Laker Nation News

Lake Land College honored exceptional students at the annual Student Recognition Banquet hosted by the Student Government Association on Wednesday, April 24.

Students were recognized for their academic achievements, elected offices and organizational roles for the academic year.

The awards are given to a student from each academic division who has displayed excellence within his/her division as well as contributed to Lake Land College and the community.

The Outstanding Award Recipients are: Micah Smock, Botkins, Ohio, Agriculture Division; Olivia D. Telgmann, Strasburg, Allied Health Division; Logan D. Malcome, Neoga, Business Division; David R. Pruitt, Mattoon, Humanities & Communication Division; Tilda E. Carlelycke, Sweden, Math & Science Division; Christina S. Menna, Lovington, Social Science & Education Division and Justis M. Coventry, Teutopolis, Technology Division.

The Lake Land College Foundation surprised attendees by awarding the Student Life Scholarship of $500 to an exceptional student, Hannah Binnion, Sullivan, SAB co-marketing director.

The following students were also recognized for their participation in the organizations listed:

Mark Niemerg, Mattoon, Lake Land College agronomy instructor and farm manager will receive the 2019 Outstanding Full-Time Faculty Member Award at Lake Land’s commencement ceremony on Friday, May 10 at 7:30 p.m. in the Lake Land College Field House.

Throughout his 22 years at Lake Land College, Niemerg effectively fused his passions for agronomy and student success to create an invaluable learning environment in the Agriculture Division.

Ryan Wildman, agriculture business instructor, said in his nomination, “In observing Mr. Mark Niemerg, one will find that excellence in teaching is demonstrated through his extensive subject knowledge, high standards of achievement and the building of rapport with his students.”

Niemerg’s teaching philosophy reflects his purpose as a Lake Land College instructor as being more than a provider of knowledge, but rather a teacher with the desire to assist students in reaching their full potential.

“As teachers, we have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the next generation. It is a teacher’s responsibility to deliver the information, but it is also the responsibility of the teacher to help students discover what holds them back and if possible, teach them to correct or overcome the cause of struggle,” Niemerg said.

“Mr. Niemerg has an exemplary record as an effective instructor and subject-matter expert,” Dave Storm, Lake Land College Board of Trustees chair, said. “His work to develop web-based agronomy courses, including the implementation of online course conferences for the benefit of students on supervised occupational experiences, demonstrates his dedication to student success and innovative solutions.”

Niemerg fills an invaluable role beyond the classroom as well. He serves as the Ag Business Club advisor, Lake Land College Farm Manager and is a Land College Online Task Force member. Niemerg also enjoys an active membership in the Illinois Association of Community College Agriculture Instructors and advocates at the local level for the Postsecondary Agriculture Student (PAS) Organization.

“I would like to thank the administration as well as the current and past members of the Ag Division for believing in me and supporting me over the last 20 years. I have often relied on the members of the Ag Division for a helping hand and guidance, and I am very fortunate to have been able to work with such outstanding people and educators. Other Lake Land College faculty members, advising/counseling, grounds and maintenance, custodial staff and of course the administrative assistants all deserve the credit as well. Without their help my job would be much more difficult,” Niemerg said.

Niemerg received an associate degree in ag business and supply from Lake Land College before transferring to Southern Illinois University-Carbondale (SIU-C) where he received a bachelor’s degree in plant and soil science and minored in ag business economics. He further pursued his education at SIU-C where he received a master’s degree in soil fertility. He is a native of Jasper County and is a 1981 graduate of Newton High School. He and his wife Julie have three children Andrew, Hallie and Malea.

Lake Land College will present the 2019 Alumnus Achievement Award to Greg Sapp, Effingham, during commencement ceremony on Friday, May 10 at 7:30 p.m.

The Alumnus Achievement Award acknowledges an individual who has attained outstanding success and distinction in his or her field of endeavor; has gained favorable statewide or national recognition; or has performed service, which has proven beneficial in society.

Sapp graduated from Lake Land in 1976 and currently works as the station manager at Premier Broadcasting in Effingham, home to 97.9FM/KJ Country 102.3. At Premier Broadcasting, Sapp also works as a news/sports director.

Since graduating from Lake Land in 1976, Sapp has worked for many stations as a stations manager and news director at WCRA for 19 years, and station manager WXEF and WKJG for a combined 25 years.

Bill Hollada, a retired instructor from Lake Land spoke on Sapp’s dedication and success in his nomination for the Alumnus Achievement Award, “Greg is a shining example for the quality of the Lake Land College Radio/TV Program.”

In more than 40 years of radio announcing, he has interviewed hundreds of people and announced more than 4,000 games. Sapp’s outstanding achievements are skills he began honing as a student at Lake Land College. He worked hard and focused on obtaining all the program information for preparing quality news stories and broadcasting techniques. Sapp would later be known for these skills throughout the college district.

Today, Sapp uses these skills to give back to the Effingham community. He is an active member at Calvary Baptist Church, where he serves as a deacon and choir leader. He also helps with many school and civic activities, church events and has served MC for the Memorial Day program at the Effingham Performing Art Center and events at Lake Land College.

Dave Storm, chair of the Lake Land College Board of Trustees, spoke of Sapp’s success in his nomination to the Illinois Community College Trustees Association. “For more than 40 years Mr. Sapp has kept East Central Illinois up to date, entertained and informed with his knowledge and insight and smooth delivery that was fine-tuned as a student in the Radio/TV Broadcasting program at Lake Land College.”

Sapp’s hard work has been recognized by his peers across Illinois. He is a member of the media wing of the Illinois State High School Association’s Hall of Fame. He lives up to his status as a hall of fame broadcaster by serving on the advisory board for Lake Land’s Radio/TV program and supporting the next generation of broadcasters.

Lake Land College will honor graduates at the annual Commencement Ceremony Friday, May 10. The ceremony will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the Field House.

More than 1,150 students will receive degrees and certificates this spring, with about 350 graduates expected to participate in the ceremony.

“The entire Lake Land family is excited to celebrate the accomplishments of the Laker Nation Class of 2019 at the college’s 51^st spring commencement ceremony,” Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said.

The doors of the Field House will open at 6:30 p.m. with overflow seating available in the Luther Student Center Theater. Handicap accessible seating will be available in both locations. Parking on campus is free with the parking lots A and B being closest to the Field House.

Lake Land College will stream graduation live on Friday, May 10, 2019, at 7:30 p.m. (CST). The ceremony will also be broadcast on WEIU and Mediacom on May 18 at 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., May 19 at 12 p.m., May 21 at 7 p.m. and May 27 at 6 a.m. The Lake Land College Radio-TV Broadcasting Club will film the commencement ceremony. Interested individuals will be able to order a DVD of the ceremony in the lobby of the Field House.

Photos taken by Marketing & Public Relations will be available for download at lakelandcollege.edu and on social media.

For more information, visit lakelandcollege.edu/admissions/graduation.

Shelbie Kile, Marshall, is the new student trustee to the Lake Land College Board of Trustees. The student body elected Kile to replace Tessa Philpot, St. Elmo, whose term expired in early April.

As a trustee, Kile hopes to encourage fellow students to become more active in campus activities and student life overall.

“I’m excited to heighten the involvement of students, especially when it comes to voting. Our numbers were down by almost 100 students from the previous year. I’m ready to help in increasing that number,” Kile said.

Serving as the Lake Land College student trustee had been on Kile’s mind since her first semester at Lake Land and with the support of friends and classmates, she felt confident to pursue the position.

“I had talked with former student trustees Tessa Philpot and CJ Meeker about my interest in serving on the board and they both believed that I would be a good fit. They were very encouraging,” Kile said.

Kile is the current vice president of the Student Government Association (SGA) and spends much of her time managing Hibbett Sports in Mattoon.

As the Lake Land College Student Trustee, Kile’s duties include serving a one-year term that begins April 15. She has all the privileges of a trustee including an advisory vote and the ability to make and second motions and attend executive sessions.

Kile is a 2018 graduate of Marshall High School and is the daughter of Ed and Dira Kile.

Lake Land College equestrian rider Morgan Walker, Altamont, recently competed in both regionals and semi-finals of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA). Of 10,000 riders nationwide, Walker was one of 333 riders to advance to semi-finals.

In February, Walker placed second out of 10 in the Walk-Trot division at IHSA regionals in Bloomington, Ind. allowing her to advance to semi-finals in Utah in March.

“I pushed myself very hard for this so it’s really cool knowing I am one of only 333 riders to make it to semi-finals,” Walker said.

Having no previous experience showing, Walker began the year at the beginner level. However, her talent and drive to improve her riding skills by putting in up to nine hours of practice per week, quickly earned her a position at the intermediate level.

An accumulation of 36 points throughout the season are needed in order to make it to regionals in the western discipline/riding style that the Lake Land College equestrian group competes in.

Walker began riding at the age of 8. Yet a fear of riding suddenly took ahold of her after she was involved in a traumatic incident while riding. This incident left her with a broken hip and arm and unable to walk for one year. Despite her harrowing experience, when the Lake Land College Ag Division announced its new equestrian group in December of 2017, Walker decided to overcome her fear by returning to the saddle and joining the group.

“I was definitely timid when I started and I made sure to talk about my experience with everyone, but I knew that being able to ride multiple horses would help me overcome that unwanted fear I had been holding onto,” Walker said.

Walker anticipates new talent for the 2019-2020 equestrian group. “Our only returning rider will likely do a very good job next year. She has a lot of potential.”

In addition to her interest in horses and furthering her riding sills, Walker is thankful for the opportunities that the Lake Land College Equestrian Riders has given her. She will graduate from Lake Land College in May and transfer to Illinois State University where she plans to continue her passion for riding by joining the ISU Equestrian Club and Team.

Lake Land College recognizes employees for years of service

Lake Land College recently honored individuals who have retired or reached five, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 year anniversaries of service to the college at the Employee and Retiree Recognition Celebration. The college also inducted two individuals into the Retiree Wall of Fame.

“The longevity of the staff honored at the Employee Recognition celebration is a testament to the passion and dedication with which the Lake Land family members carry out their service to students. The excellence demonstrated by Lake Land staff is further reflected in the Wall of Fame inductees’ long-list of personal and professional accomplishments,” Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said.

Retirees recognized for their service to the college: Sharon Barger, custodian; Victor Breeze, custodian; Tom Caldwell, philosophy/English instructor; Tammy Cantwell, custodian; Margie Conour, custodian; Julie Corning, correctional office assistant; Jackie Jones, executive director for college advancement; Leonard Larson, correctional warehousing instructor; Margaret Merry-Niebrugge, dental hygiene instructor; Kenton Mershon, correctional remedial bridge instructor; Ted Miller, custodian; Bill Slankard, correctional construction occupations instructor; Tina Stovall, retired vice president for student services; Bill Warfel, systems programmer/network administrator.

Recognized for 30 years of service: Chris Kramer, director of auxiliary services.

Recognized for 25 years of service: Bryan Burrell, academic counselor; Kay Foreman, physical therapist assistant instructor, and Jon Van Dyke, dean of admissions services.

Recognized for 20 years of service: Kelly Allee, director of marketing and public relations; Jodi Birdwell, art instructor; Angela Davison, IT instructor/ program coordinator IT-programming; Becky Earp, administrative assistant for the vice president for academic services; Michelle Gill, accounting assistant II- account payable; Matt Greider, history instructor; Eric Hamilton, institutional equipment technician II, Jonathon Lebold, business instructor; Brian Lynch, economics instructor; Cathy Montgomery, administrative assistant to agriculture and technology; Robert Newell, English instructor, Shane Rogers, political science instructor, and Brenda Venatta, program analyst.

Recognized for 15 years of service: Sue Nugent, online support & instructional technology specialist; Tamara Pearcy, tutor; Randy Strohl, technical training specialist; Nicole Zeller, nursing instructor.

Recognized for 10 years of service: Judy Bennett, developmental reading and writing instructor/coordinator; Kathleen Daugherty, business instructor /program coordinator office professional medical; Lisa Dittamore, administrative assistant to allied health-dental; Amy Duckett, cosmetology instructor; John Gentry, power plant mechanic instructor/ coordinator; Matt Gillenwater, web programmer; Jennifer Melton, academic counselor; Chris Miller, financial aid representative; Jane Plummer, administrative assistant to the dean of admissions services, George Price, correctional custodial maintenance instructor; Jimme Shoot, groundskeeper; Sheila Wilson, allied health dental clinic instructor; Shelly ZuHone, academic services specialist for the dean of guided pathways.

Recognized for five years of service: Christa Borries, human service clinical supervisor; Braddi Browning, academic service specialist; Peggy Campbell, print shop technician assistant; Faith Donaldson, student services specialist III-admissions; Robert Eifert, associate dean of correctional programs; Andy Gaines, academic counselor/coordinator student accommodations; Harvey Groennert, associate dean of correctional programs; Jean Anne Grunloh, senior executive to the president; Malea Harney, associate dean of correctional programs, Elizabeth Harrington, associate to dean of corrections; Pam Hartke, admissions representatives; Bill Jackson, director of athletics/ head baseball coach; Jackie Joines, executive director for college advancement; Douglas Lauwers, custodian; Tony Logue, WIOA operations coordinator; Edward Malooley, commercial driver training instructor-marshall; Kristine Marler, cosmetology clinical instructor; Claire Miller, chemistry instructor; Alan Mortensen, associate dean of correctional programs; James Munger, IT instructor/program coordinator IT-web technology; Nic Nelson, director of fitness center/head softball coach; Amber Niebrugge, director TRIO student support services; Kevin Pierce, WIOA services representative; Woody Reinhart, ag power technology instructor; Bri Roberts, administrative assistant to field house operations; Gerry Schlechte, director of workforce investment; Zach Stuart, fitness center specialist; Aaron Tardy, audio visual technician; Catherine Tillman, library circulation assistant; Wayne White, bookstore computer services specialist; Michelle Zumbahlen, academic services specialist dual credit.

Lake Land also inducted two retirees to the Wall of Fame. Located in the Robert K. Luther Student Center, the Wall of Fame recognizes certain retirees for their hard work and outstanding contributions to the college. The 2019 inductees honored were Larry Larvick, retired vice president for student services/dean of student development, and Rick Gresens, retired director of ISS/business instructor.

In addition to this year’s program, the annual Shine Award was presented to one employee. The Shine Award is designed to recognize college employees or teams who display the college’s values – communication, caring, innovation, excellence and team ship. To receive a Shine Award, employees must be nominated by a co-worker who must describe why the employee is deserving of the Shine Award. The Shine Selection Committee then reviews the applications and selects the winners to be honored.

This year’s recipient was Nic Nelson, director of the fitness center and the head softball coach. Additional Shine nominees were Audrey Huffmaster, marketing production specialist and Alan Mortensen, associate dean of correctional programs.

To learn more about Lake Land College, visit lakelandcollege.edu.

Summer is right around the corner. Make your child’s summer one to remember with some educational fun at Lake Land College’s Summer College for Youth program.

Summer College for Youth is now offered in Mattoon, Effingham and Teutopolis throughout the months of June, July and August.

Black Rocket courses include 3D game design, basic coding language, Minecraft, Fortnite, and Star Wars animation. In these classes, students will work in pairs or teams. All student-created projects will be available on a password-protected Black Rocket website for students to share with their family and friends.

The dates for Black Rocket courses are as follows:

• Make Your First 3D Video Game, June 3–6
• Battle Royale: Make Your First Fortnite Style Video Game, June 10–13
• Minecraft Animators, June 24–27
• ROBLOX Makers, July 8–11
• eSports Apprentice: YouTube Streamers and Gamers, July 15–18
• Minecraft Modders, July 22–25
• Code Explorers, July 29–Aug. 1
• Star Wars Stop Animation, July 29–Aug. 1 and Aug. 5–8

All Black Rocket courses will be held on campus in Mattoon, Webb Hall, room 109.

Sciensational Workshop courses range from planet exploration to body-extension robotics. The dates for Sciensational Workshop courses are as follows:

• Mission to Mars, June 3–6
• Harry Potter: Join Our Magical Mystery Tour, June 10–13
• Robotic Arm Science, June 24–27
• CSI – Crime Scene Investigation, July 8–11
• Can You Dig It? – Fossil Hunt, July 22–25

All Sciensational Workshop courses will be held at the Kluthe Center in Effingham, room 128.

Little House on the Prairie, based on the rugged world of Laura Ingalls Wilder, will be held June 24–27 in Mattoon and Effingham. During this course, students will learn how to make butter, bread and yarn dolls.

All children are invited to Camp Invention, a program offered through a partnership with the National Inventors Hall of Fame. This non-profit organization is dedicated to piquing curiosity and advancing the future of innovation and STEM. Program activities are led by experienced, local educators and inspired by the world-changing inventors that have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. Opportunities are available for students entering kindergarten through high school.

Camp Invention will be held at Lake Land College in Mattoon, June 17–20 from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Camp Invention will take place at the Teutopolis Grade School, July 15–18 from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

To register for Black Rocket, Sciensational, or Little House on the Prairie, visit lakelandcollege.edu/learn and select “Summer College for Youth.”

To register for Camp Invention, visit campinvention.org and click on “Register for Camp Invention!” in the top right corner.

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

Lake Land College presented Heartland Dental with the 2019 Business Partnership Award at the April board of trustees meeting. Craig Kabbes, executive vice president, technology and patient marketing at Heartland Dental, accepted the award.

Heartland Dental is the nation’s largest dental support organization providing non-clinical administrative support services to 1,400 supported dentists in more than 900 dental offices across 37 states.

“Heartland Dental has been an invaluable industry partner and Laker Alumni supporter. Lake Land College looks forward to new collaborations on the horizon,” Lake Land College Board of Trustees Chair Dave Storm said.

Heartland Dental recently provided the Lake Land College Foundation with a generous gift of $850,000 worth of new dental units, chairs, advanced equipment and an enhancement lab for students.

“Due to the financial support of Heartland Dental, the college purchased computers and documentation software for every workstation in the clinic,” Division Chair Allied Health/Nursing Instructor Karla Hardiek said.

The enhancement lab allows students to work one-on-one with instructors for extra practice helping students increase confidence with lab equipment. After working one-on-one with an instructor, students have expressed more confidence in their skills during hygiene clinics.

Heartland Dental is dedicated to the continuing education of dental hygienists in the local community. In addition to being a clinical location for dental hygiene students, Heartland Dental also provides internship opportunities for the business division, professional development opportunities and mentoring opportunities through the Alumni Association, as well as consistently hiring Lake Land College graduates.

“We are honored by this nomination and greatly appreciate the relationship we have with Lake Land College and we look forward to continued partnership,” Patrick C. Bauer, president and CEO of Heartland Dental, said.

For more information about the Heartland Dental Dental Hygiene Lab and the dental hygiene program at Lake Land College, visit lakelandcollege.edu/dental-hygiene.

Potential students interested in pursuing a career in the medical field are welcome to explore career options at the Health CareeRX college fair on Monday, April 29 from 6:30-8 p.m. at Lake Land College, Neal Hall.

Area health care professionals from several colleges and businesses will discuss their health career programs and hiring practices. Tours of the Lake Land College nursing lab will also be provided.

Colleges currently scheduled to attend include Danville Area Community College, Eastern Illinois University, Eureka College, Indiana State University, Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis, Iowa Wesleyan, Lake Land College, Lakeview College of Nursing, Southern Illinois University – Carbondale – School of Medicine, University of Illinois Springfield, Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville – School of Pharmacy. More colleges and universities are anticipated to attend.

The college fair is coordinated through the Health CareeRX Club partnership. Health CareeRX is a student club organized for high school students interested in pursuing a career in health care, which is supported by the Area Health Education Centers organization, Carle Foundation Hospital, Sara Bush Lincoln Hospital, Eastern Illinois Education for Employment Systems, Eastern Illinois University, Lake Land College and Southern Illinois University School of Medicine.

All interested high school and college students, parents and general public are welcome to attend. Pizza and drinks will be provided.

For more information email CareeRX at healthcareerx@gmail.com.