Matt Landrus honored with Lake Land College’s Faculty Association Outstanding Service Award Posted on April 23, 2018 Lake Land College Music Instructor Nancy Caldwell, right, is pictured with Matt Landrus, Lake Land College English instructor, who received the 2018 Faculty Association Outstanding Service Award at the Employee and Retiree Recognition ceremony. Matt Landrus, Lake Land College English instructor, received the 2018 Faculty Association Outstanding Service Award at this year’s Employee and Retiree Recognition ceremony. “Matt has contributed to the college and the community, contributing his time and energy to make them both better places to live and work,” said Bryan Burrell, academic counselor, in his nomination of Landrus. In his many years here at Lake Land College, Landrus has been instrumental in helping the college and the community thrive by getting involved in committees such as Faculty-Association Grievance, Employee Survey Task Force and the Core Curriculum Task Force. Landrus also worked on organizing countless projects such as participating in Eastern Illinois University’s first ever Handshaking Night after being recommended by several EIU English professors and graduate students. He provides electronic and hard copies of course materials for the Dental Hygiene Accreditation. He also took time to assist administration in organizing and promoting a successful dual credit mixer between high school teachers and full-time faculty. The research for Lake Land College’s “Living Archives” was located, organized and prepared over the course of three years by Landrus—a significant undertaking for both Landrus and the college—that lead to the unveiling of a website that is still used today. He created and runs the Pathways Holiday Auction, which raises money to support students in Lake Land’s Pathways’ program during the holiday season. “Matt was the catalyst behind the Pathways Holiday Auction, which raises funds for that program to carry out its mission. It has grown exponentially from a few employees in a Northwest classroom to a well-attended community function. This auction has raised approximately $36,400 since its inception,” Burrell added. Landrus also started and continues to contribute to the annual student vs. faculty softball game, which has raised more than $20,500 in the past 15 years for the Lake Land College Faculty Association scholarships and has served as an event for students and faculty to interact outside of a classroom setting. In his commitment to students, Landrus has written more than 200 letters of recommendations for students, has taught more than 15 independent studies and closed sections of literature courses and was the faculty advisor for the Navigator News. In 2008, he received the Outstanding Mentor Award from Eastern Illinois University’s English graduate students, making him the only non-EIU faculty member to ever win it. “Teaching at Lake Land was always my dream and I thank great instructors from Lake Land College like John Bennett, who is retired, along with Drs. Dana Ringuette and Randy Beebe, both from EIU, for believing in my ability to do so,” said Landrus. Landrus earned an associate degree from Lake Land College in 1993 and a bachelors and masters’ degree in English from Eastern Illinois University. He lives with his partner, Mariah, his daughter, Kate, and their two dogs, Digby and Belle. For more information on Lake Land College, visit lakelandcollge.edu.
Lake Land College Foundation announces Top 50 VIPS Posted on April 20, 2018 The Lake Land College Foundation will honor the 50 most influential people in the college’s history this summer as part of the 50th anniversary celebration. “Since its inception, Lake Land College has had the privilege of creating, growing and serving through an extremely dedicated, visionary group of people from the community and within. The Foundation looks forward to honoring these outstanding men and women and recognizing their roles in making Lake Land College, our communities and most of all, our students, what they are today,” Jacqueline Joines, director of college advancement, said. The top 50 most influential people in Lake Land College’s history are: Gene Alexander—Former Coordinator of Student Records/Athletic Hall of Fame Ken Beno—Former Radio/TV Instructor, WLKL Station Manager/Division Chair Humanities Wayne Bradtke—Former Music Instructor/School Song Composer Josh Bullock—President Pam Crisman—Former Vice President for Development Floyd Curl—Former Trustee/Donor Jim Decker—Former Academic Counselor Jim Dudley—Former Physical Education Instructor/Athletic Director/Men’s Basketball Coach Randy Ervin—Former Chief of Police Gerald Fedrigon—Former Director of Admissions and Records Gerald Forsythe—Donor Lana Fuller—Former Executive Assistant to Five Past Presidents Karen Fuqua—Former Trustee/Donor Dennis Gathmann—Former Bio-Science Instructor Leland Glazebrook—Former Trustee Marilyn Gover—Former Business Instructor Dave Greeson—Former Vice President for Academic Services Richard Heller—Former Social Science Instructor/First Union Negotiator Bill Hollada—Former Humanities Instructor Roberta Hollada—Former Director of Child Care/Child Car Instructor/Founder of Child Care Lab Paul Icenogle—Former Master Gardener Max Jaeger—Former Vice President for Business Services Bob Johnston—First Trustee Member Class Virgil Judge—First President Thomas Kerkhoff—Former Executive Dean Correctional Programs/Established Corrections Education Hal Kottwitz—Former Business Instructor Scott Lensink—Former President Robert Luther—Former President Consuello Luttrell—Donor George Mitchell—Former Trustee/Donor Burnham Neal—Donor Thomas Nolan—First Trustee Member Class Bob Orr—Health/Physical Education Instructor/Former Men’s Tennis Coach Clem Phipps—First Trustee Member Class William Podesta—Former Trustee/Donor Tom Reedy—Former Division Chair Agriculture/Agriculture Instructor Doris Reynolds—Trustee Bill Rich—Former Vice President for Academic Services Cheryl Rich—Former Vice President for Student Services Curt Rinker—Former Division Chair Agriculture/Agriculture Instructor Ron Sanderson—Former Associate Vice President for Workforce Development Jim Shaffer—Former Trustee Helen Smith—Former Division Chair Health/Physical Education/Health Education and PE Instructor Tina Stovall—Vice President for Student Services Mike Sullivan—Trustee/Alumni Board Marilyn Fuqua Thompson—Former Division Chair Allied Health/Nursing Instructor/Donor Linda Von Behren—Former Associate Vice President for Workforce Development Robert Webb—Former President Tom Wright—Foundation Board Member Larry Yargus—Former Foundation Board Member All the honorees will be recognized at a ceremony on June 8 at the Keller Convention Center in Effingham. For more information, contact the Lake Land College Foundation office at 217-234-5363.
Laker fans invited to the Laker Academic Awards Gala Posted on April 18, 2018 On Sunday, April 29, the Lake Land College Leadership Council will host the third annual Laker Academic Awards Gala in the Field House. “We invite the Lake Land College community to join us for a night of honoring our student athletes’ academic achievements,” Athletic Director and Head Baseball Coach Bill Jackson said. The gala includes a silent and live auction, with all proceeds going to Lake Land College Athletics. Some of the live auction items include: a three-month membership to the Mattoon Area Family YMCA; four tickets to a Luke Bryan, Sam Hunt and Jon Pardi concert at Busch Stadium; Cancun vacation package; one-day passes to Holiday World; a trip to Par-A-Dice Casino and much more! For $20 guests can enter a drawing for two St. Louis Cardinals vs. Chicago Cubs tickets, a one-night stay at City Place in St. Louis, and a Cardinals/Cubs corn-hole set. In addition to recognizing each team, the many athletes who have excelled in the classroom will be honored. The students elected to honor Lara Bacino-Althaus, psychology instructor, as Faculty of the Year and Aaron Tardy, CTPD audio visual assistant, as Staff of the Year. Coaches will honor the Laker athletes of the year – Devon Still, Bethany, baseball, as the Male Athlete of the Year and Koty Crowder, Charleston, women’s basketball, as Female Athlete of the Year. Tickets for the Gala are $25 per seat. Each seat includes hors d’oeuvres and a three course sit-down meal consisting of a salad, your choice of pork or chicken, and a dessert. Tables are made up of six seats and are also available for purchase at $125 each. Dress for the Gala will be semi-formal with refreshment hour starting at 5 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. To purchase tickets or donate any items to the live or silent auction, please contact Braddi Browning at 217-234-5333 or breed43185@lakelandcollege.edu.
Lake Land College’s Navigator News receives awards at ICCJA contest Posted on April 17, 2018 The staff of Lake Land College’s Navigator News recently won seven awards at the spring 2018 Illinois Community College Journalism Association ICCJA conference. Pictured in front row, left to right: Catrina Oberfeldt, Dieterich; Derby Roan, Sigel; Abigail Buenker, Effingham. Back row, left to right: Cedric Peoples, Mattoon; Will Starwalt, Effingham; Ethan Neal, Windsor; Zoe Donovan, Windsor. The staff of Lake Land College’s Navigator News recently won seven awards at the spring 2018 Illinois Community College Journalism Association ICCJA conference held at Lincoln Land Community College. The entire staff was commended for their hard work and received Honorable Mention for General Excellence at the conference. The Navigator News is Lake Land College’s student newspaper and is produced by the students for the students every month during the fall and spring semesters. The eight to 12 page tabloid consists of news, features, sports, entertainment and upcoming events. Listed below are the awards the Navigator News staff received: 1st Place Advertising, Tamesha Moss, Mattoon 3rd Place Feature Writing, Derby Roan, Sigel 3rd Place News Column, Catrina Oberfeldt, Dieterich Honorable Mention Editorial Cartoon, Derby Roan, Sigel Honorable Mention Feature Photo, Derby Roan, Sigel Honorable Mention Graphics, Derby Roan, Sigel Honorable Mention General Excellence, staff of Lake Land College Navigator News The staff also had the opportunity to attend education sessions taught by distinguished journalism faculty, current journalists and graphic designers. For more information on the Navigator News or any other student life activity, visit lakelandcollege.edu/student-life.
Lake Land College announces annual Outstanding Club Award winners Posted on April 16, 2018 Lake Land College’s Club I.T. received the Outstanding Club Award at the college’s 2018 Annual Club Recognition Luncheon. Pictured from left to right are: Scott Rhine, IT Instructor/Program Coordinator and Club I.T. advisor; Darrius Frazier, Charleston; Bradley Livingston, Effingham; Olivia Price, Effingham; Cody Borntreger, Oakland; Race Underwood, Bethany; Joshua McCombe, Pana; Logan Malcome, Neoga; Justin Pryor, Mattoon; Samantha McClain, Atwood; Jesse Wright, Neoga; Shelby Cooper, Bethany; Annette Lynch, Charleston; James Munger, IT Instructor/Program Coordinator and Club I.T. advisor. Pictured on the left is Valerie Lynch, director of student life, and James Munger, IT instructor/program coordinator, IT-web technology and one of Club I.T.’s advisors, who received the Outstanding Club Advisor Award for 2018. Lake Land College’s Club I.T. received the Outstanding Club Award at the 2018 annual Lake Land College Club Recognition Luncheon. Over the past year, Club I.T. participated and facilitated numerous activities that benefited the club and the community. The club regularly offers computer maintenance and support to community members in exchange for club donations. Members designed and built a computer application for Boy Scouts. The club hosted a “Cans for Credit” can drive last fall, where they gathered more than 1,000 food items and donated them to local food pantries. Club I.T. sponsors an annual Game Design contest, open to all Lake Land students. During the contest, students are able to participate in game development workshops. Members attend IT talks with a group of industry software developers from the Effingham area. The software developer group also hosts “Hack Nights” where Club I.T. members are able to work on projects and network with professionals in the field. For team-building, the club hosts “Fun Fridays” where members hold software workshops, participate in outdoor activities and play multiplayer video games. To be eligible for this honor and considered an active student club, each club must accomplish its objectives as stated in the club’s constitution and bylaws, maintain a high attendance and participation record of its members, maintain adequate minutes of its meeting and records of its activities, have an up-to-date roster of its members and officers, have complete and accurate financial records of its activities and be a solvent organization. The club must present this information to the Student Government Association (SGA). James Munger, IT instructor/program coordinator, IT-Web Technology and one of Club I.T.’s advisors, received the Outstanding Club Advisor Award. Munger was recognized for his commitment to student success and his enthusiasm for planning club events. Members of Club I.T. went on to praise Munger for all the times he went above and beyond for students. “James deserves this award because the positive attitude he has about his job, the opportunities he has created for educational advancement and his availability to assist us,” said Club I.T. members in Munger’s nomination form. In addition to Club I.T., the following clubs were nominated for the Outstanding Club Award: Phi Theta Kappa, Future Educators Association and Early Childhood and Family Services. Honorable mentions went to Early Childhood and Family Services and Phi Theta Kappa. The runner-up for Outstanding Club Award went to the Future Educators Association. For more information about Lake Land’s clubs and organizations, visit lakelandcollege.edu and look for the “Student Life” drop-down menu.
Lake Land College and LaunchCode to host informational night Posted on April 12, 2018 Lake Land College and LaunchCode will cohost an informational session about the new IT-LaunchCode program on Wednesday, April 18 from 6-7 p.m. at the Kluthe Center for Higher Education and Technology in Effingham. LaunchCode’s Director of Growth Daniel Fogarty and Lake Land College representatives will share information about the LaunchCode organization, the curriculum and outcomes of the new 20-week certificate being offered in the evenings at the Kluthe Center from June 5 to Oct. 18. Lake Land College IT Instructor/Program Coordinator, IT-Web Technology James Munger, who will be teaching the classes, will be available to meet with interested students. Craig Nielson, president and CEO of the Effingham Regional Growth Alliance will also share information about scholarship and employment opportunities. Enrollment in the program is limited. The deadline to apply is May 1 and an aptitude test is required. A practice test, FAQ and list of steps to get started can be found on the High Demand Programs page at lakelandcollege.edu/high-demand-programs. Lake Land College representatives will be available to help students get started with the enrollment process or financial aid. Lake Land College and LaunchCode are partnering to offer students an opportunity to train for a career in the fast growing field of web application development in just 20 weeks. Students will gain skills in Python, Java, SQL and front-end development. Those who complete the program will earn a Lake Land College certificate as well as the opportunity to test for eight industry-leading Microsoft certifications. The program is offered through a collaborative agreement between the college and LaunchCode, an innovative non-profit providing job seekers opportunities to enter the technology field. Jim McKelvey, the co-founder of Square, the payments processing company, founded LaunchCode to create pathways for people seeking careers in technology. For more information about the informational meeting contact Bonnie Moore, director to Center for Business and Industry, at 217-238-8260 or bmoore71258@lakelandcollege.edu. For more information about the IT-LaunchCode certificate program visit lakelandcollege.edu/high-demand-programs.
Lake Land College to fund construction for Rural Development Technology Center in Effingham Posted on Lake Land College President Josh Bullock announced Wednesday that the college’s new master building plan includes funding for construction of the Rural Development Technology Center adjacent to the Kluthe Center in Effingham. Karen Kull, director of the Kluthe Center, left, and Bullock, right, are pictured in front of the sign announcing the future site of the Rural Development Technology Center that will serve as a home to the Effingham Regional Career Academy. Lake Land College President Josh Bullock announced Wednesday that the college’s new master building plan includes funding for construction of the Rural Development Technology Center in Effingham. The new construction is expected to begin in 2022 and will be adjacent to the Kluthe Center for Higher Education and Technology. The center will house the Effingham Regional Career Academy as well as additional classroom and lab space. The goal is to have 150 area students participating in the academy within the first year and provide a space for the partnered programs such as welding and manufacturing skills now held at area high schools. The center will offer opportunities for high school students, in addition to adult students, to gain in-demand workforce skills. “The goal is to make sure that opportunities are available to students, regardless of what school district they reside in. We plan to meet the needs of our students, community members and district employers,” Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said. The center will focus on providing educational opportunities to train for careers in advanced manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, technology and transportation. Through decades of conservative fiscal management the college will be able to implement these new construction plans without raising property taxes. “The Lake Land College Board of Trustees is committed to our communities,” Bullock said. “It’s important that we provide opportunities for students to train for life sustaining careers within their hometowns.” For more information about the Effingham Regional Career Academy, visit effinghamregionalcareeracademy.com. For more information about Lake Land College, visit lakelandcollege.edu.
Lake Land College’s Business Partnership Award presented to The Equity Posted on April 10, 2018 The Lake Land College Board of Trustees presented the Business Partnership Award at the April 9, 2018 meeting. Pictured left to right are Bruce Vernon, CEO of The Equity; Robin Brown, manager of employee relations and marketing of The Equity; Dave Storm, chair of Lake Land College Board of Trustees; Josh Bullock, president of Lake Land College. The Equity was presented with the 2018 Business Partnership Award at the April 9, 2018 Lake Land College Board of Trustees meeting. The award was accepted by Bruce Vernon, CEO of The Equity and Robin Brown, manager of employee relations and marketing. The Equity is one of largest independent agricultural cooperatives in the state and has been a strong supporter of the agriculture division at Lake Land College. The Equity routinely hires students for internship positions and regularly visits the college to share information about new and exciting opportunities in the agriculture industry. This partnership provides Lake Land agricultural students with the necessary skills to enter the workforce. “Over the past several years, The Equity and Lake Land College have collaborated in various ways, including offering internships to students and serving on the advisory board for the agriculture programs. The Equity has been an invaluable industry partner and Lake Land College looks forward to the new collaborations on the horizon,” said Lake Land College Board of Trustees Chair Dave Storm. The Equity seeks to extend civic leadership to spark a positive change for the good of the community and its service area. The Equity offers educational programming and internship opportunities for Lake Land College students and often hires Lake Land College graduates. For more information about the agricultural division at Lake Land College, visit lakelandcollege.edu/agriculture-division.
High School students invited to explore health care careers at informational night Posted on April 9, 2018 Are you a student interested in a career in the medical field? Learn more at the health-related college fair on Monday, April 23 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Lake Land College in Neal Hall. For convenient parking, enter from the main entrance and follow signs for Webb Hall. Students and parents will have the opportunity to learn more about the many careers in the health field, in addition to meeting with several colleges and businesses to discuss their health career programs and hiring practices. Colleges scheduled to attend are as follows: Eastern Illinois University, Lake Land College, Lakeview College of Nursing, McKendree University, MacMurray College, Millikin University, Lindenwood University – Belleville, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville – School of Pharmacy, Southern Illinois University – School of Medicine and Western Illinois University. The event is coordinated through a partnership called Health CareeRX Club, which is supported by the Area Health Education Centers, Carle Foundation Hospital, Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospital, Eastern Illinois Education for Employment Systems, Eastern Illinois University, Lake Land College and Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. Free pizza and drinks will be provided. For more information, contact Lisa Shumard-Shelton, director of dual credit and honors experience, at 217-234-5044 or lshumard-shelton@lakelandcollege.edu.
Lake Land College Agriculture Students Excel in Competition Posted on March 29, 2018 Lake Land College agriculture students excel in the competition of Postsecondary Agriculture Student Organization. Pictured in the front row, left to right are: Alex Hartke, Teutopolis, Illinois; Christiana Quance, Beecher City, Illinois; Kathryn Helmink, Montrose, Illinois; Emma Repking, Teutopolis, Illinois; Gretchen Macklin, Findlay, Illinois; Bryce Gullidge, Louisville, Illinois; Maddie Fugate, Mahomet, Illinois; Brandon Stickler, Pleasant Plains, Illinois. In the back row, left to right are: Micah Smock, Jackson Center, Ohio; Jordan Stewart, Williamsfield, Illinois; Patrick Watson, Paris, Illinois; Michael Schmidt, Marshall, Illinois; Justin Johnson, Bloomington, Indiana; Wyatt Claire, Watseka, Illinois; Riley Reynolds, Mt. Zion, Illinois. Lake Land College agriculture students recently attended the conference and competition of the National Professional Agriculture Student Organization (PAS) in Louisville, Kentucky the week of March 12th. Six-hundred students representing agricultural colleges in 18 states from across the country competed in various areas of agriculture specialization. After winning at the Illinois PAS conferences in their respective areas, the following students went on to compete at the National PAS conference. Illinois PAS Organization is part of a nationwide PAS group known as a career and technical agriculture student organization, for the promotion of skills, leadership and education in agriculture. 2017-2018 LAKE LAND COLLEGE PAS STUDENTS – NATIONAL PLACING: Beef Specialist Wyatt Claire 1st place individual, 1st place team Watseka, Illinois Bryce Gullidge 2nd place individual, 1st place team Louisville, Illinois Justin Johnson 10th place individual, 1st place team Bloomington, Indiana Swine Specialist Micah Smock 1st place individual, 1st place team Jackson Center, Ohio Brandon Stickler 4th place individual, 1st place team Pleasant Plains, Illinois Maddie Fugate 5th place individual, 1st place team Mahomet, Illinois Livestock Overall Gretchen Macklin 2nd place individual, 3rd place team Findlay, Illinois Kathryn Helmink 6th place individual, 3rd place team Montrose, Illinois Landscape Specialist Christiana Quance 5th place team Beecher City, Illinois Patrick Watson 5th place team Paris, Illinois Ag Machinery Technician Riley Reynolds 5th place individual, 5th place team Mt. Zion, Illinois Jordan Stewart 9th place individual, 5th place team Williamsfield, Illinois Soil Science Specialist Michael Schmidt 5th place team Marshall, Illinois Alex Hartke 5th place team Teutopolis, Illinois Emma Repking 5th place team Teutopolis, Illinois Prepared Speaking Maddie Fugate Mahomet, Illinois Career Planning Taylor Hartke Teutopolis, Illinois The Lake Land College Agriculture Division offers 12 majors that prepare students to enter the workforce or prepare to transfer to a four-year college. For more information visit lakelandcollege.edu.