ONE LAKER NATION THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF LAKE LAND COLLEGE ALUMNI
FALL 2018
LAKER PRIDE SPREADS ACROSS LOCAL BUSINESSES WELCOME LAKER NATION CLASS OF 2018 STEPPING STONE TO SUCCESS TOP 50 VIPS IN THE COLLEGE’S HISTORY HONORED 2018 LAKER HOMECOMING: WELCOME TO PARADISE
FELLOW ALUMNI: This past year was an exciting time for One Laker Nation as we celebrated the college’s 50th anniversary. Lake Land hosted its second annual Laker Homecoming and numerous alumni attended various events and reconnected with the college and old friends. Lake Land will be hosting its third annual Homecoming celebration with similar events planned this year. Whether you are one of the first alumni to graduate from Lake Land College on August 18, 1968 or are a member of the Class of 2018, we welcome you home for Laker Homecoming 2018. Please mark your calendars for the weekend of September 29 and plan a trip to campus. It will be a great weekend to see how the campus has grown, get in touch with your former instructors and plan to make some new memories with your old friends. While campus has evolved in the past 51 years, I am proud to say the caring environment you experienced here continues to live and inspire those who come after us to reach their goals. The Alumni Board is planning new events to connect with fellow Alumni and to offer value to you, our alumni members. Please keep in touch to see how you can join us and take advantage of all that One Laker Nation has to offer. Go Lakers! AUSTIN FRANK LAKER NATION CLASS OF 2006 Lake Land College Alumni Board President
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FALL 2018
CONTENTS 2 ALUMNI PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 4
WELCOME LAKER NATION CLASS OF OF 2018
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STEPPING STONE TO SUCCESS
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ROBERT K. LUTHER STUDENT CENTER RENOVATION
9 2018 WALL OF FAME INDUCTIONS 10 LAKER PRIDE SPREADS ACROSS LOCAL BUSINESSES
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12 TOP 50 VIPS HONORED 14 2018 LAKER HOMECOMING: WELCOME TO PARADISE 16 LAKE LAND FACULTY EARN HIGH HONORS 18 ONE LAKER NATION UPDATES
MAKE A GIFT To make a gift to the Lake Land College Foundation that supports students and college programs, visit lakelandcollege.edu and look for the “Give” button at the top of the homepage.
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LAKE LAND COLLEGE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Lake Land College Alumni Association is multifaceted. First, the Association endeavors to foster relationships that promote the Association. Secondly, the Association recognizes current and future alumni and help promote Lake Land College. Lastly, the Association will accomplish its mission by being visible, supportive of students, building loyalty to the Lake Land brand and promoting a positive learning experience.
ONE LAKER NATION MAGAZINE
is published annually for the alumni of Lake Land College in coordination with the Lake Land College Alumni Association and Marketing & Public Relations. Views and opinions expressed by individuals in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Lake Land College. For inquiries, please contact Marketing & Public Relations at 217-234-5215. EDITOR: Kelly Allee GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Megan Nelson, Laker Nation Class of 2006 WRITER: Corinne Henderson
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Lake Land College is committed to maintaining a working and learning environment that promotes equal opportunity and affirmative action and that is free from unlawful discrimination and harassment. It is the policy of Lake Land College not to engage in discrimination or harassment against any person because of race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital or civil union status, veteran status, sexual orientation or any basis of discrimination precluded by applicable federal and state statutes. This policy applies to admission and access to and participation, treatment and employment in the College’s programs, activities, and services. The following campus office is assigned the responsibility for ensuring compliance with this policy as well as federal and state statutes and regulations concerning affirmative action and equal access: Office of the Director of Human Resources 217-234-5210. Human Resources Office Complaint forms and procedures for filing can be obtained through Counseling Services or Human Resources. In addition, these offices will maintain current copies of appropriate laws, regulations, and policies.
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WE WELCOME OUR NEWEST ALUMNI
LAKER NATION CLASS OF 2018
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STEPPING STONE TO SUCCESS
FROM THE FAMILY FARM TO FAMILY LAW LAKE LAND COLLEGE SERVES
as a stepping stone for many students through the years. But for Cari Rincker, 2018 Alumnus Achievement Award recipient, it was a launch pad to national success.
Cari grew up working on a farm in Shelbyville, Illinois. As a child, she was actively engaged in agricultural events around her community and participated in 4-H and FFA organizations. Even at a young age, Rincker knew she wanted to play a role in the agricultural world.
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FAMILY TIES It was no coincidence that Cari found herself at Lake Land. As the daughter of Curt Rincker, retired agricultural division chair and instructor, Cari has early memories helping her father run slideshows in classes, running up and
down the hallways of Lake Land with her brother and listening to the Livestock Judging Team give oral reasons. “Lake Land College runs in my blood,” said Rincker in her commencement speech. While addressing the graduates, Rincker continued to say that her father’s devotion to student success was not an exception at Lake Land, it was the rule. “When I look back at my educational career, some of my favorite instructors were right here at Lake Land—teachers with intellectual horsepower who took the extra time and attention for their students,” Rincker said. FROM THE HEARTLAND TO THE COAST After graduating with an associate degree in agricultural science from Lake Land, Rincker’s path took her all over the country. She first transferred to the Texas A & M University College of Agriculture, where she received a bachelor’s degree in animal science and was selected to participate in the Congressional Agriculture and Natural Resource Policy Internship Program. It was through this internship opportunity that Rincker had her first experience with agriculture law and policy.
Rincker completed a juris doctorate degree from Pace University, School of Law, in White Plains, New York where she received certificates in both environmental law and international law. While there, she was a part of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations where she did research on national legal frameworks on the conservation of livestock biodiversity and contributed to the report publication of “The State of the World’s Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.” In her commencement address, Rincker urged graduates to embrace their own path in life. Adding that people questioned her decision to start her own food and agriculture law practice in the most densely populated city in the nation, New York City. She added that those initial questions and concerns from people turned out to be unfounded, considering she was the only agriculture lawyer in New York City. Rincker closed her speech with a question she often receives: the key to all of her success. The answer? “It’s really very simple,” she said, “hard work—the kind I learned growing up on my family farm spending summers bailing hay and showing cattle through 4-H and FFA.” Hard work, determination and a foundation that started at Lake Land.
DORIS REYNOLDS HONORED FOR 25 YEARS OF SERVICE
Lake Land College Board of Trustees Vice Chair Doris Reynolds, Mattoon, received the 25-Year Trustee Award for her 25 years of service to Lake Land College and the Illinois academic system. Reynolds received this recognition from the Illinois Community College Trustee Association at an awards banquet on June 1. Beyond her contributions on the Lake Land College Board of Trustees, Reynolds plays an active role in the community through her work as a full-time realtor, Lake Land College Foundation board liaison, ICCTA member, Mattoon Lights Works Committee charter member and CCAR board member and chair. Serving since 1993, Reynolds describes her time as a trustee to be a tremendous learning experience. “We have a fantastic board and work together well. The board’s vision is kept in line by always considering what is best for the students,” Reynolds said. “I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would. The students keep us motivated and fresh. It’s exciting because everything is always changing.”
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RENOVATIONS UNDERWAY
FOR THE LUTHER STUDENT CENTER
THE LAKER EXPERIENCE is getting
an upgrade starting this summer. Construction will soon be underway for a 15,200-square-foot addition and interior renovation to the Robert K. Luther Student Center. The Luther Student Center remodel allows for student services to be centralized in the heart of campus. Making the move to the new space will be the Bookstore, Financial Aid, TRiO Student Support Services and the Police Department. The new layout will simplify the new student experience, with a welcoming environment that fosters success. Whether it be a future student visiting campus for Laker Visit Day, a current student checking on financial aid, or
an alumnus stopping by Admissions & Records to pick up a transcript, the new space will offer ease of navigation between services. In addition to campus, the Lake Land presence in Effingham will be growing. The Rural Development Center, adjacent to the Kluthe Center for Higher Education and Technology, is expected to begin construction in 2022. The center will house the Effingham Regional Career Academy as well as additional classroom and lab space. The Rural Development Center will focus on providing educational opportunities to train for careers in advanced manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, technology and transportation.
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“As a college, we continuously seek innovative opportunities to enhance learning and improve services. “Through these construction plans, we will position ourselves to better serve a new generation of students,” said Lake Land College President Josh Bullock.
THE NEW BOARD AND ADMINISTRATION CENTER Construction is already underway for the Board and Administration Center. This past spring and summer, the college has been busy renovating the former Child Care Lab to accommodate administrative offices and create additional space for a dedicated board of trustees meeting room.
RETIREE WALL OF
FAME
Located in the Robert K. Luther Student Center, the Retiree Wall of Fame recognizes honored retirees for their hard work and outstanding contributions to the college. KATHLEEN DOEHRING (1982-2009) 1982 Doehring joins Lake Land as a practical nursing instructor. 1987 Doehring and Allied Health Division Chair Marilyn Fuqua Thompson create an associate degree in nursing program. She teaches in both the practical nursing and associate degree nursing programs. 1989 Doehring is promoted to associate degree nursing/practical nursing program instructor and stays in that position until her retirement in 2009. Doehring was a familiar face to nursing students as she spent much of her time providing individual guidance to students. Due to Lake Land establishing itself as a stellar nursing education provider, the program began to overflow with interested students. With this great influx, Doehring developed a process to track applications and admissions and also developed an admissions rubric to ensure both nursing programs admitted top students. Both of these developments are still in use today.
TOM KERKHOFF (1988-2009) 1988 Kerkhoff joins Lake Land as associate dean of the correctional program at the Vandalia Correctional Center. 1997 Kerkhoff is appointed dean of correction programs. 1999 Kerkhoff is appointed executive dean of correctional programs, where he stays until his retirement in 2009. Known for his “can do” attitude, Kerkhoff never turned down any additional responsibilities thrown his way. Sometimes this meant logging long hours hiring and training new staff at correctional centers. When Kerkhoff was initially hired at Lake Land, there was only one correctional center; there were 18 statewide when he retired. Following Kerkhoff’s legacy, today, Lake Land serves more than 20 adult correctional centers and two juvenile centers with around 140 full-time staff. Kerkhoff’s dedication to the correctional program left him highly respected by the staff of the Illinois Department of Corrections.
BEN RAGLE (1974-2006) 1974 Ragle joins Lake Land as a business instructor and works in the data center for a year as a computer programmer and systems analyst shortly after receiving an associate degree from Lake Land. 1996 Ragle becomes an academic counselor, a position he held until his retirement in 2006. Ragle dedicated himself to helping students overcome obstacles. He would often take incoming freshman under his wing and help them adjust to the college setting, no matter the circumstances. This allowed students to gain confidence and build a stronger foundation. As part of the counseling team, he gave students the support and created an environment in which they could succeed. As an instructor, Ragle could easily shift from one new technology to the next, and seemingly master those with ease. He passed on this knowledge to his students who were always up to date on current technology and stellar candidates in the workforce. Shortly after being recognized for his years of dedication to Lake Land College, Ben Ragle passed away on April 5, 2018. He will be missed by his Lake Land family.
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AREA BUSINESSES SHOW LAKER PRIDE BY SHOWCASING THEIR
LAKER ALUMNI
IN HONOR OF THE COLLEGE’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY, Lake Land invited all area businesses to join in the year-long celebration by highlighting Laker Alumni in the workplace.
“Through this initiative, we wanted to recognize the hundreds of local businesses that hire our graduates and celebrate our alumni’s outstanding contributions,” said Dave Cox, director of alumni relations and annual giving. “We were excited by the overwhelmingly positive response.” The businesses that got in touch with the college received Lake Land College Alumni buttons for their alumni employees to wear during the month of March. First Mid-Illinois Bank and Trust shared that many Lake Land Alumni were
all over central Illinois—in Mattoon, Charleston, Neoga, Effingham, Edwardsville and more. Organizations such as St. Anthony’s Hospital, Agracel Inc. and Dan Hecht Chevrolet Toyota, all of Effingham, responded by snapping a photo of their proud Lakers. The Equity, also of Effingham, reported that more than 90 employees, roughly 25 percent of their 400 employees, are Lake Land alumni. Michelle Niebrugge, credit and marketing assistant to the Equity, is also a Lake Land Alumna. “Lake Land did a great job of preparing me for my current position by allowing me to work with a diverse group of students in class projects. In my business classes, there were a wide variety of ages—students similar to myself all the way up to retirees,” Niebrugge said. “Lake Land provided a solid foundation for me to enter the workforce.”
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LAKER PRIDE ON THE COVER: Tangles M.D., Mattoon, Illinois LEAD PHOTO: First Mid Illinois Bank & Trust, Mattoon, Illinois 1. Agracel, Effingham, Illinois 2. Lake Land College Advancement, Mattoon, Illinois 3. HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital, Effingham, Illinois 4. Farm Credit, Paris, Illinois 5. Lake Land College Bookstore, Mattoon, Illinois 6. The Equity, various Illinois locations 7. Dan Hecht Chevrolet Toyota, Effingham Illinois
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Send photos of your Lake Land employees in the workplace to alumni@lakelandcollege.edu or post on the Lake Land College Alumni-One Laker Nation Facebook page.
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LAKE LAND COLLEGE FOUNDATION HONORS
TOP 50 VIPS
THE LAKE LAND COLLEGE FOUNDATION HONORED
the 50 most influential people in the first 50 years of the college’s history at a celebration at the Keller Convention Center in Effingham on June 8. Dave Storm, chair of the Lake Land College Board of Trustees, enlightened guests with stories of the college’s inception. How the college came to be called Lake Land, the first mascot “Dunker Duck” and the triumphs of the original faculty members were just some of the stories shared that night.
Director of College Advancement Jackie Joines welcomed the honored guests to the stage. Joines announced that the best way to honor the Top 50 would be to support and celebrate the students that were at the center of the honorees’ service to the college.
THE TOP 50 MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE IN LAKE LAND COLLEGE’S HISTORY ARE:
“It is my pleasure to announce that the Foundation will be creating a new scholarship fund in honor of our Top 50 VIPs. I am humbled to work at the institution you created,” Joines said. Foundation members and retirees of Lake Land selected the Top 50 VIPs. The event, sponsored by the Lake Land College Foundation, topped off a year-long celebration of the college’s 50th anniversary.
KEN BENO, Neoga. Former division chair of humanities and radio/TV instructor.
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*GENE ALEXANDER, Mattoon. Former coordinator of student records and registrar.
*WAYNE BRADTKE, Mattoon. Former music instructor. JOSH BULLOCK, Mattoon. Current president of Lake Land College. PAM CRISMAN, Effingham. Former vice president for development.
*FLOYD CURL, Effingham. Former trustee and foundation donor
*VIRGIL JUDGE, Mattoon. First Lake Land College president.
JIM SHAFFER, Shelbyville. Former trustee.
*JIM DECKER, Mattoon. Former academic counselor.
THOMAS KERKHOFF, Vandalia. Former executive dean correctional programs.
HELEN SMITH, Humboldt. Former division chair and instructor of health/ physical education.
*HAL KOTTWITZ, Mattoon. Former business instructor.
TINA STOVALL, Charleston. Vice president for student services.
RANDY ERVIN, Mattoon. Former chief of police who established the force.
*SCOTT LENSINK, Mattoon. Former president.
*GERALD FEDRIGON, Mattoon. Former director of admissions and records.
*ROBERT LUTHER, Mattoon. Former president.
MIKE SULLIVAN, Mattoon. Trustee and alumni association board member.
JIM DUDLEY, Charleston. Former physical education instructor, coach and athletic director.
GERALD FORSYTHE, Barrington. Donor. LANA FULLER, Mattoon. Former executive assistant to five Lake Land College presidents.
*CONSUELLO LUTTRELL, Effingham. Donor. *GEORGE MITCHELL, Marshall. Former trustee and donor. *BURNHAM NEAL, Mattoon. Donor.
KAREN FUQUA, Mattoon. Former trustee and donor.
*THOMAS NOLAN, Oakland. First trustee member class.
DENNIS GATHMANN, Mattoon. Former bio-science instructor.
BOB ORR, Mattoon. Former health/ physical education instructor and tennis coach.
*LELAND GLAZEBROOK, Sullivan. Former trustee. *MARILYN GOVER, Mattoon. Former business instructor. DAVE GREESON, Neoga. Former vice president for academic services. RICHARD HELLER, Mattoon. Former social sciences instructor. BILL HOLLADA, Mattoon. Former humanities instructor. ROBERTA HOLLADA, Mattoon. Former director of child care center/ child care instructor. PAUL ICENOGLE, Mattoon. Former master gardener. MAX JAEGER, Mattoon. Former vice president for business services. BOB JOHNSTON, Shelbyville. First trustee member class.
*CLEM PHIPPS, Mattoon. First trustee member class. *WILLIAM PODESTA, Mattoon. Former trustee and donor. *TOM REEDY, Sullivan. Former division chair of agriculture division chair and agriculture instructor. DORIS REYNOLDS, Mattoon. Trustee. *BILL RICH, Sullivan. Former vice president for academic services.
MARILYN FUQUA THOMPSON, Mattoon. Former division chair of allied health and nursing instructor. LINDA VON BEHREN, Martinsville. Former associate vice president for workforce development. *ROBERT WEBB, Mattoon. Former president. TOM WRIGHT, Dieterich. Foundation board member. LARRY YARGUS, Marshall. Former foundation board member. Individuals recognized posthumously are indicated by an asterisk. To make a gift to the Lake Land College Foundation that supports students and college programs, visit lakelandcollege.edu and look for the “Give” button at the top of the homepage. For more information, contact the Lake Land College Foundation at 217-234-5363.
CHERI RICH, Sullivan. Former vice president for student services. CURT RINCKER, Shelbyville. Former division chair of agriculture and agriculture instructor. RON SANDERSON, Humboldt. Former associate vice president for workforce development.
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JOIN US FOR
LAKER HOMECOMING Lake Land College is calling all alumni home to celebrate Laker Homecoming September 28 –29. All alumni, including graduates and those who have taken a class or two, are invited to return to campus and share memories of their alma mater with family and friends throughout the weekend’s activities. The theme for this year’s festivities, “Welcome to Paradise,” kicks off on Friday, September 28 with a Laker Volleyball game. On Saturday, September 29 an Alumni Recognition Banquet will be held at Mattoon Golf and Country Club followed by a free concert on campus by the Jimmy Buffett inspired band, The Boat Drunks. “As we celebrate Lake Land College, we invite all of our alumni to reconnect with friends and faculty and visit campus during homecoming weekend. Those alumni who have been away for a while will be amazed at how their alma mater has grown into a beautiful campus,” Dave Cox, director of alumni relations and annual giving, said. For more information about any of the homecoming events, visit www.lakelandcollege.edu/alumni or email Cox at dcox5612@lakelandcollege.edu. For athletic events information, contact Lake Land College Athletics at 217-234-5333 or wroberts52500@ lakelandcollege.edu.
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LAKE LAND COLLEGE
WELCOMES
FREE CONCERT Saturday, September 29 7 p.m. in Alumni Park
From Champaign, Illinois and now entering their 18th year as a group and still going strong, The Boat Drunks have performed from coast to coast with nearly every member of Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band and have opened shows for Jimmy Buffett, The Beach Boys and Little Feat. Other notable shows include playing outside of Wrigley Field in July 2011 prior to a CubsWhite Sox game, performing in 2015 at a Stanley Cup party for Coach Joel Quenneville of the Chicago Blackhawks and playing “Margaritaville” Theme Nights for the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium from 2016-18. Their set includes many fanfavorite as well as lesser-known Buffett hits, original music from their five studio albums and other covers ranging from Little Feat to Johnny Cash to The Beatles and more. The Boat Drunks perform at many “Parrothead” fundraising festivals across the country and their originals have been heard on Buffett’s Radio Margaritaville, Sirius/XM Channel 24. Their 2018 album release, “Together We Fly”, was produced by R. Scott Bryan (Sheryl Crow, Devon Allman) and features eight new original recordings by The Boat Drunks. The first single from the album, titled “Beer, Buffett and Baseball” and penned by lead singer Mike Miller, has proven to be a hit with Parrotheads and baseball fans alike with its homage to America’s pastime. Their music can be found on CD Baby, iTunes, at www.boatdrunks.com, YouTube and on Facebook.
LAKE LAND COLLEGE SEEKING THIRD PARTY COMMENTS FOR UPCOMING ACCREDITATION VISIT Lake Land College is seeking comments from the public about the college in preparation for its periodic evaluation by its regional accrediting agency. The college will host a visit November 5-6, 2018, with a team representing the Higher Learning Commission. Lake Land College has been accredited by the Commission since 1973. The team will review the institution’s ongoing ability to meet the Commission’s Criteria for Accreditation. The public is invited to submit comments regarding the college to the Commission’s website at hlcommission.org/comment or to the address below: THIRD PARTY COMMENT ON LAKE LAND COLLEGE THE HIGHER LEARNING COMMISSION 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500 Chicago, IL 60604-1411 Comments must address substantive matters related to the quality of the institution or its academic programs. Comments must be in writing. All comments must be received by October 8, 2018.
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FACULTY WHO
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
SCOTT RHINE Throughout his 21 years at Lake Land, Scott Rhine has created a learning environment in which students feel comfortable taking risks, seeking assistance and taking on challenges. He continuously pursues new information to share with students and colleagues, challenges himself to develop new programs and courses and energizes all around him with his infectious desire to teach, learn and innovate. At commencement this year, Lake Land honored Scott Rhine, ITnetwork administration instructor/ program coordinator, with the 2018 Outstanding Full-Time Faculty Member Award.
Rhine’s role as an educator spans beyond classroom material as he mentors those around him and emphasizes to students the importance of giving back to the community. Rhine often seeks out opportunities to extend Lake Land’s reach far beyond the classroom.
numbing content, I have some very creative, and some would say silly analogies and stories, that illustrate the major concepts. I often run into graduates from years ago who can describe the analogies in great detail. This is a testament to how effective these methods are,” said Rhine.
Rhine, who teaches programs in IT-Network Administration, IT-Game Development and IT-Digital Media Specialist, said he tries many different teaching styles—keeping what works and discarding what doesn’t.
Some of Rhine’s community projects include a canned food drive that averages about 1,200 cans per semester. A project he worked on as an advisor for Club I.T. was to create and maintain the hardscape and landscape of the Club I.T. garden on campus. He also worked on 3-D printing pilot design for a prosthetic forearm for a 3-year-old girl.
“I have always known that funny and creative is engaging, and rote facts are boring. Since I teach very complicated subjects that involve a huge amount of potentially mind-
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MATT LANDRUS For English Instructor Matt Landrus, outreach goes beyond the classroom and into the community. This year, Landrus received the 2018 Outstanding Service Award presented by Lake Land’s Faculty Association. This award is presented to faculty who go above and beyond to serve their students and their communities. In his many years here at Lake Land College, Landrus has been instrumental in helping the college thrive by getting involved in committees such as FacultyAssociation Grievance, Employee Survey Task Force and the Core Curriculum Task Force. Landrus also worked on organizing countless projects in the community such as participating in Eastern Illinois University’s first-ever Handshaking Night after being recommended by several EIU English professors and graduate students. 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 led 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. This annual event raises thousands of dollars that are used to provide essential supplies and gifts for Pathways’ students.
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.
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 Lake Land College Faculty Association scholarships and serves as an event for students and faculty to interact outside of a classroom setting.
“Teaching at Lake Land was always my dream and I thank all the great instructors who have believed in my ability to do so,” said Landrus. To view the Living Archives visit www. lakelandcollege.edu/dv/dv/archive.
In his commitment to students, Landrus has written more than 200 letters of recommendation for students, has taught more than 15 independent studies and closed
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ONE LAKER NATION UPDATES
10s
Mathew Blount, Laker Nation Class of 2018, graduated with an ADN and works and works as a critical care technician at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Systems in Mattoon.
Eric Kimbrough, Laker Nation Class of 2008, is a recruiter for MyFootPath in Chicago. Ali Rauch, Laker Nation Class of 2008, is the director of marketing at Chicken Salad Chick in Auburn, Alabama.
Amanda Wurtz, Laker Nation Class of 2018, is an office coordinator at Innovative Staff Solutions in Mattoon.
Jennifer Dust, Laker Nation Class of 2007, is a senior accountant at Agracel, Inc. and resides in Teutopolis.
Tyler Roy, Laker Nation Class of 2015, is in sales with Insoul Supply and lives in Neoga.
Justin Bozarth, Laker Nation Class of 2006, is a counselor and recently named varsity basketball coach at Tuscola High School.
Andrew Wooters, Laker Nation Class of 2015, is an instructor SME providing information to law enforcement, loss and fraud prevention with the McAfee Institute in the greater St. Louis area. Courtney Dundee, Laker Nation Class of 2014, lives in Charleston and received a master’s degree in in 2018. She serves on the Lake Land College Alumni Association Board of Directors. Selina Johnson, Laker Nation Class of 2014, is a marketing coordinator with Unispace in the greater Los Angeles area. Barb Satterfield, Laker Nation Class of 2014, owns and operates Rainbow Web Design and Our Old House in Shelbyville and is a salesperson for KC Summers auto dealership in Mattoon.
Austin Frank, Laker Nation Class of 2006, is an assistant vice president with First Mid-Illinois Bank and Trust in Mattoon and serves as the president of the Lake Land College Alumni Board for 2018. Nathan Meinhart, Laker Nation Class of 2006, is the vice president of business development at Innovative Staff Solutions in Mattoon. Harley Schrock, Laker Nation Class of 2005, is the executive general manager of Coconut Point Honda in Ft. Myers, Florida. Brian Kai, Laker Nation Class of 2003, is a marketing web developer for Heartland Dental in Effingham and resides in Mattoon.
John Robinson, Laker Nation Class of 1993, is the general manager at Ne-Co Asphalt, Inc. and resides in Toledo. Jason Vahling, Laker Nation Class of 1993, is self-employed and resides in Effingham. Derek Dallas, Laker Nation Class of 1992, is the department chair for business and computer science and technologies at Parkland College in Champaign. Dana Henness, Laker Nation Class of 1990, is the aggregates supervisor for IDOT District 5 in Paris. Tina Olszewski, Laker Nation Class of 1990, is the manager of the IT help desk at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine.
80s
Michael Beavers, Laker Nation Class of 1986, was recently named Technology Division Chair at Lake Land College. He resides in Charleston. Darci Golden, Laker Nation Class of 1983 and 1988, is the regional director of operations at General Hotels Corporation in Plainfield, Indiana.
Kara Vahling Budde, Laker Nation Class of 2002, is a nurse in the office of Dr. Awad and resides in Watson.
Darren Bailey, Laker Nation Class of 1986, works the Bailey Family Farm with sons Zach and Cole and is married to Cindy (Stortzum) Bailey, Laker Nation Class of 1986, who practices dental hygiene. They reside in Xenia, Illinois.
Heidi Carr, Laker Nation Class of 2013, is a registered nurse with Agri-Fab in Sullivan.
Nathan Nohren, Laker Nation Class of 2002, is a senior project engineer at Farnsworth Group, Inc. in Effingham.
Susan Wise, Laker Nation Class of 1985, is self-employed in grain storage sales and construction in Assumption.
Lexi Walk, Laker Nation Class of 2013, is a labor and delivery RN at Sarah Bush Lincoln with plans to pursue a master’s degree and become a nurse practicioner. She resides in Neoga.
Richard Reid, Laker Nation Class of 2002, resides in Shelbyville and is retired from the therapy department at Shelby Memorial Hospital.
Tom Bariether, Laker Nation Class of 1983, is involved in real estate and resides in Mattoon.
Adam Bierman, Laker Nation Class of 2012, works as a traveling nurse and plans to start a master’s program next year with the goal of being a nurse educational instructor.
Rachelle Hendrickson, Laker Nation Class of 2000, is supervisor and registered polysomnography technician at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in Mattoon.
Rico Santos, Laker Nation Class of 2012, is a manufacturing and logistics consultant at Randstad USA in San Antonio, Texas.
Matt Kocher, Laker Nation Class of 2000, is director of marketing-US Poultry and Swine in Lenexa, Kansas.
Tyler Everett, Laker Nation Class of 2011, worked in the ag tech industry after graduating, but returned to his true love of working the family farm in Lebanon, Indiana and currently owns a seed business.
Jeff Peadro, Laker Nation Class of 2000, is a senior security architect with CME Group in the greater Chicago area.
Grace Ziegler, Laker Nation Class of 2014, lives in Altamont and serves on the Lake Land College Alumni Association Board of Directors.
Clayton Zwilling, Laker Nation Class of 2010, is the vice president of operations for the National Swine Registry in Lafayette, Indiana.
00s
Chelsey Sullivan, Laker Nation Class of 2009, is vice president at Pinnacle Real Estate in the greater St. Louis area.
Chad Phillips, Laker Nation Class of 2000, is the vice president at Unique Homes, Inc. in Charleston.
90s
Christy Ferguson, Laker Nation Class of 1999, is the owner of Sage Insurance Agency and resides in Mattoon.
18 LAKE LAND COLLEGE ALUMNI w LAKELANDCOLLEGE.EDU/ALUMNI
Scott Arney, Laker Nation Class of 1983, is the land acquisition manager for IDOT–District 5 in Paris and resides in Marshall. Lisa Jaco, Laker Nation Class of 1983, is the director of special education for the Mattoon school district and resides in Mattoon. Jacquelyn Krehbiel, Laker Nation Class of 1983, is the executive assistant at 5 Star Assisted Living Facility and is also a freelance website designer residing in Manassas, Virginia. Mark Emola, Laker Nation Class of 1983, is a senior vice president for Institutional Training at Penserra Capital. He resides in Frankfort. Susan Wise, Laker Nation Class of 1983, is the owner and operator of BINS247 celebrating 25 years of business in 2018. She resides in Assumption.
Jim Zimmer, Laker Nation Class of 1983, resides in Mattoon and heads up several entrepreneurial ventures including Zimmer Properties (EIP), Commercial Lead Elemental Enzymes and Strategic Advisor in the Seed Industry.
Becky Hamilton, Laker Nation Class of 1973, is the administrative manager for Green Valley Manufacturing of Illinois, Inc. and recently served as president of the Mt. Zion Chamber of Commerce.
Gary Philipi, Laker Nation Class of 1970, is the director of Eastern Illinois Education for Employment System in Mattoon.
Sheldon Tart, Laker Nation Class of 1982, retired from the Coles County Sheriff’s department in 2000 and moved to California where he retired as the security director of the Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital – Trauma Center in 2014. He resides in Windsor, California.
Barbara Marquis, Laker Nation Class of 1973, is the vice president/regional deposit manager for First Mid-Illinois Bank and Trust in Mattoon.
Did you attend Lake Land College in the 1960’s? We want to hear from you! Send us your story and information at lakelandcollege.edu/alumni.
Dave Allen, Laker Nation Class of 1981, is the president and professional agriculture recruiter at Agri-Search in Arthur. Kenneth Schumacher, Laker Nation Class of 1981, resides in Altamont. Dr. Scott Baker, Laker Nation Class of 1980, is a professor and lead chemist at Triton College and a visiting scholar at Northwestern University residing in Chicago. Deborah Stremming, Laker Nation Class of 1980, has taught kindergarten for 28 years at Beecher City CUSD #20. Both of her children have also attended Lake Land College.
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Patrick Walk, Laker Nation Class of 1978, and Brenda Walk, Laker Nation Class of 1978, farm 900 acres in the Sigel area and have five sons who have also attended Lake Land College.
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Tom Wright, Laker Nation Class of 1973, is the president of Wright Furniture in Dieterich and serves on the Lake Land College Foundation Board of Directors.
LAKER LOVES & LULLABIES
John Moon, Laker Nation Class of 1972, is a purchasing supervisor for Flex N Gate in Urbana.
Moe Bruns, Laker Nation Class of 1988, had recently graduated and was taking additional classes at Lake Land in the fall of 1988. That September she met Gregg Bruns, Laker Nation Class of 1990, on an old leather couch in the Administration Building. They have been married for 26 years.
Carla Neal, Laker Nation Class of 1972, is a retired rehabilitation counselor at the state of Illinois Division of Rehabilitation and resides in Charleston with her husband Michael, Laker Nation Class of 1972. Carlissa Puckett, Laker Nation Class of 1972, relocated back to the Mattoon area in 2016 and works with the Illinois Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities. Denny Schwartz, Laker Nation Class of 1972, is the president at Sunforest Transporatation Insurance Group, Inc. in Toledo, Ohio. Kathy Spence, Laker Nation Class of 1972, is a realtor with All-American Realty and lives in Charleston.
Tammy and Kevin Schackmann, Laker Nation Class of 1994, met while Tammy was working the switchboard and Kevin was a DJ on WLKL radio downstairs in the library. They also took a bowling class together. They married in October 1994 after graduating in May. They have been married 23 years with three kids (one of which is a Laker now) and are going strong! Henry Bradley Niemerg was born in April 2018 to Kellie Niemerg, Laker Nation Class of 2012, and Craig Niemerg, Laker Nation Class of 2009. Austin R. Frank was born in June 2017 to Austin Frank, Laker Nation Class of 2006, and Cydney (Shook) Frank, Laker Nation Class of 2007.
Linda Crawford, Laker Nation Class of 1977, works as a dental hygienist for Sunset Hills Dental Group in St. Lous.
James Wahl, Laker Nation Class of 1972, is an oncology account specialist with Eli Lilly in Springfield.
Sandy Bernhard, Laker Nation Class of 1976, is the vice president of operations and assistant treasurer for Washington Savings Bank in Effingham.
Donna Homann, Laker Nation Class of 1971, is the owner of the Side Door Salon in Mattoon.
Bryston J. Crozier; May 2018 born to Aubrey (Frank) Crozier, Laker Nation Class of 2010, and Brandon Crozier, Laker Nation Class of 2017.
Gary Philippi, Laker Nation Class of 1971, is a retired director with the Eastern Illinois Education for Employment System and resides in Casey.
IN MEMORIAM
Kristene Gugliuzza, Laker Nation Class of 1976, is an Emeritus Scholar, John D McGovern Academy of Oslerian Medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. Linda DeBolt, Laker Nation Class of 1975, is retired from the Illinois Department of Employment Security where she served as a state adjudicator. She resides in Shumway. Sheila Walk, Laker Nation Class of 1975, is a program assistant for the Springfield Area Arts Council and member of Kappa Delta Pi and resides in Springfield. Janet Roglis, Laker Nation Class of 1975, and Ron Roglis, Laker Nation Class of 191971, reside in Glenarm, Illinois. Carol Jo Fritts, Laker Nation Class of 1974, was recently elected group director of the Community Bankers Association of Illinois. She is the president of First Neighbor Bank of Toledo.
Ron Roglis, Laker Nation Class of 1971, and Janet Roglis, Laker Nation Class of 1975, reside in Glenarm. Cheryl Woodard, Laker Nation Class of 1971, retired from St. Anthony Hospital in 2012 after 44 years in nursing and resides in Effingham. Danny C. Brewster, Sr., Laker Nation Class of 1970, is a volunteer prayer ambassador and founder of “Speak the World Only Ministries” in Richmond, Virginia.
FACULTY/STAFF
Joe Abston – Maintenance Dr. Robert K. Luther – Fourth President of Lake Land College Phyllis McElheney – Former Trustee Roger Miller – Associate Dean for Lake Land College at Vandalia CC Ben Ragle – Retired Instructor, Academic Advisor, SAB Advisor
Wilbert Brown, Laker Nation Class of 1970, resides in Sebastopol, California.
Bernard Thompson – Retired groundskeeper
Michel Montgomery, Laker Nation Class of 1970, is a retired manufacturing engineer from Caterpillar, Inc.
Rebecca J. Miller, Laker Nation Class of 1970
ONE LAKER NATION
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