THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF LAKE LAND COLLEGE
FALL 2023
TWO DAYS TO SUCCESS REDEFINING THE EDUCATION- EMPLOYMENT CONNECTION BEAUTIFYING CAMPUS AN UPDATE ON THE CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENTS AT LAKE LAND GAME CHANGER LAKERS WELCOME NEW VOLLEYBALL COACH WRAPAROUND SERVICES FOSTER STUDENT WELLNESS AND BELONGING GUIDING THE FUTURE OF CIVIL ENGINEERING AN INSTRUCTOR'S COMMITMENT TO STUDENT SUCCESS
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Lake Land College is closer than you think. With courses available on campus in Mattoon or at one of our three extension centers in Effingham, Marshall and Pana, you can discover the Laker Advantage right in your community. SPRING CLASSES BEGIN JANUARY 8! Get started online by visiting lakelandcollege.edu/schedules to find courses near you!
EFFINGHAM
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Kluthe Center for Higher Education & Technology 1204 Network Centre Blvd. 217-540-3555
Eastern Region Center 224 South Sixth St. 217-826-8490
GET SOCIAL WITH LAKE LAND COLLEGE! VISIT US AT LAKELANDCOLLEGE.EDU. LAKE LAND COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Gary Cadwell, Chair, Mode Tom Wright, Vice Chair, Dieterich Dave Storm, Secretary, Effingham Kevin Curtis, Trustee, Mattoon Doris Reynolds, Trustee, Mattoon Mike Sullivan, Trustee, Mattoon Denise Walk, Trustee, Teutopolis Jackie Schertz, Student Trustee, Mattoon
LAKE LAND COLLEGE CABINET
Josh Bullock, President Jean Anne Highland, Chief of Staff Valerie Lynch, Vice President for Student Services Ikemefuna Nwosu, Vice President for Academic Services
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STAFF
Editor: Kelly Allee Graphic Designer: Megan Nelson Writer: Aaron Wendt
PANA
Western Region Center 600 East First St. 217-562-5000
CONTENTS 4
BEAUTIFYING CAMPUS AN UPDATE ON THE CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENTS AT LAKE LAND
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GUIDING THE FUTURE OF CIVIL ENGINEERING: AN INSTRUCTOR'S COMMITMENT TO STUDENT SUCCESS
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TWO DAYS TO SUCCESS REDEFINING THE EDUCATION- EMPLOYMENT CONNECTION
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GAME CHANGER: LAKERS WELCOME NEW VOLLEYBALL COACH
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WRAPAROUND SERVICES FOSTER STUDENT WELLNESS AND BELONGING
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LAKE LAND COLLEGE AREAS OF STUDY
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UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES TO VISIT CAMPUS
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 General education Technical & career education Workforce development Community & continuing education Intellectual & cultural programs Support Services
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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.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION Lake Land College is committed to developing and maintaining an environment for students, employees and college community that embraces and actively supports diversity, equity and inclusion. We aspire to be an institution where the quality of education and work environment are enhanced and enriched by an inclusive campus community that encourages multiple perspectives and the free exchange of ideas. THE LAKE LAND COLLEGE MAGAZINE is published for the residents of Lake Land College District #517 by Marketing & Public Relations at Lake Land College, 5001 Lake Land Blvd., Mattoon, IL 61938. For inquiries, contact Marketing & Public Relations at 217-234-5215. Views and opinions expressed by individuals in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Lake Land College.
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BEAUTIFYING CAMPUS
AN UPDATE ON THE CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENTS AT LAKE LAND This summer and early fall were busy with construction and beautification projects on campus. The newly remodeled spaces are a part of Lake Land’s Growing the Laker Advantage Strategic Plan to modernize equipment, facilities and grounds to support a diverse and inclusive learning environment.
BEFORE
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NEAL HALL RENOVATION STUDENTS BEAUTIFY CAMPUS
This fall Lake Land students have enjoyed a new peaceful garden area thanks to the hard work of the officers and members of the Alpha Theta Psi chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa honorary society. Drawing from Phi Theta Kappa’s commitment to serving campus communities, the local chapter’s officer team identified a need for additional community spaces on Lake Land’s campus. After preparing a proposal and speaking with the college’s administration for approval, the beautification project included working with the college’s grounds crew to clear out the overgrown weeds, build a walking path, create a water feature, build flower pots, install an umbrella and plant flowers.
Students taking classes in Neal Hall this fall were greeted by a whole new décor and building updates. The modernization of Neal Hall included upgrades to the HVAC system, lighting, wall and floor finishes and new furnishings throughout. The modernized interiors create an environment where students can collaborate, study or comfortably engage with others; promoting active learning and innovative thinking. Originally constructed in the year 2000, Neal Hall is a 46,282 square-foot building and houses nursing classrooms and simulation labs, 2-D and 3-D art studios, a biology lab and greenhouse, and several general education classrooms.
PTK President Tashia Carter said in their planning they wanted to create a space for all students, staff and faculty to come together to socialize, do their homework, take a break from work or relax between classes. They also wanted to incorporate some fun in the area. Carter said, “We had to choose a theme for our Honors in Action project and we decided with Play It Forward. We will have a checkers table built by Andrew Fitzgerald, the welding instructor, to provide play within our project. Our area is to provide a place to dream, to conquer our creative minds and to remember play is part of a balanced life.” Pictured on page 4 (left to right): Elizabeth Cole, Brownstown, Ag Transfer major, PTK vice president; Natashia Carter, Mattoon, Human Services major, PTK president; Gwendolyn Fain, Los Lunas, N.M., History major, PTK treasurer.
AFTER
NEW WOMEN’S LOCKER ROOMS
Just around the corner, the Field House received an upgrade with the addition of two new women’s locker rooms, a designated cheer team room and updates to the men’s locker room. The newly constructed locker rooms provide dedicated restroom facilities for each area, along with Laker-branded lockers, seating and carpet. Each room is outfitted with stateof-the-art lighting and audio-visual equipment to create a more comfortable and inspiring environment, boosting team morale and fostering a sense of pride.
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STUDENTS EXPERIENCE BENEFITS OF HYFLEX TECHNOLOGY CLASSROOMS HyFlex classroom technology allows students to benefit from the flexibility of virtual classes without missing out on the quality of in-person instruction. Equipped with ceiling microphones and motion-tracking cameras that follow the speaker, HyFlex classrooms allow instructors to teach in person as usual while offering a dynamic virtual option for any remote learners. “I had a student who suffered a leg injury and couldn’t be here in person,” said Civil Engineering Technology Instructor and Coordinator Josh Fulk. “With the HyFlex technology, she was able to take my classes at home and complete the program on time. Without it, the injury might have delayed her from completing the program for a year.” Lake Land is one of the first colleges in the country to adopt the innovative HyFlex technology on such a large scale. This Laker Advantage provides employees and students the opportunity to connect remotely in 30 rooms on campus and at the Kluthe Center.
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FTER graduating from Lake Land’s Civil Engineering Technology program in 2008, Josh Fulk quickly leveraged his education and experience to access exciting employment opportunities. Whether it was completing jobs on the Chicago O’Hare Runway, the Buckley U.S. Air Force Base or the El Paso border, Fulk utilized the skills and knowledge he gained from Lake Land to excel in a high-demand career.
For Fulk, achieving this goal means helping students find their niche within the program and ensuring they all conclude their time at Lake Land equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. “You have to be able to relate to each student, meet them where they are at and help them progress no matter the level they start at,” he explained. “Everybody is going to step into the classroom on the first day at a bit of a different level than anyone else. The key is to bring everyone up together.”
No matter where Fulk was working, however, he discovered that the As his students navigate most rewarding experiences "MY OVERALL GOAL college courses, internship came from working with interns and passing on his knowledge to IS FOR EVERYONE experiences and employment opportunities, Fulk stresses the next generation of engineers. TO FIND A JOB Through this realization, he AND DISCOVER that the Lake Land connection is one that stands the test of was inspired to return to the A CAREER PATH time and is always a source of classroom as a teacher. THAT THEY CAN BE support and guidance. SUCCESSFUL IN." “Spending time with our youth is “Lake Land is always here, so important, whether that’s out and I am always here for my there in the field or from a desk -FULK students,” he said. “If students as a teacher,” Fulk said. “If we ever need to come back to take any don’t, the lessons we learned will never classes, get any recertifications or just get get passed on, and the same mistakes will help finding a good job fit, we’re here to always be made. It’s up to us to share what help them.” we can do for the sake of the future of construction.” To learn more about how you can enroll, visit the Lake Land College Civil Now the instructor and coordinator Engineering Technology program at of Lake Land’s Civil Engineering lakelandcollege.edu/guided-pathways/ Technology program, Fulk seeks to create civil-engineering-technology opportunities for his students to excel in or scan here. their desired fields and obtain the same kind of career opportunities he once received as a Lake Land graduate. “My overall goal is for everyone to find a job and discover a career path that they can be successful in,” he said.
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GUIDING THE FUTURE OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
AN INSTRUCTOR'S COMMITMENT TO STUDENT SUCCESS
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TWO DAYS TO SUCCESS
REDEFINING THE EDUCATION-EMPLOYMENT CONNECTION 8 LAKE LAND COLLEGE s LAKELANDCOLLEGE.EDU
SCAN TO HEAR FROM CURRENT STUDENTS WHO ARE ENROLLED IN TECH 2 DAY.
S
OMETIMES the best path forward has to be created. That is what Lake Land’s trades and technology instructors recently discovered as they appraised their programs in relation to stakeholder needs.
“It’s a plus-plus for both sides,” said Dion Buzzard, industrial technology instructor and program coordinator. “Students can come to school and also get a feel for what it’s like to work in a company and make money. Those companies also benefit because they need employees, and they like the opportunity to bring in students who are interested in the field.”
“With these programs, a lot of what we’ve seen in the past is you have to be able to work and learn at the same time, but that was hard for our students because they might’ve been in classes all day,” said With this combination of knowledge Automotive Instructor and "WE HAD TO LOOK AT and hands-on skills, graduates of the Program Coordinator Brian THE PROGRAMS AND Tech 2 Day program will enjoy a head Madlem. “We had to look DECIDE WHAT WAS start in a wide variety of high demand at the programs and decide what was going to be best GOING TO BE BEST careers including architecture and for our students and their FOR OUR STUDENTS construction, electronics, technology, manufacturing and transportation. potential employers.”
AND THEIR POTENTIAL EMPLOYERS." “Our education system is constantly
This evaluation and changing, so we have to be able to commitment to re-imagined progress how students are taught and instruction paved the way -MADLEM accepted into our programs,” said for Tech 2 Day, a new class Kurt Hoene, building construction technology model that accommodates the needs of instructor and coordinator. “If we can benefit working students. With this program, students our students in any way possible, we want to are required to attend classes just two days a do it. I think this program does just that.” week, opening their schedules to apply their knowledge in internships or apprenticeships. The Tech 2 Day program is a distinct solution, The result is a collective win for the community. one that reshapes the relationship between education and employment. But perhaps more In two days of class, students learn in Lake importantly, it is a solution made possible by Land’s industry standard labs and progress a commitment to look beyond what was done toward their educational goals at the same before and consider what can be. pace of a traditional timeline. The rest of the week, they enjoy a dependable work schedule, To learn more about how you opportunities to establish relationships with can enroll, visit the Lake Land employers and the ability to acquire industry experience prior to graduation. For employers, College Tech 2 Day program at lakelandcollege.edu/tech2day the program offers a pipeline of qualified or scan here. workers into high-demand positions.
LAKE LAND COLLEGE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM CREATES OPPORTUNITIES FOR CAREER ADVANCEMENT Under the federally registered apprenticeship program, local companies partner with Lake Land College to develop customized educational programs specific to their workforce needs. The program is a tremendous benefit to both students and employers. The students better their lives and expand their employment options with an education and a nationally-recognized credential, all while earning wages and gaining real experience. The employers benefit by investing in the growth of qualified employees in high-demand fields. “This program creates the best of all worlds for everyone,” said Kris Kersey, industrial maintenance instructor and coordinator. “That’s just almost impossible to do, but the apprenticeship program does just that.” Apprentice Adam Carter (inset above) also praised the apprenticeship program for its role in helping him enhance the electrical and mechanical skills he uses every day in his job at Quad Graphics Marketing, LLC. “I always want to expand my knowledge to try to get better at my job and share it with everyone I work with,” Carter said. “When this opportunity came about, I knew it was something I just couldn’t pass up.” Students or business partners who have interest in registered apprenticeship programs should contact Bonnie Moore, director to the center for business and industry, at 217-238-8260 or send an email to bmoore71258@lakelandcollege.edu. LAKE LAND COLLEGE s 217-234-5253
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HEN Lainey Jackson’s volleyball players step onto the court, everyone knows they’re the kind of team that goes the extra mile.
ATTEND A HOME GAME TO CHEER ON THE LAKERS! In addition to volleyball, other Laker athletic teams include men’s basketball, women’s basketball, baseball, softball, cheerleading and clay target shooting. Admission to all home games is free to currently enrolled Lake Land College students, $7 for adults and $5 for students in grades K-12 and senior citizens. Visit lakelandlakersathletics.com to find out when the next home game is happening!
SCAN TO WATCH JACKSON'S FULL INTERVIEW.
authority, but to truly be a coach. For her, that involves empathy, care and a genuine desire to build unique relationships with each and every player.
Now, Jackson seeks to implement this coaching philosophy at Lake Land, helping her players navigate the challenges “I want my players to be the kind of they face on the court and in all people who are always facets of life. She views these doing something to take the extra step, not just "I WANT MY PLAYERS experiences as opportunities for with volleyball, but with TO BE THE KIND OF her players to gain the wisdom that will guide their actions both everything in life,” said PEOPLE WHO ARE throughout the season and long Jackson, the new Lake ALWAYS DOING after graduation. The goal is a Land volleyball head SOMETHING TO team that represents everything it coach. “If you’re at the means to be a Laker and is defined grocery store and see a TAKE THE EXTRA cart out in a parking spot, STEP, NOT JUST WITH by a work ethic so palpable it transcends any win or loss. push it back.” After four all-conference seasons at Cumberland High School, Jackson played college volleyball at Lincoln Land Community College.
VOLLEYBALL, BUT WITH EVERYTHING IN LIFE." “We are always going to push the
other team, and we will always push ourselves just as much,” she -JACKSON said. “Whether we win or whether we lose, there will be no question that we worked harder than them.”
There, she compiled an impressive résumé that includes Midwest Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year and NJCAA AllAmerican honors. Following her time at Lincoln Land, a season-long stint of playing in Mississippi at Blue Mountain College only confirmed that there was nowhere she would rather be than back home in the community she loves. Jackson continued her volleyball career in central Illinois as a coach for Teutopolis High School and 217 Volleyball Club. Through these roles, she has learned what it means to not just hold a position of
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That assertive presence is the chief priority in Jackson’s approach to the game, more so than any record come season’s end. Her players are more than just talented athletes. They are rising leaders who set the standard everywhere they go, whether it is on the court, in the classroom, or even at the grocery store. To follow Laker volleyball and all other Lake Land athletics, visit lakelandlakersathletics.com.
GAME CHANGER LAKERS WELCOME NEW VOLLEYBALL COACH LAKE LAND COLLEGE s 217-234-5253
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and experiences found throughout the student body. The goal is to promote a collective sense of acceptance by ensuring Lake Land’s campus is a place that embraces all students.
the Student Wellness Center includes a campus nurse, the Laker Food Pantry, the Active Minds student peer club and online services with apps such as TimelyCare and Calm.
“I want students to see themselves represented and respected, especially during something as formative as the college years,” Bowen said. “It’s important to recognize both the struggles and "STUDENT SUCCESS celebrations of the students REMAINS OUR TOP who haven’t always seen PRIORITY, AND I’M themselves represented as HERE TO MAKE SURE much as others do.”
Students can also schedule free group and individual in-person counseling sessions through the Navigate student app. Beyond these services, Moll’s endorsement of healthy wellness practices and individualized guidance in accessing available resources ensures students are empowered to flourish throughout their college journey.
EARLY every student will agree that college is more than just school. It is a unique adventure, a time of growth in response to many new and exciting experiences. As students acclimate to a world of new faces, environments and responsibilities, Lake Land College is committed to providing valuable services that support their success.
“It’s really the time that a lot of students are transitioning out of familiar environments and structure,” said Mercury THEY HAVE ACCESS Further strengthening this Bowen, coordinator of TO THE SERVICES THEY mission of support and diversity, equity, inclusion and NEED TO REMAIN belonging is Thomas Moll, belonging. “They’re starting SUCCESSFUL.” a 1997 Lake Land graduate to discover who they are and who now returns to the how they fit in the world.” college as the coordinator -MOLL of mental health services. Bowen’s role at Lake Land is Bringing more than 20 years of one of multiple new services available behavioral health experience into this to help students feel welcome at the new role, Moll leads the creation of a college and navigate the obstacles Student Wellness Center to provide a they face beyond the classroom. As a wholistic approach in helping students source of support and an advocate for navigate both their emotional and student needs, Bowen seeks to ensure physical healthcare needs. Located in the college environment is a sincere room 512 of the Luther Student Center, reflection of the diverse perspectives
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“As a community college, we’re a doorway for people to get the education they’re going to use for the rest of their lives,” Moll said. “It’s important to make sure that student success remains our top priority, and I’m here to make sure they have access to the services they need to remain successful.” To learn more about Lake Land’s commitment to developing and maintaining an inclusive campus community, scan here or visit lakelandcollege.edu/diversity.
"I WANT STUDENTS TO SEE THEMSELVES REPRESENTED AND RESPECTED, ESPECIALLY DURING SOMETHING AS FORMATIVE AS THE COLLEGE YEARS.” -BOWEN
WRAPAROUND SERVICES FOSTER
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LAKE LAND COLLEGE
AREAS OF STUDY AGRICULTURE Agriculture Transfer Agriculture Business Agriculture Production & Management Crop Production Diesel & Ag Power Technology Horticulture John Deere Tech Livestock Production Pre-Veterinary Medicine ARCHITECTURAL & CONSTRUCTION Building Construction Technology CET/Advanced Technical Studies Civil Engineering Technology Computer Aided Drafting Computer Aided Design Technology Geospatial Technology HVAC+R Residential Wiring Surveying with GIS BUSINESS Business Management Accounting Business Electronic Marketing Entrepreneurship Management Marketing Professional Sales Business Office Professionals Court Reporting and Captioning Medical Coding & Health Information Medical Coding Specialist Medical Transcriptionist
Office Assistant Office Manager Office Receptionist Office Support Specialist EDUCATION Business Education Child & Family Services Early Childhood Care & Education Early Childhood Education Elementary Education Health Education Mathematics Education Nanny Child Care Provider Paraprofessional Educator Physical Education Secondary EducationBiology Secondary EducationChemistry Secondary EducationPhysics Social Science Education Special Education HEALTH & PUBLIC SERVICES Health Services Associate Degree Nurse Basic Nurse Assistant Dental Hygiene Emergency Medical Services Massage Therapy Medical Assistant Paramedical Services Physical Therapist Assistant Practical Nursing Public Services Cosmetology Cosmetology Teacher Crime Scene Technician Criminal Justice Leadership
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Esthetics Human Services Law Enforcement Operations HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES Art Broadcast Announcing Broadcast Communication Communication Studies Criminal Justice Economics English History Liberal Studies Political Science Psychology Radio Broadcasting Sociology/Social Work TV Field-Studio Production INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Computer Systems Computer Technician Desktop Publishing IT – Computer Applications IT – Computer Applications Specialist IT – Computer Game Development IT – Digital Media Specialist IT – Graphic Design IT – Network Administration IT – Programming IT – Web Design MANUFACTURING Applied Engineering Technology Electronic Control Technician Electronics Engineering Technology Industrial Maintenance
Manufacturing Skills Mechanical-Electrical Technology Production Technician Programmable Logic Controllers Robotic & Automated Manufacturing Welding MATH & SCIENCE Bioscience Non-Teaching Chemistry Clinical Laboratory Science Conservation Earth Science Engineering Science Environmental Science Mathematics Physics Pre-Chiropractic Pre-Dental Pre-Engineering Pre-Medicine Pre-Nursing: BSN Transfer Pre-Pharmacy Pre-Physical Therapy TRANSPORTATION Auto Mechanic Automotive Technology Commercial Truck Driver Training
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