Laker Nation News

Lake Land College is accepting nominations for several awards to be announced in spring 2017.

The Distinguished Service Award and the Alumnus Achievement Award will be presented at the college’s 2017 Commencement ceremony and the Retiree Wall of Fame recipients will be announced during a ceremony on campus in the spring.

All nomination forms must be received by Dec. 18 and are available on the college’s website at lakelandcollege.edu/alumni.

The Distinguished Service Award is presented to an individual whose exemplary service and contributions have benefited Lake Land College or its affiliated organizations.  Current paid members of the faculty and staff and current members of the board of trustees are not eligible for this award.

Past Distinguished Service Award recipients are James Shaffer (2016), Robert Pancoast (2015), Max Jaeger (2014), Annette Lynch (2013), Gerald Forsythe (2012), John Livesay (2011), Rick Manuell (2010), Preston Smith (2009), Bob Willenborg (2008), Don Portugal (2007), Dwight Schilling (2006), Anne Bacon, (2005), Susan Leach (2004),  Anne Kabbes (2003), James Allee (2002), Dr. Roger Dettro (2001), Dr. Peter M. Bonutti (2000), Charles Adams (1999), Michael Yager (1998), James Bennett (1997), Tom Reedy (1996), R. Dale Adams (1995), Jack Schultz (1994), Consuello Luttrell (1993), Dr. George Mitchell (1992), Melvin Lockard (1991), Lowell Samuel (1990), Eugene Bauer (1989), Dr. William Podesta (1988), Jack Oberhill (1987), Floyd Curl (1985), Robert Johnson (1984), Virgil and Charlene Roberts (1983), Eddie Collings (1982) and William B. Hills (1981).

The Alumnus Achievement Award is presented to a Lake Land College graduate who has attained outstanding success and distinction in his or her field of endeavor.  The nominee must hold a degree or certificate from Lake Land and be active in the endeavor for which the degree or certificate is intended.

Past Alumnus Achievement Award recipients are Kenin Smith (2016), Chad Moutray (2015), Greg Conrad (2014), Rex Morgan (2013), Larry Blackerby (2011), Monte Reel (2010), Tom Wright (2009), David Storm (2008), Scott Frailey (2007), Zack Taylor (2006), Larry Lilly (2005), Greg Grunloh (2004), Michael Searles (2003), Dr. Harry Carter (2002), James Zimmer (2001), Carolyn Kolling (2000), Dianne Harless Schultz (1999), Richard Smith (1998), Dr. James Winfield (1997), Randall Miller (1996), Gina Spinner (1995), Patricia McNutt (1994), Lt. Daniel Wise (1993), Tom Cox (1992), Larry Wilson (1991), Edward Ward (1990), Dr. Kris Koontz (1989), Gail Darling (1988), John Livesay (1987), Dennis Charney (1986), Michael V. Neal (1985), Carol Spannagel (1984), Thomas Stoutenborough (1983), Eric Randal Heiple (1982) and Richard West (1981).

The Retiree Wall of Fame Awards are presented to retired faculty or staff who made significant contributions to the college and/or who have made contributions through their profession or community at the local, state, regional, or national level that reflect positively on Lake Land College. The nominee must have been employed at Lake Land College for a minimum of 15 years and must have been separated from his or her SURS-eligible position for a minimum of five years. Present paid members of the faculty and staff and current members of the board of trustees are not eligible for these awards.

Past Wall of Fame Award recipients are Dennis Gathmann (2008), Max Jaeger (2008), Joe Albin (2008), Marilyn Gover (2008), Charles Womack (2008), Gerald Parker (2008), Thomas Reedy (2008), Bill Rich (2008), Helen Smith (2009), David Greeson (2009), Larry Gutzler (2009), Hal Kottwitz (2009), Joyce Shull (2009), Marianne Morgan (2010), Robert Orr (2010), Richard Heller (2010), Carol Sanders (2010), Jack Browning (2010), Joe Hanley (2011), William Little (2011), Mildred Flottmann (2011), Roberta Hollada (2011), Roberta Williams (2011), Charles Wieck (2012), Jalee Cox (2012), Wayne Weaver (2012), Robert Luther (2013), Marion Rohlinger (2013), James Luedke (2014), Robert Jurgens (2014), Carroll Gibbons (2014), Roy Culp (2015), Marilyn Fuqua Thompson (2015), Mr. David Stapleton (2016), Mr. Cletus Underwood (2016), & Mr. Ron Sanderson (2016).

The Retire Wall of Fame Award recipients will receive their awards at the Employee Appreciation and Wall of Fame Ceremony.

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Beginning on Veteran’s Day, the Lake Land College Dental Hygiene Program is offering free dental cleanings through the month of November for Veterans Appreciation Month.

Clinic hours are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 1-5 p.m. and Wednesday from 12-4 p.m. and 4-8 p.m. The clinic is located in the Northwest Building, room 116 on the Lake Land College campus, 5001 Lake Land Blvd., Mattoon. Appointments for free cleanings for Veterans will be scheduled from Nov. 11-30.

Please call 217-234-5249 to schedule an appointment.

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The Lake Land College Board of Trustees unanimously voted to hold tuition rates for the 2017 spring semester during its regular meeting Monday evening.

“The Board is delighted that Lake Land can avoid an increase in tuition for the spring semester.  This has been accomplished due to conservative fiscal policies, planning for emergencies such as a lack of a state budget, and sacrifices made by faculty and staff.  Lake Land continues to provide superior educational opportunities at an affordable price,” Lake Land College Board Chairman Gary Cadwell said.

Based on a recommendation from Vice President Bryan Gleckler, the college’s tuition and fees will remain steady at $102.50 per credit hour for tuition and $23.80 for fees. For students taking 15 hours a semester, tuition and fees will be about $1,800.

“We have always been committed to keeping our tuition and fees as reasonable as possible. While the uncertainty of the state’s budget has caused challenges, we are pleased that everyone at Lake Land College has come together to reduce costs and minimize the impact on our students,” Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said.

Earlier this year, the college received its portion of funding from the state based on the stop gap budget that was passed. The college developed a balanced budget for fiscal year 2017 based on these state funding levels. The budget was also created with an across the board 25 percent reduction in all operating budgets and a freeze on non-essential supply and travel expenses.

“Lake Land College continues to be one of the best values in the state and nation for college students. Our tuition and fees are about one-fourth of a state university and our academic quality is recognized in the quality and success of our graduates,” Bullock added. “We are proud to be the number one choice among the high school graduating class in our district.”

Help your high school student get a jump start on earning college credits with Lake Land College’s Dual Credit Program!

This fall, the Lake Land College Dual Credit Program will host various parent and student information nights throughout the college district. The information nights are open to parents of and students who are high school sophomores, juniors and seniors.

“Sometimes college can be intimidating, costly or overwhelming, but for high school students throughout the Lake Land College district, they can get a taste of college without ever leaving their high school classrooms,” said Steve Garren, director of dual credit.

The Lake Land College Dual Credit Program offers eligible high school juniors and seniors the chance to enroll in college-level courses while earning both high school and college credit, tuition free. Courses are taught by a high school teacher who is qualified to instruct college-level classes, during the regular high school day at the high school’s facilities.

During the information nights, parents and students will learn about opportunities at district high schools, types of courses offered, transfer information and costs associated with dual credit classes.

The information nights will be held during the following times:

• Tuesday, Nov. 1 at Lake Land College in Mattoon, Webb Hall, room 081 from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Nov. 5 at Eastern Region Center, room 103, 224 S. Sixth Street, Marshall from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
• Monday, Nov. 7 at the Kluthe Center, room 120, 1204 Network Center Blvd., Effingham, room 104, from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Nov. 10 at the Western Region Center, room, 107, 600 E. First St., Pana from 5:30-6:30 p.m. 

To enroll in dual credit courses, students must be juniors or seniors and initially have a high school grade point average equivalent of a C to enroll.  Once a student has taken at least one dual credit course, he/she must maintain a Lake Land College grade point average of 2.0 to continue enrollment. Students must meet all prerequisites and requirements as any other student taking classes on the Lake Land College campus would.

More than 30 high schools participate in the dual credit program through Lake Land College including: Altamont, Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond, Beecher City, Brownstown, Casey-Westfield, Charleston, Cowden-Herrick, Cumberland, Dieterich, Effingham, First Baptist Christian Academy, Kansas, Marshall, Martinsville, Mattoon, Neoga, Oakland, Okaw Valley, Pana, Paris, Pathways, Ramsey, Shelbyville, Shiloh, St. Anthony, St. Elmo, Stewardson-Strasburg, Sullivan, Teutopolis and Windsor.

To learn more about dual credit opportunities through Lake Land College or to RSVP for one of the four events, contact Kris Reider, dual credit specialist at 217-234-5227 or kreider@lakelandcollege.edu.

Lake Land College’s Adult Education will be offering free computer classes in various locations.

Classes begin Nov. 14 for Effingham and Mattoon locations and Nov. 15 for Pana and Paris locations.

The four-week classes will include topics of Windows 7 & Word.

The schedule is as follows:

• Paris – First United Methodist Church – 324 W. Court – Tuesday & Thursday 9-11 a.m.
• Mattoon – Lake Land College – Workforce Development Center – 305 Richmond Ave E. – Monday & Thursday 4-6 p.m.
• Effingham – Lake Land College Kluthe Center 1204 Network Center Blvd. – Monday & Tuesday 4-6 p.m.
• Pana – Lake Land College Western Region Center – 600 E. 1^st – Tuesday 5:30-9:30 p.m.

Registration is limited to the first 12 applicants. Enroll today!

For more information, contact Adult Education at 217-238-8292 or adulteducation@lakelandcollege.edu.

Lake Land College is offering a new short-term Public Safety Telecommunicator certificate this spring for people interested in the high-demand dispatching field.

“Emergency professionals approached the college with the need to create a program that would provide training and education to individuals interested in becoming emergency dispatchers,” Karla Hardiek, allied health division chair/nursing instructor, said.

Jodi Moomaw, 911 communication manager for the Effingham City Police Department, assisted Lake Land College in developing the program to provide professional training for future telecommunicators, who are integral members of the emergency response team.

“Telecommunicators are no different than all other emergency responders, they just aren’t seen. They are the key connection to the person needing assistance to the police, fire and EMS responder. They must have tools and knowledge on what to ask or how to take control while gaining the information needed during all types of emergencies,” Moomaw said. “The expectation of the public when they dial 911 is they are speaking to a trained professional ready to help them in whatever way necessary.”

According to a recent survey conducted by Lake Land College, area dispatch center directors said the program would be a valuable asset to the profession. Nine out of 10 responding agencies indicated graduates of the program would be hired, Hardiek said.

“Lake Land is ahead of our peers in this area. Many states have already passed legislation mandating training and education for those working as a 911 telecommunicator,” Hardiek added.

The Lake Land College 17-credit-hour program is modeled after the Illinois Public Safety Telecommunicator Training Basic Certification Curriculum. The certificate is financial aid eligible and includes courses such as Basic Telecommunicator, Responding to Emergencies, Keyboarding, Practical Software Applications, Interpersonal Communication and Introduction to Psychology. Students will also complete an internship.

Upon successful completion, a Lake Land College graduate will be equipped with the basic skills and knowledge that will be required by public safety telecommunicator dispatch centers.

The benefit of offering this certification will result in a larger pool of skilled, qualified applicants to the area, Moomaw said. Many of the 911 Public Safety Answering Points (PSAP) across the nation are also looking for qualified staff, she added.

In addition to the knowledge gained in course work, people interested in becoming a dispatcher must be able to multi-task and remain calm and helpful during a crisis situation.

“Dispatchers hear sounds of cry for help. It may be a mother in agony begging for help because her baby is turning blue, a loved one who finds a partner already deceased when they wake in the morning, a suicidal individual calling and making threats to end his life, a person taking her last breath,” Moomaw said.

“The caller depends on the telecommunicator for guidance until help arrives. In the same breath, the telecommunicator is speaking with the first responders to give updates so they get there safely, prepared to deal with the situation.”

For more information on Lake Land College’s Public Safety Telecommunicator program call 217-234-5370. To get started at Lake Land, look for the Enroll Now button at lakelandcollege.edu or call Counseling Services at 217-234-5232. Spring classes begin January 9. Registration for new and returning students opens Nov. 14.

Laker Athletics will honor two new members to the Athletics Hall of Fame during the inaugural Laker Homecoming weekend.
The newest members of the Lake Land College Athletics Hall of Fame are Jenna Bradley Hilligoss, Mattoon and Jessica Daugherty, Casey. The Athletics Hall of Fame recognizes athletes, coaches and friends who have excelled in their careers or brought recognition and support to the program.
The honors will take place during the Alumni Recognition Banquet on Oct. 1 at the Mattoon Golf & Country Club. Kassidy Bonebrake, Crawfordsville, Ind., sophomore member of the Lady Lakers basketball team, chairperson of the Lake Land College Student Athletic Council and NJCAA Academic All-American, will give the welcome at the banquet. The banquet is just one of the many events scheduled during the college’s first ever Laker Homecoming.

Jenna Bradley Hilligoss, Laker Nation Class of 2009, was an All-Great Rivers and All-Region Tournament team softball member in both her ‘08 & ‘09 season. She was also an All-Region 24 member and All-Midwest second team pick. Hilligoss helped the Lakers to a 46-9 as a sophomore and a 36-9 season as a freshman. She recorded a .441 batting average her final campaign and a .406 batting average as a freshman. Jenna batted in 52 runs on 14 doubles, seven triples, and two home runs as a rookie. She also went 7-for-7 on stolen base attempts. Her sophomore year she batted in 52 runs making her the Lake Land Softball career leader in runs batted in with 104 until the record was broken in the 2015 season. In 2009 Jenna finished her season with seven homeruns, four triples and 15 doubles. Those 15 doubles her sophomore year made her the Lake Land Softball career leader in doubles with 29 until that was beaten in 2014.

Following her graduation from Lake Land College, Hilligoss continued her education and softball career at Murray State University. She gives much credit for her success at Murray State to her experiences at Lake Land College and her coach, Denny Throneburg. Through the tough love he showed and knowledge of the game he shared, Hilligoss was awarded the Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year in 2011.

“Besides being a great athlete and student, Jenna was a strong team leader who has returned and is now giving back to her home community of Mattoon,” Laker Softball Coach Nic Nelson said.

Hilligoss now serves as a program coordinator for Body Electric at Sarah Bush Lincoln. She lives in Mattoon with her husband Mitch. They are expecting their first child in January.

Jessica Hills Daugherty, Laker Nation Class of 2001, played for the Lake Land College Volleyball team for one year. With the Lakers, she was part of the All-Region and All-Tournament teams. After Lake Land, Daugherty finished her playing career at Southeast Missouri State University. At SEMO, she was awarded All-Conference and All-Tournament teams both junior and senior years.

Daugherty was the assistant coach under Lori Bennett for two years at Lake Land, during the 2003 and 2004 seasons. In 2005, she was hired as the head coach. During her tenure, the Lakers were in the top 25 in the nation four of the five years and three years were in the top 10. Daugherty coached a two-time All-American and five other All-Americans. She was voted Great Rivers Athletic Conference Coach of the Year in 2009 and Region XXIV Coach of the Year in 2005, 2007 and 2008.

“Jess’s impact on the Lake Land College Volleyball program has spanned from player to assistant to head coach. Under her leadership, Lake Land College Volleyball was put on the national map. It was a privilege to play for her and is an honor to follow in her footsteps,” said Ashli Robison current Lake Land Volleyball head coach, who also played for Daugherty at Lake Land College from 2007-2009.

Daugherty is originally from Martinsville. She now lives in Casey with her husband Aaron, son Jackson, and daughter Lillian. She works from home and volunteers as a volleyball coach.

The Lake Land College Alumni Association will induct five new members into the Distinguished Alumni Society and Laker Athletics will honor two new members to the Athletics Hall of Fame during the inaugural Laker Homecoming weekend.

The Distinguished Alumni Society (DAS) Class of 2016 inductees are Matthew Cekander, Effingham; Renee Fonner, Hindsboro; Kerry J. (Lawson) Fearn, Charleston, formerly of Neoga; Craig Greeson, Hanover Park, Ill., formerly of Neoga; and Kristopher Van Sickle, Woodstock, Ga., formerly of Newman. The Distinguished Alumni Society recognizes alumni who have utilized the Lake Land experience to make an imprint on their profession or community.

“We’re extremely proud of the newest members of the Distinguished Alumni Society. They exemplify the values we all share at Lake Land College. Not only are they accomplished in their careers, they are very dedicated to giving back to their communities and improving the world around them,” Dave Cox, director of alumni relations and annual giving, said.

The newest members of the Lake Land College Athletics Hall of Fame are Jenna Bradley Hilligoss, Mattoon and Jessica Daugherty, Casey. The Athletics Hall of Fame recognizes athletes, coaches and friends who have excelled in their careers or brought recognition and support to the program.

The honors will take place during the Alumni Recognition Banquet on Oct. 1 at the Mattoon Golf & Country Club. Kassidy Bonebrake, Crawfordsville, Ind., sophomore member of the Lady Lakers basketball team, chairperson of the Lake Land College Student Athletic Council and NJCAA Academic All-American, will give the welcome at the banquet. The banquet is just one of the many events scheduled during the college’s first ever Laker Homecoming.   

Matthew Cekander, Laker Nation Class of 1999

Cekander is a CPA and firm partner with Doehring, Winders & Co. LLP. He has an associate degree in business administration from Lake Land College and a bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University. He is a certified public accountant.

Prior to being named partner, Cekander was the accounting and audit manager at Doehring, Winders & Co. LLP. Previously he served as the director of operations at Samuel Music Co., manager at Doehring, Winders & Co. LLP and audit supervisor Miller, Cooper & Co., Ltd.

In 2015 he was named as one of the Top 20 Community Leaders Under 40 from the Effingham Chamber of Commerce. He serves on the board of the Effingham Chamber of Commerce and actively supports the Family Life Center in Effingham.

“As a young alumnus, Matt is very accomplished in his profession. I’ve been impressed with his career path and what he has achieved in a short period of time rising to the ranks of partner with his local accounting firm, Doehring, Winders & Co. LLP,” nominator Cox said.

Cekander credits Cindy Phipps, business instructor/program coordinator accounting, for making a difference in his time at Lake Land. “During my second year at Lake Land, Mrs. Phipps encouraged all of us to do our best, regardless of where we take our classes (whether two-year community college or four-year university.) She was right, that content covered was much the same; like other life lessons, it is what we put into it and our attitude that takes us to the next level.”

“Upon transferring into Illinois State University, I recall feeling well-prepared and was urged to send a note of thanks to Cindy Phipps  (and probably should have to the other Lake Land faculty as well) for helping us to be prepared, an ethic also taken to the workplace” Cekander said.

Renee Fonner, Laker Nation Class of 1990

Fonner is the on air talent/promotions director for the Cromwell Group of Mattoon. She has an associate degree in radio/TV broadcasting from Lake Land College.

Fonner is a familiar voice to those who tune into WMCI’s Morning Show. She previously worked in radio stations throughout the country before returning to her hometown and home station.

She said her time at Lake Land College allowed her to find her love of radio. “Within weeks of starting the program I found myself in the booth gaining experience. I have worked in small, medium and large markets around the country and it all started with Lake Land College.  I’m forever grateful.”

Fonner serves on the advisory board for Country Cares for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, is the co-coordinator for the Mattoon to Peoria St. Jude Run and a co-coordinator for One Stop Community Christmas.

“Renee’s selfless dedication to the community in which she lives and works has created an enormous positive impact. She is the positive we see within our community,” nominator Luci Englum wrote.

Kerry (Lawson) Fearn, Laker Nation Class of 1989

Fearn is the president and CEO for the Area Educational Credit Union. She has an associate degree in mathematics education from Lake Land College, a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Eastern Illinois University and a master’s degree in educational psychology from Eastern Illinois University.

The Area Educational Credit Union covers Coles, Effingham and Crawford counties. She has previously served the Boyle chapter of the Illinois Credit Union League as the secretary for two years and as the chairperson for three years. In addition, she has served on numerous committees for 16 years. She also serves as the chairwoman of the legislative committee for the Illinois Credit Union League. She has served on the board of directors for this organization in the past.

She has been an active member and leader at the state and served as a chairwoman and board member for the Illinois Youth Involvement Council. She has served as an elder for her church and has taught Sunday school and vacation bible school. She has volunteered at PADS in Mattoon and also at Heartland Christian Village in Neoga.

Max Jaeger, Lake Land College retiree, nominated Fearn for this award. “Kerry truly loves her job. She will tell you, ‘every day, I get to help our members live better lives—not many people can say that about their jobs.’ Lake Land used to have a saying, ‘Lake Land Cares.’ That describes Kerry.”

Both of Fearn’s parents worked at Lake Land College so she felt Lake Land College was the perfect choice for her, she said.

“Lake Land College has been a part of my life as long as I can remember.  My father, Duane Lawson, taught English at Lake Land since the college began back in the 60s through his retirement.  My mother, Nancy Lawson, worked in the Tutoring Center and was an adjunct instructor for many years.  After I graduated from high school, Lake Land College was the natural choice for me.

“During my freshman year, I decided that I wanted to ‘get involved’ so I ran for Student Activity Board.  Through this role, I gained experience in leadership and service.  Looking back, this moment was when I realized that I do much better digging-in and getting involved rather than being a participant.  This philosophy has served me well throughout my career as I have attained leadership roles within my industry,” Fearn said.

Fearn said several people influenced her during her time at Lake Land. “If I have to limit it to a few, I would say Benny Ragle who was a very light-hearted faculty advisor for Student Activity Board and Wayne Weaver who had a no-nonsense teaching style.”

Craig Greeson, Laker Nation Class of 1988

Greeson is a product manager–industrial business unit for Littelfuse, Inc. He has an associate degree in pre-engineering from Lake Land College and a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the University of Illinois.

Greeson started his career as a product foreman at Littelfuse, Inc. in Arcola and has advanced as the company has grown throughout the years. He has held positions of quality manager and logistics manager for Littelfuse’s Electrical Fuse Division. In 2007, he accepted a leadership role in the newly created Global Quality Management group, acting as the regional quality manager for North American and European Littelfuse operations. In 2012 he moved into his current position.

“It was at Lake Land College where Craig became fully convinced to follow a career in engineering. His work has taken him to several countries in Europe and the far east,” nominator and Lake Land College retiree David Greeson said.

Greeson said Lake Land College was the perfect place for him to transition from a small-town high school to the University of Illinois.

“The instructors in Lake Land’s pre-engineering program were enthusiastic and fully focused on seeing their students succeed. There was a personal level of connection with several of them that I do not think is common to find at a large four year university. I always felt extremely well prepared for the challenges of my engineering program after transferring. The friendships I made while at Lake Land College were deep, and they have lasted well beyond my two years there.”

Greeson said his father was his person of influence while attending Lake Land.

“David Greeson, my father, was both an instructor and an administrator at Lake Land. I knew growing up he had always been extremely well respected by his students, and the reason why became apparent when I had the opportunity to take one of my calculus courses with him. The true degree of caring he had for students, and the obvious passion he had for Lake Land as an institution, was always apparent in everything he did.”    

Kristopher Van Sickle, Laker Member of 2007

Van Sickle is an administrative officer with the United States Secret Service, Carter Protective Division.

After high school, Van Sickle took a few classes at Lake Land College and then enlisted in the Coast Guard. He returned to school, completing bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Strayer University while stationed in Washington, D.C.

Following his graduation from the Coast Guard he spent a short time working for the U.S. Postal System. In 2010, he succeeded in securing a position with the U.S. Secret Service and eventually was assigned to protect former President Jimmy Carter.

“After retiring from the U.S. Coast Guard, my plans were to finish my degree. Lake Land College set the course academically for a smooth transition on to a four year university to complete my undergraduate and graduate degrees.  I will forever be indebted to the faculty and staff at Lake Land College for their selfless actions and genuine interest in every student’s success.”

Jacqueline Joines, executive director for college advancement, nominated Van Sickle, saying he grew up in a small rural community where his family values encouraged him to conquer the world. 

“Kristopher believes in serving as a role model for others that life can be full of challenges, but with hard work, focus and determination based in education, you can achieve goals that seem unattainable,” Joines wrote in the nomination. “He serves as a testament that you can start at Lake Land College and truly do great anywhere!” 

This Class of 2016 will join 81 others who have been inducted into the Lake Land College Distinguished Alumni Society since its introduction in 2007.