Lake Land College Community Learning offers Dance Classes Posted on December 21, 2016 Lake Land College Community Learning is offering a series of dance classes in Effingham in January. Four separate dance styles will be offered including Swing for Beginners, Waltz for Beginners, Foxtrot for Beginners, and Rumba for beginners. Classes will meet for four Sunday afternoons at the Effingham County Emergency Management Agency Building. Instructors Scott and Cheryl Sweet have been teaching dance for many years. The Foxtrot class will be held January 8, 15, 22, 29 from 2:10 – 3 p.m. The Rumba class will be held January 8, 15, 22, 29, from 3:10 – 4 p.m. The Swing class will meet January 8, 15, 22, 29 from 4:10 – 5 p.m. The Waltz class will be meet January 8, 15, 22, 29 from 5:10 – 6 p.m. The cost is $36.00 for each dance class. No partner is needed, but is suggested. Each participant must register by going to www.lakelandcollege.edu/learn or by calling Admissions & Records at 217-234-5434. The drop date for a refund is five business days prior to the class. For more information, contact Vivian Bales at 217-234-5087 or email vbales@lakelandcollege.edu.
Lake Land College names 2016-2017 student ambassadors Posted on December 15, 2016 Lake Land College recently named its student ambassadors for the 2016-2017 academic year. The 2016-2017 Lake Land College Student Ambassadors recently helped with the December 2 Laker Visit Day. Pictured left to right: Jensyn Morrison, Cowden, psychology; Myah Herbord; Pana, business administration; Maddie Caldwell, Elmwood, agriculture; Autumn Brandenburg, Casey, pre-medicine; Mary Meonning, Minnesota, agriculture; Charles Osley, Mattoon, pre-veterinary medicine; Dylan Ohnesorge, Strasburg, mechanical electrical technology; Chase Vogt, Mattoon, pre-nursing; Charles Meaker, Mattoon, business administration; Josiah Kinert, Lovington, agriculture; Carson Goff, Hopedale, agriculture; Sidney Smith, Louisville, social work; Karla Madden, Newman, agriculture; Carley Travis, Oblong, agriculture; Lily Laatsch, Altamont, engineering science. Ambassadors this year include: Carley Travis, Oblong, agriculture; Jensyn Morrison, Cowden, psychology; Dylan Ohnesorge, Strasburg, mechanical electrical technology; Karla Madden, Newman, agriculture; Autumn Brandenburg, Casey, pre-medicine; Charles Meaker, Mattoon, business administration; Chase Vogt, Mattoon, pre-nursing; Carson Goff, Hopedale, agriculture; Lily Laatsch, Altamont, engineering science; Mary Moenning, Minnesota, agriculture; Sidney Smith, Louisville, Social Work; Josiah Kinert, Lovington, agriculture; Charles Osley, Mattoon, pre-veterinary medicine; Maddie Caldwell, Elmwood, agriculture; Myah Herbord, Pana, business administration. Student ambassadors are a select group of students chosen to serve as official representatives of Lake Land College. The ambassadors assist the college by informing prospective students of the opportunities available to them at Lake Land. In addition, they assist with several campus organizations and personnel with special school functions. The ambassadors receive a $500 yearly scholarship. To become an Ambassador, students must meet the following criteria: be at least a half-time student for both fall and spring semesters maintain a 2.5 GPA complete an application complete an interview Once students are selected, they attend training sessions and weekly meetings to learn more about the college. During the school year, the ambassadors give tours of the campus, attend college/career fairs, visit high schools, and assist with special school functions. For more information, visit www.lakelandcollege.edu/ss/sl/studentambassador.cfm. -30-
Lake Land College Foundation holds annual meeting Posted on Doris Reynolds, Mattoon, Lake Land College Board of Trustees member, received the first-ever Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award. Reynolds serves as a liaison to the foundation board. She is pictured left with Jackie Joines, executive director for college advancement. Dr. Nanci Huels, Altamont, is the 2016 recipient of the Lake Land College Foundation Crystal Swan Award, which recognizes her outstanding contributions to the Lake Land College Foundation. She is pictured on the left with Meg Yargus, Marshall, foundation board president. The Lake Land College Foundation Board of Directors recently held its annual meeting and celebrated raising $705,000 in total funds, exceeding the goal of $430,000. The addition of last year’s funding effort puts the Lake Land College Foundation’s total assets at $11.5 million. During the meeting, the board set a fundraising goal of $680,000 in funds raised for the current fiscal year. “Last year, the foundation was able to award nearly $400,000 in scholarships to students, provide important instructional support in the form of equipment and technology and assist students with emergency needs,” said Jackie Joines, executive director for college advancement. “More support is needed as only about one-third of the applicants for scholarships received assistance. Sharing the impact our investors can have through their private support will help us reach our goal.” The board recognized two individuals for outstanding contributions. Dr. Nanci Huels, past board president, received the annual Crystal Swan Award for her outstanding contributions to the Lake Land College Foundation. Huels is one of few board members to serve two terms as president. During her tenure, the board updated bylaws and implemented term limits, overhauled the scholarship award process and worked with the college during the challenging budget impasse. The Crystal Swan Award was created in 1993, as a way to recognize foundation board members who have gone above and beyond in their leadership and service to the Lake Land College Foundation during their tenure. Each recipient demonstrates a passion and commitment to the educational goals of our students that rises above all others. “Dr. Huels believes in the mission of the foundation and the college and encourages others to be involved with Lake Land, whether it be as a donor, alumni or as a new student,” Meg Yargus, Marshall, president of the Lake Land College Foundation Board of Directors said. Doris Reynolds, Lake Land College Board of Trustees member, received the first-ever Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award. Reynolds serves as a liaison to the foundation board. Foundation board member Bob Pancoast, Shelbyville, said the new award will be presented annually to an individual who has given gifts of time and talent in securing private funding on behalf of Lake Land College students. For the current academic year, the foundation received 1,012 scholarship applications and awarded $369,242 in scholarships to 432 students. The board welcomed Michelle Blackwell, Pana as a new member for a three-year term. Three outgoing board members were honored: John Livesay, Pana, Jennifer Jansen, Effingham, Huels, Altamont and Deana Nuxoll, Effingham. Jansen, Nuxoll and Huels will join Paul Glenney, Shelbyville, Garth Jones, Mattoon and Linda McCabe, Bethany as honorary directors. New officers for the 2016-2017 year will be Yargus, president; Michael Bohannon, Charleston, vice president; and Tom Grunloh, Effingham, secretary. The Lake Land College Foundation Board also approved a new mission statement that fulfills the goal of securing private support that enhances the learning experience of Lake Land College students. -30-
Lake Land College offers Concealed Carry Classes Posted on December 14, 2016 Lake Land College is offering two-day Introduction to Concealed Carry classes at Accuracy Firearms in Effingham, Ill. Four weekend classes are available: Saturday, Jan. 21 and Sunday, Jan. 22; Saturday, Jan. 28 and Sunday Jan. 29; Saturday, Feb. 4 and Sunday, Feb. 5; and Saturday, March 4 and Sunday March 5. All classes will meet from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Instructor Dwayne Beccue has designed this class to educate the student about handguns best suited for personal defense, how to carry them safely and how to deploy and use them efficiently in the context of a Dynamic Critical Incident. The class will also cover the laws pertaining to the appropriate and lawful use of carrying handguns in public. The cost is $150 for the two-day class. To register, go to www.lakelandcollege.edu/learn, choose the class date and enroll. Students can also call Admissions & Records at 217-234-5434. Drop date for a refund is five business days prior to the class. For more information, contact Vivian Bales at 217-234-5087 or email vbales@lakelandcollege.edu. – 30 –
Heartland Dental gift allows for upgrade to Lake Land College Dental Hygiene Clinic Posted on A gift from Heartland Dental will allow Lake Land College to upgrade equipment and tools in the Dental Hygiene Clinic where students learn to provide patient care and prepare to enter the workplace as dental hygienists. “We are truly grateful to Heartland Dental for partnering with Lake Land College and investing in our students’ future. This generous gift will provide state-of-the-art training equipment and educational opportunities for our dental hygiene students,” Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said. Lake Land College students provide dental cleanings, X-rays and education to patients in the Dental Hygiene Clinic on campus in the Northwest Building. The gift provides for new dental units, chairs and equipment that allow students to receive hands-on training and experience found in the workplace. With the new units, the college will be able to install computers in the stations that allow students to utilize software to chart electronically, enter patient information and data and receive training on technology current to many offices in the industry. Heartland Dental’s gift to the Lake Land College Foundation goes beyond the $250,000 monetary value as it allows the college to take advantage of the organization’s pricing discount, bringing the total gift value to $678,000. “Not only is Heartland Dental committed to supporting our surrounding community, but supporting those who are shaping the minds of future dental professionals,” explained Patrick Bauer, president and chief executive officer at Heartland Dental. “As the dental industry continues to evolve, world-class education is crucial. Lake Land College understands this and continually strives to set students up for success. We’re excited to help them advance their educational capabilities for future hygienists even further.” There are 50 students enrolled in the Lake Land College Dental Hygiene program, with approximately 970 alumni graduating since 1968. Many of the alumni are now employed with Heartland Dental, the largest dental support organization in the United States with more than 750 supported dental offices located in 34 states. Renovations are expected to begin this spring. “Dental Hygiene students progress through a rigorous course of education that provides them with the intellectual and technical knowledge to enter the workforce and begin providing patient care in a professional setting,” Lake Land College Allied Health Division Chair/Nursing Instructor Karla Hardiek said. “Students first provide patient care to one another and then progress to family members and community members. With the advanced technology provided by Heartland Dental’s gift, our students will learn advanced skills that will transfer seamlessly into the workplace.” Heartland Dental and Lake Land College are hopeful funds will be available to include a Dental Hygiene Tutoring Center within the project scope. The Lake Land College Dental Hygiene major is a competitive, special admission program. Students are admitted to the college in a track program and begin working on pre-requisites prior to the application period. The Lake Land College Dental Hygiene program is fully-accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation. For more information look for the Academics tab at www.lakelandcollege.edu. With headquarters in Effingham, Ill. and founded by Rick Workman, DMD, Heartland Dental offers supported dentists and team members continuing professional education and leadership training, along with a variety of non-clinical administrative services including staffing, human relations, procurement, administration, financial, marketing and information technology. For more information, visit www.Heartland.com. ###
Lake Land College’s Center for Business and Industry offers Electrical Training Series Posted on December 13, 2016 Lake Land College’s Center for Business and Industry is hosting an Electrical Training Series, designed to enhance the skills of existing maintenance teams as well as train employees from other areas, such as production operators, to become maintenance technicians. The series will focus on four courses, including Applied Industrial Electricity, Programmable Logic Controllers Level 1, Electronic Drives and Troubleshooting Techniques The four–course series is designed to provide novice to current maintenance technicians and engineers with the skills needed to troubleshoot and repair complex industrial electronic systems. Participants may register for an individual class or for the entire series. Those who do not begin with Applied Industrial Electricity must demonstrate equivalent training, and all individuals must to be familiar with industrial equipment. The Manufacturing Skills Training Lab at the Workforce Development Center is equipped with industry–standard training equipment. Attendees receive hands–on training in half–day segments, allowing them to complete the day on–site and make a stronger connection between the training and their jobs. The series will be held as follows: Series 1 Applied Industrial Electricity on Monday, Jan. 9 – Tuesday, Jan. 17 from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Programmable Logic Controller Level 1 on Monday, Jan. 23 – Thursday, Feb. 2 from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Electronic Drives on Monday, Feb. 6 – Friday, Feb. 10 from 8 a.m. – 12 Troubleshooting Techniques on Tuesday, Feb. 14 – Thursday, Feb. 16 from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Series 2 Applied Industrial Electricity on Monday, Feb. 20 – Tuesday, Feb. 28 from 8 a.m. –12 p.m. Programmable Logic Controller Level 1 on Monday, Mar. 6 – Thursday, Mar. 16 from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Electronic Drives on Monday, Mar. 27 – Friday, Mar. 31 from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Troubleshooting Techniques on Tuesday, Apr. 4 – Thursday, Apr. 6 from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. All sessions will be held at the Workforce Development Center, 305 Richmond Ave E., Mattoon, and taught by Randy Strohl, electrical systems training specialist. To register, please contact Randy via email at rstrohl@lakelandcollege.edu or by phone at 217-238–8291. – 30- Lake Land College District 517, located in Mattoon, Illinois, serves the second largest community college district in the state, with a total population of 189,869. The Lake Land College district comprises all or part of 15 counties and 31 public school districts in rural east central Illinois. Counties served by Lake Land College include: Christian, Clark, Clay, Coles, Crawford, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Effingham, Fayette, Jasper, Macon, Montgomery, Moultrie and Shelby.
Lake Land College Foundation Outlines Process for Year-end Giving Posted on December 12, 2016 The Lake Land College Foundation is accepting year-end gifts that support students and college programs. “With the holiday season around the corner, it’s important to remember that the gift of education is one that keeps giving,” said Lake Land College Executive Director for College Advancement Jackie Joines. “The Lake Land College Foundation is a great organization to give to and we want to make that process as easy as possible.” Since the college is open through Dec. 22 in observance of the holidays, the foundation is ready to help donors make their gifts. Options for giving include: Make a secure gift online. Go to lakelandcollege.edu and look for the “Give” button at the top right of the page. Gifts can be made online until midnight on Dec. 31 to receive a 2016 charitable gift credit. Make a gift by check dated prior to Dec. 31, 2016. Checks dated prior to Dec. 31, 2016 and received by Jan. 3, 2017 will be receipted as a 2016 charitable gift. Make a gift through the IRA Rollover method for those 70 ½ required to take the mandatory minimum distribution. Rollover gifts must be dated prior to Dec. 31, 2016 and received by Jan. 3 2017 to be receipted as a 2016 charitable gift. Gifts of appreciated stock can be the ideal choice for donors to make a year-end gift with a big impact at a reduced cost, Joines said. Transfers must be received by the foundation before the end of business on Dec. 30 to be receipted as a 2016 charitable gift. Contact Joines at 217-234-5354 by Dec. 22, for more information on making a year-end gift to be credited to the 2016 tax year. “All methods of giving are appreciated and make a huge difference in the lives of Lake Land College students,” Joines said. “No matter the method, you have the opportunity to benefit students and programs any way you would like and be recognized for your generosity.” “The IRA Rollover method is a great option for those 70½ who have to take the mandatory minimum withdrawal from their IRA, but don’t need the additional income and would like to make a charitable gift,” Joines said. “Likewise, gifts of appreciated stock allow the donor to make a larger impact and enjoy the reduced cost basis.” As with any gift, Joines encourages donors to check with their professional advisor to know what method of giving is best. To learn more about year-end giving, contact Joines at jjoines@lakelandcollege.edu or 217-234-5354. This email and the voice mail for this phone number will be checked on a regular basis throughout the holiday break between Dec. 23 and Jan. 3. To learn more about the foundation, visit www.lakelandcollege.edu/dv/fd/. The Lake Land College Foundation is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to securing private support that enhances the learning experience of Lake Land College students. -30- Lake Land College District 517, located in Mattoon, Illinois, serves the second largest community college district in the state, with a total population of 189,869. The Lake Land College district comprises all or part of 15 counties and 31 public school districts in rural east central Illinois. Counties served by Lake Land College include: Christian, Clark, Clay, Coles, Crawford, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Effingham, Fayette, Jasper, Macon, Montgomery, Moultrie and Shelby.
Lake Land College Remembers Former President Scott Lensink Posted on December 6, 2016 The Lake Land College community fondly remembered President Scott Lensink following news of his passing on Monday. Lensink served for six years as the college’s sixth president, retiring in 2013. His career in higher education spanned 30 years, starting with a teaching position at Eastern Illinois University. He joined Lake Land College in 1993 as a business instructor and head coach for the Laker women’s basketball team. He went on to hold several positions at Lake Land College prior to retiring as president. Current Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said Lensink’s leadership positioned the college for the success it continues to experience today. “Scott’s focus on students, and jovial spirit in collaborating for the greater good, live on in our Lake Land College family and culture today,” Bullock said. During Lensink’s tenure, Lake Land College emerged as a national leader in the sustainability field, attracting grants and attention from public officials from coast to coast. In addition, the college received prestigious Aspen Institute recognition, which named Lake Land among the top 10 percent of community colleges in the nation. The college also was named the safest campus in Illinois. Internally, he led the college community in the creation of a new vision and values and a strategic plan. While his accomplishments were many, colleagues said Lensink will be remembered most for his caring personality and dedication to students. Robert K. Luther, former Lake Land College president and current member of the board of trustees, said Lensink had a wonderful way of working with people. “I appointed Scott both as the business division chair and the vice president because of his people skills. He had an ability to bring people together and to help people resolve conflict. I think he will be most remembered for what a warm and caring person he was,” Luther said. Colleagues said Lensink always put students first. “In discussions, Scott was always asking about students and whether a decision would have a positive or negative effect on them,” Luther added. Kathy Black, division chair business/business instructor, who worked with Lensink for 16 years, said Lensink was wonderful to work with. “Scott was always positive, kind and outgoing. He looked out for the best interests of others, especially students. He was a selfless educator,” Black said. Black said Lensink always took time to talk with coworkers and students. “He always had a smile on his face, always a kind word, always a joke and always an encouraging word to anyone who needed it.” Lensink was very active in the higher education community and local area. He served on numerous task forces and committees for the Illinois Board of Higher Education and Illinois Community College Board. Lensink served as president of the Eastern Illinois Business Education Association, received the Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers Award, American Marketing Association Faculty Appreciation Award, Eastern Illinois University Management/Marketing Department Teacher of the Year Award and the Outstanding Young Men of America Award. Locally, he served as a member of the Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Systems Health Center Board of Directors, the Coles County Historical Society Depot Restoration committee and Mattoon Foundation Board. He hosted international exchange students and volunteered as a coach for youth league baseball and football programs. His previous experience included consulting, working in the insurance industry and owning and operating his own business. Lensink had a bachelor’s degree from Northwestern College and a master’s degree from Eastern Illinois University.
Broadcasting Club Holds Successful Food Drive Posted on The Broadcasting Club at Lake Land College recently collected 1,050 pounds of non-perishable food items and donated it to the Mattoon Community Food Center. “There are a lot of families in the area who are having difficulty putting food on the table,” said Greg Powers, WLKL-FM station manager and broadcasting instructor. “So this is the club’s way of helping others during the holiday season.” The food drive is a month-long event put on every year by the club. To learn more about clubs and organizations at Lake Land College, visit www.lakelandcollege.edu/ss/sl/clubdetail.cfm?id=64. – 30 –
Free GED classes starting in January 2017 Posted on December 2, 2016 Lake Land College will be offering free GED classes in several locations, with orientation beginning January 2. Classes will be available in Arthur, Effingham, Marshall, Mattoon, Pana, Paris and Shelbyville and will continue all semester. The schedule for orientation is as follows: Arthur- Arthur Public Library, 225 S. Walnut – Tuesday, Jan. 3, at 4:30 p.m. Effingham – Kluthe Center for Higher Education, 1204 Network Center Blvd. – Jan. 3, Tuesday, at 4 p.m. Marshall – Eastern Region Center, 224 S. 6 St. – Monday, Jan. 2, at 4 p.m. Mattoon – Workforce Development Center, 305 Richmond Ave. E. – Wednesday, Jan. 4, at 8 a.m. or 4 p.m. Pana – Western Region Ctr., 600 E. First St. – Thursday, Jan. 5, at 5 p.m. Paris – First United Methodist Church, 324 W Court St. –Tuesday, Jan. 3, at 4 p.m. Shelbyville – Shelby Christian Church, 200 N. Hickory St. – Monday, Jan 2, at 5:30 p.m. For more information visit www.lakelandcollege.edu/adult-education/ or contact Adult Education at 217-238-8292 or email adulteducation@lakelandcollege.edu. -30-