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.
Lake Land College cosmetology students to offer free Veteran’s Day haircuts Posted on Students in the cosmetology program at Lake Land College will offer free haircuts to all veterans and active duty military personnel on Veteran’s Day. Appointments for the free haircuts will be available on Friday, November 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and can be made by contacting the cosmetology department at 217-234-5300. Free refreshments including coffee and donuts will be provided for those who attend. The haircuts will take place in the Cosmetology Clinic in the West Building on campus in Mattoon. -30-
Lake Land College Adult Education to host free BNA class Posted on Lake Land College Adult Education will be hosting a free basic nursing assistant class in spring 2023 in Marshall. The class is an opportunity for those interested in healthcare professions to begin a career in the field. A mandatory orientation for the class will take place November 14 from 4 – 7 p.m. at the Lake Land College Marshall Eastern Region Center at 224 S. 6th St., Marshall, Illinois 62441. Adult Education provides students with a variety of services including high school equivalency preparation classes, résumé building and related workforce readiness programming at no cost. English Language Acquisition, Food Service Sanitation and Integrated Career and Academic Preparation System courses are also offered via Lake Land College Adult Education. WIOA provides activities that increase employment, retention, earnings, and skills in the American workforce. C.E.F.S. is part of the 14-county Illinois Local Workforce Development Area #23 which receives its funding from the US Department of Labor through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and Lake Land College. WIOA provides guidance with job readiness, job search, work based learning, and classroom training needed to secure and retain employment and become self-sufficient. For more information, visit lakelandcollege.edu/adult-education or contact Adult Education at 217-238-8292 or adulteducation@lakelandcollege.edu. To stay up to date on news and opportunities, follow Lake Land College Adult Education on Facebook and Instagram. -30-
Lake Land College Adult Education to offer free welding classes Posted on October 25, 2022 Lake Land College Adult Education will be offering free welding classes beginning November 14. Those interested can attend orientation at the Lake Land College Marshall Eastern Region Center, 224 S. 6th St., Marshall, Illinois 62441, on November 14 at 4 p.m. There will also be a welding orientation at Shelbyville High School, 1001 W. North 6th St., Shelbyville, Illinois 62565, on November 15 at 4 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to enter through the shop entrance. Participants will learn basic welding techniques, such as stick welding, metal inert gas (MIG) welding and tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding as well as metal fabrication and other skills. Upon completion of the program, students will earn a Basic Welding Certificate through the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) as well as 11 credit hours with Lake Land College. As well as encouraging students to earn a GED and offering résumé assistance and other resources, Lake Land College Adult Education also partners with local businesses for facility tours to give students the chance to see employers and how their businesses operate. “We have seen a lot of success with this program,” Adult Education Advisor Kyle Sims said. “We have had a lot of people who complete it go right into the field afterwards.” WIOA provides activities that increase employment, retention, earnings, and skills in the American workforce. C.E.F.S. is part of the fourteen-county Illinois Local Workforce Development Area #23 which receives its funding from the US Department of Labor through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and Lake Land College. WIOA provides guidance with job readiness, job search, work based learning, and classroom training needed to secure and retain employment and become self-sufficient. For more information on the classes or qualifications, contact Lake Land College Adult Education at adulteducation@lakelandcollege.com or 217-238-8292 or find them on Facebook and Instagram at Lake Land College Adult Education. -30-
Lake Land College hosts Kubota partnership ribbon-cutting event Posted on October 7, 2022 To celebrate Lake Land College’s new partnership with Kubota, representatives from both places participated in a ribbon-cutting event Tuesday, Oct. 4. Pictured are Manager of Educational Partnerships for Kubota Jeff Wagley, Vice President for Business Services Greg Nuxoll, Ag Power Technology Instructor Woody Reinhart, Kubota Corporate Leadership Midwest Division Matt Dugan, Division Chair Agriculture/Agriculture Instructor Ryan Orrick, Vice President for Academic Services Ike Nwosu and Lake Land College President Josh Bullock. Students in the Diesel & Ag Power program at Lake Land College now have the option to earn up to eight Kubota Tech Certifications via Kubota equipment and principles incorporated into the existing Diesel & Ag Power courses. “Kubota is really excited to partner with Lake Land College and serve the dealers in our region,” Jeff Wagley, manager of educational partnerships for Kubota, said. “This is something that has been in the works for close to 15 months, so today is the day we stick the flag in the ground and say Kubota Tech is part of the Lake Land College Diesel & Ag Power program.” As participants in the program, students will train on a range of diesel and ag power equipment brands, including Kubota, to develop the skills and techniques they will need to provide multifaceted employment opportunities to employers such as Kubota. After students have completed the courses, they can earn stackable certifications through the National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3) testing, leading to up to eight Kubota Tech credentials. NC3 is a value-driven organization and the future model for Career and Technical Education, creating highly-skilled, job-ready professionals through a growing network of educational partners and global industry leaders. Through Kubota, technicians will have the opportunity to work with sponsoring dealerships and participate in internship programs. Technicians working at a Kubota dealership are provided guidance from experienced Kubota Technicians learning how to repair equipment correctly and efficiently. Graduates of the program will also have the opportunity for careers as Kubota Technicians in dealerships around the country. The program provides job placement, excellent earning potential, great benefits and the opportunity to work as a Kubota Technician. Graduates will be using their newly acquired knowledge and skills to provide Kubota dealers and Kubota customers value. The Kubota Tech program empowers Technicians to be the best in the industry. For more information on the Diesel & Ag Power program at Lake Land College, visit lakelandcollege.edu/guided-pathways and click “Agriculture” or contact Woody Reinhart at areinhart69182@lakelandcollege.edu or 217-234-5307. -30-