Mattoon, IL -(Effingham Radio)- As we enter the season of gratitude, please accept my sincere thanks for all you do for Lake Land College. Whether you hire our graduates, educate our future students, partner with us on training and community outreach or give to the Foundation, your contributions are essential to the success of Lake Land College and our students.
Our success stories can be seen throughout campus and in our communities. As we talk with alumni we find they all share a common belief−their success started at Lake Land College. These stories are at the heart of our new “Thanks, Lake Land” campaign that kicks off this week at lakelandcollege.edu/thanks. In upcoming weeks, we will be sharing individual stories from our alumni, partners and students. We invite you to be a part of the campaign by sharing your story on social media using the hashtag #ThanksLakeLand. You can also join us by displaying a yard sign or window cling in your home or business. Details on how to get involved are available at lakelandcollege.edu/thanks.
My #ThanksLakeLand story begins with the incredible opportunity to serve as president of one of the best colleges in the country. I am grateful for the solid academic foundation the college provided my two daughters, who both graduated from Lake Land and successfully transferred to fine Illinois public universities. I am also thankful to work with outstanding colleagues and students in a family atmosphere.
Our faculty and staff are known for going above and beyond to help students who are struggling. One recent example of this is the way in which we are able to address some of our students’ needs for basic necessities through the new Laker Food Pantry. With a generous donation to the Lake Land College Foundation, the college was able to open the food pantry on campus in collaboration with the Eastern Illinois Foodbank.
To continue this spirit of generosity, the Lake Land College Foundation and Alumni Board are issuing a Laker Challenge to all of us on Giving Tuesday, set for November 27. The challenge is simple−give $5. Gifts can be made securely online by looking for the “Give” button on the top right hand corner of the college website. All gifts collected on Giving Tuesday will go toward the Laker Food Pantry.
While $5 may seem minimal, the potential impact is amazing. In fact, if each Lake Land College Alumni who lives in Illinois gave $5, we could supply the Laker Food Pantry with food for our students and their families for more than one year. Food insecurity is a real issue among our students and I am truly humbled to think that students are often forced to choose between school related expenses and food. It is inspiring to consider that if we all participate in the Laker Challenge we can ensure our hard-working students and their families do not go without food.
We are truly thankful to be your community college and have the opportunity to impact so many lives. This season, I encourage you to give thanks for every person or organization that has positively impacted your life. We welcome you to share your #ThanksLakeLand story and tell us how Lake Land has changed your life. I, for one, look forward to hearing your story!
Dr. Josh Bullock
Lake Land College President