Lake Land College Announces Local Financial Aid Nights this Fall Posted on August 30, 2016 Lake Land College will soon hold Financial Aid Nights throughout the various communities in the Lake Land College district. At the events, Lake Land’s Financial Aid staff will present information on important changes to the 2017-2018 application process, including information on state, federal, institutional and local financial aid programs. Important changes to the FAFSA process include both the date and the tax information that is used. This year, the FAFSA will be available Oct. 1. Parents, high school seniors or anyone planning to attend Lake Land or any two- or four-year college during the 2017-2018 school year are encouraged to attend. “It is essential that students complete the FAFSA as soon as possible. Many states and 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. Completing the FAFSA will also be easier this year as parents and students can use tax information they already have handy. This change means they will not have to use estimates anymore, or log in later to update the FAFSA after taxes are filed. “We will provide information about scholarships and grants that are available,” said Danielle Downs, advisor for Lake Land College financial aid and veteran services. “We will also walk them through the steps of filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.” The list of Financial Aid Nights is as follows and all events will take place at the high school, unless otherwise noted: Monday, Sept. 12, 2016 Mattoon High School 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2016 Kansas High School 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2016 Brownstown High School 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15, 2016 Marshall High School 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 19, 2016 Casey-Westfield High School 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2016 Cumberland High School 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2016 Sullivan High School 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016 Newton High School 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 26, 2016 Charleston High School 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2016 Oakland High School 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016 South Central High School 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016 St. Elmo High School 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 3, 2016 Paris High School 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2016 Ramsey High School 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016 Shelbyville High School 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016 Teutopolis High School 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016 Windsor High School 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016 Neoga High School 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2016 Okaw Valley High School 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2016 Cowden-Herrick High School 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016 Effingham High School 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 24, 2016 Altamont High School 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2016 St. Anthony High School 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016 Arthur-Lovington-Atwood 6 p.m. For more information, contact the Lake Land College Financial Aid office at 217-234-5231. To see a complete list of the regional Financial Aid Nights visit lakelandcollege.edu/financialaid.
Lake Land College Board of Trustee Election Petitions Available Posted on Persons who wish to file for a seat on the board of trustees of Lake Land College, Community College District No. 517, may pick up nominating petitions at the office of Jean Anne Grunloh, senior executive to the president at Lake Land College, on or after Sept. 20. Petitions are available from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday when the college is open. Grunloh’s office is located in the administrative wing of the Robert K. Luther Student Center on campus in Mattoon. Completed petition packets will be accepted on behalf of Lake Land College Board Secretary Doris Reynolds in the same office from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., Dec. 12 – 19. Three seats on the seven-member board will be filled at the April 4, 2017 consolidated election. The seats currently held by Robert Luther, Mattoon, Doris Reynolds, Mattoon and Mike Sullivan, Mattoon are up for election. Persons elected on April 4 will begin their terms of office by May 2, 2017 and serve six-year terms. To run in the election, interested persons must: Hold U.S. citizenship; Be 18 years of age or older; Be a resident of the state of Illinois for one year immediately preceding the election; Be a resident of Community College District No. 517 for one year immediately preceding the election and; Be a registered voter. Nominating petitions require the signatures of at least 50 registered voters and should be filed with the office of the senior executive to the president. The candidate may file in person, by mail or by a representative. Each board candidate must also submit a statement of candidacy and a receipt indicating he or she has filed a statement of economic interest with the county clerk of the county in which the principal office of the unit of local government with which the person is associated is located. The period for filing objections to nomination papers will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the same office during the following five business days: Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2016; Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2016; Thursday, Dec. 22, 2016; Friday, Dec. 23, 2016; and Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2016. Please note Lake Land College will be closed from Dec. 23, 2016, through Jan. 2, 2017, but the office of the president will be open during the above mentioned dates for election-related purposes. For more information, contact Jean Anne Grunloh at 217-234-5329.
Lake Land College Honors Nurses in Pinning Ceremony Posted on August 26, 2016 Lauran Huntington, Mason, left, Jessica Rothrock, Effingham, center, and Evalena Pullen, Mattoon, right, received awards during the Lake Land College Pinning Ceremony. Huntington and Pullen received the Peer Nursing Award and Rothrock received the Marilyn Fuqua Thompson Award. At the 2016 Lake Land College annual pinning ceremony, 36 graduating practical nurses received their pins. Jessica Rothrock, Effingham, received the Marilyn Fuqua Thompson 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. Evalena Pullen, Mattoon, from the Lake Land College class and Lauran Huntington, Mason, from the Kluthe Center for Higher Technology class were awarded the Peer Nursing Awards. 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: Missy Bartels, Kansas Pamela Lawyer, Sullivan Lacee Beabout, Charleston Becca Ludwig, Sigel Beckie Alexander, Humboldt Chance Molt, Effingham Destony Bell, Altamont Teena S. Musson, Mattoon Barbara Blackburn, Windsor Adilson Newcomb, Mattoon Jaimee Calvert Blankenship, St. Elmo Nicole Lynn Pals, Teutopolis Nicole Brenneman, Tuscola Evalena Pullen, Mattoon Samantha Buell, Charleston Kiesha D. Reed, Paris Shelbi Clay, Sullivan Jessica R. Rothrock, Effingham Jennifer Cole, Charleston Courtney Sue Schultz, Stewardson Jami Devall, Greenup Hannah Schutzbach, Shelbyville Amanda Baylee Elliott, Charleston Cindy L. Scribner, Ramsey Merideth Goodwin, Mattoon Christina Swango, Charleston Michael Guyer, Neoga Nicole R. Thies, Shumway Magan A. Hardin, Stewardson Kyla Thornton, Mattoon Nikki Heddins, Charleston Jennifer Warner, Greenup Lauran C. Huntington, Mason Serena Wells, Paris Tifenee A. Knapp, Pana Taylor Wilcox, Shelbyville
Informational Meeting for Lake Land College Belize Trip Set Posted on This winter, Lake Land College is hosting its eighth annual study abroad Belize Adventure. An informational meeting for the trip will be held Thursday, Sept. 8 at 5:30 p.m. in the West Building, room 119 on campus in Mattoon. Trip coordinator and horticulture instructor Dyke Barley will be available to answer questions about the trip at that time. “Participants on the trip will experience firsthand one of the most unique areas on the planet during this short-term study abroad opportunity,” said Barkley. During the trip, scheduled for January 2 – 7, 2017 participants will experience a variety of activities including: visiting a citrus farm, botanical garden and green iguana sanctuary; hiking in the jungle in the daytime and nighttime; exploring a Mayan ceremonial cave and archeological sites; and traveling to cities to visit markets and experience local culture. The cost of the trip includes lodging and meals at the Sibun Education/Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge, located south of Belmopan, the capital city, airfare and ground transportation, and all entrance fees and guide services for expeditions led by local guides. This trip is open to students and the public alike and participants will earn two hours of college credit through the short-term study abroad program at Lake Land. The complete cost for the trip is $2,075. Payment in the amount of $1,100 is due on Sept. 19 to secure airfare. Participants will need a valid U.S. passport to gain entry to Belize. Space is limited so reserve your spot today by contacting Barkley at 217-234-5569 or at dbarkley@lakelandcollege.edu.
Lake Land College Adult Education to offer free food sanitation classes Posted on August 15, 2016 Lake Land College’s Adult Education is offering free food sanitation classes at various locations for the first 12 applicants who register. Those who complete the course will receive a Food Protection Manager certification, which is valid for five years. The test costs $36. The class locations and dates are as follows: Western Region Center, Pana – Sept. 16 and 23, 5-9 p.m. Eastern Region Center, Marshall – Oct. 15 and 22, 8.am.-noon. Lake Land College, Workforce Development Center, Mattoon – Nov. 5 and 12, 8 a.m.-noon. Kluthe Center for Higher Education and Technology, Effingham – Dec. 3 and 10, 8 a.m.-noon. For more information, contact Adult Education at 217-238-8292 or adulteducation@lakelandcollege.edu.
Lake Land College Adult Education to offer free computer classes Posted on Lake Land College’s Adult Education will be offering free computer classes in various locations. Classes begin Sept. 19 for Effingham and Mattoon locations and Sept. 20 for Marshall, Pana and Paris locations. The four-week classes will include topics of Windows7, Word, Excel and Microsoft Office. The schedule is as follows: Eastern Region Center, Marshall – Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1:30-3:30 p.m. First United Methodist Church, Paris – Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9-11 a.m. Kluthe Center for Higher Technology, Effingham – Mondays and Tuesdays, 4-6 p.m. Lake Land College, Workforce Development Center, Mattoon – Mondays and Thursdays, 4-6 p.m. Western Region Center, Pana – Tuesdays, 5:30-9:30 p.m. For more information, contact Adult Education at 217-238-8292 or adulteducation@lakelandcollege.edu.
Lake Land College awards students with Microsoft Office Specialist certification Posted on Top Right: Seven Lake Land College students recently received the Microsoft Office Specialist certification. Pictured from left to right: Jennifer Riley, of Sullivan; Shannon Duck, of Pana; Laurie Kramer, of Farina; Nicole Moschenrose, of Watson; Dustin Sudkamp, of Effingham; Erica Grant, of Charleston; Lisa Earp, of Mattoon, business instructor/program coordinator office professionals; Beth-Anne Graham, of Farina. Top Left: Lake Land College student Beth-Anne Graham of Farina received a Microsoft Office Specialist Master certificate. Lake Land College awarded seven students with the Microsoft Office Specialist certification through the Lake Land College Business Division. The MOS certification exams test students’ skills in Microsoft Office 2013 programs — Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote and SharePoint. Since offering testing for the first time in fall 2015, 62 Lake Land students have received certification in one or more of these programs. The courses which offer the opportunity to earn a certificate are Practical Software Applications, Advanced Software Applications and Automated Office Procedures, but the list of courses will be expanding this fall. Beth-Anne Graham of Farina and Erica Grant of Charleston received a Microsoft Office Specialist Master certificate. Microsoft Office Specialist certification provides students with an advantage in their educational and workforce pursuits by making them more competitive and providing a credential. Lake Land College offers a variety of degrees and certificates for office professionals, including office assistant-executive, office assistant-legal, office manager, office assistant-medical and office receptionist, among others. A complete list can be found at https://www.lakelandcollege.edu/as/as/academicprograms/programs.cfm. The following students most recently completed the exam and received certification: Shannon Duck, Pana Beth-Anne Graham, Farina Erica Grant, Charleston Laurie Kramer, Farina Nicole Moschenrose, Watson Jennifer Riley, Sullivan Dustin Sudkamp, Effingham There have been 62 Lake Land College students who have earned an MOS certification between November 2015 and May 2016. Those who have completed the requirements for it are: Matthew Babyak; Jordan Ball; Shelby Black; Spencer Blackburn; Steven Brown; Melanie Bullock; Hayley Carlson; Colin Carver; John Cohn; Macie Collins; Brandon Davis; Riley Donhou; Carrie Eirhart; Miles Farthing; Taylor Flowers; Brittany Fore; Tony Haney; Jessica Hahney; Kaylee Hampton; Elizabeth Heldman; Nathan Herboth; Candice Higgs; Kristy Holman; Sarah Hostetter; Molli Johnson; Telsa Johnson; Reagan Keck; Shanna Killen; Elizabeth Koehler; Alyssa Kuhlman; Nicole Landreth; Michelle McDowell; Teresea Meyer; Jessica Miller; Jenna Miller; Devin Mosier; Chelsea Munoz; Benjamin Myers; Megan Nichols; Jeslyn Piece; Wendy Plopper; Sharold Plush; Carter Price; Emily Rothrock; Connor Russell; Zoe Sanders; Amber Scales; Sara Schilling; Lacie Staggs; Devon Still; Hayden Strader; Hany Tawdros; Olivia Thompson; Callie Vogt; Dallas Wilson; and Elizabeth Yoder.
Lake Land College Softball Players Earn All-American Honor Posted on August 11, 2016 Jenna Jones Emily Oestreich Two Lake Land College softball players were named All-Americans for their exemplary athletic performance during the 2015-2016 season. Jenna Jones, Fulton, was a sophomore short stop, and Emily Oestreich, Napa, Calif., was a freshman pitcher for the Lakers. During the 2015-2016 season, Jones averaged .439 and had 10 homeruns and 50 RBIs. Oesterich pitched 188 innings, had 279 strikeouts and allowed an average of 1.9 runs per game. Both athletes competed at the National Tournament with the 2015-2016 Lake Land College softball team in St. George, Utah, at the end of May, where they were selected as Third Team All-Americans. The team went 52-15 for the season. Jones is continuing on to play at Akron University in Ohio, and Oestreich will continue playing with the Lakers during the 2016-2017 season.
Lake Land College Vice President Meets with Chinese Officials Posted on Luke Wang, head investor of New Silk Road Educational Services, and Jim Hull, Lake Land College vice president for workforce solutions and community education, shake hands after signing a ceremonial agreement to work together on an educational endeavor between Lake Land College and China. Hull visited Shanghai and Hong Kong on his August trip to China. Lake Land College Vice President for Workforce Solutions and Community Education Jim Hull traveled to China in August to meet with a group of Chinese business leaders about the opportunity for a new educational partnership. New Silk Road Educational Services, a group of business leaders and investors, is working to establish a partnership with Lake Land College to provide workforce training educational programs in China at an area university. Rep. Reginal Phillips, R-Charleston, a Lake Land College alumnus, joined Hull for the discussions in Shanghai and Hong Kong to meet with the group. Hull and Mr. Luke Wang, the head investor, signed a ceremonial agreement in to work together in the educational endeavor.
Lake Land College Trustees Posthumously Honor Karen Fuqua Posted on The Lake Land College Board of Trustees posthumously honored Karen Fuqua with the Clem G. Phipps Exemplary Trustee Award during the August meeting at the Kluthe Center in Effingham. Fuqua’s family including her sister, Marilyn Fuqua Thompson and her niece Nicole Zeller and her husband, Eric Zeller, received the award on her behalf. Pictured left to right are Gary Cadwell, chairman of the board of trustees, Fuqua Thompson, Nicole Zeller and Zeller. The Lake Land College Board of Trustees posthumously honored Karen Fuqua with the Clem G. Phipps Exemplary Trustee Award. Fuqua served as a Lake Land trustee from 1997-2005, and during her tenure, she served as board secretary from 2002-2005, chair of the building and site committee from 1998-2003 and the finance committee in 2004. Jackie Joines, executive director for college advancement, nominated Fuqua for the award. Fuqua’s sister, Marilyn Fuqua Thompson, received the award on her behalf during the August board meeting at the Kluthe Center for Higher Education and Technology for Fuqua’s dedication to helping others receive an education. The award was named after Clem G. Phipps, first chair of the Lake Land College Board of Trustees, to recognize former trustees who have demonstrated leadership and dedication to Lake Land College and the community. Fuqua left a substantial amount of her estate to fund scholarships through the Lake Land College Foundation, providing at least four annual nursing scholarships. Being raised on a farm taught Fuqua and Fuqua Thompson the value of hard work, but they understood that even with it, obstacles could still prevent people from achieving their goals. “We got involved in giving to the foundation because we knew there are people who wouldn’t otherwise be able to have the opportunity to receive a college education,” Fuqua Thompson said. Fuqua graduated from the University of Illinois and received her law degree from Northern Illinois University. She practiced law in central Illinois for more than 30 years and was a member of the Illinois Bar Association and the Coles Cumberland Bar Association. In her community, Fuqua was active and served on numerous boards. She was an advocate for women, specifically abused women and children, and was involved with the Salvation Army and Catholic Charities. Fuqua was honored posthumously in 2015 by the Fifth Circuit Pro Bono Committee for the pro bono legal services she offered. She was also recognized in the Educator’s Guild by the Lake Land College Foundation for her lifetime giving.