WALLETHUB: LAKE LAND COLLEGE 4TH BEST COMMUNITY COLLEGE IN ILLINOIS Posted on September 6, 2018 Lake Land College has been ranked the fourth best community college in the state of Illinois according to a recent independent study by the financial website WalletHub. The study examined 17 key factors, ranging from cost and finances to educational and career outcomes. The ranking, published August 20, 2018, compares 715 community colleges from across the country, and 40 community colleges in Illinois. Lake Land College also ranks 20th nationally in the same study for educational outcomes. Metrics used when comparing educational outcomes include first-year retention rate, graduation rate, transfer-out rate, credentials (degrees and certificates) awarded per 100 full-time equivalency students, share of full-time faculty, and student-faculty ratio. Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said Lake Land College’s standard of excellence is reflected in the college’s ranking. “The findings demonstrate the commitment of our board, faculty and staff to offer a quality academic environment that provides a local pathway for students to reach their career goals and seek gainful employment,” Bullock said. “We offer this opportunity to students at a price point that allows them to begin a future on solid financial footing. We are pleased to receive this endorsement from WalletHub, an organization that promotes financial literacy.” At about $4,000 per year, Lake Land College’s tuition and fees are among the lowest in the state. Students who begin a bachelor’s degree at Lake Land College will save about $40,000 in room and board, tuition and fees compared to a state university. Plus, students do not have to pay for books with the college’s textbook rental program. These savings significantly reduce the potential for crippling student loan debt upon graduation. Students who complete a Workforce Ready program gain valuable hands-on training and workforce connections that open doors for employment upon graduation. This affordability and academic quality are the top reasons students choose to begin their educational journey at Lake Land College, according to the Spring 2018 Novel Levitz Student Satisfaction Inventory Survey. The same study indicated Lake Land College was the first choice of more than 80 percent of its students. Throughout the district, high school graduates also put Lake Land College at the top. Of those students attending college, students choose Lake Land over other higher education options by a margin of 10:1. According to WalletHub, the information and data included in the ranking was gathered from the National Center for Educational Statistics, US News, U.S. Department of Education, Council for Community & Economic Research, and College Measures. To view the WalletHub ranking, visit wallethub.com. Visit lakelandcollege.edu for more information on how to get started at Lake Land College.
Lake Land College Athletes Achieve Honors Posted on August 31, 2018 Across Lake Land College’s sports teams, 25 students achieved athletic honors, and 16 students achieved academic honors. Three teams earned the 2018 NJCAA Academic Team honors for GPAs of 3.0 or higher. Women’s basketball’s GPA was as high as 3.45. Softball players Addison Baele of Mattoon and Molly McElwee of St. Joseph, both received 2018 NJCAA All-Academic First Team honors for 4.00 GPAs. Baseball players Sam Gubbins, Charleston, and Mitchell Shaw, Colorado Springs, Colorado, and volleyball player Emily Watson, Mattoon, were among athletes honored with the 2018 NJCAA All-Academic Second Team for 3.80-3.99 GPAs. Of the Athletic Sports Honors, Avery Jackson, Mattoon, achieved the NJCAA 3rd Team Academic All American, Division Two All-Region 24 Team, Great Rivers Athletic Conference All-Conference 1st Team, and Freshman of the Year honors. Both men’s basketball players Josh Jefferson, New Albany, Indiana, and Amel Kuljuhovic, Waterloo, Iowa, received the NJCAA Division One All-Region 24 and Great Rivers Athletic Conference All-Conference 1st Team honors. The NJCAA is the National Junior College Athletic Association dedicated to promoting and fostering two-year college athletics and ensuring equality among sports practices. The Great Rivers Athletic Conference is the section of the NJCAA that primarily encompasses Southern Illinois and contains nine colleges. Learn more about the association at ncjaa.org and the conference at gracsports.com. This year the following Laker student athletes and teams were honored: Lake Land College ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT HONORS 2017-2018 Academic Report 2018 NJCAA Academic Team (must have a team GPA of 3.00 or higher): Softball, Volleyball, Women’s Basketball 2018 NJCAA All-Academic First Team (athlete with 24 credit hours with 4.00 GPA): Addison Baele (Softball), Mattoon Molly McElwee (Softball), St. Joseph 2018 NJCAA All-Academic Second Team (athlete with 24 credit hours with 3.80-3.99 GPA): Madison Bostick (Softball), Stillwater, Utah Abigail Bush (Women Basketball), Brocton Jamie Sandschafer (Women Basketball), Teutopolis Callie Williams (Women Basketball), Fairbury Emily Watson (Volleyball), Mattoon Taylor Williams (Volleyball), Casey Deidra Schaal (Volleyball), Saint Peter Mitchell Shaw (Baseball), Colorado Springs, Colorado Sam Gubbins (Baseball), Charleston 2018 NJCAA All-Academic Third Team (athlete with 24 credit hours with 3.60-3.79 GPA): Kendall Hastings (Softball), Riverside Holly Marousek (Softball), Chicago Dakota Crowder (Women Basketball), Charleston Avery Jackson (Women Basketball), Mattoon Kelcie Darnell (Volleyball), Shelbyville Accumulative GPA of all of our athletes (102) for the 2017-2018 academic year: 3.09 By Sport: Women’s Basketball – 3.45 Softball – 3.31 Volleyball – 3.26 Men’s Basketball – 2.58 Baseball – 2.8 Cheer – 2.8 Total number of athletes achieving a 3.0 or higher GPA for the 2017-2018 academic year: 60 of 102 By sport: Softball (18 of 21) Baseball (8 of 24) Women’s Basketball (13 of 13) Volleyball (10 of 14) Men’s Basketball (4 of 17) Cheer (7 of 13) Athletic Sports Honors Season Records By Sport: Softball – 48/18 Women’s Basketball – 22/11 Men’s Basketball – 17/14 Volleyball – 15/24 Baseball – 13/33 Volleyball Team Honors NJCAA Academic Team Individual Honors and Awards NJCAA 2nd Team Academic All American: Emily Watson – Mattoon, Taylor Williams – Casey, Deidra Schaal – Saint Peter NJCAA 3rd Team academic All American: Kelcie Darnell – Shelbyville NJCAA Division One All-Region 24: Ryann Ambrose – Shelbyville, Alexandra Beckers – Mattoon Great Rivers Athletic Conference All-Conference 1st Team: Ryann Ambrose – Shelbyville, Alexandra Beckers – Mattoon Great Rivers Athletic Conference All-Conference 2nd Team: Brooklynn Elsas – Lincoln Great Rivers Athletic Conference Sportsmanship Award: Kristy Burford – Bethany Women’s Basketball Team Honors NJCAA Academic Team NJCAA Division Two Region 24 Runner-Up Individual Honors and Awards NJCAA 2nd Team Academic All American: Abigail Bush – Brocton, Jamie Sandschafer – Teutopolis, Callie Williams – Fairbury NJCAA 3rd Team Academic All American: Dakota Crowder – Charleston, Avery Jackson – Mattoon NJCAA Division Two All-Region 24 Team: Avery Jackson – Mattoon Great Rivers Athletic Conference All-Conference 1st Team: Avery Jackson – Mattoon Great Rivers Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year: Avery Jackson – Mattoon Men’s Basketball Individual Honors and Awards NJCAA Division One All-Region 24: Josh Jefferson – New Albany, Indiana, Amel Kuljuhovic – Waterloo, Iowa Great Rivers Athletic Conference All-Conference 1st Team: Josh Jefferson – New Albany, Indiana, Amel Kuljuhovic – Waterloo, Iowa Softball Team Honors NJCAA Academic Team NJCAA Division One National Tournament – 12th Place NJCAA Division One Region 24 Champions Individual Honors and Awards NJCAA Division One Region 24 Player of the Year: Holly Marousek – Chicago NJCAA Division One All-Region 24: Braylyn Burdick – Boonville, IN, Allison Helton – Colorado Springs, Colorado, Madeline Adams – Hobart, Indiana, Kendall Hastings – Riverside, Alina Lance – New Athens, Addison Baele – Mattoon Great Rivers Athletic Conference All-Conference: Alina Lance – New Athens, Addison Baele – Mattoon, Madeline Adams – Hobart, Indiana Baseball Individual Honors and Awards Great Rivers Athletic All Conference: Garrett Brachbill – Shelbyville Lakers Moving On Baseball Parker Nolan – Schaumburg – University of Indianapolis Brady Cappe – Brantford, Ontario, Canada – University of Pikeville Devon Still – Camby, Indiana – Columbia College Jake McClellan – Beloit, Wisconsin – University of Wisconsin La Crosse Bryan Melendez – Caguas, PR – Benedictine University Alex Moore – Lakeside, California – Central Methodist University Garrett Brachbill – Shelbyville – Eastern Illinois (Academic) Ben Sweeny – Charleston – Lincoln College Volleyball Kelcie Darnell – Shelbyville – Culver Stockton College Deidra Schaal – Saint Peter – Indiana State University (Academic) Hannah Koonce – Shelbyville – University of Illinois (Academic) Adora Gowin – Martinsville – Eastern Illinois (Academic) Claudia Watson – Shelbyville – Indiana State University (Academic) Emily Watson – Mattoon – Lake Land College Nursing (Academic) Ryann Ambrose – Shelbyville – Loyola Chicago (Academic) Men’s Basketball Josh Robinson – Normal – Central Methodist University Amel Kuljuhovic – Waterloo, Iowa – Cal State Fullerton Josh Jefferson – New Albany, Indiana – Illinois State University Sean Kromah – Smyrna, Tennessee – TBA Softball Maddy Adams – Hobart, Indiana – University of Illinois Haylee Short – Hillsboro, Missouri – University of Tennessee Martin Addison Baele – Mattoon – Liberty University Alina Lance – New Athens – Stoney brook University Holly Marouske – Chicago – Southern Illinois University Molly McElwee – St. Joseph – Police Academy (Academic) Kendall Hastings – Riverside – University of Illinois Chicago (Academic) Hope Collier – Effingham – Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (Academic)
Lake Land College Hosts Athletic Reunion for Homecoming Posted on Lake Land College is inviting all former athletes to a Laker Athletic Reunion during Laker Homecoming on Friday, Sept. 28 at 5 p.m. The reunion will be held in the Field House’s Walden Room. Attendees can visit with former teammates, coaches and fellow athletes and enjoy a taco bar before cheering on the Laker Volleyball team at 6 p.m. “We are excited to welcome back our alumni. The Laker athletic programs have a long-standing tradition of success both on the field and in the classroom,” Bill Jackson, athletic director and head baseball coach, said. “Our alumni are the ones who have paved the way for our current Laker student athletes and have set the standards high. We truly enjoy the opportunity to welcome our former student athletes back to campus.” All former Laker athletes and coaches in attendance will be recognized at the intermission of the match (between second and third set). Throughout the college’s history, there have been many athletic programs. Looking back through The Anchor yearbooks from 1968-1972, Lake Land College had the following programs: golf, cross country, baseball, women’s recreation association, pom-pon girls, cheerleading, basketball and wrestling. Today, Laker athletics consists of volleyball, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, softball, baseball and cheerleading. To RSVP to the reunion contact Ashli Wicker at awicker1@lakelandcollege.edu or 217-234-5260.
Lake Land College Agriculture Graduates Receive National Scholarship Posted on August 29, 2018 Three of five students in the nation to receive a prestigious scholarship from the AJSA were students that recently graduated from Lake Land College’s agriculture program. Emily Ivey, Loudon, Tennessee; Leslie Walker, Bloomington-Normal; and Kaylie Huizenga, Morrison; all received the Gold Merit Scholarship from the American Junior Simmental Association for exceptional work with the Simmental and Simbrah breed of cattle. The $3,000 scholarship goes to students who have demonstrated exceptional work with the breed both academically and in their community and who have previously been awarded the bronze and silver merit scholarships. Only five scholarships are awarded each year. “My favorite thing to do in the community is to take what I know and introduce kids to the cattle. I found my passion and it would be cool to help them discover theirs,” Ivey said. “It was a really proud moment for me because it is something I have worked for in the past 11-12 years and my dad has been in the Simmental industry for over 30 years and it made him happy too,” Walker said. “I am transferring to the University of Illinois for my last two years and my major is agriculture economics, so I plan to work in an economics division of an agricultural company.” Lake Land College Division Chair Agriculture/Agriculture Instructor Ryan Orrick said that these students stood out in their time on campus. “Work ethic, drive, leadership and professionalism of these three students was remarkable. They were always willing to get involved and accomplish the task set in front of them,” Orrick said. “I am proud of their accomplishment. All three of them, along with their families have a strong and sincere passion for the Simmental breed.” To learn more about the agriculture programs at Lake Land College visit lakelandcollege.edu and under “Academics” go to “Academic, Majors, Degrees, and Certifications.”
Lake Land College Announces Local Financial Aid Nights Posted on Lake Land College will soon hold Financial Aid Nights throughout the various communities in the Lake Land College district. At the event, Lake Land’s Financial Aid staff will present information on important changes to the 2018-2019 application process, including information on state, federal, institutional and local financial aid programs. The FAFSA is available Oct. 1 for the following fall. Parents, high school seniors or anyone planning to attend Lake Land or any two- or four-year college during the 2019-2020 school year are encouraged to attend. “It is essential that students complete the FAFSA as soon as possible. Many states and schools award financial aid on a first-come, first-served basis. Completing the FAFSA early will ensure students are in the applicant pool for any awards for which they qualify,” Paula Carpenter, director of financial aid and veteran services, said. To complete the FAFSA parents and students can use tax information they already have handy. “We will provide information about scholarships and grants that are available,” said Danielle Downs, advisor for Lake Land College financial aid and veteran services. “We will also walk them through the steps of filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.” The list of Financial Aid Nights is as follows: Date High School Time Monday, Aug. 27, 2018 Casey-Westfield High School 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2018 Cumberland High School 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2018 Martinsville High School 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 30, 2018 Mattoon High School 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 04, 2018 Stew-Stras High School 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 05, 2018 Brownstone High School 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 06, 2018 Effingham High School 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 10, 2018 Kansas High School 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2018 Oakland High School 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2018 Dieterich High School 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018 Cowden-Herrick High School 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 17, 2018 St. Anthony High School 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018 Ramsey High School 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept.19, 2018 South Central High School 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018 Charleston High School 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 24, 2018 Sullivan High School 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018 Newton High School 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2018 Shelbyville High School 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018 Neoga High School 6 p.m. Monday, October 01, 2018 Windsor High School 6 p.m. Tuesday, October 02, 2018 Teutopolis High School 6 p.m. Thursday, October 04, 2018 Okaw-Valley High School 6 p.m. Tuesday, October 9, 2018 Altamont High School 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 9, 2018 Paris High School 6 p.m. Wednesday, October 10, 2018 Arthur-Lovington High School 6/ 7 p.m. Thursday, October 11, 2018 Marshall High School 6 p.m. Tuesday, October 23, 2018 St. Elmo High School 6 p.m. For more information, contact the Lake Land College Financial Aid office at 217-234-5231. To see a complete list of the regional Financial Aid Nights visit lakelandcollege.edu/financialaid.
Lake Land College Offers Grant Writing Course Posted on August 24, 2018 Lake Land College is offering a Grant Writing 101 course that will cover all aspects of the grant writing process. The course will be a practical and humor-filled approach to grant writing and will explain how to begin composing grants of all sizes. Participants can expect to learn proposal design, the funder search and more. The class will work through various grant documents and will have time to ask as many questions as needed. By the end of the course, participants will have a much better idea of whether grants are a good fit for their school, nonprofit or agency. The class will be taught by Fielding Jezreel who has worked in the grants field since 2013 and has raised more than $15 million for nonprofits. The Grant Writing 101 course will meet on Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018 from 9 a.m. – noon. Class will be held at the Workforce Development Center, room 105 located at 305 Richmond Ave. East, Mattoon. The cost is $99. Register at lakelandcollege.edu/learn. For more information, contact Jackie Wake at jwake@lakelandcollege.edu or at 217-234-5087.
Lake Land College offers UAS Certification Exam Preparation Course for Drone Operators Posted on Lake Land College is offering a 12-hour course that will prepare students for the Part 107 sUAV Commercial Certification Exam, taught by a certified flight instructor. The Federal Aviation Administration requires drone operators to complete and pass an Unmanned Aerial System aeronautical knowledge test as one of the requirements for flying commercial drones legally. Students will receive basic ground school training, instruction and practice. The certified flight instructor will present lectures and materials explaining FAA regulations, the National Airspace System, weather, loading and performance, operations and safety procedures. The 12-hour course will span 2 dates: September 8, 2018 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. September 9, 2018 8 a.m. – noon Class will be held at the Workforce Development Center, 305 Richmond Ave. East, Mattoon. The cost is $349.00. Register at lakelandcollege.edu/learn. For more information, contact Jackie Wake, professional development support, at 217-234-5087 or email jwake@lakelandcollege.edu.
Lake Land College Agriculture Program Receives National Recognition Posted on August 23, 2018 Lake Land College Agriculture Program Receives National Recognition Lake Land College was one of six colleges in the nation to receive the NAAE Outstanding Postsecondary Agriculture Program Award for 2018. Lake Land College was one of only three community colleges to receive the award. The award recognizes exemplary postsecondary institutions and full-time young farmer and adult ag ed programs. Geographically divided into six regions, the National Association of Agriculture Educators is a federation of state agricultural educators’ associations with more than 7,800 members. The organization provides professional development for agricultural educators and works to recruit and retain agricultural educators in the profession. “This award is a celebration of past and current contributors of the ag division,” Division Chair Agriculture/Agriculture Instructor Ryan Orrick said. The association selected the award recipients based on colleges’ program mission, experiential learning and examples of how students have gotten involved in work-based learning such as cooperative education and internships, and partnerships with schools, community and industry leaders. The award comes with an invitation to the 2018 NAAE Convention in San Antonio, Texas. The division encompasses nine instructors who specialize in targeted instruction based on their areas of agriculture industry expertise, and lower student to teacher ratios promote an individualized learning experience and family atmosphere. The Lake Land College Agriculture Division offers 12 programs designed to prepare students for workforce and transfer opportunities such as the John Deere Tech program, one of few programs in the country that offers students first-hand experience working at a John Deere dealership. To learn more about the award visit naae.org, click on “Members,” and find “Awards and Grants.” To learn more about Lake Land College’s Agricultural Division visit lakelandcollege.edu and under “Academics” go to “Academic Division Information.” Lake Land College was one of six colleges in the nation to receive the NAAE Outstanding Postsecondary Agriculture Program Award for 2018. Lake Land College was one of only three community colleges to receive the award. Pictured left to right: Agriculture Instructor/Judging Team Coach Jordan Rauch, retired John Deere Technology Instructor Allen Drake, John Deere Technology Instructor Russell Neu, Ag Power Technology Instructor Anthony Reinhart, Agronomy Instructor/Farm manager Mark Niemerg, John Deere Technology Instructor Robert Miller, Division Chair Agriculture/Agriculture Instructor Ryan Orrick, Agriculture Business Instructor Ryan Wildman, Horticulture Instructor Dyke Barkley.
CAREER ACADEMY SELECTED TOP 20 STATE SHARED PROJECT Posted on August 15, 2018 CAREER ACADEMY SELECTED TOP 20 STATE SHARED PROJECT Lake Land College is proud to share this news release from the Effingham Regional Career Academy. The Effingham Regional Career Academy (ERCA) was recently named one of the top 20 examples of Shared Services Best Practices across the State of Illinois. Gov. Bruce Rauner and Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti unveiled a report highlighting examples of local governments banding together to share services, equipment and expertise to increase government efficiency and save taxpayer dollars. ERCA President, Effingham Unit #40 Superintendent Mark Doan, commented, “The ERCA is a cooperative effort between Lake Land College, Effingham County Chamber of Commerce, local businesses, and Effingham County schools that works to develop learning opportunities for citizens in the region. A lot of hard work has gone into developing partnerships to provide potential employees with the skills our area businesses are seeking. The ERCA is targeting both incumbent workers as well as high school level students while maximizing the resources available in an efficient manner. We are very proud of this recognition and look forward to continuing to expand this work.” The Lake Land College Board of Trustees has demonstrated support for an 8-year master facilities plan calling for the construction of the Rural Development Technology Center in Effingham. The anticipated 36,000 square-foot facility will serve as a permanent home for the Effingham Regional Career Academy. The facility is projected to be finished by 2023 with five ERCA career pathways and associated courses shared across Effingham County school districts, in addition to available incumbent worker and adult student programs. Lt. Gov. Sanguinetti said, “I commend these local leaders for finding innovative ways to deliver more efficient, effective, streamlined services for our taxpayers, and I encourage other local governments to follow their lead.” Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti will be presenting the award to the ERCA at the Kickoff to Education Breakfast to be held on Wednesday, September 12, 2018 at the Keller Convention Center in Effingham. In total, 262 shared service examples were provided for best practice consideration. Out of those responses, 20 were selected to be published in the Journal. The report can be found at the following link: https://www2.illinois.gov/ltg/Pages/default.aspx To find more news about the Effingham Regional Career Academy, go to https://www.effinghamregionalcareeracademy.com/ or like us on Facebook “Effingham Regional Career Academy.”
Students Indicate Lake Land College is Their First Choice Posted on August 13, 2018 Most Lake Land College students reported Lake Land was their first choice of institution when deciding where to go to college, a recent study indicates. According to the Spring 2018 Noel Levitz Student Satisfaction Inventory Survey, 81 percent of students listed Lake Land College as their first choice, up from 73 percent in 2015. Survey results support the college’s enrollment reports that annually indicate Lake Land College is the top choice among the in-district seniors seeking a higher education. In addition, students ranked affordability and academic reputation as top reasons for choosing Lake Land. Specific rankings include 1. Cost, 2. Financial aid, 3. Academic reputation, 4. Personalized attention prior to enrollment and 5. Geographic setting. “The fact that geographic setting was listed as the fifth top reason, rather than first, second or third, defies the misconception that students mostly choose Lake Land simply due to geographic location,” Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said. “Our affordability and academic reputation continue to be reported by our students as most important to them.” The survey results also indicated Lake Land College was meeting or exceeding expectations of its students in every area measured by the national study. A majority, or 77 percent, of Lake Land students were more satisfied than their peers at community colleges nationwide. “Our spring 2018 student satisfaction survey results support the fact that the Lake Land family strives to exceed our students’ expectations,” Bullock said. Some of the areas where Lake Land College exceeded the expectations of its students were in academic advising/counseling, instructional effectiveness, academic services, and responsiveness to diverse populations. The Noel Levitz Student Satisfaction Inventory Survey was administered every year between 2002 through 2009 and once every three years since 2012. Survey responses were based off of 761 students enrolled in day and evening courses, on and off campus courses and online courses. Survey results can be found at lakelandcollege.edu. Under the “About Us” drop-down, click on “Institutional Research.”