Laker Nation News

Lake Land College honored Trustee Mike Sullivan, Mattoon, at the regular Board of Trustees meeting on Monday, March 11. Sullivan previously announced his resignation from his trustee position on February 12.

“It has been my privilege and honor to serve as a college trustee for over 37 years, and I will deeply miss being an active board member,” Sullivan said.

During the March 11 meeting, the board of trustees issued a Resolution of Appreciation in recognition of Sullivan’s service since his initial election in 1987. Sullivan has served longer than any other Lake Land College trustee, and he is proud to have collaborated with every president in the college’s history during his tenure.

“We are thankful for Trustee Sullivan’s years of dedicated service to Lake Land College and the mission of higher education,” Lake Land President Josh Bullock said. “His visionary leadership has led the college to grow beyond expectations, and his devotion to his community is evident in the lives he has touched along the way. We wish him the best as he embarks on this next chapter in his life.”

Sullivan’s connection to Lake Land College extends beyond his 37 years of service as a trustee. He witnessed the groundbreaking of campus in the 1960s and graduated in 1970 among some of the first students to attend the college. In 1968, he was elected Student Government president and served on the very first Illinois Community College Board Student Advisory Committee. He led the committee that started the annual Spring Carnival that students continue to enjoy on campus today. In 2014, Sullivan was inducted into the Lake Land College Distinguished Alumni Society.

In his years as a trustee, Sullivan continued to impact Lake Land College as an advocate for student support and success. He has worked with state legislators to promote the necessity of adequate community college funding, increased student financial aid and the enhancement of transfer opportunities through university partnerships. Further, he has served as a liaison between the college and local businesses, helping students apply their classroom instruction in practical work-based learning experiences. He helped lead the addition of Lake Land’s John Deere program, which sponsors students with paid, supervised experience through local John Deere dealerships and is one of just 18 programs of its kind in the country.

Sullivan also advocated the importance of providing a welcoming campus environment to better serve students and local residents. He led the development of Alumni Park, which has provided a place for students, staff, faculty and alumni to enjoy the beauty of Lake Land College since 2007. He also led the creation of the Veterans Memorial and granite flag in Podestá Park.

Sullivan spearheaded the energy saving initiatives and programs that have made Lake Land College a national leader in the field. By incorporating technologies and techniques such as solar panels and daylight harvesting, these initiatives save the college approximately half a million dollars per year and provide unique educational opportunities for students.

Sullivan was also a charter member of Lake Land’s alumni association board and was recognized for his outstanding contributions to the college’s Alumni Association with the 2004 Golden Apple Award. In 2005, he and his wife, Linda, established a scholarship endowment with the Lake Land College Foundation to annually benefit one Lake Land student. In 2018, Sullivan was named to the Foundation’s Top 50 VIP list, which recognizes the 50 most influential individuals in the college’s history.

As a proponent of community college and higher education, Sullivan also served on the state-wide Illinois Community College Trustees Association (ICCTA) legislative committee for more than 30 years. He was elected by his peers to serve as ICCTA treasurer from 1997-1998, ICCTA vice president from 1998-1999 and ICCTA president from 1999-2000.

Sullivan has received numerous awards and recognition for his service as a member of the ICCTA. His is one of just four trustees in the organization’s history to receive the ICCTA Education Award six times, and he received the Ray Hartstein Trustee Achievement Award in recognition of his exemplary service by an active community college board member. He also participated in more than 100 professional development seminars during his tenure and earned the Linden A. Warfel Trustee Education award as a result.

Beyond the realm of education, Sullivan is an active proponent for community enrichment and support for the individuals within them. He has served on Mattoon’s Planning and Zoning Committee, the Mattoon Community Foundation Board, the Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation Advisory Board and the Saint Mary School Board in Mattoon. As an advisor for the East Central Illinois Development Corporation (ECIDC), he assisted in the economic advancement of 11 counties throughout Illinois. He also spent many years with the Mattoon Public Action to Deliver Shelter (PADS) committee to plan activities for the shelter and serve as an advocate for those in need.

“It is rare to find someone who is so engaged in service for so many years,” Lake Land College Board Chair Gary Cadwell said. “On behalf of all former and current trustees, we thank Mike for his generosity in helping new trustees, collaborating with peers and college staff and for guiding the college into the future.”

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The Lake Land College Board of Trustees will consider three candidates to fill a vacancy on the board at the regular March 11, 2024 meeting.

Candidates who have submitted application materials by the March 1 deadline are: Curtis Garrard, Effingham, Larry Lilly, Mattoon and Scott Wilson, Charleston.

Following the regular business items on the agenda, the board will go into closed session to discuss the selection of a person to fill the board seat vacancy. Following the discussion, the board will return to open session and approve a candidate to fill the board vacancy as discussed in closed session. The individual selected will be seated at the April 8 board meeting.

The vacancy was created in February with the resignation of former trustee Mike Sullivan, Mattoon.

Those interested in filling the vacancy were to submit materials explaining the reason for seeking the appointment, qualifications and experience in other areas which may enhance public policy or decision-making. Eligibility requirements for the trustee vacancy are: U.S. citizenship, 18 years of age or older, a resident of Illinois for one year immediately preceding election, and a resident of Community College District No. 517 for one year immediately preceding election.

The individual selected by the board to fill the vacancy will serve until the next consolidated election in April of 2025.

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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.

These students include Greyson Baumann, Mattoon; James Robinson, Robinson; Jason Trigg, Charleston; Erin Kistner, Witt; Lauryn Samuelson, Mattoon; Olivia Carroll, Mattoon; Patricia Ann Kelley, Mattoon; Emma Theriault, Charleston; Madison Hunter, Assumption and Tolin Irby, Charleston.

Students earned their certifications by completing a four-week course, complete with video classes, 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.

“Broadcast employers are always searching for employees who are experienced and qualified in a variety of areas,” Powers said. “This training makes our students very marketable and gives them even brighter career outlooks.”

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.

To learn more about Lake Land College’s Broadcast Communication program, contact Powers at 217-234-5335. More information is also available online by visiting the Lake Land College broadcast program page at LakeLandCollege.edu/High-Demand-Programs/Radio-TV-Broadcasting or the WLKL page at 899TheMax.com.

The Broadcast Communication department will also be hosting an open house on Friday, March 22 from noon to 2 p.m. Lunch will be provided at noon. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the college’s student-run FM radio station, WLKL 89.9 The Max Alternative, explore the TV studio and production control room, and experiment with state-of-the-art camera and video equipment.

For more information about the Broadcast Communication open house, visit the Lake Land College visit page at LakeLandCollege.edu/Visit.

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Lake Land College will celebrate with graduates during a Commencement ceremony on Friday, May 10, 2024 at 6 p.m. in the Field House.

“All of our graduates have accomplished so much, and we are excited to celebrate this milestone with them at this year’s Commencement Ceremony,” Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said.

The ceremony will be livestreamed via the Internet from the college’s homepage at LakeLandCollege.edu. In addition to seating in the Field House, overflow seating showing the livestream on a large screen will be available throughout campus. A recording will also air on local cable channels in the days following.

College photographers will capture moments throughout the evening and make the photos available for download at no cost.

The process to sign up for Commencement is simple and can be completed online. There is no cost to order a cap and gown or to participate in the ceremony. The first step is to file an Intent to Graduate in the student portal, the Laker Hub. After allowing two days for the Intent to process, graduates can measure for a cap and gown online in the Laker Hub. Admissions & Records will also send all graduates a letter with complete instructions for cap and gown measurement.

The deadline to file an Intent to Graduate is Friday, March 15, 2024. The deadline to measure for a cap and gown is Friday, March 29, 2024.

For more information about Commencement contact Admissions and Records at 217-234-5434.

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Lake Land College will host Laker Visit Day on Friday, March 22 from 9 a.m. to noon in the Luther Student Center. The event gives prospective students the opportunity to learn about Lake Land College and how the Laker Advantage can guide them on the path to success.

Attendees can check in from 8:15 – 9 a.m. at the main entrance of the Luther Student Center. Parking will be available in lot E for easy access to the event. Full campus maps are available on the Lake Land College website at LakeLandCollege.edu/Campus-Maps/.

During the event, attendees will tour campus with a student ambassador, who will share information from a student perspective. Participants will also meet with faculty to learn more about specific programs.

Representatives from many services, including Counseling Services, Career Services, Student Accommodations, Student Wellness, TRIO Student Support Services and more will be available to provide information and answer attendees’ questions.

Attendees are also welcome to bring their parents or guardians to the event. A parent/guardian session will be offered to provide information relevant to parents or guardians of future Lakers.

“This event is perfect for anyone interested in attending Lake Land College, even if you only plan to take a few classes,” Pam Hartke, associate dean of enrollment, said. “Potential students can really get a great feel for the college as a whole and learn about the excellent resources we have available.”

Immediately following the Laker Visit Day event, students interested in a career in broadcasting are encouraged to attend the Broadcast Communication Open House from noon to 2 p.m. The open house will be held in the Lake Land broadcast studio and will include a light lunch, a tour of the WLKL facilities and a chance to view state-of-the-art audio and visual equipment.

Additional upcoming opportunities to visit Lake Land and learn about available programs include the Social Science and Education Open House and the Math & Science STEM Exploration Day events on Friday, April 12. Both will begin at 9 a.m. and give attendees the chance to meet with program-specific Lake Land faculty and learn about career opportunities in a selected field.

To learn more about Laker Visit Day or to register for any of the listed events, visit the Lake Land College visit page at LakeLandCollege.edu/Visit.

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More than 150 high school students from 11 area high schools recently attended the annual High School Leadership Conference at Lake Land College. This event was hosted by the Student Government Association (SGA) with the help of the Student Activity Board.

The schools in attendance included Beecher City High School, Cowden-Herrick High School, Dieterich High School, Effingham High School, Leaders Innovating for Tomorrow (LIFT), Mattoon High School, Neoga High School, Pana High School, Ramsey High School, Stewardson-Strasburg High School and Windsor High School.

The day began with a brief message from Vice President of Student Services Valerie Lynch welcoming the high school students to campus. Attendees were then led into leadership sessions that included information on resume building, dressing to succeed, communication, careers and more.

Motivational speaker Larry Long Jr. provided a keynote address and presented valuable insights on communication. He challenged the audience to use rapport-building strategies to improve relationships and highlighted the importance of true connections.

Following the speaker, the students were treated to lunch and a Q & A session with current Lake Land student leaders. After lunch, they participated in a campus-wide scavenger hunt before winding down with a closing ceremony and giveaways, which was led by SGA President Madilyn Bummer of Dieterich.

The grand prizes were tuition waivers, worth 3 credit hours each, which can be put toward classes at Lake Land College. The winners were chosen through a random drawing and the waivers were awarded to five high school seniors that attended the conference.

The winners of the tuition waivers were Kelsey Moore, Arcola; Lillian Simpson, Pana; Alexziah Hagler, Shumway; Dylan Kenworthy, Neoga and Payton Laramore, Ramsey.

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Lake Land College’s Math and Science Division will host STEM Exploration Day (formerly known as the open house) from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Friday, April 12.  The event allows high school juniors and seniors to learn more about Lake Land’s math and science academic programs as well as career opportunities in STEM fields.

The STEM Exploration Day will begin in Lake Land’s Foundation & Alumni Center, where attendees will be separated into five groups. Current Lake Land students will serve as group leaders to guide the groups through campus and provide a student perspective. Each group will attend five informational sessions to tour Lake Land’s labs, learn from faculty and participate in hands-on demonstrations related to physics, chemistry, biology, math and geographic information systems (GIS).

Attendees will also experience real-world and work-place applications associated with fast-growing occupations in STEM fields.

“We encourage anyone who is interested in a career in math or science to attend this open house,” Division Chair of Math & Science/Geography/Earth Science Instructor Mike Rudibaugh said. “This event is a perfect way for prospective students to get familiar with the faculty, labs and equipment that will prepare them for success in their chosen career.”

The event will conclude with a faculty Q/A panel and small group discussion for students to ask questions. Lunch will also be provided during this segment.

Parents or guardians of high school students, as well as anyone interested in pursuing a math or science degree, are welcome to attend.

Registration is open now on the Lake Land College visit page at lakelandcollege.edu/visit. To learn more about the STEM Exploration Day, contact Laurie Rincker, event coordinator, at lrincker@lakelandcollege.edu or 217-234-5237.

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The Spring 2024 10^th-day enrollment report for Lake Land College reveals an upswing in enrollment for the new semester. Highlights of the report include a near 4% increase in total headcount in addition to the highest full-time equivalency (FTE) enrollment since 2021.

The total headcount for the Spring 2024 semester is 3,817, an increase of more than 130 students compared to Spring 2023. Meanwhile, a 0.13% increase in FTE resulted in a 3-year high at 2,455.1.

The college also welcomed 252 new students for the Spring 2024 semester, an increase of more than 100 students compared to Spring 2023. The number of international students also increased by more than 50%, and dual-credit enrollment grew by nearly 5%.

“It’s incredible to see so many students continue to choose Lake Land College as the starting point for their future,” Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said. “We’re proud to be a place where students can feel at home while receiving high-quality instruction that will prepare them for success moving forward.”

As reflected in the 10^th-day enrollment numbers, prospective students recognize the economic advantage of choosing their local community college as the starting point to their college journey. With one of the lowest tuition rates among all higher education institutions in the state, Lake Land College is committed to making education affordable and offering students accessible pathways to rewarding futures.

Students enroll at Lake Land College with confidence that they will receive the support to succeed beyond graduation. With a constant emphasis on innovative programs and reimagined instruction, Lake Land ensures students develop the high-demand skills to excel in a 21^st century workforce. In addition, the college’s collaboration with community, workforce and educational partners provides students an advantage for rapid career placement and seamless transfer opportunities.

In demonstration of these principles, Lake Land College is proud to offer new and ongoing programs that reduce barriers to education and promote high-demand career fields. For example, the Pipeline for the Advancement of Healthcare Workforce Program (PATH) Grant combats the shortage of healthcare workers by supporting students in nursing and other healthcare programs. Eligible Lake Land students can receive PATH assistance in the form of tuition reimbursement, cost assistance and tutoring services, which helps them succeed in challenging healthcare programs.

A similar program to support low-income, rural high school and alternative education engineering students is also in development to launch in Fall 2024. Named the Recruitment and Advancement of the Next Generation of Engineers (RANGE), this program seeks to establish a pipeline for high-demand local engineering positions. Students in the program will enjoy a cohort class structure, complete with wrap around services such as tutoring, mentorship and transfer guidance.

Also in development for the fall 2024 semester is Lake Land’s new Surgical Technology program, made possible through a partnership with Sarah Bush Lincoln. In addition to traditional classroom instruction, students in this program gain immersive, hands-on experience through Sarah Bush Lincoln’s clinics. With a local need for qualified surgical technologists, this partnership with Sarah Bush Lincoln creates a brand-new pathway for Lake Land students to access a stable, growing career.

These innovative programs, partnerships and resources equip students with an advantage for success and reinforce Lake Land’s status as a top college destination in the area.

Class schedules for the Summer and Fall 2024 semesters will be available March 1. Enroll at Lake Land College today by visiting the Lake Land College website at lakelandcollege.edu/enroll/.

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The Lake Land College Board of Trustees is accepting letters of interest to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Mike Sullivan, Mattoon, at the regular February 12 meeting.

Sullivan was initially elected to the board in 1987. He has served numerous consecutive terms since that time, serving longer than any other trustee in the college’s history. Most recently, he was re-elected to the board in April 2023 for another six-year term.

Those interested in filling Sullivan’s seat may submit written materials to Lake Land College Office of the President, Attn: Jean Anne Highland, Chief of Staff, 5001 Lake Land Blvd., Mattoon, IL 61938, or via email to jhighland@lakelandcollege.edu, by March 1, 2024.  The following materials should be submitted: reason for seeking the appointment, qualifications and experience in other areas which may enhance public policy or decision-making. Eligibility requirements are: U.S. citizenship, 18 years of age or older, a resident of Illinois for one year immediately preceding election, and a resident of Community College District No. 517 for one year immediately preceding the election.

The board will vote on the replacement at the March 11, 2024 regular meeting that will be held in Mattoon. The individual selected will be seated at the April 8, 2024 board meeting.

The individual selected by the board to fill the vacancy will serve until the next consolidated election in April of 2025.

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At the regular February 12, 2024 board meeting, Lake Land College Trustee Mike Sullivan, Mattoon, announced that he is resigning from his trustee position.

“I have always been a person that when I get involved in something, I give it my all. Over the last several months personal reasons have not allowed me to be as active as a trustee as I would like and that is why I am stepping down. It has been my privilege and honor to serve as a College Trustee for over 37 years, and I will deeply miss being an active Board member,” Sullivan said.

Board Chair Gary Cadwell said, “We thank Mike for his numerous years of service to the board, the staff and the generations of Lake Land College students who have benefited from his generous service and vision as a trustee.”

Sullivan was first elected to the Lake Land College Board of Trustees in 1987 and was reelected numerous consecutive times, serving longer than any other trustee in the college’s history. Most recently, Sullivan was re-elected to the board in April 2023 for another six-year term. In addition to his years of service as a trustee, Sullivan is a proud alumnus and advocate for community colleges throughout the state and nation.

Sullivan said he is proud of the opportunity to influence the lives of the many successful students who attended Lake Land College and went on to accomplish their goals.

“I’m immensely proud of Lake Land College and all that we have accomplished during my tenure. I have no doubt the College will continue to flourish and provide our district residents with the highest quality education for years to come,” Sullivan said.

Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said, “We are extremely grateful for the many years of dedicated service Trustee Sullivan has given to Lake Land College. We thank him for his visionary leadership and guidance. His exemplary service and his passion for helping students is immeasurable. We wish him the very best as he begins this new chapter in his life.”

Sullivan’s service to Lake Land started when he was a student in the 1960s and continued as a trustee. During his tenure, Sullivan worked with the administration and staff to bring several projects to Lake Land including the Veterans Memorial and Flag, Alumni Park, the John Deere program, the Kluthe Center and Effingham Technology Center, and energy conservation projects. Sullivan also represented the college at the state level for many years. He chaired or served as a member of every Illinois Community College Trustees Association (ICCTA) Committee, including 25 years as a member of the ICCTA Government Relations Committee.

The Lake Land Board will honor Sullivan at the March 11 board meeting.

The college is accepting letters of interest to fill the vacancy. Those interested in filling Sullivan’s seat may submit written materials to Lake Land College Office of the President, Attn: Jean Anne Highland, Chief of Staff, 5001 Lake Land Blvd., Mattoon, IL 61938, or via email to jhighland@lakelandcollege.edu, by March 1, 2024.

The following materials should be submitted: reason for seeking the appointment, qualifications and experience in other areas which may enhance public policy or decision-making. Eligibility requirements are: U.S. citizenship, 18 years of age or older, a resident of Illinois for one year immediately preceding election, and a resident of Community College District No. 517 for one year immediately preceding the election.

The board will vote on the replacement at the March 11, 2024 regular meeting that will be held in Mattoon. The individual selected will be seated at the April 8, 2024 board meeting.

The individual selected by the board to fill the vacancy will serve until the next consolidated election in April of 2025.

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