THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF LAKE LAND COLLEGE
THE MAJOR ISSUE MEET LAKE LAND COLLEGE FACULTY, STUDENTS AND ALUMNI!
SPRING 2022
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GET SOCIAL WITH LAKE LAND COLLEGE! 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 Highland, 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: Jenna Layton, Neoga, Illinois Laker Nation Class of 2008
IN THIS ISSUE
2022 s VOLUME 7 s ISSUE 2
MEET OUR FACULTY, STUDENTS & ALUMNI
AND EXPLORE THE AREAS OF STUDY!
HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCE
AGRICULTURE
ART ALUMNUS TEACHES ALONGSIDE MENTOR PAGE 14
ALUMNUS GROWS BUSINESS IN HIS COMMUNITY PAGE 4
ARCHITECTURAL & CONSTRUCTION
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
FROM INTERN TO GIS ANALYST PAGE 6
ALUMNUS PURSUES HIS PASSION FOR COMPUTER PROGRAMMING PAGE 16
BUSINESS
MANUFACTURING
CREATING AN ACCOUNT FOR SUCCESS PAGE 8
ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY OF THE FUTURE PAGE 18
EDUCATION
MATH & SCIENCE
INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION PAGE 10
HEALTH & PUBLIC SERVICES ALUMNA INSPIRED TO PROTECT AND SERVE THE PUBLIC 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
ALUMNA PROVIDES CARE AND BUILDS RELATIONSHIPS PAGE 20
GET STARTED FOR SUMMER OR FALL! Take the first steps by visiting lakelandcollege.edu or scan the QR code below.
SUMMER CLASSES BEGIN JUNE 6! FALL CLASSES BEGIN AUGUST 22!
TRANSPORTATION DRIVING TOWARD SUCCESS PAGE 22
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.
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.
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AGRICULTURE
ALUMNUS GROWS BUSINESS IN HIS COMMUNITY
JONATHAN ELOE DEVELOPED
an interest in horticulture while in high school, which he then pursued throughout college and into a career. Eloe now owns and operates Eloe Landscaping in Shelbyville and provides services to the area from residences to commercial properties.
“[Horticulture Instructor] Dyke Barkley was key in helping me get to where I am now. I still talk to him every other week or so. At Lake Land, the instructors aren’t just there for you for two years. They’re always willing to talk and give advice even when you’re not still in school.”
Having started the Horticulture program with limited "THE INSTRUCTORS plant knowledge, Eloe “I like being able to AREN’T JUST THERE said his time at Lake Land start from scratch to FOR YOU FOR TWO prepared him well for the plant and beautify YEARS. THEY’RE challenges that would a home,” Eloe said. ALWAYS WILLING come up in the field. “One of my favorite things to do is go back TO TALK AND GIVE ADVICE EVEN WHEN “I still refer back to my and look at projects YOU’RE NOT STILL IN notes and things,” Eloe to see how they have SCHOOL." said. “Lake Land has a transformed over great program with so time.” -ELOE many different areas in both the horticulture and Eloe said he has his the business side of things. I’d family, his community’s support recommend Lake Land for any area and Lake Land College to thank for or trade you’re interested in. All the being instrumental in his success. classes prepare you well to help you to apply what you learn and put it “Lake Land was definitely the into practice.” right path for me,” Eloe said.
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AGRICULTURE AREA OF STUDY
Agriculture Transfer Agriculture Business Agriculture Production & Management Crop Production Diesel & Ag Power Technology Horticulture John Deere Tech Livestock Production Pre-Veterinary Medicine Agriculture Exploratory Area of Study
FACULTY
LEARN MORE AFTER WORKING IN AGRICULTURE EDUCATION
for 14 years, Agriculture Business Instructor Ryan Wildman said she was blessed to have the opportunity to return to Lake Land as an instructor. Wildman is also an alumna of the Lake Land College agriculture program. “Looking back, Lake Land was a great transition from high school to college, as it continued on the quality education and caring atmosphere with instructors who knew their students,” Wildman said. “I believe that has always been a foundation of Lake Land and hope to continue that tradition for current and future students. I feel very fortunate to work with a hard-working group of people in the Ag Division who are sincere in expanding student knowledge and success.”
What Wildman said she enjoys most about teaching agriculture is the relevance of the curriculum. “Students can and do use what we are teaching them in everyday life, and I think that’s really important in seeing them succeed,” Wildman said.
For more information or to get started in an Agriculture Area of Study visit lakelandcollege.edu or scan this QR Code.
Wildman also advises students to take advantage of Lake Land’s opportunities both in and outside the classroom. “The connections that you make will have a great impact on your future,” Wildman said. “It’s interesting how I get to see and work with Lake Land classmates and alumni from throughout the years. I think it says something for the impact the Agriculture Division has had on the industry even from when the program began.” LAKE LAND COLLEGE s 217-234-5253
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ARCHITECTURAL & CONSTRUCTION
FROM INTERN TO GIS ANALYST
EJ WATER GIS ANALYST BILL CARR
it in two weeks,” Carr said. “After that, EJ Water was pretty happy with it.”
Not long after that, Carr accepted began his time at Lake Land a full-time position at EJ Water, College right after graduating from and was able to explore several high school, but soon left to join new opportunities within his career. the Army. After several years of He also attended many service, Carr decided "DR. RUDIBAUGH conferences on topics to return to Lake Land, LET US BASICALLY related to the industry. but did not know what TAKE OVER HIS BACK he wanted to study. OFFICE TO GET IN “I just kept going, trying EXTRA PRACTICE." to learn everything there “I was a bit of a is to know about the backwoods hillbilly, so -CARR water industry and how the concept of fluvial it applied to these GIS geomorphology really appealed principles,” Carr said. “EJ was to me,” Carr said, with fluvial definitely also investing in me to geomorphology being the study of help me learn as much as I possibly river process and form. could.” Based on that interest, Carr decided to pursue a Geographic Information System (GIS) certification. Through that program, Carr earned an internship at EJ Water Cooperative in Dieterich. After spending a summer gathering data, Carr and another Lake Land College intern compiled the data onto a map. “Come to find out a third party had quoted a cost on doing that for EJ Water of several thousand dollars, and two students from Lake Land did
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Carr expressed gratitude to Lake Land and especially Geography/ Earth Science Instructor Mike Rudibaugh for allowing him the opportunity to explore GIS information in new ways. “Dr. Rudibaugh let us basically take over his back office to get in extra practice,” Carr said. “Essentially we would get somebody else’s map, look at all the data and break it. That was just another way we would expand on what we knew and what we could do with it.”
FACULTY
ARCHITECTURAL & CONSTRUCTION AREA OF STUDY
Building Construction Technology CET/Advanced Technical Studies Civil Engineering Technology Computer Aided Design Geospatial Technology HVAC+R Residential Wiring Surveying with GIS Architectural & Construction Exploratory Area of Study
CIM TECHNOLOGY INSTRUCTOR/PROGRAM COORDINATOR Leo Kitten has been doing computer-aided design (CAD) since he was 19 years old. After using his skills for 20 years as an engineer, Kitten decided it would be more fulfilling for him to teach others these skills as well. “Seeing students bring a difficult project to completion and seeing the creative, custom projects they come up with are some of my favorite things about teaching,” Kitten said. “Some of my students are better than I am at designing after just two years here.” Not only are many of Kitten’s former students able to build successful careers in their field, several are even able to begin working in the field while still taking classes. One of Kitten’s
students was designing a Mediterranean home in 3D while completing her degree at Lake Land, and a graduate of the program designed the West Building on campus where many of the program’s classes take place. “If you like art and design, this is the program for you,” Kitten said. “If you can do the job and make it look good, you can get paid well for it. When graduates call me up and let me know they’ve been successful in the field, that’s when I feel most fulfilled as an instructor.”
LEARN MORE
For more information or to get started in an Architectural & Construction Area of Study visit lakelandcollege.edu or scan this QR Code.
Kitten said it is the instructors, small class sizes and hands-on learning that make Lake Land’s Computer Aided Design program stand out among the rest. “I have three boys who all went to Lake Land,” Kitten said. “We have really good instructors, and I knew that they would have a rewarding experience here.”
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BUSINESS
CREATING AN ACCOUNT FOR SUCCESS ALEX HANEY RETURNED
to Lake Land College at 23 years old while caring for her newborn child and working full time. Having graduated with an associate degree in Accounting in 2016, she now works as a loan officer at Land of Lincoln Credit Union.
“Even though going back to school at that time was a big challenge, it was a great experience for me,” Haney said. “Thankfully I had some amazing instructors who could understand what I was going through. I could always message Cindy or Tynia and they would be willing to meet with me outside of class if I needed help or didn’t understand something. That and the great support I had from my husband and my family really helped get me through it.”
“I love what I do, and I couldn’t be happier with where I work,” Haney said. “My time at Lake Land taught me to "LAKE LAND TAUGHT work hard for what I ME TO WORK HARD want to achieve, and I FOR WHAT I WANT TO think that really helped ACHIEVE, AND I THINK prepare me for my THAT REALLY HELPED career.” PREPARE ME FOR MY
For anyone considering a career in a financial field, Haney suggested the accounting program at Lake Land College.
CAREER." “At least take the Intro to Initially intending Accounting class,” Haney to take general -HANEY said. “That is a great way education courses to to get a taste for the information transfer to a university, Haney said and find out if it is for you.” she took an Intro to Accounting class as an elective and fell in love with the field. Because of this, Haney expressed gratitude to her instructors, especially Cindy Phipps and Tynia Kessler, saying all of her instructors were amazing.
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BUSINESS AREA OF STUDY BUSINESS MANAGEMENT Accounting Business Electronic Marketing Entrepreneurship Management Marketing Professional Sales Business Management Exploratory Area of Study
FACULTY CINDY PHIPPS BEGAN
her career as a certified public accountant (CPA) before transitioning to teaching business and accounting. “I love helping people learn new things,” Phipps said. “It’s the whole reason we are here. Everyone has different goals, and it is our job to help them achieve them.” With two different degree paths available to students, a 2-year workforce ready degree and a 4-year transfer ready degree, Phipps said a message she strives to express to her students is that they should not worry about being embarrassed for not knowing a correct answer. “I believe in active learning,” Phipps said. “I like to give students a problem to solve and let them try to work it out either on their own or in teams. Everyone is here to learn. I want my classroom to be a low-pressure environment. I don’t want my students to be afraid to be wrong. That’s how they learn.”
One of Phipps’ favorite aspects of teaching is when she knows her students have understood a concept she is explaining. “A lot of times I will put students in teams or pairs, and when I come over to offer assistance I hear my own words coming out of their mouths,” Phipps said. “It really means a lot to me to know they are understanding what I am saying.” Among the many “Making a Difference” awards Phipps has received, many students have expressed gratitude for Phipps’ helpful nature and joyful personality. “She believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself,” one student said of Phipps. “She is willing to go above and beyond her duties to help her students succeed. Mrs. Phipps has made an impact on me; one that I can take with me to thrive in and out of the classroom.”
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 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
INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION JENNA LAYTON FULFILLED HER CHILDHOOD DREAM
of becoming a teacher, and now teaches second grade at the Stewardson-Strasburg elementary school, the same school she attended throughout her childhood.
“I love seeing students learn how to become better writers and having them get an ‘ah-ha’ moment when learning something new in math. Seeing them grow into confident readers is one of the most rewarding things in my career. I strive to teach them something that they will take with them for a lifetime.”
“Having students get excited about school and creating a safe and positive environment for learning is “I had really influential teachers from so rewarding,” Layton said. “I had a elementary school through college, good educational experience, I want and that helped me them to have a positive further my knowledge school experience and “[LAKE LAND TEACHES] of what I wanted to hopefully remember me be,” Layton said. “I YOU HOW TO BE as not just their teacher, have loved working PREPARED AND HAVE but someone who they with kids ever since EVERYTHING READY, could confide in and look I was little and knew WHILE ALSO TEACHING up to. I hope one day I this was something YOU HOW TO BE FLEXIBLE will inspire a student to that I have always become a teacher just as AND ABLE TO ADAPT.” wanted to do.” I had teachers inspire me growing up.” -LAYTON While Layton has now settled into a teaching As a starting point, Layton said Lake position where she grew up, her Land College was a great choice for journey to get there included many her. different locations, including even Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. “Lake Land is the best “My husband was in the military, so we moved around a lot,” Layton said. “Thanks to that, I was able to experience different customs, cultures and diversities not only in the schools but in the communities we lived in. It helped me to have a broader understanding of how to teach and relate with students. I try to bring as many of those experiences into my own classroom now as I can.”
first place to get you acclimated to what you want to do,” Layton said. “They teach you how to be prepared and have everything ready, while also teaching you how to be flexible and able to adapt.”
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FACULTY
AS A FACULTY MEMBER
in the Early Childhood Education program, Tanille Ulm shares her passion for childcare with her students, helping to prepare them for careers with preschool-aged children. “I make sure my students leave Lake Land feeling equipped and ready to go in with themes and lesson plans,” Ulm said. “I hit ‘having a plan B’ pretty hard as a topic. Because that age group has such a short attention span, the students have to be prepared for just about anything.” To increase this preparedness, Ulm has her students create a portfolio of content from the Child Development Associate®’s 13 functional areas, including safe, healthy, learning environment, physical, guidance, communication, creative, self, social, families, program management, professionalism and cognitive.
EDUCATION AREA OF STUDY
With in-person, online and hybrid class options, the Early Childhood Education program provides those interested a great deal of flexibility in scheduling, which Ulm said is one of the many benefits of the program. “In this field, it’s not so much the income that matters, it’s the outcome,” Ulm said. “The best thing about this line of work is knowing that you can have a direct positive impact on children’s lives.” According to Ulm, many Early Childhood Education students do not realize the importance of Gateways, which is a professional registry that keeps track of education hours and can offer scholarships and extra funding.
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.
“My students can graduate from Lake Land after two years at a Level 4 status in Gateways,” Ulm said. “I bring in experts from the community to do trainings, and students can get DCFS credit for that. This can help increase their opportunities later on in the field.” LAKE LAND COLLEGE s 217-234-5253
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HEALTH & PUBLIC SERVICES
ALUMNA INSPIRED TO PROTECT AND SERVE THE PUBLIC JESSICA PORTER ENTERED
the Criminal Justice program at Lake Land College planning to become a homicide detective. Once there, however, she found that there were many other career options available to her within the program, and she is now the deputy sheriff assigned to correction at the Cook County Jail.
“I just knew I could do this,” Porter said. “The program was stressful, but it was interesting and that was what kept me wanting to go into this degree. With any police job, you have to have a strong mentality for it.” For others interested in criminal justice, Porter said the most important thing would be to read the materials the instructors provide.
“At Lake Land they give you everything you need,” Porter said. “It’s up to you to read it, study it and remember as much of it as you can so you can take that with you into your "LAKE LAND GIVES YOU THE career.”
“Dave Chambers saw the potential in me, even when I thought I didn’t have it,” Porter said. “Figuring out what I wanted to do and having Dave there to give me hope was very helpful.”
OPPORTUNITY TO CHALLENGE Porter also praised EACH OTHER ...HAVING THE the interactivity OPPORTUNITY TO BOUNCE and camaraderie IDEAS BACK AND FORTH IS A Lake Land provided GREAT WAY TO MAKE SURE YOU during her studies. UNDERSTAND." One experience “Lake Land gives Porter said you the opportunity -PORTER impacted to challenge each her deeply other and even challenge the from her time at Lake Land teacher,” Porter said. “If you was going to see an autopsy, understand something different as she said it solidified her than the teacher, having the determination to continue in opportunity to bounce ideas the program. The program also back and forth is a great way to featured FBI agents as guest make sure you understand the speakers, and even assistance material.” with job recommendations after graduation.
Pictured: Criminal Justice Instructor/Coordinator Criminal Justice Programs Dave Chambers (left) with Porter. 12 LAKE LAND COLLEGE s LAKELANDCOLLEGE.EDU
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
EVEN FROM CHILDHOOD,
Uphoff said it is not uncommon for students to reach out to her even after graduating for advice or to share experiences.
“I used to put dressings on my cats,” Uphoff said. “Then I would sit them down together to play school and ‘teach’ them.”
“I had a student call me on a Saturday morning because she had just experienced her first patient death,” Uphoff said. “Students have thanked me for relating classroom experiences to something they would see in the real world. It was good to know that I could offer a little spark of assistance in their future.”
Basic Nurse Assisting Instructor Beulah Uphoff loved both healthcare and teaching.
Having begun her career as a CNA, Uphoff said she is proud of her career path, because it taught her the skills she would need to pass on to her students. “I love having the ability to educate others,” Uphoff said. “My program is the introduction to healthcare, so whichever route my students take, I am proud when I see them succeed. A lot of times, they don’t think they can perform a skill, but then they do it. Seeing them get excited is what inspires me.”
Another thing Uphoff enjoys about teaching is that she learns from the students as well. “Sometimes a student will 'open the door' for me to learn new things or prompt a thought,” Uphoff said. “I am also impressed by how students can persevere through challenging times. I think it’s important for the students to understand just how important they are and how much they are able to accomplish."
PUBLIC SERVICES Cosmetology Cosmetology Teacher Crime Scene Technician 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. LAKE LAND COLLEGE s 217-234-5253
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HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCE
ART ALUMNUS TEACHES ALONGSIDE MENTOR "I COULD TELL EVERYONE CARED JUST AS MUCH AS I DID. THAT MEANT SO MUCH TO THE 18-YEAR-OLD ME, AND IT’S NOT LOST ON ME HOW RARE THAT IS." -COHAN
BEN COHAN BEGAN
his artistic journey at Lake Land College, with Jodi “Jo” Birdwell as his advisor. Cohan and Birdwell now teach alongside one another as art instructors. “I remember I told Jo ‘I want to do what you do’,” Cohan said. “I trusted Jo to lead me in the right direction, and now here I am doing exactly that. I love being in the school environment and having the energy of learning all around me.” Cohan said his love of art began in high school, but it was not until he reached college that he decided to pursue art as a career. 14 LAKE LAND COLLEGE s LAKELANDCOLLEGE.EDU
Art made me more satisfied than anything else, so I knew that was what I wanted to do,” Cohan said. “Studying art in college was a humbling experience. There was a lot of healthy competition and camaraderie, but it was more confidence-building than egoshattering.” “I knew when I first met Ben that he was a good artist and a good student,” Birdwell said. Cohan followed Birdwell’s advice and went on to earn a master of fine arts degree from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
“Teaching is a creative endeavor,” Cohan said. “It’s best to change things up in the moment and bring in each group’s interests. That’s something I learned from Jo. Otherwise I would have burnt out a long time ago.” Expressing gratitude to Lake Land both for being instrumental in his career path and for giving him the chance to share his knowledge with students, Cohan said he has loved his experience with Lake Land College, both as a student and as an instructor. “I have made some of my longest lasting friendships here, including mine and Jo’s,” Cohan said. “When I was a student at Lake Land, I could tell everyone cared just as much as I did. That meant so much to the 18-yearold me, and it’s not lost on me how rare that is. Now I do my best to make sure my students feel that same care and support in the classroom that I felt from Jo.”
Scan here to meet Jo and take a deeper dive into all the Lake Land College Art programs have to offer! Then stick around to explore other Laker Life blog posts.
HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCE AREA OF STUDY
FACULTY PASSION FOR OTHERS
and a strong sense of justice led Sociology Instructor Katie Parrish to a career in sociology. Prior to her teaching career, Parrish worked as a counselor as well as a social worker. “It felt powerful to give people a voice who generally aren’t heard,” Parrish said. “As an instructor, I felt I could still give back and be just as passionate.” Describing sociology as the study of why people do what they do, Parrish said it was her job to help students understand the world they are living in. “We all need to be able to advocate for ourselves and others,” Parrish said. “Sociology is really about creating a more knowledgeable society.” The sociological imagination is the one concept Parrish said she hopes her students take with them from her classes. The idea behind the sociological imagination is for one to be able to connect their own personal life and experiences to history as well as structural forces as a whole rather than understanding each as separate aspects.
With more than 192 career opportunities related to sociology, the subject matter could apply to careers such as counselors, police officers, think tank workers, teachers, researchers and more. Parrish said social work is not only a rewarding field, it is in high demand as well. “In social work, you may not always see tangible success,” Parrish said. “But seeing individuals grow and helping them connect to the world around them in a positive way is so rewarding.” Another aspect of her career that Parrish finds rewarding is receiving communications from past students. “My favorite thing to hear is ‘thank you for laying the groundwork for me’,” Parrish said. “I have written tons of letters of recommendation for master’s degrees, and it means a lot that those students value my voice and support. I think that in general community college instructors become more personal with their students.”
Art Broadcast Announcing Broadcast Communications Communication Studies Criminal Justice Economics English History Liberal Studies Political Science Psychology Radio Broadcasting Social Science Education Sociology/Social Work TV Field-Studio Production 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.
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INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
ALUMNUS PURSUES HIS PASSION FOR COMPUTER PROGRAMMING NOW A LEAD ENGINEER
for Target®, Sean Jones rediscovered his love of computer programming in Computer & Information Technology at Lake Land.
was in helping get me to where I am,” Jones said. “I felt it was a silly decision to go back to junior college after earning a bachelor’s degree. However, it ended up being one of the greatest decisions of my life.”
Jones excelled in programming, helped others in the tutoring “I decided to go back and check center, started an internship at out Lake Land, and when I toured Patterson Dental, and was hired the Innovation Lab it was magical, full time before he graduated. like Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory,” Jones said. “Scott Jones said that he [Rhine, IT instructor,] felt a strong sense of has such great passion "WHEN I FOUND community throughout for what he teaches THAT IT WAS his time at Lake Land and for helping SOMETHING I COULD and felt collaboration students learn the NOT ONLY DO BUT and camaraderie with his material.” ALSO EXCEL AT, THE fellow students made it MATERIAL BECAME A “some of the best times Jones said he was FUN CHALLENGE." of his life.” interested in game design in high school, -JONES “It was fun to work but liked literature together with the and history too. He initially went to other students and as a tutor to Lake Land for history, graduating help others learn too,” Jones with an associate degree in said. “When I found that it was 2004. After going on to earn something I could not only do but a bachelor’s degree from also excel at, the material became Eastern Illinois University a fun challenge.” in History with Teacher Certification, Jones said he struggled to find satisfying work. “I know how tough my situation was and how instrumental Lake Land
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INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AREA OF STUDY
FACULTY
MARCY SATTERWHITE
was instrumental in the creation of a graphic design program at Lake Land College. When she began working at the college 25 years ago, the graphic design program did not exist. “There were classes teaching students how to use the programs, but no specific degree program,” Satterwhite said. “The material continued to evolve and we kept adding classes. We saw the need for a niche degree and put it all together.” Now, many of the classes are taught by graphic designers still working in the field, allowing students to stay up to date on the latest industry standards and techniques. “Graphic design is always changing, so my goal is always to make sure students have the skills they need to go out and do well in their careers,” Satterwhite said. “Students who
graduate from the graphic design program here are very versatile. They have all the pieces they need to be successful.” Students in Satterwhite’s program have the chance to experience a wide variety of graphic design components, including industrystandard Adobe programs, design and creation techniques, a graphic design lab, printshop experience, digital art and up-to-date equipment.
Computer Systems Computer Technician Desktop Publishing IT – Computer Applications Specialist 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
LEARN MORE
For more information or to get started in an Information Technology Area of Study visit lakelandcollege. edu or scan this QR Code.
Satterwhite said the IT-Graphic Design program recently purchased some digital drawing tablets for students to use in the creation of digital art. “I am continuously impressed with the talent and improvement my students accomplish during our time together,” Satterwhite said. “One of the things that I love about this program is that the students get to be creative. Their art can really capture people.” LAKE LAND COLLEGE s 217-234-5253
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MANUFACTURING
ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY OF THE FUTURE BROC KRIETEMEYER RETURNED
to Lake Land College in 2019 to not only finish earning a Business Management degree, but to also pursue a degree in Applied Engineering Technology after having left more than 10 years prior.
“I knew I only had a couple more courses to take to finish what I had started over ten years ago,” Krietemeyer said. “I took those courses, applied myself and finally earned the degree.”
Upon graduating in Spring 2022, Krietemeyer said he feels he will be highly marketable in future careers due to his experience in both business management "IF YOU SHOW A WILL “I began to really and applied TO DO WELL, THE STAFF take a look inward engineering HERE WILL BE MORE THAN to discover my technology. deep-seated goals, WILLING TO PROVIDE YOU WITH EVERYTHING YOU passions and my Extending NEED TO SUCCEED.” own resolve to gratitude to those achieve them,” he has interacted -KRIETEMEYER Krietemeyer said. with during his time at Lake Land, “Applied Engineering Technology Krietemeyer said he is especially can and will open so many doors appreciative of the support he if you apply yourself. If you show received from instructors Gary a will to do well, the staff here will Lindley, Scott Rhine, Walter be more than willing to provide (Rob) Robison, Michael Beavers, you with everything you need to Joe Tillman and administrative succeed.” assistant Cathy Montgomery. While working toward an Applied Engineering Technology degree, Krietemeyer also completed an associate degree in Business Management, saying that he was grateful for the sense of accomplishment he felt in earning the degree he had started years before.
“Lake Land has given me an incredible amount of beneficial information over the years,” Krietemeyer said. “Words alone cannot express the gratitude I have toward every Lake Land College staff member I’ve encountered along my path. Without all of them, I would not be where I am today.”
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MANUFACTURING AREA OF STUDY
FACULTY GARY LINDLEY,
electronics engineering technology instructor/ program coordinator, said his interest in electronics stems back to high school as well as the influence of his older brother. With an interest in electronic kits, soldering and building clocks, radios and meters from electronic manufacturers was a favorite pastime of Lindley’s. “Electricity and electronics are everywhere,” Lindley said. “The field of electronics continues to grow with types of equipment and technology, and there is a new challenge every day.” According to Lindley, most students come into the classroom without any knowledge of the working environment of a manufacturing facility. “Within every class, I explain to students the importance of the subject matter and how it relates to electronics,” Lindley said. “I usually have an example from my twenty-plus years of workforce experience.”
One of Lindley’s favorite classes to teach is Electronic Design and Fabrication class where students learn to use electronic drafting skills, component symbols, technical manuals and hands-on soldering skills. “I value the success of the graduates within electronics, and technology is very important to me,” Lindley said. “I take pride in their success as an employee and their future.” Lindley said some of his proudest moments as an instructor are when he sees his students succeed.
Applied Engineering Technology Electronic Control Technician Electronics Engineering Technology 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
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For more information or to get started in a Manufacturing Area of Study visit lakelandcollege.edu or scan this QR Code.
“I am always enthused when a student receives employment internships and job offers,” Lindley said. “It’s great to know that we have graduates in many electronic fields as careers.” Current graduates from the electronics program are working for power companies, cellular phone companies, programming computers for automation, automobile plants, food processing companies and many other areas as well. LAKE LAND COLLEGE s 217-234-5253
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MATH & SCIENCE
ALUMNA PROVIDES CARE AND BUILDS RELATIONSHIPS DR. ABBIE MASSENGILL HAS OVERCOME
After graduating from the Pre-Medicine program at Lake Land College, Massengill continued her education at Eastern Illinois University, University of Illinois and Southern Illinois University.
several challenges on her path to success, such as beginning her practice amid the coronavirus, “Lake Land was a big defining moment for me,” and she is now an obstetrics & gynecology she said. “I hadn’t decided between regular specialist at Effingham Obstetrics & Gynecology medicine or veterinary medicine, and I Associates. In this position, "LAKE LAND WAS A was able to explore both at Lake Land Massengill said she firmly BIG DEFINING MOMENT to help me decide.” believes OBGYN is the best FOR ME...I HADN’T form of medicine. DECIDED BETWEEN Throughout her time at Lake Land, REGULAR MEDICINE OR Massengill said she met several friends “I love my work,” Massengill VETERINARY MEDICINE, she still keeps in touch with. said. “I love getting to see AND I WAS ABLE TO the same people over time, EXPLORE BOTH...TO “It’s really important to branch out developing relationships with HELP ME DECIDE." on meeting new people in college,” them and providing continuity of Massengill said. “Of course keep your care.” -MASSENGILL friends close, but make sure to meet the new people you may not have had the Focuses of her practice include general opportunity to otherwise.” obstetrics and gynecology, pediatric and adolescent gynecology, office procedures, For those considering a medical profession, ultrasound in medicine, minimally invasive Massengill said she often advises others to surgery and robotic surgery. begin their college career at Lake Land.
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“The education you receive will be just as good as, if not better than, a university,” Massengill said. “I have several instructors at Lake Land that I still know and care about. It’s a good transition for easing out of your comfort zone, and it has a great community feel. You can really tell that everyone at Lake Land cares.“
FACULTY
PHYSICS INSTRUCTOR
Dr. Rakhsha Nasseripour was in high school when she first fell in love with physics. Now, she makes it a point to share that positive learning experience with her students. “We live in this amazing universe, and I wanted to know more about it,” Nasseripour said. “Teaching is a part of learning, something to pass on to the next generation. I love teaching physics, and I have been told that my students see that excitement in me.” Nasseripour said one of her goals is to open the door for her students to see the enjoyment she does in the subject. “My instruction is all about my students and stimulating their sense of wonder in the experiences,” Nasseripour said. “It’s about that ‘Ah-ha!’ moment when the lightbulb goes off and when students tell me they never thought they would love learning physics.”
MATH & SCIENCE AREA OF STUDY
Some of the biggest challenges Nasseripour faces are when students come in having already decided that physics is too difficult to learn. “This is where I really get to make learning fun,” Nasseripour said. “I talk about friction force and how you can’t even hold a pencil without friction. When I make the information more interesting to the students, they get to the point where they are excited to learn it.” To prepare her students for future careers, Nasseripour said she not only gives students the knowledge and analytical skills to prepare for a job, she also focuses on developing the critical thinking and broader perspectives students need to be successful. “As a student, it is often hard to see the big picture,” Nasseripour said. “Students learn a lot of different things but sometimes are not able to see how they connect. I try to show them the logic behind these concepts and help them make those connections.”
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
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For more information or to get started in a Math & Science Area of Study visit lakelandcollege.edu or scan this QR Code.
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TRANSPORTATION DRIVING TOWARD SUCCESS
ALEX CARTER JOINED THE CDL PROGRAM
in September 2021 because of his love of the vehicles and how they operate. “I really like the driving and training,” Carter said. After completing the program, Carter plans to go into the towing and recovery business.
ARTURO DIAZ CHOSE TO JOIN THE CDL PROGRAM
at Lake Land College after nearly 25 years of working in a warehouse for Sherwin-Williams. Upon completing the CDL program, Diaz will have the ability to drive for the Sherwin-Williams fleet of trucks. “I had always wanted to be a truck driver,” Diaz said. “This program gave me the opportunity to learn something I have wanted to learn for a long time.” Diaz said the reason he waited so long to join the program was because he had small children. Now, his children are
adults, and his son is also a Lake Land College alumnus. “My son went here, and he never had a bad thing to say about Lake Land,” Diaz said. “I am glad I could get into this place to learn and be around these people.” Diaz also said he learned a lot about the patience involved in driving when he taught his wife how to drive. “It’s a lot to learn, and I didn’t realize that,” Diaz said. “The way both Justins [Onigkeit and Lang] teach is great. It’s a friendly environment, and it gives you the opportunity to be around all of the stuff you need to learn about.”
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“We do a lot of driving 24-7 to get us ready,” Carter said. “It gets me more practice on shifting more and learning how to drive the trucks more.” Carter also praised both instructors, Justin Onigkeit and Justin Lang’s, teaching, saying that they made it much easier for him to learn the material and processes. “Justin and Justin are both good teachers,” Carter said. “I love being at Lake Land and learning from them.”
"IT’S A FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT, AND IT GIVES YOU THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE AROUND ALL OF THE STUFF YOU NEED TO LEARN ABOUT." -DIAZ
FACULTY
TRANSPORTATION AREA OF STUDY
Auto Mechanic Automotive Technology Commercial Truck Driver Training Transportation Exploratory Area of Study
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TRANSPORTATION TRAINING COORDINATOR JUSTIN ONIGKEIT
knew he wanted to teach at a driving school since he began teaching truck driving in the military. “My most rewarding moments are when the students pass their tests,” Onigkeit said. “I still see former students out and about, and they come up to me just like a friend. It’s really nice to see the impact I’ve had on their lives.” Onigkeit said part of what he enjoys about teaching CDL is being able to adapt to assist each student. Though truck driving is often perceived as working long hours or for several days at a time, Onigkeit said the field is actually very adaptable.
“Every student is different,” Onigkeit said. “There are so many different jobs and opportunities that there really is something for everyone.”
For more information or to get started in a Transportation Area of Study visit lakelandcollege.edu or scan this QR Code.
Some of the biggest advantages of the CDL program at Lake Land College according to Onigkeit are the faculty and staff. “The instructors care,” Onigkeit said. “We really want to see each student succeed, so we do our best to set them up for success.” Onigkeit said even years after completing the program, he has had students call him for advice. “I know I did my job well if my students seem happy,” Onigkeit said. “The instructors know them, and they know us. By the time the program is finished, we are a lot like a big family.”
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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
POSTAL CUSTOMER
REGISTER TODAY! SUMMER CLASSES BEGIN JUNE 6! FALL CLASSES BEGIN AUGUST 22! Visit lakelandcollege.edu to get started.
