THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF LAKE LAND COLLEGE
FALL 2021
ALUMNUS ENGINEERS SUCCESS IN WATER/WASTEWATER TREATMENT FINDING A REWARDING CAREER
WITH RENEWABLE ENERGY LAKER ATHLETICS RECOGNIZED FOR SUCCESS
SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS ALUMNA HELPS OTHERS LAUNCH THEIR CAREERS CONNECTING STUDENTS TO
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES NEW TRAINING OPTIONS PUT STUDENTS ON
THE ROAD TO A NEW CAREER KLUTHE CENTER UPDATES
ENHANCE STUDENT EXPERIENCES
MY LAKER EXPERIENCE As summer draws to a close and there is a hint of fall in the air, we reminisce about the summer days when we dipped our toes in the water then jumped into a swimming pool or lake to find the water was cool yet warm and somehow comforting. Fall semester 2021, feels just like that at Lake Land College! In this sorta-something COVID era, we are all dipping our toes into life on a busy, bustling open campus, many for the first time. Classes are getting back to the new normal of thankfully in-person instruction and campus activities are kicking into full gear. Softball, Baseball, Women's Volleyball and Livestock Judging teams are abuzz practicing their crafts at all hours of the day, building families and enjoying the journey. As Student Government President, my officer team and I encourage you to DIP YOUR TOES in the water to all that Lake Land has to offer from the library, recreation center gym, food pantry and student union! And then JUMP IN to feel the comfort of meeting new students and faculty, wearing a new Lake Land sweatshirt as the nights get colder and find new passions in an academic club, leadership experience, sports or working out routine. If you need help, please feel comfortable asking for it. Sometimes the water can be overwhelming and that’s ok. The team here will guide you. From student leadership, counselors, professors and coaches we are all here to help the Lake Land Classes of 2022 and 2023 succeed! We can impact the world, so let’s take each day to be grateful for this opportunity, step out into a bit deeper water, and just keep swimming (Like Dory says!) Don’t be afraid, DIP YOUR TOES then JUMP IN to life at Lake Land College! Skye Schumaker, Student Government President
GET SOCIAL WITH LAKE LAND COLLEGE! VISIT US AT LAKELANDCOLLEGE.EDU. LAKE LAND COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Mike Sullivan, Chair, Mattoon Gary Cadwell, Vice Chair, Mode Tom Wright, Secretary, Dieterich Kevin Curtis, Trustee, Mattoon Doris Reynolds, Trustee, Mattoon Dave Storm, Trustee, Effingham Denise Walk, Trustee, Teutopolis Katie Greuel, Student Trustee, Windsor
LAKE LAND COLLEGE CABINET
Josh Bullock, President Jon Althaus, Vice President for Academic Services Jean Anne Grunloh, Chief of Staff Valerie Lynch, Vice President for Student Services Greg Nuxoll, Vice President for Business Services
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STAFF
Editor: Kelly Allee Graphic Designer: Megan Nelson Writer: Mercury Bowen
ON THE COVER: Joseph Bongungu, Charlotte, NC
and Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo Laker Nation Class of 2013
CONTENTS 2
MY LAKER EXPERIENCE
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CABINET REPORT: SEEKING YOUR INPUT
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FINDING A REWARDING CAREER WITH RENEWABLE ENERGY
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AGRICULTURE GRANTS PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES TO STUDENTS
2021 s VOLUME 7 s ISSUE 1
10 LAKER ATHLETICS RECOGNIZED FOR SUCCESS 12 14 16
ALUMNUS ENGINEERS SUCCESS IN WATER/WASTEWATER TREATMENT
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SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS ALUMNA HELPS OTHERS LAUNCH THEIR CAREERS CONNECTING STUDENTS TO MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
18 JOIN LAKER NATION 20
NEW TRAINING OPTIONS PUT STUDENTS ON THE ROAD TO A NEW CAREER
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LAKE LAND COLLEGE AREAS OF STUDY
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KLUTHE CENTER UPDATES ENHANCE STUDENT EXPERIENCES
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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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.
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SPRING CLASSES BEGIN JANUARY 10! Register by January 7.
WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BECOMING A LAKER?
Visit us @ lakelandcollege.edu and look for the “Request Info” button.
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"TO ACCOMPLISH THIS GOAL, WE NEED TO HEAR FROM COMMUNITY MEMBERS, BUSINESS LEADERS, ALUMNI, CURRENT STUDENTS AND FUTURE LAKERS." -BULLOCK
CABINET REPORT:
SEEKING YOUR INPUT
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HOW CAN LAKE LAND COLLEGE SERVE YOU?
That question serves as the foundation for a year-long process the Lake Land College Strategic Planning Committee announced in early September. To kick off the process, the committee published a comprehensive Trend Analysis Report that provides key takeaways from research on state, national and global trends affecting higher education as well as demographic data for the Lake Land College district and the diverse communities it serves. The report and Executive Summary are published on the college’s website at lakelandcollege.edu/creating-our-future.
“Lake Land College is excited to plan for the future and create a strategic plan that serves our next generation of students,” Grunloh said. “To accomplish this, we will be implementing a process that is deliberately inclusive of our internal and external stakeholders including community members, students and staff.” Lake Land is inviting all community members, students and staff to complete a brief fiveminute survey to assist in the process of identifying the goals and objectives for the next strategic plan. The five-minute survey is available at lakelandcollege.edu under the About Us menu/About Us Links/Strategic Plan (below).
meet the student and workforce needs in a post-pandemic environment,” Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said. “To accomplish this goal, we need to hear from community members, business leaders, alumni, current students and future Lakers.” To learn more visit lakelandcollege.edu and look for the About Us menu and then Office of the President/Strategic Plan or scan the QR code below with your smartphone.
Connect with Lake Land College President Dr. Josh Bullock and the President’s Cabinet at lakelandcollege.edu/presidents-office.
“Our goal is to develop an innovative and adaptive strategic plan that addresses local, state, national and global trends impacting higher education and positions Lake Land to
As a community college, Lake Land serves all or parts of 15 counties and 31 school districts as district #517. It is the second largest geographical district in the state and is about the same size as the state of Connecticut. Led by Lake Land College Chief of Staff Jean Anne Grunloh, the strategic planning committee’s work in fiscal year 2022 will set the stage for the next four-year planning cycle, fiscal years 2023-2026. The college’s fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30.
TAKE THE SURVEY
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HAYDEN PARKER MANUFACTURING HAD LONG AREA OF STUDY BEEN INTERESTED Applied Engineering Technology Electronics Engineering Technology Electronic Control Technician Industrial Maintenance Manufacturing Skills Mechanical-Electrical Technology 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.
Throughout his time at Lake Land, Parker said his instructors taught a diverse array of subject matter that created several opportunities for him later. He was able to work on projects such as building a wind turbine out of a bicycle wheel and creating gasifiers with paint cans.
“We had a lot of really helpful experiences, in new and developing technology as like learning about computer software and well as hands-on career climbing the wind tower,” opportunities. He found "I DEFINITELY RECOMMEND Parker said. both in the Renewable GOING TO LAKE LAND. Energy Program at Lake Land “I liked studying multiple College and is now working BECAUSE OF MY EDUCATION things, and all of the handsas a battery technician at THERE, I HAD A LOT OF on experience was really fun. Rivian, an electric vehicle OPTIONS WHEN I GOT TO The classes really helped automaker company. prepare me for what jobs THE WORKFORCE. NOW would look like in the future.” “I really want to help out and EVERY SINGLE TIME I DO A do my part,” Parker, Laker JOB, I HAVE A REWARDING Because he had already Nation Class of 2019, said. MOMENT." earned some college credit, Parker was able to earn an “Lake Land gave me a good associate degree in only foundation for a career I can -PARKER one year. Having begun his enjoy while supporting my career as a solar installer, family.” Parker said his education became even more beneficial when he transitioned into working Deciding to return to college a few years after as a technician. beginning his educational journey elsewhere, Parker enrolled at Lake Land in 2018. “I never know what to expect going into a job, so when I figure it out it’s really satisfying,” “Honestly I wish I would have chosen Lake Parker said. “I definitely recommend going Land as my first college starting out,” Parker to Lake Land. Because of my education said. “One of the biggest benefits in the there, I had a lot of options when I got to the program was the interaction between the workforce. Now every single time I do a job, students and teachers. Any help I needed, I I have a rewarding moment.” always received.” Pictured: Assembly team members inserting a windshield on a Rivian R1T on the Validation Production line at Rivian's manufacturing plant in Normal, IL. Photo credit to Rivian Newsroom. Inset: Parker with a Rivian R1T.
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FINDING A REWARDING CAREER
WITH RENEWABLE ENERGY 7 LAKE LAND COLLEGE s LAKELANDCOLLEGE.EDU
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AGRICULTURE GRANTS PROVIDE
OPPORTUNITIES TO STUDENTS
Pictured (left to right): Executive Director for College Advancement Christi Donsbach; Lake Land College President Josh Bullock; Senior Corporate Giving Specialist for Compeer Financial Fund for Rural America Karen Schieler; Division Chair Agriculture/Agriculture Instructor Ryan Orrick; Agriculture Business Instructor Ryan Wildman; and Horticulture Instructor Dyke Barkley.
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THE LAKE LAND COLLEGE FOUNDATION
and Agriculture Division received a $75,000 grant from Compeer Financial in August, making Lake Land College one of six community colleges in Illinois to receive the grant dollars, and one of 14 community colleges overall. “We are very excited for this opportunity and thankful for the support from Compeer Financial,” said Division Chair Agriculture/Agriculture Instructor Ryan Orrick. “We are really looking forward to seeing how this will impact our students, division and the college.”
“Getting students and youth interested in agriculture careers and helping to develop that workforce is what we strive to do, and Lake Land provides valuable, hands-on experience in many of those areas.” The Agriculture and Rural Initiative was created by the Compeer Financial Board of Directors in 2019 to make signature investments in programs and projects that directly address the needs of farmers and others who work in agriculture.
"GETTING STUDENTS AND YOUTH INTERESTED IN AGRICULTURE CAREERS AND HELPING TO DEVELOP THAT WORKFORCE IS WHAT WE STRIVE TO DO, AND LAKE LAND PROVIDES VALUABLE, HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE IN MANY OF THOSE AREAS.”
“Community and Technical colleges provide one-of-a-kind educational opportunities, which are focused on the needs and careers in those communities,” said Greg Nelson, Compeer Financial director. “These grants are part of Compeer’s commitment to champion rural students, by supporting our clients and communities, creating sustainable and longterm success in the industry.”
Compeer Financial’s donor advised fund, the Agriculture and Rural -KAREN SCHIELER, Initiative, has granted SENIOR CORPORATE GIVING SPECIALIST Based in the Upper Midwest, $825,000 to community FOR COMPEER FINANCIAL FUND FOR Compeer Financial is a and technical colleges RURAL AMERICA member-owned Farm Credit across the cooperative’s cooperative serving and 144-county territory. supporting agriculture and rural communities. The colleges were selected as partners based The $25.4 billion organization provides loans, on their agricultural education offerings, leases, risk management and other financial agriculture workforce development and services throughout 144 counties in Illinois, geographic impact. Minnesota and Wisconsin. “The opportunities Lake Land College offers to ag students are priceless,” Karen Schieler, senior corporate giving specialist for Compeer Financial Fund for Rural America, said.
Lake Land College extends gratitude to Compeer Financial for providing this grant and will continue to explore the opportunities it provides to help students succeed.
FARM CREDIT ILLINOIS Pictured: Orrick; Aimee Shasteen, marketplace learning & development manager at Farm Credit Illinois; and Rod Stoll, vice president, marketplace engagement at Farm Credit Illinois.
Executive Director for College Advancement Christi Donsbach and Division Chair Agriculture/ Agriculture Instructor Ryan Orrick met with representatives from Farm Credit Illinois in May to thank the organization for its continued partnership in supporting the college and the agriculture division in a variety of ways including student activities, annual scholarships and the Lake Land College Agriculture Division Endowment.
RURAL KING Pictured: Dr. Josh Bullock, Lake Land College president; Brock Ashley, Rural King vice president of business development; and Blake Pierce, Rural King director of real estate and Lake Land College Foundation Board member.
Representatives from Rural King visited Lake Land College in July to be recognized for the company’s generous gift-in-kind donations to the special events room in the new Foundation & Alumni Center. The donation included new tables, chairs and carts valued at $7,403.26. LAKE LAND COLLEGE s 217-234-5253 9
2021 NJCAA ALL-ACADEMIC FIRST TEAM WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL
2021 NJCAA ALL-ACADEMIC FIRST TEAM WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
2021 NJCAA ALL-ACADEMIC FIRST TEAM MEN'S BASKETBALL
KELSI GELTZ*
OLIVIA NIEMERG
ISAIAH MAY*
NEWTON, IL
TEUTOPOLIS, IL
HARLEY BARRY*
BELLEVILLE, IL
2021 NJCAA ALL-ACADEMIC FIRST TEAM SOFTBALL
2021 NJCAA ALL-ACADEMIC FIRST TEAM BASEBALL
RACHEL KAUFMAN*
BRYAN BELO
MCKENZEE DAVEE
KEEGAN GARIS*
SEYMOUR, IN MATTOON, IL
SHILOH, IL
ALGONQUIN, IL
CRYSTAL LAKE, IL
CALEB HURST
KAMARIA GANT
CHARLESTON, IL
ELIZABETH BUESCHER
MATTOON, IL
BLOOMINGTON, IL
JACOB SPITZ
CHARLESTON,IL
LAKER ATHLETICS
RECOGNIZED FOR SUCCESS *photographed
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SEVERAL LAKE LAND COLLEGE STUDENT ATHLETES
and teams were recognized by the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) for both athletic and academic accomplishments during the 2020-21 season. The Lake Land College Softball, Women's Volleyball, Women’s Basketball and Baseball teams each earned 2021 NJCAA Academic Team awards. To be recognized as an NJCAA Academic Team, all team members must have a collective GPA of 3.0 or higher. Many individual athletes earned the 2021 NJCAA All-Academic First Team title, in which case the athlete took at least 24 credit hours and maintained a 4.0 GPA. These individuals are listed on the banners on page 10. Several Lake Land College athletes earned the 2021 NJCAA All-Academic Second Team title, signifying the athlete took at least 24 credit hours and maintained a 3.80-3.99 GPA. These athletes include Women’s Basketball team members Karrington Krabel (Paris) and Shania Schoonover (Pana), Softball team member Kyrsten Darrough (Flora) and Women's Volleyball team member Lara Caldeira (Brazil, South America). Baseball team members Wes Harrell (Charleston), Isaiah Hart (Lake Zurich), Ryan Janssen (Nokomis) and Paul Thoele (Dieterich) also earned the title. Still more athletes earned the 2021 NJCAA All-Academic Third Team title, indicating the athlete earned at least 24 credit hours and maintained a GPA of 3.60-3.79. These athletes include Women’s Basketball team members
Abigayle Weis (Effingham) and Josie Orris (Sullivan), Softball team members Klara CejkovaKlaci (Prague, RIT Czech Republic), ERSPI K # A L Harley Mason (Casey) and Carson Cole (Windsor) and Women's Volleyball team members Malorie Craig (Clay City) and Abby Kallis (Charleston). The Baseball players who earned the title include Michael Aragon (Barrington), Marc Babicz (Chicago), Keagan Brady (Charleston), Oliver Dunn (Melbourne, Victoria, Australia), Dylan Guy (Effingham), Brock Minor (Paris), Andrew Morlen (Fishers, IN), Jackson Nichols (Mattoon), Caleb Slater (Vandalia) and Jacob Walker (Lafayette, IN). FROM THE WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL TEAM Caroline DeSouza (Brazil, South America) earned NJCAA Division I All-Region 24 and both DeSouza and Morgan Parsons (Shelbyville) earned Great Rivers Athletic Conference AllConference Team. THE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM was the NJCAA Division II National Championship winner after being seeded number 2 at the national tournament. The team also finished second in the Great Rivers Athletic Conference. ON THE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM, Gant earned NJCAA Division II All American, NJCAA Division II All-Region 24, NJCAA Division II National Tournament All-Tournament Team and Great Rivers Athletic Conference AllConference. Weis earned NJCAA Division II AllRegion 24 and Great Rivers Athletic Conference All-Conference. Tresior Newson (Normal West) earned NJCAA Division II National Tournament All-Tournament Team and Barry was named
NJCAA Division II National Tournament MVP. Women’s Basketball Coach Dave Johnson was named Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Co-Coach of the year, NJCAA Division II District A Coach of the year and NJCAA Division II Women’s Basketball Coach of the year. FOR THE MEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM, Everett Stubblefield (Chicago) earned NJCAA Division I All-Region 24 and Great Rivers Athletic Conference All-Conference. THE SOFTBALL TEAM was the Great Rivers Athletic Conference Champion as well as the Region 24 Runner-up. Kaufman earned NJCAA Division I All American, NJCAA Division I AllRegion 24 Tournament Team, NJCAA Division I All-Region 24 and was named Great Rivers Athletic Conference Player of the Year. Kaitlyn Scheitler (Carol Stream) earned Great Rivers Athletic Conference Team, NJCAA Division I All-Region 24 and NJCAA Division I AllRegion 24 Tournament Team. Tyanna Graber (Loogootee, IN) earned Great Rivers Athletic Conference Team, NJCAA Division I AllRegion 24 and NJCAA Division I All-Region 24 Tournament Team. Marama Makea (Wellington, New Zealand) and Cejkova-Klaci both earned Great Rivers Athletic Conference Team and NJCAA Division I AllRegion 24. Cole, Darrough and Claire Maulding (Casey) all earned NJCAA Division I All-Region 24 as well, and Liz Titus (Neoga) earned NJCAA Division I All-Region 24 Tournament Team. Softball Coach Nic Nelson was named Great Rivers Athletic Conference Coach of the Year. Lake Land College is proud of the many talented individuals and teams involved with the college’s Athletics programs. Stay up to date on Laker Athletics by following @ LLCAthletics on Facebook and Twitter. LAKE LAND COLLEGE s 217-234-5253
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MATH & SCIENCE AREA OF STUDY
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 Pre-Pharmacy Pre-Physical Therapy Math & 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.
JOSEPH BONGUNGU HAS A PASSION
for helping others, the desire to make a difference in the world around him and the determination to do both. A 2013 Lake Land College Engineering Science graduate, Bongungu now works for HDR, one of the largest civil engineering companies in the world, as a water/wastewater engineer in Charlotte, North Carolina. In this role, Bongungu assists with projects through planning, design and construction phases. He creates detailed designs of water and wastewater treatment systems and collection systems under the instruction of the project engineer. Originally from Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Bongungu said he still does not know how he came across Lake Land College. “I did a random Google search,” Bongungu said. “As soon as I found Lake Land, I knew it felt like the place for me.”
Melton returned Bongungu’s compliments, saying she was very proud of all that Bongungu has accomplished. “Joseph is the definition of a Laker success story,” Melton said. “He was always so driven in his studies, and I am thrilled to see him succeeding now in his field.” Bongungu also spoke very highly of his instructors, saying English Instructor Matt Landrus “was one of the best instructors [he] had” as well as Chemistry Instructor Iffat Ali. Bongungu expressed gratitude for his time as both an international student ambassador and a tutor at Lake Land.
"I WAS TAUGHT EVERYTHING I NEEDED TO LEARN...AND I THINK LAKE LAND IS JUST THE BEST ENVIRONMENT TO LEARN IN.” -BONGUNGU
Eager to begin school, Bongungu connected with Academic Counselor Jennifer Melton, who he said helped guide him on his Lake Land College path. “Jennifer was always there for me,” Bongungu said. “I was not as fluent in English at that time, and Jennifer spoke French with me so we
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could communicate better. She was always very patient and provided the extra care I needed to help me succeed.”
“Working as a tutor made me more comfortable in my identity,” Bongungu said. “It helped me understand different ways of learning.”
Bongungu went on to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from the University of Illinois in civil engineering. Attributing his success to the foundation Lake Land College provided, Bongungu said Lake Land prepared him well enough to face any kind of programs. He even convinced his younger sister to join Laker Nation as well. “Of course it was scary at first, but there is a strong sense of community at Lake Land,” Bongungu said. “I was taught everything I needed to learn, especially as an international student, and I think Lake Land is just the best environment to learn in.”
ALUMNUS ENGINEERS SUCCESS
IN WATER/WASTEWATER TREATMENT
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“I HAD A WONDERFUL ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE AND SO MUCH SUPPORT DURING MY TIME THERE. I FEEL VERY CONFIDENT RECOMMENDING PEOPLE GO TO LAKE LAND. ITS REPUTATION IS JUST UNMATCHED.” -GLENN
SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS ALUMNA
HELPS OTHERS LAUNCH THEIR CAREERS
HOLLY GLENN,
Laker Nation Class of 2012, enrolled in the Lake Land College business management program as a nineteen-year-old single mother working three jobs. She is now the director of professional recruiting at Innovative Staff Solutions working remotely from Forks, Washington. “I was nervous about my decision to start college, but there were no hiccups to scare me off,” Glenn said of enrolling at Lake Land. “They have such supportive, knowledgeable staff that answered all of my questions. There was nothing holding me back because it was a very streamlined process.” Nearly halfway through her time at Lake Land, Glenn reconnected with and later married a childhood friend stationed at a military base in Washington. Shortly after, her husband received orders to move their family to Germany. It was there that Glenn had to adapt to online learning and completed several semesters of her Lake Land College journey online from across the ocean. Not long after adjusting to the move to Europe, Glenn’s husband was selected to work at the United States Pentagon, moving her family to the Washington, D.C. area. It was there that she completed her last semester and gave birth to her second child. She was able to walk across the stage and receive her diploma on campus just a few months after giving birth. Praising the support and encouragement of her instructors, Glenn said her time at Lake Land helped her increase her self-awareness and become more disciplined. “Even though I graduated with high honors, I wasn’t encouraged by my teachers because I was a teen mom in high school. I didn’t
receive much support or encouragement to ensure I walked across the stage, so I didn’t expect that in college,” Glenn said. “During my time at Lake Land, John Carpenter was so flexible, understanding and accommodating to me living in another country and constantly relocating due to my husband being on active duty. He saw potential in me that I didn’t even see in myself at the time, and I know I wouldn’t have made it through without him.” It was while living in Washington D.C. after graduating that Glenn came across the idea of recruiting as a career. “I didn’t have to have a bachelor’s degree, so I wasn’t expecting a career in the Human Resources field to be an option. What I love about my job is that almost 10 years later, there is still always something new and challenging and there are always people that I can help see the potential in themselves. It’s extremely fulfilling.” Glenn went on to be a nominee for the 2018 Entrepreneurial Excellence Award at the Innovation Celebration in Champaign in recognition of her recruiting efforts and how they impacted the economic development in the Champaign area. During her time at Wolfram she was heavily engaged in collegiate recruiting and frequently gave talks at the University of Illinois, encouraging and guiding students to achieve the career paths that they were passionate about. “If it wasn’t for Lake Land, I wouldn’t be where I am,” Glenn said. “I had a wonderful academic experience and so much support during my time there. I feel very confident recommending people go to Lake Land. Its reputation is just unmatched."
BUSINESS AREA OF STUDY
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT Accounting Business Electronic Marketing Entrepreneurship Management Marketing Professional Sales Business Management Exploratory Area of Study BUSINESS OFFICE PROFESSIONALS Court Reporting 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.
LAKE LAND COLLEGE s 217-234-5253
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CONNECTING STUDENTS TO
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
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LAKE LAND COLLEGE PARTNERED
After the first six free sessions, students have the option to continue with the same therapist by either paying out of pocket or via insurance.
with the online counseling platform BetterMynd in December 2020 to offer students access to online sessions with a diverse network of licensed mental health counselors. Since BetterMynd’s launch with Lake Land, more than 103 students have registered on the platform, and 253 sessions have been conducted. “It’s easy for students to feel overwhelmed and stressed,” said Counselor for Student Accommodations and Mental Health Initiatives Amber Niebrugge.
“Overall BetterMynd has been super easy and convenient,” one student said. “I’ve been able to talk about some issues I’ve been struggling with for a while.” On a scale from 1-10, Lake Land students rated their overall BetterMynd experience an 8.8, and they each rated their counselor an average of 9.1.
"MENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS CAN BE INTIMIDATING, BUT BEING ABLE TO TALK ABOUT SOMETHING CAN MAKE IT FEEL LESS SCARY.” -NIEBRUGGE
“That’s why it’s so important that they know BetterMynd and other resources are available to them.” Some of the mental health and wellness issues students have been able to discuss and receive support for include depression, general and social anxiety, relationship issues, academic concerns, LGBTQ+ issues, eating disorders, PTSD and more. Through the partnership, each student can access up to six free online therapy sessions each year on the BetterMynd platform. These live video sessions are private, confidential and can take place from the convenience of a laptop or a smartphone.
Students must register with their Lake Land College email address to utilize BetterMynd mental health support and counseling services. Registration generates a BetterMynd portal where students can access services and information. After the initial registration, students will be able to log in to their BetterMynd portal directly from the BetterMynd site.
For more information about BetterMynd and the other mental health resources Lake Land College has available, Visit lakelandcollege.edu/mental-health- resources. Contact Niebrugge at 217-234-5259 or aniebrugge71503 @lakelandcollege.edu. Scan the QR code below to watch a video.
FAMILIAR FACE NEW POSITION
Amber Niebrugge recently took on a new position as the counselor for student accommodations and mental health initiatives. Formerly the director of TRIO Student Support Services, Niebrugge will now be coordinating academic support services for students who are eligible for accommodations as well as coordinating mental health interventions and programming to support students who are experiencing mental health challenges. “Being able to have a conversation and help others become aware of the resources available to them goes a long way,” Niebrugge said. “My goal is for everyone to be able to talk about mental health just like physical health. Some mental health concerns can be intimidating, but being able to talk about something can make it feel less scary.” Niebrugge assists with crisis counseling, short-term support, on campus and community referrals and information about BetterMynd, though she emphasized that all Counseling Services faculty and staff are available to assist students in these instances. She is also an advisor to the Active Minds Club, which will allow students to receive education on how to mentor and support others. “I have a passion to spread awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding these mental health issues,” Niebrugge said. “I want to help students and other people in our community develop a better understanding of these topics.” LAKE LAND COLLEGE s 217-234-5253
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JOIN LAKER NATION TODAY! PAYING FOR
COLLEGE
FINANCIAL AID FOR SPRING If you are enrolling in classes this spring, complete the 2021-2022 FAFSA as soon as possible.
NELNET PAYMENT PLAN The college offers the Nelnet Payment Plan that allows you to spread your tuition and fees payments out throughout the semester.
For more information about paying for college, visit lakelandcollege.edu and look for the “PAYING FOR COLLEGE” menu.
PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARSHIPS
These scholarships cover the cost of tuition for up to two years. Talk with your high school guidance counselor for more information. These scholarships are awarded to in-district high school seniors who rank in the top 15 percent of the senior class or have an ACT composite score of 26 or higher or SAT of 1230. 18 LAKE LAND COLLEGE s LAKELANDCOLLEGE.EDU
AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 1 FOR FALL 2022 IN
THE LAKER HUB!
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. 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. 3. Third-party scholarships. Those who do not qualify for state, federal or local assistance can explore: 1. Pay the bill in-full by the due date. 2. Sign 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. 3. Request a student loan. Visit lakelandcollege.edu/financialaid and click on “Student Loans” for information about the Federal Direct Loan Program eligibility requirements, and the three steps required to request a student loan at Lake Land College.
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LAKE LAND COLLEGE s 217-234-5253
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MANY PEOPLE
in the Lake Land community have seen the college’s CDL trucks on the road, sporting their eye-catching new wraps. What they may not know though is that not only are the wraps new, but the trucks pulling these trailers are new to the college program as well.
NEW APPRENTICESHIPS NEW OPPORTUNITIES The Center for Business & Industry is growing apprenticeship partnerships in the area, providing hands-on training to build a highly-skilled workforce throughout the Lake Land College district. Newly established partnerships include apprenticeship training with North American Lighting and Quad Graphics. In Fall 2021, the center began offering a registered apprenticeship program for industrial maintenance mechanic through the Illinois Department of Labor. Director to Center for Business & Industry Bonnie Moore said the college is also considering options for offering CDL and plastic injection molding apprenticeships. Moore said the training related to these apprenticeships will be limited to one or two days each week, depending on the program. “This training can provide a lot of value to employers,” Moore said. “It’s a great way for workers to develop valuable skills while continuing their employment.” The training and equipment offered is mobile, so it can be delivered on-site, at a Lake Land College facility or at a thirdparty location. Some training programs and courses may also qualify for grant funding.
“The trucks we had before were from 2004 and 2006,” Transportation Training Coordinator Justin Onigkeit said. “These new ones are a lot more up-to-date and closer to what students will actually be using in the workforce.” Students in the CDL program are now able to gain experience with navigation and dash cameras, giving instructors the ability to provide visual feedback on the students’ work. The program will also be getting a new simulator for students to train on in early 2022.
NEW MANUFACTURING MODULES
Students in manufacturing classes have also experienced the upgraded technology available in the new manufacturing lab. A newly integrated computer system and the opportunity to train on both a Fanuc and MotoMan robot provides a comprehensive training option for manufacturing students.
“Some employers use only one software or the other,” Technical Training Specialist-CBI Randy "OUR PRIORITY IS Strohl said of the two robots. MAKING CERTAIN WE “They generally do the same EFFECTIVELY PROVIDE thing, but offering both gives FOR OUR STUDENTS’ students experience with both versions to make them TRAINING NEEDS." more marketable to future employers.”
-MOORE
“It’s much more experiential training than just getting in a truck and going,” Director to Center for Business & Industry Bonnie Moore said. The CDL program will also see changes in curriculum as new federal regulations going into effect in February 2022 are set to modify the current format. Because CDL students will need to take classes from a registered provider to earn their qualifications, the class will be extending in length as well as content. “The students will have less to learn once they get into the industry,” Onigkeit said. “A lot of what they will be learning in our classes was previously taught by employers. This way, there will be less of a learning curve for students entering the workforce.”
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“The cool part is that people looking to earn their CDL license are able to take the theory or classroom portion of the course from any provider on the federal registry,” Moore said. “So we could have online students from places as far as California taking our classes.”
With the versatility provided by new equipment comes updated program models. Instead of requiring students to take full courses to earn credit, the labs and classes will be modularized. This will allow students to complete skills check-offs so they may only need to take portions of the courses that apply to their areas of skill-building needs versus having to be present for the full course. “We want to provide our students and their employers with the best and most efficient experience possible,” Moore said. “Our priority is making certain we effectively provide for our students’ training needs.”
NEW TRAINING OPTIONS PUT STUDENTS ON
THE ROAD TO A NEW CAREER
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LAKE LAND COLLEGE AREAS OF STUDY AGRICULTURE Agriculture Transfer Agriculture Business & Supply Agriculture Production & Management Crop Production Diesel & Ag Power Technology Horticulture Production & Landscape John Deere Tech Livestock Production Pre-Veterinary Medicine ARCHITECTURAL & CONSTRUCTION Building Construction CET/Advanced Technology Studies Civil Engineering Technology Computer-Aided Design Technology Geospatial Technology HVAC+R Residential Wiring BUSINESS Business Management Accounting Business Electronic Marketing Entrepreneurship Management Marketing Professional Sales Business Office Professionals Court Reporting Medical Coding & Health Information Medical Coding Specialist Medical Transcriptionist Office Assistant
Office Manager Office Receptionist Office Support Specialist Office Professionals
Esthetics Fire Science Management Human Services Law Enforcement
EDUCATION Biology - Secondary Education Business Education Chemistry – Secondary 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 Physics – Secondary Education Social Science Education Special Education
HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES Art Broadcast Communication Communication Studies Criminal Justice Economics English History Liberal Arts Political Science Psychology Sociology/Social Work
HEALTH & PUBLIC SERVICES Health Services Associate Degree Nurse Basic Nurse Assisting Dental Hygiene Emergency Medical Services Massage Therapy Medical Assistant Paramedical Services Physical Therapist Assistant Practical Nursing Public Services Cosmetology Cosmetology Teacher Criminal Justice Leadership
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INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Computer Applications Specialist 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 Technology MANUFACTURING Applied Engineering Technology Electronic Control Technician Electronics Engineering Technology Industrial Maintenance Manufacturing Skills
Mechanical-Electrical Technology Programmable Logic Controllers Renewable Energy Robotic & Automated Manufacturing Sustainable Energy Welding Technology 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 Pre-Pharmacy Pre-Physical Therapy TRANSPORTATION Auto Mechanic Automotive Technology Commercial Truck Driving Training
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KLUTHE CENTER UPDATES
ENHANCE STUDENT EXPERIENCES
NURSING STUDENTS RETURNED
to the Kluthe Center this fall to a newly renovated lab space that had doubled in size as well as being upgraded to provide better functionality. Nursing continues to be one of the center’s most popular programs and the lab space had been in need of an update. “We are very excited about the new nursing lab and the functionality it provides as students work with a variety of tools in their hands-on labs,” Director of Effingham Education Centers Kellie Niemerg said.
Made possible with bond funds left over from other projects, the renovation was one of several long-awaited updates completed at the Kluthe Center this past year while most students were taking classes online.
“The Kluthe Center is offering test proctoring services on Monday and Wednesday afternoons as well as Tuesday evenings in hopes to accommodate students who are needing to test and work during the day.”
In addition to facility upgrades, Effingham area students seeking to take placement tests or have a test proctored for an online class can now do so on site at the Kluthe Center as staff members have been trained to administer the tests.
Several other cosmetic and functionality upgrades have been made at the center, including new concrete on the southwest side of the building, new table and chairs in the student lounge, new blinds in all the rooms, new chairs in the science lab, new task chairs in two computer labs and more to come.
“We are happy to offer test proctoring and placement test services at Kluthe,” Angela Parr, administrative assistant to the Kluthe Center, said.
“We are very excited to offer all of these updated resources and amenities for our students, faculty and staff,” Niemerg said.
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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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REGISTER TODAY! Spring semester begins January 10. Visit lakelandcollege.edu to get started.
