Laker Nation News

Visit Lake Land College and explore all the college offers at Laker Visit Day. The upcoming event will be held Friday, March 27 in the Luther Student Center starting at 9 a.m. and will run until noon.

The event is for potential students who are interested in learning more about Lake Land College. Prospective students will tour campus, visit a class, meet current students and talk with faculty. Parents and guardians are welcome to attend and learn more about the college during a parent session.

The event will feature informational sessions by current Lake Land College Student Ambassadors and college staff. Representatives from Admissions & Records, Financial Aid, Counseling Services, Student Life and other departments will provide information and be available to answer questions. Students will also meet with faculty members in their academic area of interest.

“Laker Visit Day is a great way for prospective students and parents to talk to faculty and staff about academic options and majors, to talk to current students about their experiences at the college and to learn about various services and opportunities we offer,” Michelle Zumbahlen, coordinator for strategic student communication and initiatives, said.

On Laker Visit Day, attendees will tour campus with Student Ambassadors; comfortable shoes are recommended. To get to the Luther Student Center, take Entrance 1 from Route 45, make a right turn after the curve onto Podestá Drive, continue around campus and park in Lot E. Enter the lobby through the main entrance at the front of the building.

Student Ambassadors will greet guests and help with directions. In case of inclement weather on the day of the event, please check the college’s homepage at lakelandcollege.edu for closures.

For more information, or to register for Laker Visit Day, go to lakelandcollege.edu/visit or call 217-234-5377.

For the second year in a row, Lake Land College’s Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) chapter reached Five Star Chapter status. The Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society is an international organization that ranks campus chapters on a five star system. Completion of an Honors in Action project addressing a need in the community and on campus is required as a final step in advancing to five star status distinction.

PTK Vice President and Chair of Honors in Action and College Project Trevor Elder, Sullivan, explained Phi Theta Kappa’s sense of obligation to examine the Lake Land College student body’s mental health, increase mental health awareness and availability of mental health related resources on campus.

“In response to a college student’s post on Twitter regarding college student mental health, PTK created an Honors in Action project that captured the mental health concerns of the student body at Lake Land College. Throughout the fall semester of 2019, our Honors in Action team researched and conducted surveys on multiple platforms that were distributed across campus, and full reports were shared with college administration,” Elder said.

Members of the Honors in Action team also presented their project research to the Illinois Community College Trustees Association (ICCTA) at the ICCTA East Central Regional Meeting held at Lake Land College on Thursday, Feb. 20.

One of several requirements for recognition as a five star status chapter is the submission of at least three entries in the Hallmark Awards Program including the Honors in Action Project Award, College Project Award and at least one other individual award. PTK Advisor and Academic Counselor Krista Burrell also submitted an individual award for the Distinguished Chapter Officer Team Award.

“With each new academic year, we have a new set of students, which means that reaching five stars is not permanent,” Burrell said. “This year, PTK was intentional about making a positive impact on campus through the Honors in Action and college projects first, then meeting submission requirements for five star status second.”

Reaching five star status also includes recognizing academic excellence by creating awareness of PTK among the college community, establishing chapter leadership and engagement, developing an Honors in Action project and a college project such as maintaining a chapter Facebook page, increasing the PTK presence on campus and increasing engagement in the region, and submitting three entries in the Hallmark Awards Program. To top it off, chapters are encouraged to attend the annual catalyst. The Lake Land College PTK chapter will attend the National PTK Catalyst Convention in Grapevine, Texas in early April.

At the national level, the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society is divided into geographic regions. The Illinois Region is a Five Star Region and nominations were sent in to the Regional Awards for Excellence in three categories: Fellowship; Chapter Engagement; and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Regional award finalists will be announced at the PTK Catalyst Convention.

“Earning five-star status and attending the catalyst convention is not the end of our efforts. We will still be collaborating with SGA and other students to address mental health needs on our campus, namely through the promotion of the upcoming Active Minds chapter,” PTK President Tanner Clark, Strasburg, said.

Coincidently, several student organizations on campus, including the Student Activity Board (SAB) and the Student Government Association (SGA), also focused on the mental health of Lake Land students during the fall semester. SAB coordinated a therapy dog event during finals week for students to decompress between their final exams. Additionally, SGA is currently working toward establishing an Active Minds chapter at Lake Land College. Active Minds is a nonprofit organization that promotes mental health awareness within high schools and college campuses across the nation.

“It’s serendipitous that the U.S. House of Representatives authorized The Higher Education Mental Health Act shortly after PTK had the idea to do the Honors in Action project on college student mental health,” Burrell said. “The students identified the concern concurrently with the lawmakers.”

“I speak for all of my fellow PTK officers when I say that we want to leave a positive impact on this campus. Our chapter wants to set up students for success at Lake Land College, and promoting a healthy mental well-being is key to that success,” Clark said.

PTK sends invitations each year to students who have completed 12 credit hours at the collegiate level with a 3.25 GPA or exceptional high school students passing with a 3.5 GPA.

Members of the Honors in Action team are PTK President Clark, Strasburg; PTK Vice President and Chair of Honors in Action and College Project Elder, Sullivan; PTK Secretary Kyra Jackson, Findlay; PTK Treasurer Macy Vogt, Teutopolis; Tim Lawyer, Mattoon; Lucas Duduit, Pana; and Lauren Hendershot, Windsor.

In an effort to expose young students to a variety of career and occupational choices, more than 2,000 local junior high students will assemble in the Lake Land College Field House on Thursday, April 2 and Friday, April 3 for the annual 8^th Grade Career Conference.

Together, Lake Land College and Eastern Illinois Education for Employment System will co-sponsor the conference—an event in which more than 60,000 students have participated throughout the years.

The career conference will provide participants career exploration through communication and contact with local professionals representing sixteen career clusters, or employment fields. Students will also experience the motivation and enthusiasm showcased by the event’s featured speaker, Brooks Harper, author of 7 Skills to Make Mill$ and Why Should We Hire YOU?

“The conference is an important annual event for local 8^th grade students. It provides them with information about career pathways and motivates them to focus on their future,” Sally Shawver, project manager for Eastern Illinois Education for Employment System, said.

“The wonderful thing about this conference is how it benefits everyone. The students have this fun experience to get their career questions answered and local businesses have the early advantage to guide their future talents on the right path. The business partners who participate this year may see these same faces again during interviewing processes six to eight years from now. It’s an exciting and valuable event,” Jamie Corda Hadjaoui, Perkins specialist, said.

Students from the following schools will participate at the career conference:

Altamont, Altamont Luther Interparish School, Arcola, Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond CUSD #305, Beecher City, Brownstown, Casey-Westfield, Charleston, Chrisman-Scottland, Cowden-Herrick, Crestwood-Paris, Cumberland, Dieterich, Effingham, Fresh Start TLC, Humboldt TLC, Kansas, Kansas TLC, Lerna Bridges, Marshall, Martinsville, Mattoon-Blue, Mattoon-Gold, Moulton-Shelbyville, Neoga, Oakland, Okaw-Valley, Paris Mayo, Ramsey, Sacred Heart, Shelbyville Bridges, Shiloh, South-Central, St. Anthony, St. Elmo, St. John’s-Mattoon, St. Michael, Stew-Stras and Sullivan.

For more information about the conference, contact Corda Hadjaoui at 217-234-5032 or Shawver at 217-258-6283.

Coles-Moultrie Electric Cooperative (CMEC) recently presented a $43,000 capital credit check to Lake Land College. CMEC President/CEO Amy Borntrager, presented the check to Lake Land College President Josh Bullock and Vice President for Business Services Greg Nuxoll.

Coles-Moultrie Electric Cooperative is a not-for-profit cooperative that provides electrical service to residential members, large and small commercial members, manufacturing facilities and educational facilities such as Lake Land College. Coles-Moultrie Electric Cooperative provides electrical service to more than 9,500 meters.

“Because electric co-ops operate at cost, any excess revenues, called margins, are allocated and retired to members in the form of capital credits,” CMEC Member Service Representative Carla Bradbury said.

The years 1980, 1981 and 1982 were recently retired and Lake Land College was a large user during those years, resulting in a $43,000 capital credit return.

Lake Land College’s Adult Education is offering GED classes throughout the Lake Land College district beginning the first week of March. Classes are 100% federally funded thanks to the U.S. Department of Education.

The class orientation locations and dates are as follows:

• Arthur – Arthur Public Library, 225 S. Walnut St. – Tuesday, March 3, 4 p.m.
• Charleston – Coles County Health Department, 825 18^th – Tuesday, March 3, 4 p.m.
• Effingham – Lake Land College Kluthe Center for Higher Education and Technology, 1204 Network Centre Blvd. – Tuesday, March 3, 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Marshall – Lake Land College Eastern Region Center, 224 S. 6^th – Monday, March 2, 4 p.m.
• Mattoon – Lake Land College Workforce Development Center, 305 Richmond Ave. East – Wednesday, March 4, 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Pana – Lake Land College Western Region Center, 600 E. 1^st – Thursday, March 5, 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Paris – First United Methodist Church, 324 W. Court St. – Thursday, March 5, 4 p.m.
• Shelbyville – Shelbyville High School, Pathways Classroom, 1001 W. North 6^th – Monday, March 2, 4 p.m.

For these GED classes, students’ tuition will be waived and all class materials will be provided. To find a GED class near you, to find more information or to register, call 217-238-8292 or email adulteducation@lakelancollege.edu.

Like and follow the Lake Land College Adult Education Facebook page for an up to date look at what classes are available.

With spring just around the corner, it’s time to begin planning for graduation at Lake Land College. The annual commencement ceremony will take place an hour and a half earlier than previous years, to accommodate students and their guests. This year’s commencement ceremony is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Friday, May 15 in the Field House.

There is no cost to students to participate in the ceremony. Important information and deadlines follow.

In March students need to:

• Complete the Intent to Graduate form for the spring 2020 semester by Friday, March 20. The form can be filed electronically through the Laker Hub.
• Fill out the form to measure for a cap and gown on the Laker Hub by Tuesday, March 31.
• Purchase graduation announcements in the Laker Nest Bookstore or online at lakelandcollege.edu/bookstore.

In May students need to:

• Pick up their cap and gown at the Laker Nest Bookstore between Monday, May 11-Thursday, May 14 from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. or on Friday, May 15 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Attend graduation practice on Thursday, May 14 at 3 p.m. in the Lake Land College Field House.
• Report to their assigned buildings for line up at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 15. The ceremony begins at 6 p.m.

Any graduate who needs an accommodation due to a disability should call 217-234-5259 to request arrangements prior to the practice session on Thursday, May 14.

For any questions concerning the commencement ceremony or practice, stop by Admissions & Records in the Luther Student Center or call 217-234-5028.

Visit lakelandcollege.edu/admissions/graduation for more information.

Ease into college or pick up some extra credits with an eight-week Mod II class this spring!

Each semester, Lake Land College offers two sessions of eight-week courses known as Mod I and II. Mod II classes begin March 16 and finish May 11 with finals held through May 15.

“Mod II courses serve many purposes. For new students, they are a great way to ease into college. For current students, they are a good way to pick up needed credits before the end of the semester,” Emily Hartke, chair of counseling and judicial affairs advisement, said.

Counselors are available to assist students with Mod II registration Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Evening hours are available by appointment.

For questions regarding registration, call Counseling Services at 217-234-5232.

What happens when you take some of the most brilliant minds from area high schools and put them under one roof? Nothing other than an academic face off, where teams are pitted against each other in seven subject areas in order to take home the regional Academic Challenge (ACES) championship title.

The regional Academic Challenge was recently held at Lake Land College and 22 schools, registering 318 students came together to battle in biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering graphics, English, mathematics and physics.

Paris, St. Anthony and Mattoon high schools were victorious in their divisions and took home the regional championship titles. Winners in team and individual competition will advance to sectionals at Eastern Illinois University.

Teams advancing for the 300 division were St. Anthony High School, first; Casey-Westfield High School, second; Neoga High School, third; Altamont High School, fourth; and Cumberland High School, fifth.

Teams advancing for the 700 division were Paris High School, first; and Sullivan High School; second.

Teams advancing for the 1500 division were Mattoon High School, first; and Effingham High School, second.

Individual Results

The following individuals were recognized at the event. Those who qualified will be advancing to the Academic Challenge sectionals at Eastern Illinois University. Total number of questions on the exam is as follows: biology – 50 questions, chemistry – 40 questions, computer science – 30 questions, engineering graphics – 40 questions, English – 80 questions, mathematics – 30 questions and physics – 35 questions.

Division 300:

In the biology division were Makenzi Walk (40) of Brownstown High School, Emilee Mossman (39) of St. Anthony High School and Jake McBride (37) of Altamont High School. In the Chemistry division were Kate Hartke (22) of St. Anthony High School, Keifer Ree (20) of Stewardson-Strasburg High School, Mason Roberts (19) of Casey-Westfield High School and Eve Brown (19) of Cumberland High School. In the computer science division were Jordan Miller (11) of Altamont High School, Eddie Taylor (11) of Casey-Westfield High School, Andrew Cole (11) of Cumberland High School and Anna Miller (11) of Neoga High School. In the engineering graphics division were Will Thoele (19) of Dieterich High School, Mason Roberts (16) of Casey-Westfield High School and Sophie Deters (16) of St. Anthony High School. In the English division were Rylee Peterson (70) of Neoga High School, Davis Tingley (68) of St. Anthony High School and Olivia Spraul (66) of St. Anthony High School. In the mathematics division were Michael Kaldas (26) of St. Anthony High School, Emilee Mossman (22) of St. Anthony High School and Sharon Dong (20) of St. Anthony High School. In the physics division were Claire Sudkamp (17) of St. Anthony High School, Marco Costa (16) of Altamont High School Dean Kaufman (16) of Stewardson-Strasburg High School and Maxwell Carr (16) of Windsor High School.

Division 700:

In the biology division were Drew Cearlock (37) of Paris High School, Carson Beyers (35) of Shelbyville High School, Katelyn Townsend (32) of Pana High School, Noah Bates (32) of Sullivan High School and Paul Bates (32) of Sullivan High School. In the chemistry division were Dustin Creech (31) of Paris High School, Paul Niemerg (26) of Teutopolis High School, Brock Schoonover (24) of Pana High School and Adelyne Deere (24) of Pana High School. In the computer science division were Justyn Allen (14) of Paris High School, Karson Martin (12) of Paris High School and Adam Creech (12) of Paris High School. In the engineering graphics division were Noah Bates (20) of Sullivan High School, Cooper Browne (16) of Sullivan High School and Dasey Swiney-Fredrick (15) of Sullivan High School. In the English division were Reagan Crouse (70) of Sullivan High School, Gary Herschberger (69) of Sullivan High School and Shyanne Hunter (66) of Sullivan High School. In the mathematics division were Joe Niemerg (16) of Teutopolis High School, Richard Lin (14) of Paris High School, Nathan Minnis (14) of Paris High School and Mattie Thoele (14) of Teutopolis High School. In the physics division were Nick Tensen (18) of Teutopolis High School, Quinton Perry (14) of Pana High School and Justyn Allen of Paris High School.

Division 1500:

In the biology division were Aidan Peterson (30) of Charleston High School, Jenaya Carter (29) of Mattoon High School, Gavin Gonzalez (28) of Mattoon High School and Zach Kyle (28) of Effingham High School. In the chemistry division were Dane Seiler (25) of Effingham High School, Chuck Westendorf (24) of Effingham High School and Kegan Kirts (23) of Mattoon High School. In the computer science division were Wyatt Webb (14) of Mattoon High School, Ethan Hadl (13) of Charleston High School and Rick Wright (13) of Mattoon High School. In the engineering graphics division were Gabe Schuette (22) of Effingham High School, Rick Wright (20) of Mattoon High School and Frank Rosen (19) of Effingham High School. In the English division were Jake Crews (69) of Charleston High School, Lahiru Periyannan (67) of Charleston High School and Rachel Sloss (65) of Effingham High School. In the mathematics division were Lahiru Periyannan (17) of Charleston High School, Landon Kasey (17) of Mattoon High School and Dane Seiler (17) of Effingham High School. In the physics division were Chuck Westendorf (17) of Effingham High School, Ethan Hadley (16) of Charleston High School, Kody Kemper (11) of Charleston High School, Gabe Schuette (11) of Effingham High School and Ashton Baker (11) of Effingham High School.

Students completed written examinations in seven different areas of study: biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering graphics, English, mathematics and physics. Each student participated in two tests and the highest scores by members of each team determined the composite team score.

The following students received a $1,000 scholarship/tuition waiver from the college for their high academic achievement at the event:

Biology

Makenzi Walk                        Brownstown High School

Emilee Mossman                  St. Anthony High School

Chemistry

Dustin Creech                       Paris High School

Paul Niemerg                        Teutopolis High School

Computer Science

Justyn Allen                          Paris High School

Wyatt Webb                          Mattoon High School

Engineering Graphics

Gabe Schuette                     Effingham High School

Noah Bates                           Sullivan High School

English

Rylee Peterson                      Neoga High School

Reagan Crouse                     Sullivan High School

Mathematics

Michael Kaldas                     St. Anthony High School

Emilee Mossman                  St. Anthony High School

Physics

Nick Tensen                          Teutopolis High School

Claire Sudkamp                    St. Anthony High School

Lake Land College is offering a 12-hour course that will prepare students for the Part 107 UAS Commercial Certification exam, taught by a certified flight instructor. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 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 two dates:

• Saturday, March 7 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Sunday, March 8 from 8 a.m.-12 p.m.

Class will be held at the Workforce Development Center, room 105, 305 Richmond Ave. East, Mattoon. The cost is $349.

To register, go to lakelandcollege.edu/learn and click on the Drone Education course under the Professional Development tab.

For more information, contact Jackie Wake, professional development support, at 217-234-5087 or jwake@lakelandcollege.edu.

Real Work Matters, an organization dedicated to analyzing vocational schools in the United States, recently ranked the Lake Land College Medical Billing and Coding program as second in the nation. The organization also named Lake Land College as the fourth best vocational school in the state.

The ranking of vocational schools and programs was formed using the National Center for Education Statistics’ Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard. Lake Land College and the Medical Billing and Coding program exceeded several institutions by means of affordability, high retention and graduation rates, flexibility and employment upon completion.

“What’s so noteworthy about our program is that it is entirely online. We have had students from all over the country enrolled in our program,” Kathleen Daugherty, coordinator of office professional-medical programs/business instructor, said. “Coders will always be in demand throughout the world. Their work is the basis of payment in all health organizations, and the universal health system relies on them for everything from tracking diseases and surgical techniques to annual check-ups.”

Lake Land College students can choose from a short-term certificate or a degree program in this field. The Medical Coding Specialist Certificate prepares students to enter the workforce and take on coding specialist positions in hospitals, clinics, insurance companies and many other facilities. The Medical Coding & Health Information degree program prepares students for management positions in health information. Both the certificate and degree program are offered completely online.

Upon graduation, students are equipped to pass coding exams offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) to receive the CPC and CCA certification credentials.

Along with the Medical Billing and Coding program, Lake Land College overall was recognized as a top vocational school in Illinois.

“Receiving recognition as a top vocational school is a testament to the importance Lake Land College places on experiential learning with more than 40 labs on campus, providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the workforce upon graduation,” Jon Althaus, vice president for academic services, said.

For more information about the Medical Billing and Coding program, contact Daugherty at 217-234-5355 or kdaugherty@lakelandcollege.edu.

For more information regarding Lake Land College and the classes and programs offered, visit lakelandcollege.edu.