Lake Land Magazine Fall 2015

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF LAKE LAND COLLEGE

TAKING THE LEAD

IT students build innovative adaptive technology for the blind

LAKER LEGACY

Local family establishes endowment with the Lake Land College Foundation

STAR ATHLETES Laker athletes transfer talents to four-year schools ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE Lake Land welcomes inaugural class of Presidential Scholars

Renewable energy graduate

climbing to new heights

fall 2015

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Spring semester is right around the corner and classes begin January 11. Prepare for spring by browsing classes, seeking advisement with your faculty advisor and finally, registering for classes. For those of you who have not yet enrolled at Lake Land College, remember that we have open enrollment and welcome you to call or stop by campus to get things started.

This year the community college system in the state of Illinois is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

The community college system in Illinois has evolved from a mere concept 50 years ago to one of the largest systems in the nation, with 39 community college districts serving nearly 854,000 individual students.

The community college system offers Illinois residents an affordable and accessible pathway to higher education, and ultimately an education to support a life sustaining career. Did you know a community college student could earn a two-year degree at a community college for roughly the same cost as attending one semester at a public university? Furthermore, Illinois community colleges have a keen focus on student success from serving the most disadvantaged to the most promising of students. In Fiscal Year 2014, nearly 70,000 students graduated from an Illinois community college, the highest number in our history for the sixth straight year.

Community colleges have certainly come into their own over the past 50 years, having matured into vibrant, relevant and essential pillars of our local communities. You will notice these same features throughout the pages of the Lake Land College Magazine, where students, programs and other aspects about our community college are highlighted. You’ll meet some of our transfer students, be introduced to educational programs and careers that are in high demand, and even hear directly from the administration on community partnerships in our district.

These are just some of the highlights in the Lake Land College Magazine. I really hope you enjoy reading about our successful students and alumni and perhaps, through these pages, find the resources and encouragement you need to either return to school later in life or choose Lake Land as your top college post high school.

— Dr. Josh Bullock, President

Get social with Lake Land College!

Visit us at lakelandcollege.edu.

LAKE LAND COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Gary Cadwell, Chairman, Mode Robert Luther, Vice Chairman, Mattoon Dave Storm, Secretary, Effingham Ann Deters, Board Member, Effingham Doris Reynolds, Board Member, Mattoon Bruce Owen, Board Member, Dieterich Mike Sullivan, Board Member, Mattoon Adam Doty, Student Trustee, Beecher City

LAKE LAND COLLEGE CABINET

STAFF

Views and opinions expressed by individuals in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Lake Land College.

is Ben Brazzell, Mechanical Electrical Technology and Renewable Energy alumnus at the California Ridge Energy Center in Fithian, Ill., where he works as a wind technician for Invenergy LLC.

Josh Bullock, President Jim Hull, Vice President for Academic Services Ray Rieck, Vice President for Business Services Tina Stovall, Vice President for Student Services Jean Anne Grunloh, Senior Executive to the President

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Director: Kelly Allee Editor and Writer: Jennifer Ferguson Graphic Designer: Jenny Osborn

On the cover

Contents 2

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

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CABINET REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY

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ADAPTIVE TECHNOLOGY

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A LEGACY OF GIVING

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SUCCESSFUL TRANSFER ATHLETES

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RENEWABLE ENERGY

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PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

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WAYS TO PAY FOR COLLEGE

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18 TRiO student SUPPORT SERVICES 20 COMMUNITY & PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS 22

CHOOSE YOUR MAJOR

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LAKE LAND COLLEGE MISSION STATEMENT Lake Land College creates and continuously improves an affordable, accessible and effective learning environment for the lifelong educational needs of the diverse communities we serve.

We fulfill this mission through: • University transfer education • Technical & career education • Workforce development • Community and continuing education • Intellectual and cultural programs

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The Lake Land College Magazine is published each semester for the students and residents of Lake Land College District #517 by Marketing & Public Relations at Lake Land College, 5001 Lake Land Blvd., Mattoon, IL 61938. This magazine will introduce you to Lake Land College and provide you with resources to get started or continue your education with us. For inquiries, please contact Marketing & Public Relations at 217-234-5408.

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Spring classes begin January 11!

Still need to register? Stop by a One Stop Registration Open House!

• December 1 at the Eastern Region Center in Marshall or on campus in Mattoon • December 2 at the Kluthe Center in Effingham or the Western Region Center in Pana Call 217-234-5256 for details.

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Drew Tegeler, Effingham High School, works on a mechanical drive systems Amatrol training machine in his Manufacturing Skills class. Through this K-12 and Lake Land partnership, students like Tegeler will have the skills to immediately enter the workforce upon high school graduation, or continue their education in pursuit of an associate degree or certificate program at Lake Land College.

Collaborations

lead to vibrant economy by: Dr. James Hull, vice president for academic services

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As a community college, Lake Land College has a special connection to and dependence on many organizations and businesses throughout our 15-county district.

The mission at Lake Land is to create and continuously improve an affordable, accessible and effective learning environment for the lifelong educational needs of the diverse communities we serve. To fulfill this mission, we rely on strong partnerships and collaborations with a variety of entities to ensure economic stability and growth for east central Illinois.

To this end, Lake Land has joined with area educational institutions, private businesses and other economic-driving organizations to enhance educational offerings and delivery methods to ensure the needs of our area’s economic engines are being met. So, take a look at some of the latest collaborations underway.

Employers Many times area employers approach Lake Land College with the challenge of needing a pool of qualified candidates to fill employment needs. This was the case with North American Lighting (NAL) of Paris, General Electric of Mattoon, GSI of Assumption, and Yargus Manufacturing of Marshall. In all four cases, these employers turned to Lake Land College to help identify and develop the educational resources needed to address this issue.

Through collaboration, the college along with these industry leaders, developed unique training solutions to equip both incumbent workers and potential workers with the specific skills these employers struggle to find.

In the case of NAL, Lake Land developed a preemployment training program that guaranteed

completers a job at NAL after nine weeks of intensive training. With General Electric, Lake Land created an educational program for incumbent maintenance technicians that allowed them to work at the plant, but enhance their technical skillset at the same time by taking college courses in tandem with work responsibilities. In the cases of GSI and Yargus, the companies are constantly hiring welders to keep up with the demand of their expanding businesses. Both companies realized that one approach to keeping up with this growing demand would be to partner with Lake Land College to develop welding programs in Pana and Marshall, geared to adult learners in need of marketable skills. To this end, each company worked with the college to identify suitable

expose students to career possibilities earlier in life. Lake Land College has expanded dual credit partnerships with Marshall High School, Effingham High School and Paris High School to include a new program in Manufacturing Skills. After completing two years of dual credit at the high school, these students will have the skills to immediately enter the workforce upon high school graduation, or continue their education in pursuit of an associate degree or certificate program at Lake Land College.

Another unique partnership involves GSI in Paris, which is providing a welding instructor to teach dual credit welding at Paris High School.

In this partnership, GSI will provide one of its long-time employees to deliver some of the instruction for a welding By bringing industry professionals certificate. GSI will also support this partnership into the K-12 classroom, this valuable with equipment, partnership exposes young students supplies and internship opportunities for the to real-world career opportunities. students. By bringing industry professionals into - Dr. James Hull the K-12 classroom, this instructors and provide equipment and supplies valuable partnership exposes young students to support welding classes through Lake Land to real-world career opportunities, and provides College Adult Education, thus supplying the high another example of strong collaboration demand welders companies such as GSI and between the public and private sector.

Yargus need.

Looking Forward Collaborative partnerships like these have not Lake Land College knows that to be successful, only been a positive experience for student we must rely on partnerships and collaborations participants, but they yield positive results for with those organizations and businesses that the employers of the region, allowing them depend on our graduates. We must be mindful access to a trained, competent workforce for of their needs and how we can work with them the needs of their growing businesses. to develop innovative methods of delivering technical, high-demand training. We are always K-12 Schools looking for additional opportunities for our Another way to address the need for a qualified students and we rely on these partnerships to workforce on a long-term basis is to partner help keep our curriculum current and relevant. with local K-12 school districts in order to

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Kelly Prescott hasn’t attended college for more than 20 years. But for him, the biggest challenge of coming back to school wasn’t acclimating to academic life or balancing the financial situation of a full-time student. It wasn’t juggling homework or family obligations.

Rather, one of his biggest challenges was that the Lake Land College campus has very few right angles.

“I have never been able to see, and so far, I’ve gotten along in life pretty easily and independently,” Prescott said. “But, I soon realized Lake Land is challenging to navigate for a blind guy.”

Admittedly, Prescott says he has familiarized himself with campus and gets around a lot better than he did at first. But, he of course relies on his cane and the kindness of others to help him if he gets turned around or lost.

That was the case until he met fellow IT-Network Administration major, Justin Shupe, who is developing innovative, adaptive technology specifically with Prescott in mind.

IT Student builds

innovative adaptive technology

for the blind

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“When I first met Kelly in class, my interest was piqued because he is amazing at what he does,” Shupe said. “He’s a very talented guy and I was in awe of his ability to program all while not being able to see.”

Shupe and Prescott became fast friends, sharing many of the same classes and interests. The two often work together on class projects and Prescott lends Shupe a helping hand with his academics if needed.

“Kelly has had an entire career in network administration and he helps me understand things with a different perspective if I’m

struggling through a topic,” Shupe said.

It was during the duo’s Human Computer Interaction class, held in the college’s new Innovation Lab, that Shupe decided he was going to give back to the friend who had always helped him. With that, Shupe began the research and development stage of a handheld ultrasonic distance sensor.

In essence, Shupe designed and built a device that senses distance between its user and a static point. The size of a flashlight, the device emits ultrasonic sound waves, receives the wavelength back, calculates the distance, and

The device has gone through a couple of design and development stages, but is now housed in the body of a flashlight and is powered by an external battery pack, both of which were purchased at the Dollar Tree. An Arduino microprocessor, coded specifically to operate the internal ultrasonic distance sensor, runs the device. Shupe said that the device has had a couple of iterations and that version 3.0 will hopefully boast GPS way point technology.

Additionally, he plans to share the details on creating a device like this with others once it’s in a finalized state.

“Adaptive technology is really expensive and we built this with about $30 of parts and some brain power,” Shupe said. “I’d like to put the project online with all the steps of how to build it so other people can mimic it in order to help others who would benefit from a device like this.”

Upon graduation from Lake Land, the duo plans to transfer to Southern Illinois University– Carbondale, where they will major in Information Systems Technology, with a focus on cyber security.

then communicates that distance to its user via haptic feedback, which vibrates the device at varying levels of intensity so the user can navigate a variety of settings.

“I wanted Kelly to have something he could use besides his cane,” Shupe said. “While the cane is helpful to him, of course, it is limiting in the sense that it isn’t hands-free and he can really only navigate obstacles five to six feet out in front of him. He can use the device I made clipped to his belt and it will provide a distance reading much closer to his body than his cane can provide.”

Get to know Student Accommodations at Lake Land College Lake Land College is committed to providing a quality educational experience to all students. As such, Lake Land provides academic support services for students who have a documented disability. Academic support services are coordinated by the Coordinator of Student Accommodations, who is located in the Robert K. Luther Student Center.

“I was worried to come back to school because it had been my experience that getting adaptive materials was next to impossible at other schools I went to,” said Kelly Prescott, Mattoon. “But Lake Land has been so helpful. Between Student Accommodations, the Tutoring Center and my teachers being very willing to work with me, getting the adaptive resources I need has been no trouble at all.”

To learn more about adaptive resources and services at Lake Land College, call 217-234-5259 or email againes@lakelandcollege.edu.

“I’m looking forward to having my good friend with me at Southern,” Shupe said.

“This is what we do, you know? Nerds of a feather, well, we hang together,” Prescott said.

The students noted that they feel well prepared to transfer to the four-year university to earn a bachelor’s degree and that they credit Scott Rhine, IT Instructor, for his support, guidance and technical knowledge, while building the device.

“I feel like we can handle about anything

that comes our way after having Scott as an instructor,” Shupe said. “It’s true, he’s a riot and we have a lot of fun, but he’s a challenging instructor who has given me so much knowledge and confidence as a student in this major.”

To learn more about Information Technology majors, the Human Computer Interaction class or the Innovation Lab at Lake Land College, contact Rhine at 217-234-5353 or srhine@lakelandcollege.edu.

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At left is former Allied Health Division Chair and Nursing Instructor Marilyn Fuqua-Thompson with her daughter Nicole Zeller, Lake Land College nursing instructor. The two pose with a cherished family photo, honoring their late sister and aunt, Karen Fuqua.

creating A legacy of generosity,

two sisters give back

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Tear gas,

imprisonment and danger were not enough to deter a young Karen Fuqua from doing what she believed was right. In fact, Fuqua was arrested and sent to jail four times before she ever even graduated from college. However, this is something the late attorney and her surviving sister Marilyn Fuqua-Thompson were not ashamed of. Rather, this is a proud memory, one that quintessentially illustrates Fuqua’s values.

“Sis had a passion for justice and we were raised to believe in helping yourself and helping others,” said Fuqua-Thompson.

In 1965, as a student at the University of Illinois, Fuqua spent 10 weeks of her summer vacation in Green County, Ala. working with the Southern Leadership Conference’s Summer Community Organization Political Education Project, which educated African Americans about voting, under the leadership of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “Mother was frantic when all of this was going on, and even after being jailed for civil disobedience, Karen wasn’t scared off from doing what she believed in,” said Fuqua-Thompson.

The Fuqua sisters were born and raised in rural Mattoon. Growing up on their father’s farm, they were rather familiar with hard work. FuquaThompson said that she and her baby sister Karen were no strangers to waking up at 6 a.m. to walk beans, and that these early years of hard work and fortitude shaped who they were as people.

“Dad was the oldest son of eight and was expected to continue farming, which he did,” explained Fuqua-Thompson. “Like him, we learned that to be on the farm meant hard work, and while dad didn’t have an education beyond the 7th grade, educational attainment for his children was the impetus for his career of hard labor.”

In fact, the Fuqua family was a strong proponent of establishing Lake Land College. In the mid1960s a steering committee seeking to establish a career and vocational training school passed a tax referendum establishing Lake Land College.

“The idea to establish Lake Land was big, big news back in those days,” said Fuqua-Thompson.

“Historically, farmers are not proponents of raising taxes, but my father was a very strong supporter of extending educational opportunity to all. He was the kind of man who knew we had all taken a drink from a well we didn’t dig. He knew that Lake Land would provide immeasurable benefits to east central Illinois.”

Like their father, the Fuqua sisters were avid supporters of education. Having advanced degrees themselves, the two sisters worked together to help students at Lake Land reach their college and career goals. In fact, Fuqua served as a Lake Land College Trustee from 1997-2003.

As a faculty member for the Allied Health Division from 1981-2008 and division chair from 1985-2008, Fuqua-Thompson saw firsthand some of the struggles that students faced while pursuing an education – managing school and family life, financial constraints, and coming back to school as adults. She would often share those stories with her sister, who then decided that together, they would help students in-need. To this end, the sisters funded scholarships through the Lake Land College Foundation in honor of their parents, Robert Fuqua and Mildred Harlen-Fuqua.

“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. “We wanted to help and take care of

others, just like our parents helped and took care of us, working long, hard hours on the farm to pay for every dime of our educations.”

While Fuqua passed in late 2013, the memory of her generosity and kindness continues. Fuqua directed the executor of her estate to establish a foundation that would provide an income stream to specific charitable causes perpetually.

According to Mike Metzger, executor of Fuqua’s estate, the Fuqua Foundation annually allocates its earning to three separate charitable organizations in the Mattoon area – the Lake Land College Foundation, the Salvation Army and Catholic Charities.

“It is the goal of the board of directors of the Fuqua Foundation that our annual gifting will fund a minimum of four nursing scholarships at Lake Land College,” Metzger said. “Karen had a strong desire to quietly help those in-need in her community, both professionally and financially. Never seeking recognition, Karen was very generous with her time and talent and gave much back to the community she loved.

Establishing the Fuqua Foundation will allow Karen to continue to quietly impact lives in her community for generations to come.”

The Fuqua Foundation’s Board of Directors comprises representatives from each beneficiary as well as family members, including Fuqua-Thompson and her daughter Nicole (Thompson) Zeller and son-in-law, Eric Zeller.

“To be a part of sissy’s legacy is wonderful because it represents the kind, gracious and generous person she was, and that means so much to me,” said Fuqua-Thompson.

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This fall,

Candace Niemerg transitioned from a Laker to a Lynx, something she wasn’t sure would be possible as the starting center for Dieterich High School’s lady basketball team.

“I didn’t honestly believe coming out of Dieterich I could go somewhere to play college ball,” explained Niemerg. “It was a great program, but it’s a small, rural school and those are often overlooked.”

But during her senior year, things changed when she caught the attention of Millikin University, Parkland College and Lake Land College.

With that, Niemerg visited both Parkland and Millikin, but there was something about Lake Land College that drew her in.

“Lake Land was just really homey. It was the right size and I knew a lot of other girls on the team because we played against each other in high school,” Niemerg said. “It also felt like a very supportive environment to me, which I knew I would need in order to successfully balance more rigorous academics, athletics and travel.”

Collegiate athletes

find success

with Laker beginnings

By first playing at Lake Land and sharpening her skills and versatility, Lindenwood University in Belleville, Ill. offered Niemerg a basketball scholarship to complete her junior and senior year. At this NAIA Division I school, Niemerg hopes to debut the skills she enhanced while at Lake Land which include confidence on the court, ball handling and strengthening play with her left side.

“It’s very rewarding to be a student athlete,” said Niemerg. “My roots at Lake Land have encouraged me to work hard and do well and I’m looking to take those same attributes with me to Lindenwood.

It’s a serious commitment and a lot of work, but in the end, I’m always satisfied and walk away feeling fulfilled as a student athlete.”

Likewise for softball alumna Kaitlyn Bath, Mattoon,

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playing at Lake Land offered her collegiate play right out of high school.

“At Lake Land, I was able to get a good feel for college softball as a freshman,” Bath said. “Most of the time, when athletes choose a big school first, they don’t see much playing time until their junior or senior year.

Whereas at a junior college, athletes get playing time as a freshman and I think that experience really helps when you decide to move onto a bigger school.”

Moving on to play softball at Ball State University in Muncie, Ind., Bath said that she is looking forward to the intensity and competition that she will see at the NCAA Division I level. Playing as catcher for Laker softball her freshman year, Bath said that she learned a lot in just one season at Lake Land.

“I learned so many life skills that I will use not just on the field, but in the professional world, too,” said Bath. “That’s why I chose to come to Lake Land first. I knew it was a great school that would help me achieve my goals of getting a good education and receiving an offer to play softball at the Division I level.”

Niemerg studied pre-veterinary medicine at Lake Land and looks to complete a bachelor’s degree in biology with hopes of attending veterinary school after that. Bath studied pre-physical therapy at Lake Land and plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in exercise science.

To learn more about Laker athletics, visit lakelandcollege.edu/ athletics.

Twenty-seven Lakers moved on to play at four-year universities, following the 2014-2015 season at Lake Land College. Congratulations to these following alumni: Baseball: • Addison Russ, Amarillo, Tx.: Texas Houston Baptist • Aaron Bence, Charleston: Murray State • Rick Salazar, Plainfield: Chicago State • Mitchell Ley, Wantirma South, Australia: Indiana Purdue Fort Wayne • Matt Walsh, Wheaton: McKendree University • Ryan Wood, St. Louis, Mo.: University of Indianapolis • Jhonathan Mendoza, Barquismeto, Venezuela: Jarvis Christian University • Marvin Campos, Bronx, N.Y.: Culver Stockton • Logan Rippy, Sterling: St. Joseph Calumet Women’s Basketball: • Candace Niemerg, Dieterich: Lindenwood University, Belleville Softball: • Sarah Lopesilvero, Simpsonville, Ky.: University of Louisville • Page Clinton, Ina: Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville • Kaitlyn Crossen, Bloomington: Eastern Illinois University • Jessica Murray, Colona: Indiana Purdue Fort Wayne • Rachel Rhode, Stillwater, Minn.: Tennessee Martin • Kaylee Childers, Metropolis: Francis Marion University • Carly Murphy, Munster, Ind.: Purdue Calumet University • Hannah Lopez, Granada Hills, Calif.: Purdue Calumet University • Jessica Ruvalcaba, Wilmington, Calif.: Purdue Calumet University • Micah Seibert, Greenup: Union College • Brianna Hall, University Park: Judson College Volleyball: • Cleuza Porto, Belo Horizonte, Brazil: Lynn University • Natalia Aguiar, Curitiba, Brazil: Culver-Stockton College Men’s Basketball: • David Franklin, O’Fallon: McKendree University • LJ Johnson, Glenwood: St. Joseph University • Kevin Coyle, Rockville Centre, N.Y.: Northwoods University

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renewable energy graduate

climbs to new heights

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For Brazzell and other renewable energy students, the Lake Land College campus is a living laboratory hosting geothermal, wind and photovoltaic installations, where students get hands-on experience and real-world troubleshooting skills as part of their coursework.

Pictured here is Ben Brazzell, Mechanical Electrical Technology and Renewable Energy alumnus at the California Ridge Energy Center in Fithian, Ill., where he works as a wind technician for Invenergy LLC.

Maneuvering tight spaces,

making repairs in sub-zero weather, and descending some 300 feet to the ground is just another day at the office for Ben Brazzell.

As a wind technician for Invenergy LLC at the California Ridge Energy Center in Fithian, Ill., Brazzell landed a job where he could put his unique skillset to work right out of college.

After studying renewable energy at Lake Land College, Brazzell, from Charleston, Ill., found a regional, good paying job that offered him full-time work with benefits as an entry-level technician.

“I felt like I was greatly prepared coming from Lake Land into the professional world,” Brazzell said. “The experiences I gained at Lake Land absolutely helped me get this job. In fact, I was selected over other candidates because I had climbing experience unlike some of the others.”

According to Renewable Energy Instructor and Coordinator Joe Tillman, Lake Land College is the only community college in the state that allows students to climb and work on turbines, and it surpasses many other schools with its access to renewable energy systems.

“The hands-on training we can provide really illustrates for students how to install and maintain large systems,” said Tillman. “We also work across programs to ensure our renewable energy students have a diverse skillset, which makes them more versatile when they graduate and move on to find work.”

That’s why Brazzell completed both a certificate in Renewable Energy and an associate degree in Mechanical Electrical Technology.

“A lot of the jobs in this industry need electronic troubleshooting skills and so completing both the certificate and associate degree gave me a great combination of skills to take with me into the professional setting,” he said.

As a student, Brazzell had the opportunity to be a technician on the college’s two, 100kW wind turbines. During that time, he was able to apply what he learned in the classroom. He said it was through this opportunity that he gained experience climbing, troubleshooting electrical

and mechanical issues, honed his understanding of electricity and circuits, and gained confidence to work as a wind technician.

To make Lake Land College renewable energy students even more attractive to the industry’s current demand, Tillman said that he is in the process of refreshing some of the certificates and courses for trending industry standards.

“With the ever evolving world of renewable energy, we have to ensure that our courses and curriculum are current so our graduates have a seamless transfer to the workforce like Ben has experienced,” Tillman said.

To that end, Tillman plans to include an ENSA or equivalent nationally recognized climbing certification, an Electronic Technician of America certification, and a North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners solar installation certification to the curriculum.

“The job market is changing and is demanding workers with more skilled trades,” Tillman said.

“There is a deficit with these skilled workers and that’s why we have to remain flexible and adapt our curriculum to do what’s best for the students.”

Tillman said that the renewable energy field is growing, specifically in solar energy, and it is projected that by 2025, nearly 25 percent of all energy produced in the United States will come from renewable resources.

“We’ve seen ridiculous growth in this industry over the past five years, and so if you are a handson learner, there are jobs available right here in Illinois in renewable energy,” Tillman said.

To learn more about the Renewable Energy Program at Lake Land College, contact Tillman at 217-234-5313 or jtillman@lakelandcollege.edu.

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Lake Land welcomes inaugural class of

Presidential Scholars

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Be on the lookout

for the Lake Land College Honors Experience, a culmination of the Lake Land College Honors Program, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and Presidential Scholarship, to debut during the Fall 2016 semester.

Lake Land College’s

administrators, faculty and staff are proud to announce and welcome the 142 academically talented Presidential Scholars to campus this fall semester.

“We are extremely pleased to provide scholarships to these outstanding students throughout our college district,” President Josh Bullock said. “With Lake Land College’s academic rigor, honors program, opportunities for independent study, and more than 150 academic programs, we offer our transfer and workforce students an enriching educational foundation where they can complete the first two years of a bachelor’s degree or prepare for a career following graduation.”

This monetary award known as the Presidential Scholarship, is offered to district high school graduates who have demonstrated outstanding academic performance in high school. The scholarship is good for two years with a value up to $4,625 per year or $9,250 total.

To receive the scholarship, a student must either rank in the top 15 percent of his/ her senior class or have an ACT composite score of 26 or higher. Additionally, students must enroll at Lake Land College full-time the fall semester immediately following high school graduation and submit the Presidential Scholarship Acceptance Form prior to enrollment at the college.

For more information, visit the “Scholarships” link under Costs and Financial Aid of the college’s homepage at lakelandcollege.edu or call 217-234-5230.

Congratulations to the inaugural class of Lake Land College Presidential Scholars!

Melanie Adams, Sullivan Devin Aherin, Dieterich Tyler Ames, Sigel Zachary Armstrong, Mattoon Dydra Arnold, Neoga Jamie Ashbaker, Nokomis Drew Beachy, Arcola Kaylee Beals, Neoga Maria Began, Watson Katie Bell, Windsor Keeley Benning, Sullivan Jonathan Bialeschki, Atwood Savannah Birch, Bethany Charity Blanchard, Westfield Elizabeth Brackney, Effingham Zachary Brandenburg, Casey Maria Brasel, Kinmundy McKenzie Brewer, Westfield Anastaicia Brown, Charleston Rebekah Buescher, Charleston Elizabeth Carroll, Mattoon Audrey Casey, Toledo Heather Cody, Sullivan Lauren Cody, Sullivan Aleah Cunningham, Toledo Kelsey Curry, Effingham Dakota Davis, Greenup Brittney Davison, Marshall Rachel Deters, Sigel Rachel Dettling, Mattoon Alyssa Durbin, Dieterich Duncan Eastin, Hindsboro Madison Easton, Neoga Thomas Eichinger, Casey Brianna Eller, Mattoon Leah Ervin, Hidalgo Gage Evitt, Charleston Daniel Ferguson, Mattoon Courtney Flach, Montrose Thomas Flach, Teutopolis Matthew Flood, Dieterich Rachel Fox, Shelbyville Emily Frailey, Brownstown Erin Friese, Effingham Kara Friesland, Ramsey Ian Goatley, Oakland Karissa Gobin, Paris Natalie Goeckner, Effingham

Wyatt Goeckner, Dieterich Ashley Greger, Greenup Chloe Grimes, Brocton Ariel Grisius-Sullivan, Mattoon Abby Hagen, Watson Cassandra Hall, Neoga Sarah Hall, Greenup Kaylee Hampton, Mattoon Coltan Harpster, Saint Elmo Megan Heath, Mattoon Elizabeth Heldman, Mattoon Craig Henness, Mattoon Brittany Herring, Neoga Alyssa Hilbert, Mattoon Alyssa Hudson, Mattoon Scott Hunt, Ramsey Sawyer James, Neoga Bryan Jobe, Ashmore Tucker Kaczmarek, Humboldt Michael Kastl, Neoga Kelly Keitel, Effingham Kaleb Kelly, Paris Tailor Kline, Mattoon Alyssa Klukis, Sullivan Katie Kroll, Brownstown Keegan Kruckeberg, Sullivan Elizabeth Lambdin, Mattoon Chase Lawless, Charleston Destiny Lee, Mattoon Kylie Lewis, Teutopolis Cheryl Macklin, Effingham Morgan Matlock, Shelbyville Zachary Mayberry, Sullivan Mara McCollough, Greenup Tiffani McCormick, Marshall Priscilla McKinney, Charleston Mitchell Meinhart, Teutopolis Preston Miller, Effingham Jenna Miller, Saint Elmo Blair Monroe, Bethany Amy Monroe, Bethany Jensyn Morrison, Cowden Kristina Neu, Effingham Jason Nichols, Trilla Caitlyn Ohm, Findlay Leah Osborne, Mattoon Richard Overbeck, Teutopolis

William Padgett, Mattoon Jonah Pfiester, Kansas Kacie Phillips, Altamont Amanda Pierce, Shumway Hannah Piggush, Effingham Bailey Pitcher, Jewett Shawn Plankey, Mattoon Hannah Poulter, Charleston Meghann Pruemer, Effingham Aaron Quicksall, Effingham Cody Riddle, Newton Austin Rincker, Strasburg Hailey Rogers-Hensley, Neoga John Sandschafer, Effingham Sara Schilling, Lerna Katelyn Schultz, Westfield Anna Schumacher, Effingham Victoria Sims, Effingham Marissa Sliger, Pana Caitlin Sloan, Beecher City Carley Smith, Charleston Katelyn Smith, Edgewood Jonathan Staley, Paris Michael Stephens, Effingham Hayden Strader, Hindsboro Paige Stuart, Toledo Nicole Swan, Marshall Jami Swan, Effingham Kaden Sweeney, Charleston Jodi Thoele, Dieterich Brittni Thompson, Humboldt Katherine Tipsword, Shelbyville Tatum Trego, Paris Lyndsay Uphoff, Effingham Emily VanDoren, Pana Val Walker, Charleston Jessica Watson, Neoga Rachel Weis, Effingham Kayana Wenglarz, Newman Julie Wente, Sigel Casey Wheat, Mode Tyler Whetsell, Sullivan Kaitlyn Will, Sigel Paige Wilson, Charleston Dallas Wilson, Charleston Molly Yockey, Shelbyville Jaden Zumbahlen, Effingham

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Did you know

that tuition and fees for an entire academic year at Lake Land for a full-time student is only $3,400? This is about ¼ of the total cost of four-year universities in Illinois.

Same Degree, Different Price

If you begin your bachelor’s degree at Lake Land College and live at home, you will save an average of $43,200.

Our textbook rental system saves you $1,700 per year!

2 years at a university $26,600

2 years at Lake Land College $6,800 $19,800 in savings for your future!

Foundation Scholarship Applications are due Feb. 1 The Lake Land College Foundation Scholarship application is now available and must be submitted by Feb. 1 for the 2016-2017 academic year.

You can find the application on the “Scholarship Opportunities” page at lakelandcollege.edu/col/scholarships/ or scan this QR Code for a direct link to the application.

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TRANSFER

SUCCESS

3

EASY WAYS TO GET STARTED

Lake Land College Transfer Students

1. CALL

217-234-5232

University Students

SIUE Source: Fall 2014 Lake Land College Transfer Follow Up Report

Lake Land College students who transfer to a university have higher GPAs than those students who start at the same university as freshmen.

FINANCIAL AID process

ALL students requesting financial aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.gov as early as possible to determine financial aid eligibility. Lake Land College’s school code is 007644.

2. LOOK

for the “Enroll Now” button at lakelandcollege.edu

3. VISIT

the Student Services wing of the Robert K. Luther Student Center.

The following financial aid options do not require payback or reimbursement: 1. Federal or state financial aid grants such as the Pell Grant 2. Lake Land College Foundation Scholarships (visit lakelandcollege.edu/foundation ) 3. Third-party scholarships

Stay up-to-date

Those who do not qualify for state, federal or local scholarship options can explore: 1. Paying the bill in-full by the due date 2. Signing up for the Nelnet tuition payment plan! Lake Land offers the Nelnet payment plan that allows students to spread their tuition payments out over the semester as opposed to paying their bill in full at one time.

Check out the important student and community dates by visiting lakelandcollege.edu. Select the “Connect” panel and visit the student and community calendars.

with all things Lake Land College!

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TRiO support network

leads to career path As an 18-year-old

high school senior, Clyde Powell was absolutely certain college was no place for him. Perhaps this is because he had other things plaguing his mind.

Powell didn’t have an easy childhood. He grew up impoverished and was the son of a single parent, who didn’t always offer a nurturing home life. So when adulthood hit, Powell’s priority was to get out on his own. He did just that and

worked as a delivery driver for a local food chain for eight years. It wasn’t until his mid-20s that Powell began to hope for something more.

“I wasn’t making a sustainable wage and started wanting something more in life.”

Likewise, Powell said that he was in need of healthcare coverage and knew that establishing a professional career held the promise of having access to health insurance.

It was at that time that Powell, Charleston,

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turned to Lake Land College. According to him, he enjoyed learning, but in high school he didn’t have the support or encouragement to truly invest himself in his education.

“I was well into my 20s when I found out I loved to learn,” Powell said. “While I didn’t have something specific in mind for a career, I started to think that maybe an intellectual job, with a learned skillset could be for me.”

While apprehensive about returning to school, Powell enrolled at Lake Land in the Spring 2014

It was at a required New Student Orientation that Powell found his life line.

“Marko Mohlenhoff, the director of TRiO Student Support Services, gave a presentation at orientation and it sounded like TRiO would offer me a place to seek guidance and get all of my questions answered. Looking back, it’s done just that,” Powell said.

TRiO Student Support Services is a program with the sole purpose of helping low-income, first-generation and/or students with a disability succeed. The program’s counselors and advisors work with each student individually, providing and connecting students with a wide variety of support services including one-on-one meetings with staff, informative workshops and access to educational, social and cultural opportunities at no cost to eligible students.

Pictured here from left are: Michael Mriscin, Mattoon, psychology major; Clyde Powell TRiO ambassador and education major; and Jessica Howell, Mattoon, radiology major.

semester, taking two classes in order to see if he could handle the demands of school and work.

“I was really scared coming back to school and struggled with the thought of juggling school, work and finances,” he said. “On top of coursework and studying, I knew there was more to college than just academics.

There was paperwork for financial aid and admissions, finding my classes on campus, meeting new people. There was just so much to navigate and a lot of pressure was building.”

Powell said that through TRiO, not only was the staff encouraging him to succeed, but he was given the resources and information to do so.

“The support TRiO provides has been essential to my success,” said Powell. “But this program is beyond someone just telling you you can do it. Rather, the TRiO staff guides me and offers me information and access to things I would struggle to do on my own.”

Beyond support and resources, Powell said that the single most valuable aspect of participating in TRiO for him is that his self-confidence has increased substantially.

“College has totally taken me out of my shell,” he said. “I’ve gained a lot of confidence through speaking engagements and the social aspects of TRiO. Before TRiO, I was pretty isolated, but TRiO has taught me that I have valuable things to say, so why not join the conversation.”

Powell serves as a TRiO Student Ambassador, where he leads classroom presentations, which offer him the opportunity to spread the word about how TRiO has helped him. He also tutors other TRiO students in algebra, an opportunity that has guided him to become a secondary education major.

Powell said that because of the TRiO program, he has made friends, increased his self-esteem, chosen a career, navigated college successfully, and gained leadership experience.

“In all honesty, I came pretty close to dropping out of college just this past summer. I was strapped financially and things were just really difficult,” Powell said. “I think it’s safe to say that without the support of TRiO, there’s a good chance I wouldn’t be here finishing my degree with plans of transferring to complete a bachelor’s degree. I am grateful for this support network.”

In August, Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15) announced that the U.S. Department of Education selected Lake Land College to receive a TRiO Student Support Services grant award, in the total amount of $1.15 million over the next five years. This is the third, five-year grant cycle award for the college.

To learn more about TRiO Student Support Services, visit www.lakelandcollege.edu/ TRiOsupportservices.

TRiO refers to the first three programs initiated by President Lyndon Johnson’s War on Poverty with the Higher Education Act of 1964. TRiO is funded in part by the U.S. Department of Education. The total cost of the five-year project amounts to $3,327,620 with 35 percent ($1,155,515) funded from the Department of Education and 65 percent ($2,172,105) funded by in-kind support.

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For more information about these courses, please contact Community and Professional Programs at 217-234-5467 or visit us online at lakelandcollege.edu/learn.

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Community Learning

classes offer you an opportunity to pursue an interest without the worry of grades.

Mattoon

• Super Puppy Preschool • Adult Dog Obedience • Hunter Safety and Education • Cemetery Care & Repair • Concealed Carry • Benchworx: Woodworking for Kids • Taekwon-do • Taekwon-do: Next Level • Little Tigers

Effingham

• • • • • • • • •

West Coast Swing for Beginners Night Club 2 Step for Beginners Advanced Rumba Triple Swing for Beginners Advanced Night Club 2 Step Cha-cha for Beginners Advanced Triple Swing Tango for Beginners Advanced Cha-cha

Online Courses

with Dr. Barbara George • Genealogy 1 – The Basics • Genealogy 2 – Find the Specifics • Genealogy 3 – Advanced Research • Genealogy 4 – World Genealogy • Caregiving Tips • Gardening 1: Groundwork • Stormchasing

Online Courses

with ed2go • • • • • • • • • • •

QuickBooks 2014 A to Z Grantwriting Speed Spanish Photoshop Elements Social Media in Business Accounting Fundamentals Microsoft Word 2010 Microsoft Excel 2010 Microsoft Access 2010 Introduction to Windows 10 Creating WordPress Websites

Interested in more online courses?

Visit www.ed2go.com/lakelandcollege to view all available courses and dates. Take these online courses from anywhere at the times convenient for you. Read lessons, participate in exercises and hold discussions with fellow students and the instructor.

Some popular classes include: • Accounting Fundamentals • Introduction to Microsoft Excel 2013 • Introduction to SQL • Medical Terminology: A Word Association Approach • A to Z Grant Writing • Grammar Refresher • Project Management Fundamentals • Intermediate Microsoft Excel 2013 • Explore a Career in Medical Coding • Introduction to QuickBooks 2015

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Lake land College majors

WORKFORCE

READY

Agriculture

Agriculture Power Technology Agriculture Business & Supply Agriculture Business Agriculture Production & Management Alternative Ag Production Crop Production Horticulture Horticultural Production & Landscape John Deere Tech Livestock Production

Allied Health

Associate Degree in Nursing Basic Nurse Assisting Dental Hygiene Emergency Medical Services Fire Science Technology Massage Therapy Paramedical Services Physical Therapist Assistant Practical Nursing

Business

Accounting Administrative Assistant Executive w Legal w Medical Computer Applications Specialist Cosmetology Cosmetology Teacher Desktop Publishing/Graphic Design E-Commerce Marketing Entrepreneurship Esthetics Health Information & Medical Coding

Information Technology IT-Computer Applications IT-Computer Game Development IT-Digital Media Specialist IT-Network Administration IT-Programming IT-Web Technology Management Marketing Medical Coding Specialist Medical Transcriptionist Office Assistant/Receptionist Office Management Office Technology Skills General w Medical w MOS Professional Sales

Center For Business & Industry Commercial Truck Driver Training

Humanities & Communications Radio/TV Broadcasting Broadcast Announcing Radio Broadcasting TV Field/Studio Production

Math & Science Geospatial Technology

Social Science & Education Child & Family Services Criminal Justice Leadership Early Childhood Care & Education Human Services Criminal Justice w Education w Health Psychology w Sociology Law Enforcement Law Enforcement Operations Paraprofessional Education-Teacher Aide Nanny Child Care Provider

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Technology

Advanced Automation & Control Technology Automotive Mechanic Automotive Technology Building Construction Technology Civil Engineering Technology Civil Engineering Technology Co-op CNC Operator CNC Programmer Computer Integrated Manufacturing Technology Computer-Aided Design Computer-Aided Drafting Computer Technician Computer Troubleshooting Electronic Communication Technician Electronic Control Technology Electronic System Specialist Electronic Engineering Technology Heating, Venting, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Technology Industrial Maintenance Instrumentation & Control Technology Manufacturing Technology Mechanical Electrical Technology Programmable Logic Controllers Renewable Energy Renewable Energy Management Residential Wiring Sustainable Energy Welding

transfer

READY

Agriculture

Agriculture Pre-Veterinary Medicine

Business

Business Administration Accounting w Finance w Management w Marketing Business Education

Humanities & Communications Associate in Engineering Art Science Degree English Liberal Arts Speech Communication

Math & Science

Biological Science (Non-Teaching) Chemistry Clinical Laboratory Science Conservation—Pre-Forestry Conservation—Pre-Wildlife Earth Science Environmental Science Mathematics Physics Pre-Chiropractic Pre-Dentistry Pre-Engineering Pre-Medicine Pre-Nursing Pre-Pharmacy Pre-Physical Therapy Secondary Education Biology w Chemistry w Physics

Engineering

Social Science & Education Criminal Justice Early Childhood Education Economics Elementary Education Health Education History Mathematics Education Physical Education Political Science Psychology Recreation Science Education Social Science Sociology/Social Work Special Education

Technology

Civil Engineering Technology/Advanced Technical Studies Electronic Engineering Technology

Spring classes begin January 11

and the preferred last day to register is January 8!

Stop by a One Stop Registration Open House!

• December 1 at the Eastern Region Center in Marshall or on campus in Mattoon • December 2 at the Kluthe Center in Effingham or the Western Region Center in Pana Call 217-234-5256 for details.

GET STARTED ONLINE @ LAKELANDCOLLEGE.EDU/SCHEDULES Lake Land College is near you!

Take a class in one of our regional extension centers!

Eastern Region Center 224 South Sixth St. Marshall, Illinois 62441 217-826-8490

Western Region Center 600 East First St. Pana, Illinois 62557 217-562-5000

The Kluthe Center for Higher Education and Technology 1204 Network Center Blvd.

Effingham, Illinois 62401 217-540-3555

Workforce Development Center 305 Richmond Ave. East Mattoon, Illinois 61938 217-235-2222

Lake Land College does not discriminate

on the basis of race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation or any basis of discrimination precluded by applicable federal and state statutes in admission or access to or in treatment of employment in college programs and/ or activities. Limited English language skills will not be a barrier to enrollment, nor will race be a barrier to the receipt of financial aid. The Director of Human Resources, Lake Land College, 217-234-5210, has been designated to coordinate compliance with nondiscrimination requirements contained in the implementing regulations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Age Discrimination Act of 1975. The Counselor/Coordinator of Disability Services, Lake Land College, 217-234-5259 is designated as the Section 504 Coordinator of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

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NON-PROFIT ORG. ECRWSS U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 280 MATTOON, IL 61938

5001 Lake Land Blvd.

Mattoon, IL 61938

Join us for

Postal Customer

laker visit day!

December 4, 2015 February 12, 2016 April 1, 2016 9 a.m. – Noon