Tanner Clark to receive scholarship for selection as Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar Posted on April 3, 2020 Lake Land College Phi Theta Kappa President Tanner Clark will receive a scholarship of $1,500 for his selection as a national Gold Scholar on Coca-Cola’s 2020 Academic Team. Clark was one of 50 students chosen to receive the award out of more than 2,000 applications. His score in the All-USA Academic Team competition secured him the scholarship. “I was definitely very excited,” Clark said. “It’s very rewarding to know that a lot of the work we do is recognized, even though we don’t do it for the recognition. We do it for the process and the ability to serve others.” This marks the first time The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has awarded a Lake Land College transfer scholar this honor. Clark will be transferring to a university in the fall. “I hope that I can be an encouragement to other students to just apply and see what can come out of Phi Theta Kappa scholarships and their different academic competitions and awards,” Clark said. “It’s kind of another job in and of itself to go through the process of documenting, so I would urge other students to keep track of what they’ve done.” Clark’s award was one of 50 New Century Gold Scholar scholarships presented every year by The Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Program and administered by Phi Theta Kappa. To continue to embody all that the award stands for, Clark plans to apply himself in all areas of his life. “Whatever situation I find myself in I can always try and be beneficial to people,” Clark said. As an active member of his community at home in Strasburg, Clark is involved with organizations benefitting others such as the Lion’s Club and the Strasburg Community Action Network. “As I go throughout these next few years and the rest of my life, I guarantee I will find opportunities to get involved and serve other people,” Clark said. “I hope that I can be around other people who want to succeed and want to help one another, because that is definitely how I have learned.” To finish the semester, Clark plans to focus on incorporating leadership, scholarship, service and fellowship, Phi Theta Kappa’s four hallmarks, into everything the group does by continuing to serve and be a hub of leadership. “I hope that the ways I act, serve and lead can inspire other people to go the extra mile for their fellow neighbor,” Clark said. Phi Theta Kappa will recognize Clark and the other award recipients at PTK Catalyst, Phi Theta Kappa’s annual convention, via live stream. The virtual event will take place April 2-3 with registration for the event ending March 31.
The Illinois Local Workforce Development Area #23 Board of Directors and the Lake Land College Board of Trustees Announce Final Candidate for Director of Workforce Investment Posted on April 2, 2020 The Illinois Local Workforce Development Area (WIOA) #23 and Lake Land College are pleased to recommend the appointment of Jamie Corda Hadjaoui as the new director of workforce investment. She replaces Gerry Schlechte who will retire this spring. The Illinois Local Workforce Development Area (WIOA) #23 and Lake Land College are pleased to recommend the appointment of Jamie Corda Hadjaoui as the new director of workforce investment. Pictured is Jamie Corda Hadjaoui. Lake Land College President Josh Bullock will recommend Corda Hadjaoui to the Lake Land College Board of Trustees at the regular April 13 board meeting. In this position, Corda Hadjaoui will lead the Local Workforce Innovation Board (LWIB) staff to meet the program goals, fulfill the mission, and pursue the vision of the WIOA Board. The director accepts all Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) executive and leadership responsibilities for the successful management, lawfully compliant administration, operational performance, and financial integrity of all procedures, programs, and activities of the LWIB. The director represents the LWIB, chief elected officials, and Lake Land College. Chairman of the Local Workforce Innovation Board (LWIB) Pat Click said, “We have sincerely appreciated the leadership and hard work that retiring director Gerry Schlechte has done for our organization. We welcome Jamie in this new role and look toward her leading LWIA 23 in both in the individuals we serve as well as the businesses we work with, both large and small. Her experience in Career and Technical Education programs will be very valuable as we work together in bringing economic growth and job opportunities to the thirteen counties that we serve.” Having spent more than a decade in training and supervisory positions, Corda Hadjaoui has experienced firsthand how vital it is to help job seekers access employment, education and training in the labor market as well as matching employers with the skilled workers they need to compete in the global economy. “Jamie’s management and human resources skills are closely aligned with the responsibilities of this position,” Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said. “I am certain our workforce development team and the college community will see many positive outcomes from Jamie’s leadership.” Corda Hadjaoui developed her sales skills in her position at the real estate company, The Atkins Group, for more than seven years. She previously held management positions at Bergner’s Department Store and Arby’s in Rantoul. Corda Hadjaoui currently serves as the Perkins Specialist at Lake Land College. In this role, she provides services to help students enrolled in Workforce Ready programs successfully complete an associate in applied science (AAS) degree or certificate, with the goal to enter the workforce in the chosen field immediately after completion. Corda Hadjaoui has an associate degree from Parkland College and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Eastern Illinois University. She will complete a master’s of business administration from Eastern Illinois University in May. WIOA provides activities that increase employment, retention, earnings, and skills in the American workforce. C.E.F.S. is part of the 13-county Illinois Local Workforce Development Area #23, which receives its funding from the U.S. Department of Labor through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and Lake Land College.
Social media competition encourages sense of community for Lake Land College Posted on March 31, 2020 As everyone is adjusting to a virtual campus, Lake Land College is pulling together to maintain the sense of community among faculty, staff, students and alumni. Lake Land College Student Life organizations have planned several fun and entertaining activities to keep members of the Lake Land College community in touch with one another. In addition to these events, Lake Land College will host a competition via the popular social media platform TikTok beginning April 3. To participate, students, faculty, staff and alumni need only post a video of themselves wearing their Lake Land College gear with the hashtag #LakerNationTikTokTakeover and tag the Lake Land College TikTok page @LakeLandCollegeIL. The videos should show what Lake Land College community members are doing to keep busy during this unprecedented time. Singing, dancing and lip-syncing are all welcome, and participants are urged to be as creative as they like. Students are advised to follow the college’s Student Code of Conduct and avoid instances of profanity and/or inappropriate conduct. Three winners will be chosen to receive a $20 dollar Amazon gift card. The contest will run through April 17, and the winners will be notified via TikTok on April 20. For more fun opportunities to engage with the Lake Land College community, be sure to follow us on the official “Lake Land College” Facebook page, on TikTok at @LakeLandCollegeIL, on Instagram at “lakelandcollegeil,” on Twitter at “@LakeLandBuzz” and on YouTube at “Lake Land College.” For more information please email mpr2@lakelandcollege.edu.
Lake Land College donates personal protective equipment to local hospitals Posted on March 27, 2020 In the current time of need, Lake Land College has taken steps to help support local hospitals. In the current time of need, Lake Land College has taken steps to help support local hospitals. Pictured is Nursing Instructor/Director of Nursing Cheryl Beam donating personal protective equipment to HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital in Effingham. Photo courtesy of HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital. Lake Land College Allied Health programs on campus and at the Kluthe Center have gathered and donated personal protective equipment (PPE) to local hospitals. Some of the items donated to HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital in Effingham and Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in Mattoon include gloves, protective gowns, hand sanitizer, masks and sanitization wipes The college has also donated several boxes of isolation gowns, shoe covers and disposable masks. “Lake Land College benefits from our partnerships with area health care facilities and wants to support our local organizations whenever possible,” Josh Bullock, Lake Land College President, said. “We are very grateful to the healthcare professionals in our area who are working around the clock to keep our communities safe. As many of these individuals are our own Laker Alumni, please know how very proud we are of your commitment to your profession.”
Lake Land College to host Laker Online Takeover days Posted on March 26, 2020 Several Student Life organizations at Lake Land College have announced opportunities for virtual engagement throughout Spring 2020. Most of the events will take place via the different organizations’ Facebook pages. “These students are posting some really cool interactive posts and events,” Valerie Lynch, director of student life, said. “We are asking faculty, staff and students to ‘like’ and share the social media pages and interact when they can.” The Lake Land College Student Activity Board will be hosting “Around the World in 5 Days” March 24 through March 28. This activity will be available via the “Lake Land College Student Activity Board” Facebook page and will consist of virtual museum tours in places such as London, France and South America. Participants will also have the opportunity to experience cultural movies, music and food. “Career and Finance Week” will be hosted by the Student Government Association March 30 through April 3, via the “Lake Land College Student Government Association” Facebook page. This event will kick off Financial Literacy and Internship week, giving participants the opportunity to learn about finance, resume building and leadership. The group will also be hosting a virtual fashion show. The Navigator News will host “Earth and Sustainability Week” April 20 through April 24 on its Facebook page, “Lake Land College Navigator News.” At this event, participants will have the opportunity to learn how their footprint affects the earth by discussing sustainability with Student Care and Advocacy. The Student Activity Board will also be hosting student club and organization spotlights every day from April 27 to May 1. One of the Facebook pages will highlight a craft or activity participants can do at home on #MAKEITMONDAYS. Those looking to test their minds can join the Student Activity Board on KAHOOT for trivia every Tuesday at Noon on #TRIVIATUESDAYS, and those interested in cooking can join the Navigator News on their Facebook page every Wednesday at 7 p.m. on #WHIPITUPWEDNESDAYS. Lake Land College will continue to offer opportunities to get involved in student life and activities. There may be more opportunities to participate in events at a later date, so be sure to follow the Lake Land College Facebook page, as well as the Student Activity Board, Student Government Association and the Navigator News Facebook pages for more virtual events.
Lake Land College class registration begins Posted on March 24, 2020 As Lake Land College moves forward in a virtual environment, 2020 Summer and Fall registration will open March 25 as planned. For the first time in the college’s history, registration will be open to all students who are cleared to register versus a tiered approach in which sophomores were given priority the first day of registration. “We want to open registration to all who have been proactive and received clearance, as well as readmit and new non-degree seeking students who are ready to register,” Jon Van Dyke, dean of admission services, said. “We know our current students have been transitioning to a new online environment this week, and we want to be as supportive and helpful as possible,” Van Dyke added. Current students can login to the Laker Hub and view their Advisement Information page for important information on the advisement process. In the virtual environment, students can connect with their advisors through Laker Mail or via phone. Current degree-seeking students must receive clearance before registering. Additional assistance is available by utilizing the online chat service at lakelandcollege.edu or by calling Admissions & Records at 217-234-5434 or Counseling Services at 217-234-5232. New students who have submitted the Intent to Enroll for summer or fall and are scheduled to attend New Student Orientation are encouraged to watch their postal mail for a letter about completing online orientation and scheduling an advisement and registration day. These letters will be mailed beginning May 1. Those who would like to get started this summer or fall should visit lakelandcollege.edu/enroll. After completing a Laker Profile and an Intent to Enroll, a student will receive a Welcome Letter in the mail with information about New Student Orientation online and important student ID information. Students are advised to begin the Financial Aid process for the 2020-2021 school year by visiting fafsa.gov. Future students may also contact the financial aid office at financialaid@lakelandcollege.edu. Lake Land College is committed to providing a smooth enrollment process in the virtual environment. Please visit lakelandcollege.edu to reference resources to help you connect with the college.
Lake Land College to enter Level 3 Restricted Campus Posted on March 19, 2020 Lake Land College is committed to protecting the health and safety of all staff and students during this COVID-19 pandemic. In light of recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Illinois Department of Public Health, the college will be taking additional steps to practice social distancing and promote the well-being of everyone involved. Effective Friday, March 20 at 5 p.m., all Lake Land College locations will enter a Level 3 Restricted phase. Only authorized staff will be allowed to enter buildings to perform essential tasks that are unable to be performed remotely. While the physical locations are restricted, Lake Land College operations and services will continue in a virtual environment. All courses will resume in an online format on March 23 and will continue for the remainder of the Spring 2020 semester. “We are committed to providing the high quality of instruction and service our students have come to expect through virtual means. We are developing resources and options to support students in this new virtual environment,” Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said. In alignment with the CDC recommendations and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s ban on gatherings of more than 50 people, the college has cancelled Commencement and related celebrations. In a message to students, Lake Land President Bullock said, ”It is with a heavy heart that we announce the cancellation of the 2020 Lake Land College Commencement ceremony in accordance with guidelines from the CDC to limit gatherings during this coronavirus pandemic. The Lake Land College Board of Trustees, faculty and staff congratulate all of you who will be celebrating the completion of a degree or certificate this spring. We are exploring other opportunities to honor you and recognize your accomplishments.” All events scheduled to be held at any college location, whether college-sponsored or with outside organizations, are canceled until further notice. Lake Land College will continue to work closely with the Coles County Health Department and the Illinois Department of Public Health to take necessary steps to protect the health and safety of the college community. The college will continue to monitor and address the situation. Please feel free to check the Lake Land College website, the COVID-19 FAQ page as well as the Facebook page and new Facebook parent group for more updates.
Lake Land College to enter Level 2 Restricted Campus; Events canceled Posted on March 17, 2020 Lake Land College is taking many necessary steps to maintain the health and safety of the college community. As the challenges presented by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continue to evolve, the college is addressing each situation in a proactive manner that is most conducive to the well-being of all involved. “Throughout this time, we will be maintaining college operations, services and instructional delivery. While the environment is rapidly changing, we are committed to helping our students achieve their educational goals. The health and safety of our Lake Land College community is our top priority and we thank our students and their families for their support as we navigate these unprecedented times,” Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said. Effective March 17, in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Lake Land College will be entering a Level 2 Restricted Campus. Only Lake Land College employees will be allowed access to the campus and extension sites. A Lake Land College police officer will be stationed in the main entrance of the Luther Student Center from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to address student or guest requests for access. Guests and students with a specific need to enter campus may call the Campus Police at 217-232-1908. As a safety precaution, spring break has been extended through March 22, during which time no classes will be held. When instruction does resume on March 23, all classes will be held in an online format until further notice. All events presently scheduled to be held at any college location, whether college-sponsored or with outside organizations, will be canceled until further notice. Subway will also be closed until further notice. Radio station WLKL-FM, 89.9 The Max Alternative, will remain on-air with scheduled music programming, however the regularly scheduled WLKL news and sports programming will be canceled. Students may order Mod II books to be shipped via UPS without shipping fees. As added safety measures, the college will be requiring any students and staff that have recently traveled to level 2 and 3 countries, per CDC guidelines, to self-quarantine for 14 days, starting from the day of departure to return to the United States. Lake Land College is working closely with the Coles County Health Department and the Illinois Department of Public Health to take necessary steps to protect the health and safety of the college community. The college will continue to monitor and address the situation. Please feel free to check the Lake Land College website, the COVID-19 FAQ page as well as the Facebook page and new Facebook parent group for more updates.
Lake Land College Trustees Honor Dr. Leland McNeill Posted on March 10, 2020 The Lake Land College Board of Trustees honored Dr. Leland McNeill, Charleston, with the Clem G. Phipps Exemplary Trustee Award. Dr. McNeill accepted the award during the March board meeting. Pictured left to right are Lake Land College President Josh Bullock, Dr. McNeill and Lake Land College Board Chair Doris Reynolds. The award is named after Clem G. Phipps, first chair of the Lake Land College Board of Trustees, to recognize former trustees who have demonstrated leadership and dedication to Lake Land College and the community. Dr. McNeill was a charter member of the Lake Land College Board of Trustees. He was elected to the board on Nov. 22, 1966 and served through April 13, 1970. Bob Johnston, Dr. McNeill’s nominator and former trustee, said that foregoing the establishment of Lake Land College more than half a century ago, Dr. McNeill was instrumental in convincing Mattoon area residents that the development of a community college was an appropriate investment. A growing concern at the time, acknowledged by state legislation, was that young adults were lacking education and specialized training beyond high school. During an essential moment in American growth, further education and training was a necessity for the growing workforce—community colleges were proposed to meet this need. Dr. McNeill, being a college educated, rural medical professional living in Toledo, was aware of the positive impact a community college would have on the area and was actively involved in the campaign to impose a property tax for operations and buildings. “Dr. McNeill knew hundreds of locals on a first name basis, and his reputation was a signal to voters,” Johnston said. As the initial development of the college took way, Dr. McNeill was instrumental in considering various programs and educational needs for the college district. His expertise and enthusiasm toward all aspects of the college and board made him a highly respected board member, Johnston wrote. “Among his contributions were dedicated time and study to founding policy development, selection of people for key leadership positions and faculty members and a willingness to take the time and be helpful in all aspects of the organization,” Johnston said. “He was always ready with a quote or other observation that brought wisdom, and occasionally, a laugh to the board table when tensions ran high.” “When the local community needed a trailblazer for higher education in the area, Dr. McNeill stepped up to the plate without hesitation. Lake Land College is the respected institution that it is today because of the outstanding dedication and insightful leadership by former trustees like Dr. McNeill,” Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said. At the regional level, Dr. McNeill assisted in the growth and development of medical services in the area. He was a charter member of the Charleston-Mattoon Area Medical Planning Council (CMAMPC), a voluntary group made up of area healthcare professionals, and a Public Information Committee (PIC). The two organizations eventually brought about the introduction of a new regional hospital between Mattoon and Charleston, known as Sarah Bush Lincoln Health System. Following the creation of the Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, Dr. McNeill transitioned from the Mattoon Memorial Hospital to the new center and became a medical staff member from 1979 through 2005. Throughout the years, he held several leadership positions including chief of family practice, chair of the bylaws committee, president of medical staff and the medical executive committee. He also served on the board of directors for Area E-7 Hospital Association dba Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center. Today, Dr. McNeill holds the honor of an emeritus staff member. “Dr. McNeill did yeoman work. We are thankful for his dedication, efforts and lasting impact to East Central Illinois and Lake Land College,” Johnston said. “Awarding Dr. McNeill the Clem Phipps Exemplary Trustee Award for his significant contributions in founding Lake Land College is an honor well deserved.”
Lake Land College Broadcasting Students Earn Broadcast Sales Certification Posted on March 6, 2020 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 Associate’s Sales Training Program. 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. Pictured in the front row, seated from left to right: Braden Taylor, Paris; Dylan Smith, Charleston. In the second row, seated from left to right: Lloyd Colman, Mattoon; Chandler Smith, Cisne. In the back row from left to right: James Silas, St. Louis; Christian Taylor, Pana; Elijah Toothman, Mattoon; Alan Craig, Chicago. Not pictured is Logan Hardesty, Neoga. 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 Radio/TV Broadcasting 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. Broadcasting/Communication Studies 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. “This certification is a tremendous asset for students entering the broadcast workforce,” Powers said. “Broadcast employers are searching for employees who are multifaceted. 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 Radio/TV Broadcasting program, contact Powers at 217-234-5335 or visit lakelandcollege.edu/high-demand-programs/radio-tv-broadcasting or 899themax.com.