenburg Neoga High School 1st Will Hoene St. Anthony High School 1st Logan Cornett Altamont High School 2nd Ellere Repp Cumberland High School 2nd Megan Baker Neoga High School 2nd Dylan Curry Windsor High School 3rd Biology 700 Sydni Waidelich Sullivan High School 1st Paul Bates Sullivan High School 2nd Isaac Chambers Shelbyville High School 3rd Biology 1500 Sarah Creel Mattoon High School 1st Jessica Evans Mattoon High School 1st Thomas Towle Mattoon High School 2nd Logan Samuelson Mattoon High School 3rd Computer Science 300 Ryan Rich Dieterich High School 1st Will Hoene St. Anthony High School 2nd Mitch Blade Cumberland High School 3rd Computer Science 700 Devin Milner Paris High School 1st Bryce Mcgrath Paris High School 2nd Madix Weddle Marshall High School 3rd Garrett Endsley Shelbyville High School 3rd Beau Fleming Sullivan High School 3rd Computer Science 1500 Keenan Kersh Mattoon High School 1st Lincoln Wheeler Mattoon High School 1st Capone Matthews Mattoon High School 2nd Dalton Short Mattoon High School 3rd Engineering Graphics 300 Tobin Morrison Martinsville High School 1st Benji Folkers Windsor High School 1st Connor Flach Dieterich High School 2nd Korbin Baird Martinsville High School 2nd Andrew Rodriguez Casey-Westfield High School 3rd Braden Pardi Oakland High School 3rd Engineering Graphics 700 Colin Griguhn Marshall High School 1st Ethan Smith Sullivan High School 2nd Adam Lustig Teutopolis High School 2nd Jesse Helton Shelbyville High School 3rd Engineering Graphics 1500 Chris Carter Mattoon High School 1st Mitchel Gergeni Mattoon High School 2nd English 300 Haley Lindsey Neoga High School 1st Lillian Ryan Cumberland High School 2nd Joanna Mitchell St. Anthony High School 3rd Gracie Passalacqua St. Anthony High School 3rd English 700 August Siemer Teutopolis High School 1st Manson Tegeler Paris High School 2nd Bentley Delp Marshall High School 3rd English 1500 Hannah Stroud Mattoon High School 1st Berit Haldorsen Mattoon High School 2nd Thomas Towle Mattoon High School 3rd Math 300 Connor Yates Casey-Westfield High School 1st Marshall Tipsword Cumberland High School 1st Haley Lindsey Neoga High School 2nd Sam Deters St. Anthony High School 2nd Pierce Verdeyen St. Anthony High School 2nd Cara Hancock Casey-Westfield High School 3rd Michael Beaumont Cumberland High School 3rd Adrian Stewart Neoga High School 3rd Laney Brandenburg Neoga High School 3rd Briar Smith Stewardson-Strasburg High School 3rd Math 700 Brent Helmuth Sullivan High School 1st Bo Hilbert Shelbyville High School 2nd Brooklyn Bender Marshall High School 3rd Iker Cruz Marshall High School 3rd Brennan Hemrich Paris High School 3rd Noah Dundas Paris High School 3rd Math 1500 Lincoln Wheeler Mattoon High School 1st Keenan Kersh Mattoon High School 2nd JD Sullivan Mattoon High School 3rd Physics 300 Dagon Smith Cumberland High School 1st Sam Deters St. Anthony High School 1st Denton Nebel Cumberland High School 2nd Marshal Tipsword Cumberland High School 2nd Elliott Frisbie St. Anthony High School 3rd Physics 700 August Siemer Teutopolis High School 1st Randall Robinson Marshall High School 2nd Isaac Vahling Teutopolis High School 3rd -30-
Lake Land College Spring enrollment up; Increases in Workforce and Short-Term Certificates Posted on Lake Land College enrollment in workforce ready and non-degree programs are up by almost 12% at Lake Land College, following a positive Spring Enrollment Report. The report also indicates Lake Land College remains the top choice for in-district, college-bound seniors. Enrollment in short-term certificate programs increased by 26% and enrollment in technical/trade degrees increased by 8.64%. Both of these options prepare students to enter the workforce following completion of the program. Students enrolled in non-degree courses saw a 3% increase. Overall, Lake Land College saw a 2% increase in FTE or full time equivalency and nearly a 1% increase in headcount with 3,680 students enrolled this spring. These figures are reflected in the 10th Day State report and are a snapshot in time. Enrollment continues to grow throughout the semester. “We are excited to see students taking advantage of our short-term programs involving trades and other high-demand careers,” President Josh Bullock said. “The value these programs bring to both our students and the community is unparalleled when we look at the services our graduates provide to the community within these careers.” The college has seen enrollment increase in several programs, such as Automotive, Building Construction Technology, Cosmetology and Welding. Early Childhood, which is in high demand locally, saw a significant increase with the addition of a new grant program. Programs that saw enrollment increases include technology programs such as Automotive Technology, Building Construction Technology and Welding. Fall 2022 was the first fall the college had both freshmen and sophomores in Dental Hygiene since 2020, thus that program also saw an increase. Cosmetology also saw an increase. Lake Land College remains the top choice among the in-district class of 2022 high school graduates that enrolled in college. Of those attending college, 59% are going to Lake Land. The next college on the list saw 13.5% of the enrollment, followed by several with 1-3%, according to data from the National Student Clearinghouse. -30-
Lake Land College to host district-wide mystery activity Posted on February 27, 2023 Lake Land College will host a mystery activity open to Lake Land College students as well as area high school students beginning March 13 and continuing through March 24. Participants will take part in a fictional scenario in which a Lake Land College faculty member has gone missing. This scenario will include many aspects of a genuine crime drama, such as mock press conferences, suspects to interview, clues to uncover, lab work and many more elements that will contribute to the realism of the activity. Each participant will receive a T-shirt and workbook to use throughout the mystery to gather and store information pertaining to the mystery. Lake Land College faculty and staff have coordinated with Campus Police to ensure that the campus community is aware of this fictional scenario and the safety of the college will not be disrupted by the activity. Those who plan to participate include more than 534 high school students from local high schools including Altamont, Beecher City, Brownstown, Casey-Westfield, Dieterich, Kansas, Marshall, Mattoon, North Clay, Okaw Valley, Pana, Ramsey, Shelbyville, South Central, Stew-Stras, Sullivan and Windsor. Five schools will also have students participating in the activity virtually, including Effingham, Teutopolis, Faith Bible, St. Elmo and MAPS. The activity will also include more than 173 Lake Land College students as participants. “I think this is going to be really exciting for everyone involved,” Philosophy/English Instructor Tara Blaser said. “We’ve been working on this for more than a year, and we have all put a great deal of time and effort into making this a fun and educational experience for all of our participants.” Those interested can check the hashtag “#LLCMystery” to stay up to date on the latest information participants have to share on social media. For more information about the event, those interested can contact Blaser at 217-234-5321 or tblaser@lakelandcollege.edu. -30-
Lake Land College Livestock Judging teams earn victories Posted on February 24, 2023 The freshmen and sophomore Livestock Judging Teams have started out the 2023 season with several victories. The sophomore team is comprised of 14 members from Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio and Pennsylvania. This team recently traveled to the Dixie National Livestock Show Intercollegiate Beef Judging Contest in Jackson, MS where the team was named the Champion Overall Team in addition to being first in British, second in Reasons, second in Brahman, second in Steers, and fourth in Continental. Individual results are as follows: Cole Murphy – First Overall, First British, Second Reasons, Second Brahman, Fifth Continental Ty Knodle – Third Overall, First Brahman, Third Reasons, Tenth Continental Emerson Tarr – Eighth Overall, Eleventh Brahman Delaney Hemann – Ninth Overall, Sixth Reasons, Tenth Steers Kate Bond – Seventh Continental Grace Rincker – Eighth British Avery Hankins – Tenth British The sophomore team will conclude the season at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Intercollegiate Contest on March 18. The freshmen team is comprised of 20 members from Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, Mississippi, Nebraska, West Virginia and Wisconsin. They recently traveled to the Sioux Empire Livestock Show in Sioux Falls, SD where the team was named the Champion Overall Team in addition to being first in Cattle, second in Reasons, second in Sheep and Goats, and third in Hogs. Individual results are as follows: Paige Lemenager – First Overall, Second Reasons, Second Cattle Gabe Hanson – Ninth Overall, First Cattle, Third Reasons Ashtyn Harvey – Tenth Overall, First Sheep and Goats Weston Tharp – Second Hogs, Ninth Reasons Montgomery Bertram – Eighth Sheep & Goats The freshmen team will compete again at two contests in April. -30-
Lake Land College agriculture and horticulture students earn achievements at conference Posted on Several Lake Land College Agriculture and Horticulture students attended the PAS (Professional Agriculture Students) conference in Springfield on Thursday, February 7 to test their knowledge in competitions against other colleges and universities in various areas of agriculture. Overall the teams earned the following honors: College Agriculture Quiz Bowl -First place team Beef Livestock Specialist -First place team Sheep Livestock Specialist -Third place team Overall Livestock Specialist -Second & Third place teams Several individual participants earned honors as well. They are as follows: Maggie Kelly –Quiz Bowl First team, Second Beef Specialist, First Beef team Tyler Lee-First Beef team Hannah Buse –Quiz Bowl First team, Third Beef Specialist, First Beef team Brian Clapp-Third Sheep Team Paige Lemenager – Quiz Bowl First team, Third Sheep Team Montgomery Bertrand-Third Sheep Team Gabe Hanson-Third Livestock team Weston Tharpe-Third Livestock team Skylar Ward-Third Livestock team Grace Bock -Second Quiz Bowl First team, Second Livestock team Tucker Walton -Second Livestock team Luke Brinkensnider -First Overall Livestock, Second Livestock team Vinny Smolckovich – Quiz Bowl First team Sara Weber – Quiz Bowl First team, First Horticulture Specialist, First team Hort. Kennedi Mullen -First team Hort. Sophia Wagner-Third Horticulture Specialist, Second team Hort. Lily Towles -Second Horticulture Specialist, Second team Hort. Other student participants included Cooper Bertolino, Reese Brock, Brantly Cooper, Kara Freebarin, Cara Griener, Tyler Hall, Miles Hannon, Ashtyn Harvey and Jackie Schertz. -30-
Lake Land College hosts TRIO Destination College program Posted on February 16, 2023 TRIO Destination College is a program Lake Land College hosts to serve the local community by preparing local junior high, middle school and high school students for college and careers. “I used to dread knowing I was going to have to go to college because I thought I would have to pay all the expenses and face it all alone,” a Mattoon High School student said. “TRIO DC has shown me how good a life experience this will be for me. Now I’m looking into information about college and future careers to help find the right college for me.” Students who participate in the TRIO DC programs and activities can explore several aspects of the college experience by learning more about colleges, careers, finding money for college and managing it, academic skills training, tutoring and completing financial aid applications. All services provided by TRIO DC are free of charge, including transportation and meals when attending college visits and field trips with the group. “TRIO Destination College is a great program that I would recommend to anyone! You learn great things and meet new people. I didn’t realize how much college really affects every job you do,” a Casey-Westfield High School student said. High school seniors can also receive one-on-one assistance with filling out their FAFSA, scholarship applications, college applications and more. “For some reason, it seems like today many students feel that they aren’t college material,” Lori Ohnesorge, director of TRIO Destination College, said. “We’re here to break down those myths and help students continue their educational journey however is best for them. Our overarching goal is to help students overcome any obstacles they may encounter on their way to education beyond high school.” Students apply to join the program, and they are provided assistance until they graduate high school and enroll into the school of their choice. TRIO DC is available at junior high, middle and high schools in Altamont, Brownstown, Casey-Westfield, Cowden-Herrick, Mattoon, Pana, Paris, Ramsey and St. Elmo. TRIO Destination College is 100% funded through a US Department of Education grant. For information on how to get involved, students can reach out to their school counselor, email triodc@lakelandcollege.edu or call 217-234-5456. An online application is available at lakelandcollege.edu/triodc. -30-
Lake Land College to host Broadcast Communication open house Posted on The Lake Land College Broadcast Communication department will be hosting an open house Friday, March 24 from 12-2 p.m. The event will take place after Laker Visit Day and a light lunch will be served. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the college’s student-run FM radio station, WLKL 89.9, The Max Alternative; TV studio and production control room; and view professional audio equipment and state-of-the-art camera and video equipment as well as industry-standard digital editing software. Registration for the event is now open at lakelandcollege.edu/visit. “Anyone who has interest in this field is encouraged to register,” Greg Powers, speech communication/broadcasting instructor and director of broadcast operations, said. “Our guests will have the chance to explore our studios and learn more about the many opportunities for careers in this field.” 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. “Lake Land College is one of only a few places where you get started within the first two weeks gaining a sense of comfort behind a microphone and on screen,” Powers said. Those interested in fulfilling general elective credits can enroll in department classes throughout the year. Opportunities within the curriculum include 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, recording and listening to an audio spot 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 call 217-234-5335 or register at lakelandcollege.edu/visit. -30-