Land Land College Magazine Spring 2021

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF LAKE LAND COLLEGE

SPRING 2021

THE MAJOR ISSUE

DISCOVER THE PATH TO YOUR FUTURE CAREER AT ONE OF THE TOP COMMUNITY COLLEGES IN THE NATION!

LOOKING AHEAD: A FALL DESIGNED AROUND YOU!

CHOOSE FROM IN-PERSON/ON CAMPUS, ONLINE OR VIRTUAL SYNCHRONOUS PLATFORMS

CABINET REPORT:

A FALL DESIGNED AROUND YOU! GREETINGS FROM LAKE LAND COLLEGE! Like many of you, we are eagerly anticipating the upcoming spring weather and the hope it represents. There is always a lot of excitement on campus at this time as we prepare for Commencement and begin New Student Orientation for incoming summer and fall students.

Summer courses are a great way to earn extra credits or ease back into college. The college is planning a traditional summer course selection with several online options, as well as a mix of in-person choices. Students taking classes in the fall will have the option to choose in-person or online classes. We have learned so much in the past year and are pleased to be able to offer the online support and resources that have been beneficial to our students.

In this edition of the magazine, you can explore the 150 majors we offer, as well as meet some of our outstanding faculty and hear from inspiring alumni whose pathways to success started at Lake Land College.

Please take a moment to complete the self-addressed comment card and connect with us! We would appreciate hearing from you as we continuously fulfill our mission to provide high quality educational pathways to success for the residents of our district.

Jon Althaus Vice President for Academic Services

GET SOCIAL WITH LAKE LAND COLLEGE! VISIT US AT LAKELANDCOLLEGE.EDU. LAKE LAND COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Doris Reynolds, Chair, Mattoon Mike Sullivan, Vice Chair, Mattoon Gary Cadwell, Secretary, Mode Kevin Curtis, Trustee, Mattoon Dave Storm, Trustee, Effingham Denise Walk, Trustee, Teutopolis Tom Wright, Trustee, Dieterich Lucas Duduit, Student Trustee, Pana

LAKE LAND COLLEGE CABINET

Josh Bullock, President Jon Althaus, Vice President for Academic Services Jean Anne Grunloh, Senior Executive to the President Valerie Lynch, Interim Vice President for Student Services Greg Nuxoll, Vice President for Business Services Tina Stovall, Special Assistant to the President

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STAFF

Editor: Kelly Allee Graphic Designer: Megan Nelson Writer: Mercury Bowen

ON THE COVER: Josh Awalt, Charleston

Laker Nation Class of 2007

IN THIS ISSUE

2021 s VOLUME 6 s ISSUE 3

EXPLORE THE AREAS OF STUDY

AND MEET OUR ALUMNI & FACULTY!

HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCE

AGRICULTURE CULTIVATING A SUCCESSFUL FUTURE PAGE 4

ARCHITECTURAL & CONSTRUCTION

DEDICATED TO SERVING OTHERS PAGE 14

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

DESIGNING YOUR CAREER PAGE 6

CONCERNED ABOUT CYBERSECURITY? THESE ALUMNI HAVE YOUR BACK PAGE 16

BUSINESS

MANUFACTURING

UNLOCK THE PROFESSIONAL WITHIN PAGE 8

KEEPING THE FUTURE RUNNING PAGE 18

EDUCATION

MATH & SCIENCE

SHAPING YOUNG MINDS PAGE 10

HEALTH & PUBLIC SERVICES CARING FOR OTHERS PAGE 12 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

Link interests to a major using the online Career Coach resource.

Go to lakelandcollege.edu and look for the Explore Careers icon.

AN EQUATION FOR SUCCESS PAGE 20

FACULTY

TRANSPORTATION ON THE ROAD TO YOUR CAREER GOAL PAGE 22 THE LAKE LAND COLLEGE MAGAZINE is published three times a year for the 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, 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.

NOT SURE WHAT TO MAJOR IN? THERE ARE OPTIONS!

FOR EVERY AREA OF STUDY!

To get started for Summer or Fall visit LAKELANDCOLLEGE.EDU.

SUMMER CLASSES BEGIN JUNE 7!

Intersession begins May 17.

FALL CLASSES BEGIN AUGUST 23!

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AGRICULTURE

CULTIVATING A SUCCESSFUL FUTURE MARIE RUMBOLD IS A DISTRICT SALES MANAGER

“Everyone at Lake Land was so, so genuine, and looking back on my career those are some of the people that mean the most to at Bayer Crop Science. As an Ag me,” Rumbold said. “I feel like my Transfer major at Lake Land College, instructors pushed me academically, Rumbold said she knew right away professionally and socially. Good that Lake Land was a great starting people attract good people, and point for her.

I have never heard of "I KNEW I WANTED anyone who went to Lake “My senior year of Land who didn’t love it.”

TO BE PUSHED high school I only did ACADEMICALLY AND one college visit, and PROPERLY SET UP it was at Lake Land,” FOR TRANSFER, AND I Rumbold, Laker Nation ALSO WANTED TO BE Class of 2014, said. “I PART OF A REPUTABLE knew I wanted to be LIVESTOCK JUDGING pushed academically PROGRAM. LAKE LAND and properly set up WAS A REALLY GOOD for transfer, and I also FIT WITH BOTH." wanted to be part of a reputable livestock -RUMBOLD judging program.

Lake Land was a really good fit with both.”

Though Rumbold (left with her husband Tyler) had to work hard and be good at what she is doing to be successful, she said beginning to foster relationships at Lake Land was one of the most important stepping stones of her career.

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AGRICULTURE AREA OF STUDY

Ag Power Technology Agriculture Transfer Agriculture Business & Supply Agriculture Production & Management Crop Production Horticulture John Deere Ag Tech Livestock Production Pre-Veterinary Medicine Agriculture Exploratory Area of Study

FACULTY

LEARN MORE AGRICULTURE INSTRUCTOR

and Livestock Judging Team Coach Hayden Wilder said the values he hopes his students take away (center and inset) from his class are honesty, integrity and the willingness to “never hesitate to do the right thing.”

“You can always outwork talent if talent doesn’t work hard enough,” Wilder said. “I try to teach an unbeatable work ethic. It wasn’t that long ago that I was in my students’ shoes. I came to college with not a lot of experience, so being able to provide my students with the help and opportunities to succeed gives me a lot of satisfaction.”

Wilder teaches students with a wide variety of majors and career paths, many of whom go on to transfer to four-year institutions. He said one common theme he sees and encourages is a passion for the agriculture industry.

For more information or to get started in an Agriculture Area of Study visit lakelandcollege.edu or scan this QR Code.

“I work with a lot of students every day who share the same passion that I do, particularly for the livestock industry,” Wilder said. “There is more of a family feel at Lake Land than at any other institution I have been a part of. We really want to help our students do well while they’re here and after they’ve graduated.”

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ARCHITECTURAL & CONSTRUCTION

DESIGNING YOUR CAREER

ZACH WHITLEY HAS OWNED AND OPERATED

three years, Whitley said his own experience at Lake Land was an “extremely positive” one.

Whitley Carpentry since “I honestly don’t remember 2012. He began his practice any bad experiences,” Whitley shortly after graduating from said. “Lake Land was a really the Building Construction good transition for me. I know Technology program and other students that went on to said it was his time at Lake universities and good positions Land, as well as help from his too, and Lake Land was a grandfather, that has made great foundation for his practice that. The quality of successful.

“THE QUALITY OF THE the instructors and classes I had was just INSTRUCTORS AND “My grandpa CLASSES I HAD WAS unbeatable, and the helped me get JUST UNBEATABLE, AND BCT program is a going on my really great program.”

THE BCT PROGRAM own for the IS A REALLY GREAT first year or two PROGRAM.” and helped continue to -WHITLEY teach me some things,” Whitley, Laker Nation Class of 2012, said. “Really all of what I learned in the BCT program I use still.”

Having returned to teach a Basic Carpentry class as an adjunct instructor at Lake Land College for

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ARCHITECTURAL & CONSTRUCTION AREA OF STUDY

Building Construction CET/Advanced Technical Studies Civil Engineering Technology Computer-Aided Design Technology Geospatial Technology HVAC+R Residential Wiring Architectural & Construction Exploratory Area of Study

FACULTY

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

Technology Instructor and Coordinator Neal Haarman works with the building and construction industry to keep his teaching current, as well as helping his students find jobs while at Lake Land and after they have graduated.

“I care about my students’ futures and their well-being,” Haarman said. “I feel like I’m successful when they’re successful. They need to gain a lot of knowledge while they’re here so they can be successful in their careers. My hope is that I make a positive impact on them, so they can take what they learn and stay motivated.”

Haarman said some of his proudest moments are when students contact him after graduating to share that they are using information they learned in his class.

“I have a few students who have come to me wanting to start their own small carpentry or construction business,” Haarman said. “I encourage students and potential students to do a self-assessment and ask themselves ‘What do I enjoy doing?’ and ‘What am I good at?’

Lake Land is a great place to start with these concepts. We have a huge variety of programs, small class sizes and instructors that truly do care about their students.”

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LEARN MORE

For more information or to get started in an Architectural & Construction Area of Study visit lakelandcollege.edu or scan this QR Code.

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BUSINESS

UNLOCK THE PROFESSIONAL WITHIN LYNAE PADRICK IS UTILIZING SKILLS

Though proximity was the initial factor in Padrick’s choice to attend Lake Land, she said the affordability, small class sizes and the support from the faculty and staff made her even more grateful for her decision.

she learned in the Business program by working as the employment specialist at Lake Land College.

Padrick said every “THE INSTRUCTORS WERE class she took ALWAYS THERE WHEN I helped prepare her HAD QUESTIONS, AND THE for her career and SMALL CLASS SIZES MADE that she kept, and IT SO MUCH EASIER TO still uses, several of CONNECT WITH THEM.” the class materials and resources.

-PADRICK “Almost all of my classes were directly related to office work,” Padrick, Laker Nation Class of 2019, said. “I had many, many classes with Lisa Earp, and she was there to help every step of the way. There are so many amazing people that work at Lake Land, and I’m just so blessed to work here with them.”

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“My whole experience at Lake Land was wonderful,” Padrick said. “It’s just an amazing school. The instructors were always there when I had questions, and the small class sizes made it so much easier to connect with them.”

BUSINESS AREA OF STUDY

FACULTY

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT Accounting Business Electronic Marketing Entrepreneurship Management Marketing Professional Sales Business Management Exploratory Area of Study

LISA EARP TEACHES

a variety of business classes including computer and communication topics. As the Business Instructor/Director of Court Reporting/Office Professionals Program Coordinator Earp said the impact her students have on her often comes from how well she gets to know them.

“Some students are overcoming significant personal challenges or are balancing many family, work and school responsibilities just to take classes,” Earp said. “I am impressed by their commitment and applaud them for their efforts.”

Earp includes workplace situations in her teaching so students can understand the importance of the material outside of the classroom.

“My most rewarding moments are simply helping students succeed,” Earp said.

“I especially enjoy when a student tells me how much they’ve grown personally and professionally as a result of their time at Lake Land.”

Many students have used confidence and skills, especially with technology, learned in Earp’s classes to accept positions with better job satisfaction than they had before, and some students even chose to further their education after graduating from Lake Land.

“Faculty are here to help you,” Earp said.

“Create relationships with your teachers and classmates to help you feel more confident and be more successful.”

Earp said she looks forward to welcoming the first class of the new Court Reporting program to the college this fall. The program was created in partnership with area court reporters and provides students with an opportunity to train for a high demand career field.

BUSINESS OFFICE PROFESSIONALS Court Reporting NEW! Medical Coding & Health Information Medical Coding Specialist Medical Transcriptionist Office Assistant Office Manager Office Receptionist Office Support Specialist Office Professionals Exploratory Area of Study

LEARN MORE

For more information or to get started in a Business Area of Study visit lakelandcollege.edu or scan this QR Code.

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EDUCATION

SHAPING YOUNG MINDS

HOLLY KOESTER IS BOTH

Koester previously earned a bachelor’s degree and was working in another field, when she decided to an alumna and the education specialist at Lake come to Lake Land to earn a degree in education.

Land College. As a full-time student at Eastern Describing her decision to attend Lake Land, Illinois University, Koester (left) Koester said Lake Land gave her a “great said she loves the opportunity to atmosphere.” experience being a student while “IF YOU ARE LOOKING also helping students succeed.

FOR INSTRUCTORS WHO “If you are looking for instructors who truly TRULY CARE ABOUT YOU care about you and your future, then Lake “It has been interesting to see how AND YOUR FUTURE, Land is the place for you,” Koester said. things have changed these last two THEN LAKE LAND IS THE semesters,“ Koester, Laker Nation PLACE FOR YOU.” “I never met anyone at Lake Land that Class of 2018, said. “It’s nice to see wasn’t welcoming and helpful. I don’t think we are still impacting the education -KOESTER I could ask for better.” students in a positive way for their future. I’m just very grateful for my position and my team that I work with.”

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EDUCATION AREA OF STUDY

FACULTY

EDUCATION INSTRUCTOR

Kim Davis said she is proud to be part of the phenomenal education program at Lake Land College. One of the reasons Davis said she loves her job is because she gets to know her students individually and build relationships with them.

“I learn so much from my students,” Davis said.

“Getting a fresh perspective and energetic viewpoint on subjects is so refreshing. That’s one of the things I love about teaching; it’s never the same thing twice.”

Davis said the bonds she forms with her students often extend long after graduation.

Many students return to Lake Land to keep in touch and let her know how they are using their education.

“When students graduate and move on, I miss them, so it is really nice when they reach out to me and let me know how they’re doing,“ Davis said. “I don’t realize at the time what an impact I have made. Lake Land really makes students feel at home and encourages them to explore and find out what they’re interested in.”

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 Education-Biology Secondary Education-Chemistry Secondary Education-Physics Special Education Education Exploratory Area of Study

LEARN MORE

For more information or to get started in an Education Area of Study visit lakelandcollege.edu or scan this QR Code.

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HEALTH & PUBLIC SERVICES

CARING FOR OTHERS

BRENDA INGLE

works for Soyland to Access Independent Living (SAIL) as an independent living advocate, having retired from Illinois Coalition for Community Services (ICCS) where she was the executive director of a child welfare agency.

Ingle (left) earned two associate degrees in Human Services and Psychology and was a member of Phi Theta Kappa during her time at Lake Land College.

She then went on to earn a master’s degree in Family Services from Eastern Illinois University.

“I really enjoy having the knowledge and the ability to help people,” Ingle, Laker Nation Classes of 2003 and 2005, said. “All my ability to help with these things comes from what I learned at Lake Land College.”

Against Child Abuse, Sexual Assault Counseling & Information Services (SACIS) and several others during her time at ICCS.

BETTY WATKINS

was a widowed mother working three part-time jobs to support herself and her children while she attended Lake Land College.

Watkins (inset) said she not only learned how to provide services to residents of her community, but her example provided a legacy to her children.

“Going to college in my late thirties was one of the hardest and scariest decisions of my life, but going to Lake Land was the best decision I ever made,” Watkins said. “I just want to thank Lake Land College for changing my life.”

Ingle has also been involved with several local organizations and programs including Citizens

CHRISTIANA SAYYAH,

Laker Nation Class of 2015, owns and operates Glitter & Geeks Salon Suite in Marietta, Georgia.

Sayyah was named one of modern salon's top 100 stylists and is a published artist.

National brands Keracolor and Devacurl have featured Sayyah in social media content and promotions. She hosts educational seminars for these companies and is a member of the Colortrak Crew.

“It’s not for the faint of heart,” Sayyah said. “You really have to want it, but don’t be afraid to ask questions.”

Having had her own practice for nearly three years, Sayyah said she learned a majority of the basics of cosmetology from her time at Lake Land College.

“Within my first month at Lake Land I was taught things that I had been told at another school would not be important,” Sayyah said. “I loved my experience at Lake Land.”

As a vivid color and curl specialist, Sayyah said one of the most important things for her career was taking her education seriously.

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HEALTH & PUBLIC SERVICES AREA OF STUDY HEALTH SERVICES Associate Degree Nurse Basic Nurse Assisting Dental Hygiene Emergency Medical Services Massage Therapy Medical Assistant Paramedical Services Physical Therapist Assistant Practical Nursing Health Services Exploratory Area of Study

FACULTY

NURSING INSTRUCTOR

Haylee Brandt is both a Lake Land College faculty member and an alumna. Brandt said her experience as a Lake Land student was a big factor in preparing her to be an effective instructor.

“I can honestly say that the experience you get at Lake Land is unbeatable,” Brandt, Laker Nation Class of 2012, said. “I learned how to be a better teacher because I was a student at Lake Land.”

In her teaching, Brandt focuses on helping students identify ways to study, locating resources and giving encouragement. She said the most important thing to her is being able to relate to her students.

“We’re all human,” Brandt said. “Sometimes we all need to step back and realize there’s more to learning than just exams.”

Brandt said some of her favorite aspects of teaching are the relationships she builds with her students. Describing her nursing students as a “tight-knit group”, Brandt said many students keep in touch with her after graduation.

“At Lake Land the instructors will push you, because we genuinely care about your outcomes,” Brandt said. “For me, every day there is something rewarding.”

PUBLIC SERVICES Cosmetology Cosmetology Teacher Criminal Justice Leadership Esthetics Human Services Law Enforcement Operations Public Services Exploratory Area of Study

LEARN MORE

For more information or to get started in a Health & Public Services Area of Study visit lakelandcollege.edu or scan this QR Code.

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HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCE

DEDICATED TO SERVING OTHERS SARAH LOCKE

community college instructor, because I want to give back what Lake Land gave to me.”

is a full-time communication instructor at Forsyth Technical Community College in Winston Salem, North Carolina.

Having graduated with a “WHEN I THINK ABOUT MY degree in Communication, TIME AT LAKE LAND, IT WAS Locke said it was her time at TRULY BREATHTAKING HOW Lake Land that established her MANY PEOPLE WERE ON MY career path.

TEAM ROOTING FOR ME.”

While at Lake Land, Locke was involved in several areas of student life, including Phi Theta Kappa, Student Ambassadors and being president of the Student Government Association.

“Getting involved really built a “I went to Salisa Hortenstine-LOCKE sense of community and gave Olmsted’s class on my first me the motivation to succeed for myself and day of school, and she actually made the class others,” Locke said. “When I think about my interpersonal,” Locke, Laker Nation Class of time at Lake Land, it was truly breathtaking 2016, said. how many people were on my team rooting for me.”

“I looked at her and thought ‘I want to do what you do’. That was the reason I chose to be a

KATIE WILLIAMS

It has really brought me back to why I’m here, and that’s because of the kids.”

“wears several different hats” as director of special education at Marshall High School in Williams was a Student Ambassador while Marshall. Inducted into the Lake Land College at Lake Land, and she said having diverse Distinguished Alumni Society in 2017, Williams experiences in that setting provided knowledge said Lake Land established the roots and she still uses in her career today. foundation of her education.

“I HAD A REALLY GREAT “I’m super passionate about what “Somebody told me when I PERSONAL EXPERIENCE AT I do,” Williams said. “I had a really first took this job that I would LAKE LAND, AND I THINK great personal experience at Lake be able to make a difference LEARNING TO ESTABLISH Land, and I think learning to establish in kids’ lives, and I really do,” THOSE RELATIONSHIPS those relationships at Lake Land is Williams, Laker Nation Class of ...HELPED ME TO BE what helped me to be successful.”

2002, said. “I am able to see SUCCESSFUL.” real progress, and even more so now with COVID. -WILLIAMS 14 LAKE LAND COLLEGE s LAKELANDCOLLEGE.EDU

HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCE AREA OF STUDY

FACULTY

PHILOSOPHY AND ENGLISH INSTRUCTOR

Tara Blaser endeavors to help students achieve educational goals even beyond the classroom.

As part of her classes, students have taken part in various projects outside of the classroom.

“Seeing my students’ pride and willingness to help others in challenging times is one of the best parts of my job,” Blaser said. “My proudest moments are seeing them working together and achieving their goals with hard work and determination.”

Not only does Blaser take pride in her students’ work, she said she strives to build meaningful relationships in her classes.

“I learn from my students constantly,” Blaser said. “One of the most important things to me is for them to ask questions and learn the importance and value of helping others.”

With a variety of career options including social media influencer, college teacher, writer, actor, artist and many more, Blaser said she encourages anyone interested to give college a try.

Art Broadcast Communication Studies Criminal Justice Economics English History Liberal Arts Political Science Psychology Social Science Education Sociology/Social Work Humanities & Social Science Exploratory Area of Study

LEARN MORE

For more information or to get started in a Humanities & Social Science Area of Study visit lakelandcollege.edu or scan this QR Code.

“Education is never wasted,” Blaser said.

“Every single class helps to improve your future. At Lake Land, we genuinely care about you. You will not be nameless to anyone.”

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INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

CONCERNED ABOUT CYBERSECURITY? THESE ALUMNI HAVE YOUR BACK JUSTIN HENDERSON AND JOSH AWALT TEAMED UP

to create H&A Security Solutions LLC, a cybersecurity company focused on identifying and preventing cyber threats all over the world.

Awalt (left), Laker Nation Class of 2007, also developed an interest in computers at a young age and went on to earn 30 IT industry credentials. With a great deal of experience in higher education and healthcare, Awalt said he was pleasantly surprised by his experience at Lake Land.

“I honestly wasn’t going into Lake Land looking Henderson and Awalt earned associate degrees to learn more about computers,” Awalt said. in Network Administration from Lake Land and “I was very impressed by all the things I did went on to earn a bachelor degree and master’s learn from the program. Lake Land’s computer degree respectively, however both said the program is way better than many of the education they received universities’ programs I have seen.” at Lake Land was the most “I WILL ALWAYS GIVE beneficial to their careers.

Both Henderson and Awalt said they AS MUCH CREDIT AS encourage anyone interested in IT or POSSIBLE TO SCOTT RHINE. computers to go to Lake Land College.

Henderson (inset), Laker HE HAS A VISION FOR Nation Class of 2006, THAT PROGRAM, AND IT “Forget everything and everyone now holds 61 IT industry DEFINITELY HAS PREPARED else,” Henderson said. “To quote the credentials, including being one of only 14 people in the ME FOR THE NEXT STEPS IN Mandalorian ‘This is the way’.”

MY CAREER.” world to have Cyber Guardian Blue and Red qualifications -HENDERSON via the SANS institute.

Henderson has trained the military and Fortune 500 companies and has authored three courses for the training of IT industry professionals.

“I have seen a lot of curriculum at other institutions, and I can hands down say that the program at Lake Land is better by far,” Henderson said. “I will always give as much credit as possible to Scott Rhine. He has a vision for that program, and it definitely has prepared me for the next steps in my career.”

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INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AREA OF STUDY

Computer Systems Computer Technician Desktop Publishing IT – Computer Applications IT – Computer Game Development IT – Digital Media Specialist IT – Graphic Design IT – Network Administration IT – Programming IT – Web Design Information Technology Exploratory Area of Study

FACULTY INNOVATION IS A CRUCIAL ELEMENT

in IT Instructor and Coordinator of the Network Administration Program Scott Rhine’s teaching.

Not only does Rhine maintain an Innovation Lab for students to develop their own ideas and creations, one of his teaching goals is to help his students see the world differently.

“In the Innovation classes, I’m always trying to push the boundaries of what’s possible,” Rhine said. “Everybody wants to start with a project that’s comfortable, but I want my students to have to think about things differently and really change their mindsets.”

Though his goals for each class vary, Rhine said the common theme is the changing of his students’ thought processes and expanding their knowledge and understanding.

“When we start the first Innovation class, students typically have the mindset of a consumer rather than a creator,” Rhine said.

“Their first instinct is to go buy something rather than make it. When they leave my class, I want their first thought to be ‘How can I make this?’ and then ‘How can I make it better?’.”

LEARN MORE

For more information or to get started in an Information Technology Area of Study visit lakelandcollege. edu or scan this QR Code.

Some of the projects Rhine and his students have worked on include prosthetics, robotics, drones, home automation, virtual reality and even a functioning lightsaber.

“Some of my proudest moments are when a student tells me they got a job,” Rhine said.

“That I can be part of that and that I have been able to set them up for success in their future is really what means the most to me.”

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MANUFACTURING

KEEPING THE FUTURE RUNNING

KYLE MILLER IS A MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN

at IHI Turbo America in Shelbyville, providing maintenance support to production in both of the company’s buildings, such as troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, robotics, hydraulics and pneumatics issues.

technical side get you as close as they can get for jobsite-ready. I think employers look for graduates from Lake Land College for the tech fields, because it is a really good program.”

Miller said there were several instructors who also made a difference in his educational experience.

Miller, Laker Nation Class of 2017, began his career working in a factory.

During that time, he developed an interest in fixing equipment and began talking with the maintenance personnel.

“I’ve always been a bit of a tinkerer,” Miller said. “I’ve always fixed things myself if possible.”

Upon further exploration, Miller said he came across Lake Land College and began pursuing a technical degree.

“Dion Buzzard was a phenomenal instructor,” Miller said. “Leo Kitten was too, not just as instructors, but they kept things level-headed with me and worked around my work schedule. Without those guys getting to know their students and seeing them through the program I don’t know “I THINK EMPLOYERS LOOK that I would have been FOR GRADUATES FROM able to achieve it as LAKE LAND COLLEGE FOR quickly as I did.”

THE TECH FIELDS, BECAUSE IT IS A REALLY GOOD PROGRAM.” -MILLER

“Lake Land has a really good tech program for the fields I was looking at, so it just fit,” Miller said. “I was working forty-plus hours a week.

"It was difficult at times, but the instructors and academics on the

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MANUFACTURING AREA OF STUDY

FACULTY INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY INSTRUCTOR AND PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Dion Buzzard makes an effort to connect with his students at the beginning of each class. He said this creates many learning opportunities and allows him to relate his learning material to real-world situations his students have faced or are likely to encounter in the field.

“I like to know where the students have worked and some of the experiences they’ve had,” Buzzard said. “I try to make those connections to situations they may have come across and help them see different aspects that they may not have been aware of.”

Not only does Buzzard make certain to incorporate practical scenarios into his teaching, he ensures that students in the program have a wide background of skills to utilize in their future careers. Some of these skills include mechanical, electrical, welding, programming, computer-aided design (CAD) and many other areas.

“There are a lot of different possibilities in this program, so students can learn a little bit of everything,” Buzzard said. “I think it’s really important to connect students with good jobs that are available. There are a lot of fish in the sea, but we really strive to make that personal connection. At Lake Land you’re not just a number.”

Applied Engineering Technology Electronics Engineering Technology Electronic Control Technician Industrial Maintenance Manufacturing Skills Mechanical-Electrical Technology Plastics Manufacturing Production Technician Programmable Logic Controllers Renewable Energy Robotic & Automated Manufacturing Sustainable Energy Welding Manufacturing Exploratory Area of Study

LEARN MORE

For more information or to get started in a Manufacturing Area of Study visit lakelandcollege.edu or scan this QR Code.

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MATH & SCIENCE

AN EQUATION FOR SUCCESS

DR. SAMANTHA MORRISON HAS OWNED AND OPERATED

“I basically learned how to study at Lake Land,” Morrison said. “I was not used to having much difficulty in class.

"The instructors at Lake Land are able to give a lot of one-on-one her own successful chiropractic attention, and everyone is so easy practice for nearly six years. Having to access. I learned about my own earned both a Pre-Chiropractic strengths and weaknesses associate degree and a Massage "THE INSTRUCTORS AT and how to overcome them Therapy certificate LAKE LAND ARE ABLE TO during my time there.” from Lake GIVE A LOT OF Morrison said her Land College, ONE-ON-ONE experiences at Lake Land Morrison said the ATTENTION, AND made for a good transition combination of EVERYONE IS SO to college life as well as the two areas of EASY TO ACCESS. I a way to get involved in education is a nice LEARNED ABOUT MY tool to have.

OWN STRENGTHS AND activities.

WEAKNESSES AND HOW “It’s very TO OVERCOME THEM “I love Lake Land,” Morrison rewarding,” DURING MY TIME THERE." said. “Being a student ambassador was a great Morrison, Laker way to get involved, and it Nation Class of -MORRISON helped me learn a lot about 2010 and 2011 myself. Overall I am just really happy said. “I really enjoy my profession, with my time at Lake Land.” and I enjoy the people I treat. I am able to help my patients to be free from pain and to lead healthier lives.”

After continuing her education to earn a master's degree and a doctor of Chiropractic degree from Logan University, Morrison said Lake Land College was the foundation for her education.

20 LAKE LAND COLLEGE s LAKELANDCOLLEGE.EDU

MATH & SCIENCE AREA OF STUDY

FACULTY CHEMISTRY INSTRUCTOR

Claire Miller makes it her goal to create a positive experience for her students. Though she said many students do not feel comfortable with chemistry when they enter her class, within the first few weeks of class she is able to make the topics enjoyable.

“The best feedback I hear from my students is that they feel more comfortable in a class with subject matter that used to scare them,” Miller said.

Not only does Miller work to make the subject matter she teaches enjoyable, throughout her years of teaching Miller has redirected her teaching style to suit her students best.

“It is important for me to learn about my students and adapt my teaching to suit them best,” Miller said. “I have to know what my students need from me and how to make what I am teaching applicable to their area of study.”

Miller said many of her students have made a point to keep in touch and let her know about their accomplishments. She also said several students have taken the teamwork and interpersonal skills learned in her class with them into their careers.

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 Math and Science Exploratory Area of Study

LEARN MORE

For more information or to get started in a Math & Science Area of Study visit lakelandcollege.edu or scan this QR Code.

“I didn’t think community college was an option when I went through school,” Miller said. “Being at Lake Land now, I know the amount of one-on-one interaction students get with the instructor is invaluable. It really is such an amazing experience.”

LAKE LAND COLLEGE s 217-234-5253

21

TRANSPORTATION

ON THE ROAD TO YOUR CAREER GOAL JACOB FINNEY IS AN AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN

Finney said the instruction he received during his time in the Automotive Technology program at Lake Land provided him with a great foundation to further his career.

at Diepholz Auto Group in Charleston, having “Kevin Miller and graduated from "MY INSTRUCTORS HAD Brian Madlem were the Automotive A LOT OF EXPERIENCE great,” Finney said.

Technology “In general, I still use a program in 2011. IN THE FIELD, AND WE WERE ABLE TO LEARN little bit of everything Finney said it FROM THEIR PERSONAL that they taught. With was not only working on cars, you EXPERIENCES TOO. his instructors’ just have to expand on OVERALL IT’S JUST A teaching that what they taught over GREAT SCHOOL." helped him time. My instructors succeed in his had a lot of experience -FINNEY career, it was in the field, and we the years of were able to learn knowledge and from their personal experiences experience his instructors shared too. Overall it’s just a great as well. school.”

“My experience at Lake Land was very good,” Finney said.

“The teachers did a great job in helping us learn the basics of everything, and in-depth information on some things.

The instructors were very knowledgeable about what they were teaching.”

22 LAKE LAND COLLEGE s LAKELANDCOLLEGE.EDU

TRANSPORTATION AREA OF STUDY

Auto Mechanic Automotive Technology Commercial Truck Driving Training Transportation Exploratory Area of Study

LEARN MORE

FACULTY

AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY INSTRUCTOR

and Program Coordinator Kevin Miller had more than 15 years of automotive and technical experience before becoming an instructor at Lake Land College. Miller said one of the most important aspects of teaching and building relationships with his students is trust.

“Having a group of people who trust what I say is so valuable,” Miller said. “Students have to know they can trust me to guide them. Even if they don’t know the information it’s my job to teach them how to find it, because the auto industry is always changing and advancing.”

For more information or to get started in a Transportation Area of Study visit lakelandcollege.edu or scan this QR Code.

Due to the many areas and needs in the service industry, Miller said graduates of the program are not only in high demand, they are able to meet their educational and career goals at a very high rate.

“Last year every single graduate of the program ended up with a job or transfer,” Miller said. “One hundred percent of the graduates met their goal. I talk with some of the local dealerships, and they have said many times that some of their best techs come from the Lake Land College Automotive Technology program.”

LAKE LAND COLLEGE s 217-234-5253

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

5001 Lake Land Blvd.

Mattoon, IL 61938

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