ALUMNUS RECEIVES ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FOR DEDICATION TO PATIENTS

THE LAKE LAND COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES HONORED BERNARD “HANK” HABING,

Teutopolis, with the Alumnus Achievement Award for this year. Habing, Laker Nation Class of 1992, is a family nurse practitioner at Effingham Urology Associates and Mid-Illinois Medical Care Associates/Runde Clinic in Teutopolis.

“This award in a small way shows Hank that he is appreciated for his dedication to his patients,” Thomas Finley, Teutopolis, said of his experiences as Habing’s patient. “When you are one of Hank's patients, it seems like you are the most important patient he has. Hank treats each of his patients with this same caring attitude. He is a blessing to his community, the clinics and profession but more importantly to the many patients he sees every day.” Habing said though the award came as a complete surprise, it was a great honor and very much appreciated. He expressed gratitude to his nominator, Finley, as well as the Lake Land College Board of Trustees.

“It has been many years since my time at Lake Land, and I still look back on those years fondly,” Habing said.

“The education I received there was a building block for the development of my career as a nurse practitioner.

The educators, particularly in the Nursing department, were exceptional, top notch in my opinion. I definitely would not be who I am today without them.”

Habing began his medical career working in the emergency room at St. Anthony's Hospital in Effingham, earning a licensed practical nursing certificate from Lake Land College as he did so. After completing an LPN certificate, Habing went on to earn an associate degree as a registered nurse through Lake Land as well.

“I would highly recommend Lake Land College for anyone looking for an excellent community college education,” Habing said.

“Lake Land is a tremendous asset to Central Illinois.”

Habing then pursued a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a master’s degree as a family nurse practitioner from Indiana Wesleyan University. Upon completing the degrees, he joined the staff at the Effingham Urology Center and the MidIllinois Medical Care Associates Runde Clinic in Teutopolis.

Habing is also a board member for the St. Hedwig's Haus of Hospitality in Charleston, and each year helps organize a benefit in Teutopolis for St. Hedwig's Haus to assist with the costs of providing a safe harbor for women and children in need.

“I have seen firsthand the compassion, professionalism and dedication Hank shows to his patients,” Finley, Laker Nation Class of 1971, said.

“Hank and I have discussed the difference Lake Land has made in both our lives, and Lake Land College rightfully should be proud of Hank Habing and how his education there helped him become the outstanding practitioner he is today.”