Laker Nation News

Two Lake Land College staff members, Coordinator of International Studies Denver Daniels and Director of Student Success Services Kim Hunter, recently presented the College’s efforts to support international students at the 2024 Interstride Fall Symposium.

The Interstride Symposium is a virtual conference that unites higher education leaders across the country under the common goal of supporting international student success. During the conference, participants share strategies, insights and resources to help their peers better serve international students.

Lake Land College was among more than 20 colleges and universities that presented during the conference, sharing its international education initiatives alongside the most prestigious institutions in the country, including Harvard University, University of North Carolina and University of Georgia. Hunter and Daniels provided the presentation, offering a unique perspective on international education at a rural community college.

“Our international students are such an integral part of our campus here at Lake Land, and we want to make sure we do everything we can to help them accomplish their goals in an unfamiliar place,” said Daniels. “We’re so proud of the growth we’ve seen in our international studies program recently and can’t wait to see how it continues to expand.”

In Fall 2024, Lake Land College’s international student population grew by more than 50%. The College’s comprehensive approach to education and broad range of academic programs provide international students the perfect start to higher education or a direct path to workforce success. The College also offers an Intensive English Language Program (IELP) for all non-native speakers interested in advancing their English Language skills. To learn more about Lake Land College’s International Studies program, visit the Lake Land College website at LakeLandCollege.edu/International.

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In October, the Lake Land College TRIO Destination College program held financial literacy workshops for middle school and high school students.

The workshops were led by TRIO Destination College Outreach Advisors Tara Schaljo and Codi Julius, who engaged with 140 students across 18 schools. Schaljo and Julius led discussions on differentiating between needs and wants and helped students explore the cost of everyday items. The workshops also included an interactive “Price is Right” activity to help students discover the prices of various essential food items.

The financial literacy workshop is one of many offered by TRIO Destination College to help students acquire essential life skills. The program also offers workshops on college and career exploration, leadership development, time management, goal setting and planning for the future. Additionally, TRIO advisors meet individually with high school students to help them explore career and college pathways, complete financial aid applications, apply for scholarships, navigate college orientation and register for courses.

TRIO Destination College is grant-funded through the U.S. Department of Education and is dedicated to supporting junior high and high school students in successfully graduating high school and enrolling in the college of their choice. To learn more about TRIO Destination College at Lake Land College, contact Director of TRIO Programs Lori Ohnesorge at 217-234-5007 or lohnesor@lakelandcollege.edu.

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Lake Land College will host Laker Visit Day on Friday, Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to noon in the Luther Student Center. The event is designed for prospective students to learn about Lake Land College and the resources available to guide students to success.

Attendees will tour campus with a student ambassador, who will share information from a student perspective. Participants will also meet with faculty to learn more about specific programs.

Representatives from many services, including Counseling Services, Career Services, Student Accommodations, Student Wellness, TRIO Student Support Services and more will be available to provide information and answer attendees’ questions.

Attendees are also welcome to bring their parents or guardians to the event. A session will be offered to provide information relevant to parents or guardians of future Lakers.

“There’s no better way for a prospective student to learn what it’s like to attend Lake Land College,” Pam Hartke, Associate Dean of Recruitment & Enrollment Management, said. “If you’re interested in studying at Lake Land, even if it’s only for a few classes, this event is perfect for you.”

For more information or to register, visit the Lake Land College visit page at LakeLandCollege.edu/visit.

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In honor of National Apprenticeship Week, Lake Land College held a celebratory luncheon to recognize business partnerships and apprentice accomplishments.

During the event, Michael Baker, Manager of Strategic Planning and Innovation from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, joined Lake Land College President Josh Bullock for a proclamation of National Apprenticeship Week. Courtney Yockey, President/CEO of Effingham Regional Growth Alliance, highlighted the personal and community-wide benefits of apprenticeship with a keynote address.

The newest Lake Land College apprentices, Ean Gardner of North American Lighting and Wyatt Haycraft of JB Esker & Sons, were also honored during the event with celebratory signings in recognition of their commitment to apprenticeship.

“It’s incredible to see apprentices and companies thrive with these ‘Earn and Learn’ programs, and it’s always an honor to celebrate these successes,” said Bonnie Moore, Director to the Center for Business and Industry. “We are proud of our many partnerships throughout our community to create these opportunities for both our students and local businesses.”

With Lake Land College’s apprenticeship programs, students develop crucial career skills with hands-on learning on Lake Land’s campus and apply those skills in real workplaces. The format provides students with a practical education, mentorship opportunities and the ability to earn a salary while their tuition is covered by a sponsoring business. These businesses, meanwhile, benefit from an expanded pool of qualified candidates for high-demand positions.

Apprenticeship opportunities at Lake Land College are available in a wide range of career fields, including construction, manufacturing, commercial driving and early childhood education. For more information, contact Moore at 217-238-8260 or bmoore71258@lakelandcollege.edu.

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Lake Land College and the Rotary Club of Mattoon held a ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024 dedicating two new peace poles for Podesta Park and making history with the first reading of Lake Land’s Land Acknowledgment.

Acquired in collaboration with Mattoon Rotary, the peace poles serve as a symbol of worldwide unity, with the phrase, “May Peace Prevail on Earth,” currently inscribed in 19 languages across the two poles. The included languages represent those spoken by past and present international students as well as the indigenous tribes that first populated the region.

The dedication ceremony included addresses from Lake Land College President Josh Bullock and Rotary representatives Mike Martin, Rotary District Governor, and Noah A.J. Olson, Mattoon Rotary President. International student Tanatswa Mutamira, Zimbabwe, read an original poem during the event about her experiences. The event also featured the premiere of a video of the newly-installed peace poles in Podesta Park.

The event also included the inaugural reading of the Lake Land College Land Acknowledgment, recognizing the native tribes who first inhabited the region. Presented by Bullock as a presidential proclamation, the Land Acknowledgment demonstrates the College’s commitment to supporting local indigenous populations. The full Land Acknowledgment is available on the Lake Land College website at LakeLandCollege.edu/diversity/landacknowledgment.

“The Land Acknowledgment is a part of Lake Land’s commitment to creating an inclusive campus environment that celebrates diversity and values enrichment through awareness and education,” Bullock said. “For these reasons and more, we were thrilled when the Rotary Club of Mattoon approached the College with a proposal to install an International Peace Pole on campus.”

Rotary District Governor Mike Martin said the Peace Poles align with Rotary’s commitment to facilitating peace throughout the world.

“Rotary encourages conversations to foster understanding within and across cultures. We create an environment of peace. We believe peace is central to everything we do. In considering a location for the Peace Pole project, Lake Land College was a natural fit to support and engage their learners who come from local communities, from communities around the country and from communities around the world,” Martin said. “We thank you everyone for the opportunity for Rotary to partner with Lake Land College and lend our support this very worthy and noble cause.”

Mattoon Rotary President Noah A. J. Olson said the idea for the Peace Poles originated with the Peace Builder Club.

“What began as a suggestion, turned into a singular project, turned into a Lake Land- Rotary Partnership, and finally into a grassroots group to make this happen: involving Lake Land students, retired/current Lake Land staff and indigenous peoples,” Olson said.

“Our hope for the future is for the Peace Pole area to be utilized by the community, campus visitors, Lake Land students and employees to find comfort, peace and enjoyment in the area,” he added.

To learn more about the Lake Land College Peace Pole project, Land Acknowledgement and other diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, visit the Lake Land College website at LakeLandCollege.edu/diversity.

To learn more about Rotary, including the Rotary Youth Exchange, visit rotary.org/en.

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The Lake Land College Board of Trustees election will be held in the April 1, 2025, general election. Two six-year terms and one four-year unexpired term will appear on the ballot for Lake Land College.

The following three individuals have submitted petitions for a six-year term: Charles (Chuck) Deters, Teutopolis; Scott Montgomery, Gays; and Nash H. Naam, Effingham. Larry D. Lilly, Mattoon, submitted petitions to be on the ballot for the four-year, unexpired term.

The period for filing objections to nomination papers will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the following five dates: Tuesday, November 19, 2024; Wednesday, November 20, 2024; Thursday, November 21, 2024; Friday, November 22, 2024; and Monday, November 25, 2024.

File all materials at the Office of the President, Lake Land College, Board and Administration Center, 5001 Lake Land Blvd., Mattoon, IL 61938. For more information, please contact Jean Anne Highland, Chief of Staff, at 217-234-5329 or jhighland@lakelandcollege.edu.

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Lake Land College Business Instructor/Program Coordinator of Accounting Cindy Phipps was named the Illinois Businesses Education Association (IBEA) Post-Secondary Teacher of the Year. Phipps was recognized for the honor at the 2024 IBEA Fall Conference in Springfield.

Phipps has instructed a variety of accounting and business courses at Lake Land College for 29 years. In this role she developed the Accounting Certificate program and the Accounting Internship course at Lake Land, and most recently, she integrated the Intuit Certified Bookkeeping Professional exam into the curriculum.

“She is always willing to spend extra time outside of class with her students to help them understand concepts and be successful,” said Marcy Satterwhite, Business Instructor/Program Coordinator of Desktop Publishing/Graphic Design. “As a program advisor, she helps her accounting majors stay on track toward successfully completing their graduation goals.”

In addition to her role as instructor, Phipps has been an active member of several committees and organizations. She has served as Chair of the Lake Land College Faculty Association Audit Committee since 1997, along with roles on the Academic Council, Accreditation, Sabbatical Leave and Safety committees. She has been an active member of the IBEA since 1998 and the Eastern Illinois Business Education Association (EIBEA) since 1995, where she currently serves as treasurer. In 2023, she received the EIBEA Teacher of the Year award.

“EIBEA is so fortunate to have had her serve as our treasurer, and she continues to serve year after year,” Satterwhite said. “As the current EIBEA President, I do not know what I would do without her in the treasurer role.”

To learn more about Lake Land College accounting or business programs, visit the Lake Land College website at LakeLandCollege.edu or contact Phipps at 217-234-5350 or cphipps@lakelandcollege.edu.

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Fall 2025 applications for the Lake Land RANGE engineering program are now available on the College’s website.

RANGE, the Recruitment and Advancement of the Next Generation of Engineers, was established in 2024 to support students pursuing high-demand careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). All students in the program receive a tuition scholarship, free specialized tutoring and a cohort class schedule to ensure success in the program.

Lake Land has also created partnerships with local universities to ensure all RANGE graduates are granted admission into competitive four-year engineering programs. Currently, RANGE graduates are guaranteed transfer into the University of Illinois and Southern Illinois University Carbondale engineering programs, with more university partnerships coming soon.

“Right now, the fastest-growing job markets in our area are in the STEM field,” Mathematics Instructor Bambi Jones said. “This program helps support students to excel in these crucial fields and provide a strong workforce for our community.”

All high school seniors interested in a STEM major are eligible to apply for the RANGE program. To apply, visit the Lake Land College RANGE webpage at LakeLandCollege.edu/range.

To learn more about the RANGE program, contact Mathematics Instructors Sarah Harley at sharley@lakelandcollege.edu or Jones at bjones@lakelandcollege.edu.

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The Community Colleges of Illinois are the largest source of workforce development or trades training in the state, preparing students with the short-term training they need to excel in high-demand career fields. By creating pathways to affordable, accessible credentials, these programs present unique opportunities for career development and economic mobility for the most underserved communities, such as low-income students.

Lake Land College is proud to share this commitment to strengthen local regions and offer pathways to success for all students. Earlier this year, the College received a grant from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to provide free CDL training for U.S. veterans and active service members, as well as their spouses and dependent children.

With the support of this grant, up to 30 veterans and their family members can earn a CDL license or licensure upgrade with all tuition, course and testing fees covered. As the only college in Illinois to receive this grant funding, Lake Land is proud to provide underrepresented veteran populations with rapid access to rewarding, in-demand careers to help them support their families as they return from service.

Lake Land College also provides innovative apprenticeship programs that strengthen both individuals and communities. Under the apprenticeship model, students develop crucial career skills with hands-on learning on Lake Land’s campus and apply those skills in real workplaces. The format provides students with a practical education, mentorship opportunities and the ability to earn a salary while their tuition is covered by a sponsoring business. While often associated with construction, manufacturing and other trade careers, apprenticeships have evolved to include sectors such as commercial driving, early childhood education, nursing and IT.

Sponsoring businesses also benefit from the apprenticeship structure, which expands the pool of qualified candidates for high-demand positions. The businesses also play a critical role in developing all apprenticeship curriculum, ensuring their future employees receive the precise training they need to succeed. As a result, businesses who participate in apprenticeship programs enjoy an impressive return on investment of $1.49 for every dollar spent, according to the Department of Labor.

Lake Land College also provides a wide range of workforce development solutions through its Adult Education programs. At Lake Land College, students can enroll in free High School Equivalency (HSE) courses to complete a GED, receive an in-depth introduction to the English language with English Language Acquisition (ELA) courses and upgrade their career skills through the Center for Business and Industry. These programs all help students develop crucial skills and maximize their career potential.

Lake Land College is proud to be among the Community Colleges of Illinois to serve the most underrepresented student populations and offer life-changing career pathways for all. When education and industry collaborate to develop accessible, affordable and relevant training opportunities, the result is a powerful workforce equipped for immediate and ongoing success.

To learn more about workforce development or trades training programs available at Lake Land College, contact Director of the Center for Business & Industry Bonnie Moore at 217-238-8260 or bmoore71258@lakelandcollege.edu.

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In a new partnership, Lake Land College graduates will be automatically accepted to Millikin University and be able to complete their Millikin bachelor’s degree in two years with full-time enrollment, strengthening the transfer process and providing a seamless transfer experience for students.

Lake Land students who wish to transfer to Millikin will be provided with a plan of study, as well as automatic acceptance into a Millikin baccalaureate degree program upon successful completion of an Associate in Arts (AA), Associate in Science (AS), Associate in Engineering Science (AES) or Associate in Applied Science (AAS) with a 2.0 cumulative GPA.

“For some students, the transfer process from community college to a four-year institution can be a complex and nuanced process,” Millikin President Dr. Jim Reynolds said. “This transfer agreement with Lake Land College provides a clear and attainable path to pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Millikin University, with the benefits of our unique opportunities, including Performance Learning and access to our outstanding graduate programs.”

Upon successful completion of an AA and AS with a 2.0 cumulative GPA, transfer students can successfully complete the following programs in two years (four semesters):

Art, Art Therapy, Arts Administration, Business Communication, Communication, Criminal Justice, Elementary Education, English Studies, English Writing, Environmental Studies, History, Multimedia Communication, Music (requires audition), Organizational Leadership, Political Science, Sociology, Sport & Recreation Management, and Theatre.

“When neighboring higher education institutions work together to provide affordable, accessible pathways to bachelor degree completion, we are benefitting students and supporting the economic growth of East Central Illinois,” Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said. “This transfer agreement with Millikin University aligns perfectly with our strategic planning goal to strengthen and expand transfer pathways for students and provides an outstanding opportunity for students to earn a life-changing education close to home.”

Lake Land College students transferring to Millikin with a completed AA and AS will have completed 100% of Millikin’s University Studies requirements and can complete their Millikin bachelor’s degree in two years, provided they are enrolled full-time (12-18 credits per semester).

This agreement also provides paths to bachelor’s degrees for students in several Associate in Applied Science (AAS) programs, including Accounting, Management, Marketing, Information Technology, and Law Enforcement.

“This collaboration with Lake Land College creates unique and seamless pathways for their graduates to continue their studies in Central Illinois at Millikin,” said Millikin Provost Mary Black. “It is a testament to our longstanding relationship with Lake Land and underscores our overarching goal to developing strong community partnerships.”

Students who have successfully met the requirements of the Lake Land Honors Program are guaranteed automatic acceptance into the James Millikin Honors Scholars Program upon application. This agreement is effective beginning the 2024-25 academic year.

“We appreciate Millikin University’s commitment to creating new opportunities for community college students,” Lake Land College Vice President for Academic Services Ikemefuna Nwosu said. “With this partnership, Lake Land College students know they can seamlessly transfer to Millikin and continue to enjoy the highest standards of academic excellence.”

Lake Land College students can also take advantage of the Millikin Tuition Promise and Big Blue Pledge: Illinois Free Tuition Program, which began in the fall of 2024. The Millikin Tuition Promise provides a reduced tuition rate of $26,000 for all full-time traditional undergraduate students. Students can then anticipate an annual inflationary tuition rate increase of less than 4% (at $1,000) each year in the future.

The Big Blue Pledge: Illinois Free Tuition Program represents an investment in Illinois students who may lack the financial options necessary to pursue a private college education and will cover 100% of their undergraduate tuition with Millikin grants and scholarships, filling the gap after available state and federal grants.

To qualify for the Big Blue Pledge, students must:

– submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

– be an Illinois resident (as determined by the FAFSA);

– be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant; and

– be enrolled full-time (minimum of 12 credit hours per semester) as a traditional undergraduate student at Millikin.

For more information on the Millikin programs available to Lake Land transfer students and a complete list of the specific program and course articulation details, visit millikin.edu/LakeLand.