Lake Land College Alumna Amanda Tucker, Laker Nation Class of 2015, received the 2019 Lake Land College Pacesetter Award at the March board of trustees meeting. Pictured from left to right is Vice Chair Doris Reynolds, Pacesetter Award Winner Amanda Tucker and President Josh Bullock. Photo submitted by Lake Land College.
For Immediate Release
Lake Land College presents 2019 Pacesetter Award
Lake Land College Alumna Amanda Tucker, Laker Nation Class of 2015, received the 2019 Lake Land College Pacesetter Award during the March board of trustees meeting.
The award recognizes the accomplishments of Illinois’ recent community college graduates who exemplify academic success, humanitarian service, distinction in their chosen career field and a continued interest in and support of education and community colleges.
Tucker graduated from Lake Land College in 2015 earning both an associate in science degree and an associate in arts degree. She transferred to Eastern Illinois University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management in 2017.
Three months before graduating, Tucker began her current career as the director of weddings and events at the Keller Convention Center in Effingham.
“When starting at Lake Land in 2013, I was not exactly sure what I wanted to do. However, once I finished my first semester, I changed my major so that when I entered a four year university I could easily transfer into hospitality management. I was very excited to get started in this industry,” Tucker said.
Tucker was a highly involved student while attending Lake Land College. During this time she was a Student Ambassador, a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honorary Society and a Peer-to-Peer Student Assistant. While finishing her education at Eastern Illinois University she continued to stay involved at Lake Land College by working in Admissions & Records.
“Mature beyond her years, Amanda impressed our campus community with her work ethic, desire to succeed and willingness to help those around her. It was easy to see that she had large dreams that she continues to work toward today,” Dave Cox, director of alumni relations and annual giving said.
Tucker has achieved great success as the director of weddings and events. Within her first year at the Keller Convention Center, wedding sales increased by 25 percent.
Tucker also regularly takes on extra responsibility in order to please her clients and colleagues.
“I love helping people. Planning weddings and events can be stressful, but the fulfillment that comes with making people happy is unmatched. No matter where I go in life, helping people will be something I look for in any career,” Tucker said.
Her efforts to contribute in any way she can go beyond work. She currently serves as social chair for YBNext in Effingham. YBNext is a group of Effingham Young Business Professionals that has a goal to educate, inform and employ the talents of the next leadership group of Effingham County. Her role as social chair is to plan social events for current members and potential members.
“YBNext events vary, but we do a lot of volunteering and learn how we can become involved with groups that benefit the community. Last week we helped stuff bags for Blessings in a Backpack. Not only do I want to help people, but so do the people in this group. It’s refreshing to be around like-minded people,” Tucker said.
Tucker also shows a great interest in working with educational fundraising and continues to use her skills to serve future students. In October, Tucker attended Lake Land College’s Foundation Board Meeting to learn more about the foundation and the work it takes to raise funds for educational institutions.
“Lake Land College gave me the opportunity to begin my higher education, which led me to my current profession. I want to see the college continue to do great things in the lives of their students and employees. I am lucky to have been impacted by Lake Land College,” Tucker added.
Tucker’s approach to higher education is outstanding and she continues to use the skills she acquired at Lake Land College to benefit her future endeavors, as well as the community around her.
“Lake Land College was a huge blessing in my life that I know I wouldn’t have received anywhere else,” Tucker said.
