
Lake Land College recently named 10 outstanding Non-Traditional Students of the Year. The awardees were recognized at the Feb. 26 between the men’s and women’s home basketball games.
“This was a great opportunity to show our adult students how much we admire their choice in returning to school. We know they represent all of our non-traditional students who manage many commitments to earn an education and change their lives,” said Chris Strohl, director of community outreach.
The nominees and the Lake Land College employees who nominated them are:
Janie Buchanan, of Bethany, nominated by Brenda Hunzinger; Danielle Lash, of Pana, nominated by Krista Burrell; Jackie Epley, of Pana, nominated by Dyke Barkley; Libby Van De List, of Effingham, nominated by Dyke Barkley; Cassandra Eilers, of Pana, nominated by Jennifer Melton, Helen Hendren, Lara Bacino Althaus and Eva Ritchey; Leah Keagle, of Arthur, nominated by the Marketing and Public Relations team; Melissa Livesay, of Paris, nominated by the Dental Hygiene faculty; Annette Lynch, of Charleston, nominated by Greg Powers; Jennifer Morris, of Herrick, nominated by Katie Parrish; and Clyde Powell, of Charleston, nominated by Marko Mohlenhoff and Karla Miller.
Lash is majoring in agriculture transfer. Burrell said she is “most impressed with the fact that Danielle has connected to campus and is making the most out of her college experience. Best of all, this woman is now determined to transfer!”
Buchanan majoring in nursing. Hunzinger said “Janie is incredibly hard-working, dedicated, conscientious, responsible, and personable. She is the type of student every instructor wishes they had more of in class.”
Epley is majoring in horticulture. Barkley said “I can count that the homework in a class will be done with thought and deliberation. She actively participates in class discussions and can add a real world experience to the classroom exchanges.”
Van De List is majoring in horticulture. “Libby is a model student, asking questions and participating in every discussion topic. In addition, she takes it upon herself to help others in the classroom,” Barkley said.
Eilers is majoring in human services with a psychology concentration. Melton and Hendren wrote of her, “Cassie is very motivated to complete her education and to work in the field of human services.”
Keagle is majoring in desktop publishing graphic design. On their nomination form the team stated that, “Leah is very professional, tenacious and well-spoken at all times. We truly admire the grace with which she handles all of her responsibilities.”
Livesay is majoring in dental hygiene. The faculty stated on the nomination form that, “Melissa always conducts herself in a professional manner. She is considerate, respectful, cooperative, and willing to help.”
Lynch is perusing an IT digital media specialist certificate. On his nomination form, Power states, “Annette’s kindness, dedication, and personality truly make her a valuable resource for others.”
Morris is majoring in psychology. Parrish said “Jennifer encourages other students to engage in class discussion and activities.”
Powell is majoring in secondary education with a chemistry specialization. Mohlenhoff said, “I am truly impressed with how strongly Clyde feels his calling to be an educator is.”
This event precedes the college’s Adult Week celebration scheduled for April 18-22, 2016. Lake Land will hold two events designed exclusively to invite adult students to explore their opportunities. New adult students, who register for summer or fall classes, may qualify for a tuition-free class up to three credit hours.

Lake Land College recently named 10 Outstanding Non-Traditional Students of the Year. Pictured front low, left to right are Cassandra Eilers, of Pana; Danielle Lash, of Pana; Janie Buchanan, of Bethany; Lake Land College President Josh Bullock; Melissa Livesay, of Paris, Jennifer Morris, of Herrick, and Libby Van De List, of Effingham. Pictured in the second row are: Annette Lynch, of Charleston; Leah Keagle, of Arthur; Laker Louie of Lake Land; Jackie Epley, of Pana; and Clyde Powell, of Charleston.
The first event will be held Tuesday, April 19 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on campus. Individuals are encouraged to call 217-234-5429 to schedule a campus visit and meet with an academic advisor. The second event will be held at the Kluthe Center for Higher Education and Technology in Effingham on Thursday, April 21 from 4-6:30 p.m. Adults are encouraged to stop by the Kluthe Center and explore their options during this open house.
To learn more about Adult Week, call Strohl at 217-234-5429. To learn more about Lake Land College, visit lakelandcollege.edu.