Lake Land College Magazine Spring 2023

THE MAJOR ISSUE

THE MAJOR ISSUE

MEET LAKE LAND COLLEGE FACULTY, STUDENTS AND ALUMNI!

JOIN LAKER NATION TODAY!

MAKE PLANS TO VISIT CAMPUS STAY CONNECTED

Check out the lakelandcollege.edu/visit page or call 217-234-5232 to set up an individual tour or register to attend an upcoming event.

DAILY CAMPUS VISITS

Campus tours and visits are available on the following dates and times:

s Mondays at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

s Tuesdays at 1 p.m.

s Wednesdays at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

s Thursdays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

s Fridays at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.

LAKER VISIT DAY

Thursday, June 15, 2023

9 a.m. - Noon

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

Maggie Kelly, Student Trustee, Strasburg

Our faculty and staff are available to assist you in person or virtually.

CONTACT US TODAY!

admissions@lakelandcollege.edu

lakelandcollege.edu

217-234-5253

LAKE LAND COLLEGE CABINET

Josh Bullock, President

Jean Anne Highland, Chief of Staff

Valerie Lynch, Vice President for Student Services

Greg Nuxoll, Vice President for Business Services

Ike Nwosu, Vice President for Academic Services

STAFF

Editor: Kelly Allee

Graphic Designer: Megan Nelson

Writer: Mercury Bowen

ON

MEET OUR FACULTY, STUDENTS & ALUMNI

AND EXPLORE THE AREAS OF STUDY!

BUSINESS

BUILDING SPEED TO SUCCEED IN THE FUTURE

PAGE 4

TRANSPORTATION

RETIRED ARMY VETERAN SHIFTS GEARS INTO AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY

PAGE 6

AGRICULTURE

FROM FARM KID TO MANAGER, ALUMNUS SUCCEEDS

PAGE 8

EDUCATION

ALUMNA BRINGS EDUCATION HOME

PAGE 10

ARCHITECTURAL & CONSTRUCTION

ALUMNUS BUILDS CAREER IN CONSTRUCTION FIELD

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:

s University transfer education

s General education

s Technical & career education

s Workforce development

s Community & continuing education

s Intellectual & cultural programs

s Support Services

HEALTH & PUBLIC SERVICES

IMPACTFUL CAREER GOES SWIMMINGLY: ALUMNA ASSISTS OTHERS AS AQUATIC PTA

PAGE 14

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

ALUMNUS NETWORKS INTO CYBERSECURITY CAREER

PAGE 16

HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES

ALUMNA HELPS OTHERS ACHIEVE EDUCATIONAL DREAMS

PAGE 18

MANUFACTURING

ALUMNUS' CAREER TAKES HIM AROUND THE GLOBE

PAGE 20

MATH & SCIENCE

TRANSFER-READY INDEED: ALUMNUS CONTINUES COLLEGE JOURNEY WITH ADVANTAGE AMONG PEERS

PAGE 22

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Lake Land College is committed to maintaining a working and learning environment that promotes equal opportunity and affirmative action and that is free from unlawful discrimination and harassment. It is the policy of Lake Land College not to engage in discrimination or harassment against any person because of race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital or civil union status, veteran status, sexual orientation or any basis of discrimination precluded by applicable federal and state statutes. This policy applies to admission and access to and participation, treatment and employment in the College’s programs, activities, and services. The following campus office is assigned the responsibility for ensuring compliance with this policy as well as federal and state statutes and regulations concerning affirmative action and equal access: Office of the Director of Human Resources, 217-234-5210 / Human Resources Office. Complaint forms and procedures for filing can be obtained through Counseling Services or Human Resources. In addition, these offices will maintain current copies of appropriate laws, regulations, and policies.

GET STARTED FOR SUMMER OR FALL!

Take the first steps by visiting lakelandcollege.edu or scan the QR code below.

SUMMER CLASSES BEGIN

JUNE 5!

Intersession begins May 15.

FALL CLASSES BEGIN AUGUST 21!

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

Lake Land College is committed to developing and maintaining an environment for students, employees and college community that embraces and actively supports diversity, equity and inclusion. We aspire to be an institution where the quality of education and work environment are enhanced and enriched by an inclusive campus community that encourages multiple perspectives and the free exchange of ideas.

THE LAKE LAND COLLEGE MAGAZINE is published for the residents of Lake Land College District #517 by Marketing & Public Relations at Lake Land College, 5001 Lake Land Blvd., Mattoon, IL 61938. For inquiries, contact Marketing & Public Relations at 217-234-5215. Views and opinions expressed by individuals in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Lake Land College.

BUSINESS BUILDING SPEED TO SUCCEED IN THE FUTURE

LAKE LAND COLLEGE INTRODUCED

the Court Reporting and Captioning Degree program in 2021 in response to a nationwide increase in demand.

This new program prepares students for a high demand career in court reporting or captioning by providing word-for-word translation for the deaf and hard-of-hearing population in educational, civic and corporate settings.

Court Reporting and Captioning student Lydia Madlem said she initially scoffed at the idea of making a career of typing, however after exploring what the job entailed, she discovered her passion for the field.

A court reporter and captioner uses a specialized, 22-key, shorthand keyboard known as the steno machine to “write” entire words or even phrases with just a few strokes. Throughout the program, Madlem has increased both her skills and writing speed, so far having reached speeds of up to 200 words per minute.

“When we first started learning the theory and how to use the stenograph machines, I had to focus on where the letters were,” Madlem said. “Now I don’t even think about where they are, it’s just muscle memory.”

Madlem also had the opportunity to sit in on a jury trial and practice writing, which she said was a very beneficial experience.

“When I’m in the courtroom, I like to practice writing with Q and A settings,” Madlem said. “Those definitely present the biggest challenge, but that’s why I enjoy them.”

Madlem is in the second to last speedbuilding class of the program, and she said that while the program’s coursework is rigorous, it is certainly beneficial to learning the necessary skills to succeed.

“We have to practice writing at least one hour every day,” Madlem said. “Even if I miss just one day, I can feel the loss in muscle memory, so I know that practicing like that really makes a difference in building my speed.”

Even with the program taking place entirely online, Madlem said she has felt a great deal of assistance and support from her instructors.

“When my instructors tell me something, I find that it comes back as I am writing later,” Madlem said. “The instructors are fantastic, and they are constantly helping me build and improve my skills.”

"THE INSTRUCTORS ARE FANTASTIC, AND THEY ARE CONSTANTLY HELPING ME BUILD AND IMPROVE MY SKILLS."

-MADLEM

FACULTY

BUSINESS AREA OF STUDY

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

Accounting

Business

Business Development

Electronic Marketing

Entrepreneurship

Management

Marketing

Professional Sales

Business Management

Exploratory Area of Study

BUSINESS OFFICE

FOR NEARLY THREE DECADES

Division Chair Business/Business Instructor

Tynia Kessler has been helping students succeed.

“I think my favorite thing about Lake Land is that we are always here for the student,” said Kessler, who began her career at Lake Land as a bookkeeper in Accounting. “Any decisions that are made are made with the intention of putting the student first.”

Making personal and lifelong connections with students is also important to Kessler, and she said she makes relating to her students a priority.

“I try to make sure they understand that I sat in the same seat they did once,” Kessler said.

“I make every effort to be approachable and let them know that I understand where they’re coming from.”

Dedication to students as well as eagerness to help students learn in a way that is best for them are ideals that Kessler said are consistent with many faculty at the college.

“I think that’s really what sets us apart from other colleges,” Kessler said. “Our faculty take the time and effort to prepare our students above and beyond what the industry expects of them.”

Kessler expressed gratitude for the many opportunities she has had to share her knowledge and impart wisdom on her students. She said one of the most fulfilling aspects of her career is doing what she can to make it easier for students to meet and exceed their educational goals.

“At the end of the day, I just want to make sure my students get what they need,” Kessler said.

“I do my best to give them life skills they can use, and I can only hope that I’ll have made a difference in their lives by the time they leave my classroom.”

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.

TRANSPORTATION

RETIRED ARMY VETERAN SHIFTS GEARS INTO AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY

LAKE LAND STUDENT TODD WALKER

retired from the Army after more than two decades of service. Now, Walker has returned to the Automotive Technology program to learn the skills he diligently watched his father use to work on cars during his childhood.

“I didn’t learn a lot of the technique from holding the flashlight,” Walker said with a chuckle. “It’s really neat to learn from the instructors here, just knowing that they’ve got decades of experience between them. When I need that expertise and insight, I know I can ask them and they’ll have the real-world knowledge to share with me.”

"LAKE LAND HAS CONTINUOUSLY EXCEEDED MY EXPECTATIONS FOR WHAT I THOUGHT THEY WOULD HAVE TO OFFER. GETTING STARTED, EVERYONE WAS SUPER HELPFUL IN MAKING THINGS SEAMLESS AND EASIER."

“Lake Land was my first choice,” Walker said. “To be honest, Lake Land has continuously exceeded my expectations for what I thought they would have to offer. Getting started, everyone was super helpful in making things seamless and easier. Danielle Downs in the veteran’s office was awesome, and I just greatly appreciate everything everyone has done to help me get here.”

-WALKER

Walker said though he faces unique challenges in the classroom and auto shop lab, Automotive Instructors Kevin Miller and Brian Madlem have been extremely accommodating to their students’ needs.

Walker also faced the challenge of having lost his hearing and having subsequent cochlear implant surgery to allow him to utilize an electronic device to hear. He had just moved back to the area and begun searching for schools when he came across Lake Land in his search.

“Our program is well equipped, and we have access to the tools and resources we need to learn,” Walker said. “Having a device to rely on for 75% of my hearing has definitely been challenging, but Kevin and Brian have been awesome about getting us all involved in hands-on learning. That’s why we’re here; to learn stuff, and they help us do that in the way that works best.”

FACULTY

AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY INSTRUCTOR

Brian Madlem had been working at dealerships for more than 15 years when he realized that the next step he wanted to take in his career was teaching others the skills he enjoyed using.

Now Madlem is celebrating 20 years at Lake Land College, and he said it is the best job he’s ever had.

“When you love your job, it doesn’t feel like work spending this much time here,” Madlem said.

Having maintained contact with many of his former students, Madlem said one of his greatest feelings is seeing his students find success.

TRANSPORTATION AREA OF STUDY

Auto Mechanic

Automotive Technology

Commercial Truck Driver Training

Transportation Exploratory Area of Study

LEARN MORE

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

“It’s so much fun to see the lightbulb come on in the classroom,” Madlem said. “I go over realworld situations with them, and they get to have that hands-on experience in the lab that makes a big difference in their careers later.”

Madlem said he enjoys hearing the different thoughts and perspectives students bring to his class and is open to constructive criticism.

“I actually was told about something that students felt could be done differently, so I changed the way I taught that,” Madlem said.

“I’ve worked and interacted with a lot of great people over the years who have helped me grow and become who I am, including students and colleagues.”

INTRODUCING TECH 2DAY

Automotive Technology, along with several other technical programs, is excited to announce TECH 2DAY, a new program structure allowing students to complete a program in two years by going to class only two days each week.

The reduced class schedule makes it easier for students enrolled in TECH 2DAY programs to work and go to school at the same time, and some programs give students the opportunity to complete lab hours to earn credit hours at their workplace.

To learn more about TECH 2DAY visit lakelandcollege.edu/ tech2day.

AGRICULTURE FROM FARM KID TO MANAGER, ALUMNUS SUCCEEDS

STEVE METTE, A SELF-DEFINED “FARM KID,”

is using the Ag Production associate degree he earned at Lake Land College as the purchasing and logistics manager at South Central FS in Effingham.

In this position, Mette is in charge of all of the logistics of the company’s purchasing practices, including fertilizer, anhydrous, propane, chemicals and other necessary items for operation.

“I work with a good group of people at a good place,” Mette said. “A lot of times that’s the most important thing in being successful.”

After taking a year off to work at a local dairy farm, Mette’s wife convinced him to enroll in the Ag Production program at Lake Land.

“I knew people that had gone to Lake Land, and I always heard good things about it,” Mette said. “Just from being a farm kid, I think Lake Land really opened my eyes to the world of opportunities out there for me.”

"I HAVE A LOT OF GOOD FRIENDS FROM WHEN I WAS AT LAKE LAND, AND I STILL USE A LOT OF THE CORE BASE KNOWLEDGE THAT I LEARNED THERE TO THIS DAY."

-METTE

Born and raised on a livestock farm in Teutopolis, Mette said he always felt a connection to farming and was thankful for the opportunity to take a few Ag Business classes at the Lake Land College Kluthe Center during his senior year of high school.

Mette continued his education with a bachelor’s degree in Plant and Soil Science at Southern Illinois University Carbondale then joined the workforce. With concepts and techniques he learned throughout his educational journey still useful in his career, Mette said his time at Lake Land was “invaluable.”

“Lake Land is a great place to get a good education where you can really learn a lot about your field,” Mette said. “I have a lot of good friends from when I was at Lake Land, and I still use a lot of the core base knowledge that I learned there to this day.”

FACULTY

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

AGRONOMY INSTRUCTOR/ FARM MANAGER

Mark Niemerg came to Lake Land as a student with no intention of becoming a teacher ten years after graduating from high school.

“As I was going through college, I had many classmates tell me as I was explaining something they didn’t get in class that I helped them understand it and that I should be a teacher,” Niemerg said. “I initially scoffed at the idea, but as time went on I started to think maybe teaching could be the right fit for me.”

Niemerg has now taught at Lake Land for more than 25 years and said he “still enjoys every day of it.” He also makes a point to answer as many students’ questions as possible, and if he does not know the answer immediately, he finds it for them.

“What makes Lake Land great compared to any four-year school or community college, is

that our instructors have real-world experience,” Niemerg said. “We are there to help our students. We are not there just to deliver the information; we’re there to teach you, so that’s what really sets us apart.”

Not only are students able to choose from multiple degree and certificate options, those in the program will have the flexibility and assistance necessary from instructors to build knowledge and skills in ways that are applicable to them.

Sharing advice to those thinking of attending college, Niemerg said it is important to remember that every school has its own personality.

"Think about where you are most comfortable and where you think you’ll find the most support. Cost is important, certainly, but that shouldn’t be the only factor you consider. It’s about what you learn and how you learn it.”

LEARN MORE

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

SCAN TO WATCH MARK'S FULL INTERVIEW AND LEARN ABOUT AGRICULTURE AT LAKE LAND!

EDUCATION ALUMNA BRINGS EDUCATION HOME

FIFTH-GRADE TEACHER BRITTANY PIERCE

is fulfilling her dream by teaching at the same Shelbyville school she attended as a child.

“The opportunity to work with children every day is one I am so grateful for,” Pierce said.

It was Pierce’s time at Lake Land that has influenced her teaching career even today.

Upon her acceptance, Pierce said she was asked “aren’t you better than that?” by an individual who did not understand her decision. She responded by sharing her reason for attending.

“Lake Land is a great option for college,” Pierce said. “You get one-on-one experience with instructors and can make a lot of really wonderful friends. That’s why I try to refute the community college stigma whenever I can, because I had a really great experience.”

"[AT LAKE LAND] YOU GET ONE-ON-ONE EXPERIENCE WITH INSTRUCTORS AND CAN MAKE A LOT OF REALLY WONDERFUL FRIENDS...

I TRY TO REFUTE THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE STIGMA WHENEVER I CAN, BECAUSE I HAD A REALLY GREAT EXPERIENCE.”

“When you think about it, I spend more time during the day with these students than their parents do,” Pierce said. “Because of that, I do my best to create individualized experiences for my students. I use a lot of the same techniques I learned at Lake Land, because not only do they work, they make the learning process better for everyone involved.”

-PIERCE

Not only did Pierce speak highly of her college experience and instructors, she also shared that English Instructor Matt Landrus “was a great teacher” who had helped her to learn a lot of important aspects to the career of Elementary Education.

“I actually went to Matt’s office and cried hysterically the day I graduated because I was sad to leave,” Pierce said.

As the salutatorian of her high school graduating class, Pierce accepted a Presidential Scholarship to Lake Land.

“Lake Land is just awesome. I could not have loved my experience there more.”

FACULTY

EDUCATION AREA OF STUDY

Business Education

Child & Family Services

Early Childhood Care & Education

Early Childhood Education

Elementary Education

Health Education

Mathematics Education

Nanny Child Care Provider

Paraprofessional Education

Paraprofessional Educator

Physical Education

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION INSTRUCTOR

Dave Johnson said his favorite aspect of teaching is meeting new students, which he does often as students cycle through their time at Lake Land.

While Johnson had not originally planned on teaching at a college level, after teaching at a middle school for eight years, he found himself seeking more. Now in his 33rd year of teaching, he said as long as he still has enthusiasm for the job and for his students, that’s all that matters.

“At the postsecondary level, there is much more application of knowledge,” Johnson said. “I am a lifelong learner, so I love learning about people and having the opportunity to hear different opinions in class and things like that.”

For the rewarding aspects of his career, Johnson said one of his favorite moments is when a former student recognizes him years after having his class.

“I’ll see someone five or even 10 years later, and they’ll say ‘Do you remember me?’,” Johnson said. “That’s always really fun, and I appreciate that I made that kind of impression on them.”

Johnson has also been Head Coach of the Women’s Basketball Team for several years, and has led the team to many victories, including a national championship in 2021.

While he of course hopes students take away a great deal of beneficial information from his classes, Johnson said that one of his biggest goals is to give them knowledge that can widen their perspective in some way.

“I hope that my students at least take something away from my class that can broaden them as a person and help them to continue to seek learning opportunities,” Johnson said. “That’s how we grow as a society.”

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.

ARCHITECTURAL & CONSTRUCTION

ALUMNUS BUILDS CAREER IN CONSTRUCTION FIELD

ISAAC KRAMER IS A CARPENTER/ LABORER

at Peters Buildings Inc. in Toledo, working at construction sites all around the surrounding area to help create new structures.

“One of the things I love most about my job is that at the end of the day you can see what all you’ve done,” Kramer said. “Being able to literally see your progress and see something that you helped create is what makes this job special.”

Upon graduating from high school, Kramer said his goal was to find a hands-on job that did not include factory work. With family members who worked in both electrical and welding careers, Kramer said it was not difficult to make the leap to try his hand at construction.

“Lake Land was close by, and I knew the campus,” Kramer said. “Because of the small class sizes, I was able to get to know people and make a lot of connections.”

Not only was Kramer impressed by the class sizes, he said many of his future employers were impressed with the knowledge and experience Kramer had acquired through his time at Lake Land.

“Neal focused a lot on being able to read, draw and understand plans,” Kramer said, referring to Building Construction Technology Instructor/ Coordinator Neal Haarman.

“It impressed a lot of employers that I already knew how to do that right out of college, and those skills were very useful in my career."

Kramer went on to share how Haarman helped to further his career, saying Haarman “saw the potential in us and fought for us.”

“Neal even helped get us internships at Morton Buildings,” Kramer said. “He always believed in us and did his best to get us off on the right foot.”

"IT IMPRESSED A LOT OF EMPLOYERS THAT I ALREADY KNEW HOW TO DO THAT RIGHT OUT OF COLLEGE, AND THOSE SKILLS WERE VERY USEFUL IN MY CAREER."

-KRAMER

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

JOE HOENES TAUGHT

heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC+R) courses for more than 15 years through Lake Land College at the Danville Correctional Center. Now, he has come out of retirement to share this knowledge with students on the main campus as well.

“When you see someone ‘get it’ there’s really no words to describe that feeling,” Hoenes said. “It makes me feel really good. I really enjoy passing that information on to someone who can use it to make a difference in their own life and others’ lives.”

Hoenes said he was inspired to make the leap from HVAC+R worker to HVAC+R instructor by his own experience of getting into the field.

“It was 1982 and I couldn’t get a job,” Hoenes said of his experience before going into the HVAC+R field. “I came across a repair place that had more work to do than people to do it, and I thought that looked like a great field to go into."

He then went to the local library and found a school that taught the skills he would need to succeed in many areas of work, such as appliance repair, electrical work, plumbing, engineering and many other areas.

“I may not have always had the job I wanted, but I always had work,” Hoenes said. “I try to teach my students that more than anything else, integrity in their work is what will help them do well and advance in their careers.”

At Lake Land, Hoenes said the HVAC+R program has many different aspects available to assist in students’ education, including industry-standard equipment and instructors with experience in the field to share their situational experiences.

“At Lake Land, we want our students to succeed, simple as that,” Hoenes said. “It’s easy to see that out of everyone here.”

LEARN MORE

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

HEALTH & PUBLIC SERVICES

IMPACTFUL CAREER GOES SWIMMINGLY: ALUMNA ASSISTS OTHERS AS AQUATIC PTA

JENNIFER FALLERT

spends many of her days in a pool, helping others overcome physical challenges. She is a certified aquatic physical therapist assistant at HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital in Effingham, which, Fallert said, is one of the most rewarding aspects of her life.

“I really enjoy watching people achieve their goals,” Fallert said. “I love being able to work with people who, for instance, can’t walk on land, but they can walk in the water. That’s pretty amazing.”

Fallert graduated from Lake Land College in 2011 with an associate degree in Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA). Working part time at an outpatient facility after graduation, Fallert was able to gain valuable experience in working with patients in aquatic therapy.

Through her work there, Fallert developed an interest in working

with aquatic therapy, and when the opportunity arose at St. Anthony’s, she jumped at the chance.

Since then, Fallert said she has been able to utilize the instruction and training she received at Lake Land in much of her everyday life.

“I still hear Martha’s voice in my head all the time,” Fallert said, referring to Physical Therapist Assistant Instructor Martha Mioux. “Having that experience at Lake Land definitely helped me find what I wanted to do and find my niche in the therapy world.”

Fallert also expressed appreciation for the level of preparedness she felt upon graduating from the PTA program at Lake Land.

“It’s a short two years, but a long two years,” Fallert said. “It’s a great experience. You will definitely be prepared to take your first job after you’re done with the program.”

"LAKE LAND DEFINITELY HELPED ME FIND WHAT I WANTED TO DO AND FIND MY NICHE IN THE THERAPY WORLD.”

-FALLERT

SCAN TO WATCH JENNIFER'S INTERVIEW ABOUT THE PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT PROGRAM AT LAKE LAND!

HEALTH & PUBLIC SERVICES AREA OF STUDY

HEALTH SERVICES

Associate Degree Nurse

Basic Nurse Assisting

Dental Hygiene

Emergency Medical Services

Massage Therapy

Medical Assistant

FACULTY COSMETOLOGY INSTRUCTOR LORETTA VARELA-FLORES

uses her nurturing personality to share her skills and abilities with students as well as assist students in providing services to clients. According to Varela-Flores, building relationships with students and clients is one of the most meaningful parts of her career.

“Seeing a smile on a student’s face when they get a difficult concept or watching a client admire a hair transformation that one of my students performed are things that make me incredibly proud of what we do,” Varela-Flores said. “This is a very fast-paced field, so taking the time to make sure everyone gets what they need is important to me.”

Varela-Flores graduated from the Lake Land College Cosmetology program and went on to pursue a career in the field. After some time

however, Varela-Flores said she felt a strong desire to share her talent in a teaching environment. Thus, she returned to Lake Land as an instructor.

“I try to model my classroom around something I would be able to pay attention to,” Varela-Flores said. “I try to ask myself ‘How is this student going to learn better?’ then I work with them and let them know that it’s okay that they don’t get something right away, because they’re going to get it, it just may take a minute.”

With part of the field involving fitting styles and such to a client, Varela-Flores said that is the nature of the field and one that makes it unique. While the cosmetology field may be demanding, she said it is not without reward.

“I tell my students ‘You are your only competition’,” Varela-Flores said. “Always strive to be the best that you can be, and put that level of quality behind your work.”

Paramedical Services

Physical Therapist Assistant

Practical Nursing

Health Services Exploratory

Area of Study

PUBLIC SERVICES

Cosmetology

Cosmetology Teacher

Crime Scene Technician

Criminal Justice Leadership

Esthetics

Fire Science Management

Human Services

Law Enforcement

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.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

ALUMNUS NETWORKS INTO CYBERSECURITY CAREER

RICHARD DONOVAN

has been taking apart and putting together computers since childhood, and now he is working as a cybersecurity engineer at the University of Illinois.

“What I love most about this job are the challenges and finding ways to overcome them,” Donovan said. “I get to use problem-solving and critical thinking skills every day, and I never stop learning new things.”

Donovan had been working 70 to 80 hours each week as an EMT when he decided to return to college and pursue a degree in Information Technology in January 2020. Thus began his Lake Land journey as both a non-traditional student and a custodian at the college to pay for IT classes.

Only one year after beginning classes at Lake Land, Donovan got an internship at the college with Information Systems and Services for the Infrastructure Team and

went on to accept a position as Information Security Specialist at Lake Land less than eight months later.

In this role, he continued to utilize and improve his skills and graduated with an associate degree in IT Network Administration in 2022.

“I got a really hands-on approach to learning a lot of the processes and things in a short time,” Donovan said. “I don’t think I would have been able to experience a lot of the things that I did if I had gone somewhere else.”

Regarding his time spent at Lake Land College as both student and employee, Donovan said he “wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

“I got to interact with a lot of great people,” Donovan said. “In my opinion Lake Land has some of the best programs around. I had a great experience here, and I’d highly recommend Lake Land to anyone.”

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AREA OF STUDY

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.

"I DON’T THINK I WOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO EXPERIENCE A LOT OF THE THINGS THAT I DID IF I HAD GONE SOMEWHERE ELSE... I'D HIGHLY RECOMMEND LAKE LAND TO ANYONE."

-DONOVAN

HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCE

ALUMNA HELPS OTHERS ACHIEVE EDUCATIONAL DREAMS

AS A FIRST GENERATION

college student, Maria Amill figured out a lot of things on her own. That’s why it’s so important to her to be able to help college students learn about all of the resources that can help them succeed.

Amill is now a community worker at the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC). Part of her work there involves a relatively new project called the First Generation Student Scholars Network, which focuses on providing students who will be the first in their family to attend college with resources, mentoring and a network to ease their transition to college and set them up for success. Find out more at https://studentportal.isac.org/ FirstGen.

“It’s really neat to be able to have that kind of impact on these students and to incorporate my own unique story into theirs,” Amill said.

After completing an associate degree in 2017 at Lake Land College, Amill transferred to Eastern Illinois University and completed a bachelor’s degree, in communications. While she may

not have known about all of the resources available to her, Amill said that as a first generation college student her time at Lake Land College was extremely beneficial in shaping her future.

“What was fantastic about Lake Land was that I got to take so many geneds,” Amill said.

“I didn’t know what I was going to do when I started at Lake Land. I didn’t even know I was going to transfer. That experience at Lake Land was invaluable not only for myself, but for everyone impacted by my career now as well.”

Extracurricular activities also played an important role in Amill’s college experience. She said her involvement in the Phi Theta Kappa honors program and Broadcasting Club as well as her classes helped expose her to new concepts and ideas.

“I tell a lot of the students I work with that there are a lot of things you figure out as you go,” Amill said. “Going to college can open a lot of doors to help you understand yourself and the world around you. Getting involved in college life can also make a career feel a lot more attainable. That’s what Lake Land College did for me.”

"GOING TO COLLEGE CAN OPEN A LOT OF DOORS TO HELP YOU UNDERSTAND YOURSELF AND THE WORLD AROUND YOU... THAT’S WHAT LAKE LAND COLLEGE DID FOR ME.”

-AMILL

GREG POWERS,

who serves as a the college’s WLKL Radio Station Manager as well as a speech communication/ broadcasting instructor, said the fast-paced environment of always doing something new is what drew him to a communications and broadcasting career.

“I think being multifaceted is important in this industry today,” Powers said. “It’s just a great environment here at the college, and it’s a great opportunity to introduce students to this everchanging world of media. Things have changed a lot in the last 20 years, and we are always changing as well to help prepare our students.”

As for alumni and job prospects, Powers said not only does he know alumni working in influential positions, but also that those alumni know the quality of education Lake Land College students receive, which allows those students to have more marketability in the career field.

“My favorite aspect of the teaching process is seeing students succeed out in the world,” Powers said. “In those situations, I can only hope that we had some part in helping them succeed.

FACULTY

HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES AREA OF STUDY

Art

Broadcast Announcing

Broadcast Communications

Communication Studies

Criminal Justice

Economics

English History

Liberal Studies

I know making sure our students get what they need is vital to the students, to the program, to the industry and to myself and all of the other instructors in this program as well.”

Powers shared that the program recently received several upgrades, including a new video control room and a new video studio with updated lighting, cameras and production equipment.

One of the things Powers said he is most excited about for his students’ futures is helping prepare them for lucrative careers in the broadcasting and communications fields.

“I think the future is bright for this program,” Powers said. “We have a lot of students come here for that radio station experience. They can get hands-on experience on-air on a radio station within their first couple of weeks here. Those are opportunities you can’t get anywhere else.”

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.

MANUFACTURING ALUMNUS'

CAREER TAKES HIM AROUND THE GLOBE

DAN SPICKARD,

Laker Nation Class of 1993, was a non-traditional student who returned to Lake Land College after spending six years in the United States Marine Corps. He is now the vice president of operations & engineering at Eagle Claw Fishing Tackle Co. in Colorado.

Spickard said his mother, who completed her RN degree also as a non-traditional student at Lake Land, inspired him to make one of the most important decisions he ever made.

“Lake Land College was truly the place that helped put me on a career path and life journey that has been nothing short of amazing,” Spickard said. “It was great to see so many young, and not so young, people taking control of their lives and affecting positive change through education and experiences.”

After spending three years at Lake Land, Spickard went on to earn a degree in industrial engineering from the University of Illinois. He

then also earned a master's degree in business administration degree from the University of Denver.

“That degree kick started my whirlwind career that has taken me to 32 countries with some of the world’s great companies and has led to what I consider to be the best job with the best company of them all,” Spickard said. “I’m now the head of Manufacturing, Logistics, Distribution, and Engineering for a legendary sporting goods company and I work with hundreds of wonderful people every day – it's where I plan to finish my career.”

Spickard said when he added Lake Land to his LinkedIn profile, he was struck by reading several recent posts about events on campus. He said it was then that it occurred to him that Lake Land should have been on his profile all along.

“I just want to say thank you to everyone at Lake Land for continuing the tradition that I was so blessed to be a part of more than 30 years ago,” Spickard said.

“LAKE LAND COLLEGE WAS TRULY THE PLACE THAT HELPED PUT ME ON A CAREER PATH AND LIFE JOURNEY THAT HAS BEEN NOTHING SHORT OF AMAZING.”

-SPICKARD

FACULTY

MANUFACTURING AREA OF STUDY

Applied Engineering Technology

Electronic Control Technician

Electronics Engineering Technology

Industrial Maintenance

Manufacturing Skills

Mechanical-Electrical Technology

Programmable Logic Controllers

Renewable Energy

Robotic and CIM Automation

Sustainable Energy

Welding

KRIS KERSEY THRIVES

on something that many people avoid: change. As the industrial maintenance instructor/ coordinator at Lake Land College, his love of learning new things and staying on top of the latest information has led him to a teaching career of more than 27 years.

“In this field, everything is constantly changing and improving,” Kersey said. “It’s what I love about my job. It never stays the same, and that’s part of life. I love trying to keep up with it all.”

As a Laker alumnus, Kersey said he also enjoys taking classes just to learn new things. As of Spring 2023, Kersey has earned more than 113 credit hours at Lake Land in these classes.

This learning mentality has also led to Kersey’s programs being included in the new TECH 2DAY program structure via a collaboration with the Center for Business and Industry.

This collaboration offer students the opportunity to participate in apprenticeships with local industries such as Hydro-Gear, North American Lighting and Quad Graphics.

“Our students are extremely sought after,” Kersey said. “And I only see that need growing in the future. The thing that really sets Lake Land apart from any other program is the electrical troubleshooting skills our students leave with.”

Though he has endured many health challenges throughout the last seven years, Kersey said he scoffs when someone suggests he should retire.

“This is the best job I ever had in my life,” Kersey said. “I love coming to work every day, even when I don’t have classes. Why would I retire when I already do what I love most in the world every day?”

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.

MATH & SCIENCE

TRANSFER-READY INDEED: ALUMNUS CONTINUES COLLEGE JOURNEY WITH ADVANTAGE AMONG PEERS

AS A TRANSFER STUDENT

at the Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Houstis Haldorsen was prepared for hard work. He started his college career in the midst of a global pandemic and succeeded in earning an associate degree in Engineering Science from Lake Land College. What he did not realize at the time was how prepared he was for this next challenge.

“It may sound cliché, but I love being able to help make the world a better place,” Haldorsen said. “Developing roads, bridges and buildings…those are all things that help to create a better society.”

“THE CLASSES I TOOK AT LAKE LAND HELPED PREPARE ME FOR THE UIUC CLASSES EVEN BETTER THAN SOME OF MY PEERS WHO STARTED AT FOURYEAR UNIVERSITIES"

-HALDORSEN

“A lot of people seemed to think that UIUC would be much more challenging than Lake Land,” Haldorsen said. “What I have found however is that Lake Land was not only challenging for me as well, but some of the classes I took at Lake Land helped prepare me for the UIUC classes even better than some of my peers who started at four-year universities.”

Of the engineering field, Haldorsen said what he enjoys most is the focus of civil engineering and how it is used in relation to people.

Haldorsen praised several instructors who helped him throughout his Lake Land journey, including Physics Instructor Rakhsha Nasseripour, Physics Instructor Daniel Allen and Chemistry Instructor Greg Capitosti.

“I actually didn’t expect to enjoy physics as much as I do,” Haldorsen said. “Rakhsha was very instrumental in teaching me how to put in the extra time and effort I need to learn the material well and use it effectively. She is a great instructor, and I really enjoyed her classes.”

Haldorsen also expressed gratitude to Lake Land for the opportunity to learn from and interact with intelligent peers as well as the instructors for providing quality course work that effectively prepared him for his future.

FACULTY

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

BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE INSTRUCTOR

Brenda Hunzinger has been sharing her love of science with her students each day in the classroom for more than 29 years.

She said one of her favorite aspects of teaching is helping students apply the knowledge they gain to situations outside of the classroom.

“I love all aspects of science,” Hunzinger said. “In the biological sciences, my favorite areas are genetics and biotechnology.”

Not only does Hunzinger enjoy sharing knowledge with students, she is a proud alumnus of Lake Land College, Class of 1992, and serves on the Lake Land College Alumni Board.

Hunzinger is involved in consulting and writing for various textbook publishing companies and enjoys several hobbies and interests that align with her love for teaching science, such as camping, boating, gardening and spending time outdoors.

Having served as both president and vice president of the Lake Land College Faculty Association, Hunzinger had devoted a great deal of time and effort to contributing thoughtful ideas and concepts to further the college’s mission.

In addition to serving in this capacity, Hunzinger has earned several honors and awards throughout her years of teaching, including the 2013 Lake Land College Faculty Association Outstanding Service Award and being a 2013 Illinois Community College Teacher's Association "Teacher of the Year" nominee.

She has also received several "Making a Difference" and "Excellence in Advising" Awards, from Lake Land College students throughout her years of teaching.

“I enjoy teaching at Lake Land because it allows me the opportunity to help students apply the biological science content they learn in class to their everyday lives,” Hunzinger said.

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.