Laker Nation News

At the 2016 Lake Land College associate degree in nursing pinning ceremony, 71 graduating nurses received their pins.  This is the college’s largest graduating nursing class.

Charley Bailey received the Marilyn Fuqua Thompson Nursing Award, which is given each year to a graduating student who is considered to be the all-around best student in the class and is voted on by faculty.  The student must be professionally superior and morally responsible, be capable of making wise decisions, be compassionate and caring, be dedicated and possess common sense and a strong scientific knowledge base, demonstrate superior technical skills, possess superior communication skills and composure, often in crises situations. Bailey’s name will be engraved on a plaque that is located in the nursing skills lab in Neal Hall.

Jennifer Derrickson and Valentina Thoele received the Associate Degree Nursing Peer Award. These students are chosen because of their clinical and scholastic performance, willingness to help other students, professionalism, maturity and spirit.  The award is characterized by a true team player, who also is considered a leader. The recipients of this award were chosen by fellow nursing students.

During the ceremony, the following were honored:

Charley M. Bailey, Windsor

Eric Banning, Shelbyville

Jessica A. Bauer, Mattoon

Misti J. Beck, Cowden

Hilary Bodle, Hindsboro

Jill R. Brummer, Dieterich

Michael Bryant, Charleston

Karen E. Clapp, Oakland

Jennifer L. Derrickson, Charleston

Felicia N. Dilley, Pana

Jason Duhamell, Mattoon

Valerie Edwards, Mattoon

Melissa D. Evans, Beecher City

Shelby Evinger, Paris

Alyssa Farris, Trilla

Lexie Fiscus, Paris

Melissa Fitzpatrick, Pana

Holly Forsyth, Shelbyville

Kelsey N. Fuqua, Paris

Rachel A. Gouchenouer, Effingham

Kindra Hartke, Mattoon

Jason E. Hayes, Dieterich

Kerri L. Hayes, Lakewood

Haley J. Hayse, Sullivan

Connie Heischmidt, Effingham

Amy E. Herschberger, Humboldt

Tammy Hooper, Mattoon

Jenna D. Hunt, Ramsey

Andrea Hutchison, Mattoon

Hannah Jernigan, Paris

Emily Johnson, Paris

Christina Julius, Pana

Kelli Keys, Paris

Joanna Kingery, Neoga

Taylor N. Kistler, Effingham

Taylor M. Kuhns, Edgewood

Lisa Lawson, Mattoon

Todd Layton, Toledo

Elizabeth Miller, Lovington

Tricia Miller, Ashmore

Allison M. Morgason, Pana

Courtney R. Myers, Beecher City

Casey J. Neville, Altamont

Lana J. Pearcy, Mattoon

Donald Peyton, Mattoon

Renea Phelps, Mattoon

Mallory Pierce, Bethany

Crystal Pope, Millersville

Christina Rahar, Pana

Nathan Raisner, Charleston

Kelsey N. Randolf, Effingham

Cassandra Rich, Oakland

Cassie R. Riley, Mattoon

Christopher R. Roedl, Effingham

Cody M. Scott, Altamont

Anna Shelton, Effingham

Lindsey R. Slifer, Watson

Jessica Spence, Charleston

Devin Stephens, Neoga

Misty Stone, Sullivan

Valentina M. Thoele, Teutopolis

Alexis C. Tucker, Paris

Lexi Walk, Westervelt

Abby Warden, Stewardson

Amber D. Waterman, Neoga

Hailey N. Wendt, Watson

Mandy Jo Wendte, Effingham

True N. Wernz, Charleston

Ashley White, Mattoon

Haley A. Whitman, Mattoon

Cassie Will, Altamont

Lake Land College Student Life is hosting a performance by The Filharmonic, an acapella music group featured in the hit movie “Pitch Perfect 2.”

The event is scheduled in Theater of the Luther Student Center on Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016 at 11 a.m. More information about the group visit: http://degy.com/project/the-filharmonic/.

The following week on Wednesday, Oct. 19, the college welcomes motivational speaker Chris Sandy. Sandy’s presentation is titled Enduring Regret. He shares his experience on drinking and driving during this talk that begins at 11 a.m. in the Theater. More information is available at http://enduringregret.org/chris-sandy.

The public is welcome to attend these free events. Please keep in mind that the content of the presentations is geared toward college students.

For a complete listing of college events, visit the Laker Calendar at lakelandcollege.edu.

Visit Lake Land College and find out all the college offers at Laker Visit Day. The event will be held Friday, Oct. 28 in the Luther Student Center.

The event is for potential students who are interested in learning more about Lake Land College. Parents/guardians and spouses are welcome to come along and attend the Parent and Spouse Session.

Representatives from Admissions & Records, Financial Aid & Veteran Services, Counseling Services, Career Services and Student Life will provide information and answer questions. The event includes campus tours and informational sessions by Lake Land College Student Ambassadors. Participants will also meet with faculty members in their academic area of interest to learn more about program offerings at Lake Land.

“Laker Visit Day is a great way for prospective students and parents to talk to faculty and staff about academic options and programs of study, to talk to current students about student life and to learn about financial aid options and opportunities,” said Lisa Shumard-Shelton, director of new student admissions.

Register for Laker Visit Day online at lakelandcollege.edu/visit or call 217-234-5254.

Recognizing the need for an affordable higher education, the Illinois General Assembly passed the Public Junior College Act in July 1965.

Clem Phipps, chairman of the Eastern Illinois Area Junior College Steering Committee, believed junior colleges were the single most important thing to happen to education in the ‘60s. With his vote of confidence, along with members of the Junior College Steering Committee, the idea of Lake Land College became a reality.

After an intense year of planning and lobbying on the parts of area educators, local business owners and concerned residents, the idea generated enough support to begin drafting a formal resolution to bring a school to the area.

The Lake Land College referendum vote passed 50 years ago on Sept. 24, 1966. The referendum created the district for the college.

Residents in 13 school districts, by more than a four-to-one margin in incorporated areas, approved the creation of a junior college in the East Central Illinois area.

Residents agreed to pay 12.5 cents for every 100 dollars of assessed home value for educational and building purposes.

This milestone marks one of the many celebratory dates in the history of Lake Land College.

Applying for financial aid just got easier. This year, the online form will be available on Oct. 1—three months earlier than in the past.

Why is that important to students who will enroll in college in the Fall 2017, Spring 2018 and Summer 2018 terms?

“Most schools award financial aid on a first-come, first-served basis. Completing the FAFSA early will ensure you are in the applicant pool for any awards for which you qualify,” Paula Carpenter, director of financial aid and veteran services said.

The FAFSA is the first step in the financial aid process to receive a grant or a loan. Many scholarships also require a student to complete the FAFSA.

“We know that next school year seems far away, but we want our Lake Land College students to be first in line to receive any Illinois MAP grant funding that could become available,” Carpenter added.

In addition to making the form available earlier, it will be easier to complete the FAFSA, the free financial aid form, as families can use 2015 tax information which should be readily available.

The form is available at fafsa.gov. Lake Land College’s school code is 007644.

The following information will help families navigate the financial aid process for the 2017-2018 academic year.

TAX INFORMATION
From now on, the FAFSA will ask for older income and tax information that you will already have. This change means you won’t have to use estimates anymore, or log in later to update your FAFSA after you file taxes!

Since chances are likely that your 2015 taxes are already filed, you may be able to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (IRS DRT) to automatically import your tax information into your FAFSA.

With the FAFSA available three months earlier will give you more time to meet most deadlines and to explore and understand your financial aid options.

BUT WHAT IF MY FAMILY’S FINANCIAL SITUATION HAS CHANGED SINCE OUR 2015 TAXES WERE FILED? CAN WE REPORT 2016 TAX INFORMATION INSTEAD?
No. You must report your 2015 tax information on the 2017–18 FAFSA. You do not have the option to report your 2016 tax information. If your family has experienced a loss of income since the 2015 tax year, talk to the financial aid office at your school. They have the ability to assess your situation and make adjustments.

Note: The FAFSA asks for marital status as of the day you fill it out. So if you’re married now but weren’t in 2015 (and therefore didn’t file taxes as married), you’ll need to add your spouse’s income to your FAFSA.

Similarly, if you filed your 2015 taxes as married but you’re no longer married when you fill out the FAFSA, you’ll need to subtract your spouse’s income.

CAN I FILL OUT THE FAFSA BEFORE I APPLY TO COLLEGES? WHAT IF I DON’T KNOW WHERE I’M APPLYING YET?
Yes, you can fill out the FAFSA even before you’ve submitted your college applications. Add every school you’re considering to your FAFSA, even if you haven’t applied or been accepted yet. Even if you’re on the fence about applying to a particular school, add it. It will hold your place in line for financial aid in case you end up applying for admission at that school. You can always remove schools later if you decide not to apply (but you don’t have to).

WILL FAFSA DEADLINES BE EARLIER SINCE THE APPLICATION IS LAUNCHING EARLIER?
We expect that most state and school deadlines will remain approximately the same as in 2016–17. However, several states that offer first come, first served financial aid will change their deadlines from “as soon as possible after Jan. 1” to “as soon as possible after Oct. 1.” So, as always, it’s important that you check your state and school deadlines so that you don’t miss out on any aid. State deadlines are on fafsa.gov; school deadlines are on schools’ websites.

For more information on the FAFSA changes, visit StudentAid.ed.gov/fafsa-changes.

For more information on how to complete your FAFSA, visit StudentAid.gov/fafsa/filling-out.

Lake Land College is enrolling students in upcoming eight-week courses that begin Oct. 17 and run through Dec. 9, with exams the following week.

Known as Mod 2 courses, the short-term nature of the courses are ideal for people who would like to ease back into school or want to catch up on credits.

Courses are offered in a variety of subjects at a variety of times and formats.

Online courses include Responding to Emergencies, Medical Terminology, Understanding Art, Principles of Economics I and II, Accounting Process, Internet Systems/Applications, Human Machine Interface, Food Service Sanitation, Principles of Health, Strategies for Success, American National Government, Human Relations, Humanities and more.

Courses offered during the day include Ag Trans & Power Trains, Engine Repair, Accounting Process, Soils and Aggregates, Practical Software Applications, Pipefitting Procedures, Introduction to Sociology, Human Relations and more.

Evening courses include, Welding Fundamentals, Properties of Metal and Intro to Machining Procedures.

Welding Fundamentals is also being offered in the evening at Effingham High School. Interested students should contact the Kluthe Center at 217-540-3555.

The first step to in getting started is to complete the Intent to Enroll form. Visit us at lakelandcollege.edu and click on the Enroll Now button or call 217-234-5232 to find out if Mod 2 offerings are compatible with your degree plan.

Lake Land College will be offering free GED classes in several locations, with orientation beginning Oct. 10.

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, Oct. 11, 4:30 p.m.
• Effingham –  Lake Land College Kluthe Center for Higher Education and Technology, 1204 Network Center Blvd. – Tuesday, Oct. 11, 4 p.m.
• Marshall – Lake Land College Eastern Region Center, 224 S. 6^th – Monday, Oct. 10, 4 p.m.
• Mattoon – Lake Land College Workforce Development Center, 305 Richmond Ave. E. – Wednesday, Oct, 12, 8 a.m. & 4 p.m.
• Pana – Lake Land College Western Region Center, 600 E. 1^st – Thursday, Oct. 13, 5 p.m.
• Paris – First United Methodist Church, 324 W Court St. – Tuesday, Oct. 11, 4 p.m.
• Shelbyville – Shelby Christian Church, 200 N. Hickory St. – Monday, Oct. 10, 5:30 p.m.

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

In honor of patient appreciation, the Lake Land College Dental Hygiene Program is offering free dental cleanings Sept. 19-Sept. 29.

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 Dental Clinic is located in the Northwest Building, room 116 on the Lake Land College campus, 5001 Lake Land Blvd., Mattoon.

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

Lake Land College is expanding the number of welding courses offered in the Effingham community through a partnership among the college, the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce and Effingham Community Unit 40.

The partnership’s goal is to offer courses that meet the training needs of area employers for skilled welders. The program originally started with one course and has now expanded to three.

Interested students can enroll today in the first course.

Welding Fundamentals, WEL-057-38143, is a Mod 2 course that meets from Oct. 18 to Dec. 8 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5-8:30 p.m. at Effingham High School. Metal Cutting and Fabrication will be offered from January through March and Pipe Fitting & Welding will be offered from March through May.

“Our local manufacturers have made it clear that there is a strong need for more individuals with welding skills to fill available jobs,” Chamber President & CEO Norma Lansing said.  “The partnership that came together to fill this need says a lot about our community commitment to business growth and better jobs for the people living here.”

In the course, students will develop skills in safety, metal identification, oxy-acetylene welding, metal cutting processes, shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding (including stainless steel and aluminum), machining, fluid power, mechanical drives and blueprint reading.

Enrollment in the class is limited, so students need to register by Oct. 10 by contacting the Kluthe Center at 217-540-3555 or by going to lakelandcollege.edu and clicking on the Enroll Now button. The first step is to complete an Intent to Enroll form.

Deciding on what to do after high school graduation can be an overwhelming process. That’s why Lake Land College is scheduling high school visits to help students know more about transitioning from high school to a college or university.

“Meeting with higher education professionals is a very valuable experience for students making the difficult but important decision about college and college life,” said Pam Hartke, admissions representative. “We hope to answer the students’ questions and ease any anxiety they may have about this time in their lives.”

The dates, times and locations of the area high School visits are as follows:

For more information, visit: www.lakelandcollege.edu/ss/ar/hs_counselor/hs_visits.cfm.