Lake Land College Alumni Honored at Homecoming Weekend

Lake Land College Alumni inducted five new members into the Distinguished Alumni Society and Laker Athletics honored one new member to the Athletics Hall of Fame during the 2019 Laker Homecoming weekend.

The Distinguished Alumni Society (DAS) Class of 2019 inductees are Amanda Perdomo, Mattoon, formerly of Louisville; Richard M. Clapp, Toledo, formerly of Hindsboro; Kelly Sager, Greenville, formerly of Effingham; Mark McCully, Wooster, Ohio, formerly of Varna; and Wesley Wise, Bethany.

The Distinguished Alumni Society recognizes alumni who have utilized the Lake Land experience to make an imprint on their profession or community.

The newest member of the Lake Land College Athletics Hall of Fame is Michael Reynolds, Terre Haute, formerly of Effingham. The Athletics Hall of Fame recognizes athletes, coaches and friends who have excelled in their careers or brought recognition and support to the program.

The honors were presented during the Alumni Recognition Luncheon on Saturday at the Mattoon Golf & Country Club. The luncheon was one of the many events scheduled during the college’s Laker Homecoming. 

(MIKE REYNOLDS)

ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME

Michael Reynolds, Laker Nation Class of 1989

Reynolds is a current head pro at the Wabash Valley Tennis Club. As a Lake Land College star athlete from 1987 to 1989, Reynolds played #1 singles and #1 doubles making his way to the quarterfinals in singles and the semifinals in doubles at the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Championships.

After more than 20 years of coaching, Reynolds has taught and coached nearly 100 tennis players who have received college scholarships at the NJCAA, NAIA, and NCAA Division I, II, and III levels.

“I couldn’t have made a better choice than to play tennis for Lake Land College,” Reynolds said. “My experience on the court and in the classroom at Lake Land was an extremely positive one, and I hope to be able to contribute to another successful tennis program at Lake Land in the future.”

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI SOCIETY CLASS OF 2019

Amanda Perdomo, Laker Nation Class of 2003       

Perdomo is the owner of Don Sol Mexican Grill in Mattoon. As an outstanding business owner who does not shy away from giving back to the regional community, Perdomo gained a world of experience during her years as a Lake Land student.

Perdomo was a member of the Student Activity Board and created a number of articles for the Navigator. Through her involvement in student organizations and instructors and staff who guided her through her studies, she made contacts that would go on to become close friends and networking companions for her successful business.

“Marlene Meek was always there just like a mom when we needed her. Krista Burrell always pushed us to do our best and believed in use even when we didn’t believe in ourselves,” Perdomo said.

Not only does Perdomo own and operate Don Sol Mexican Grill, she served for three years as the Mattoon Chamber of Commerce president of the board of directors. She frequently donates proceeds of her sales to numerous organizations including Cops for Kids, Operation Sleigh Ride and Piensa Rosa which supports the Sarah Bush Lincoln Regional Cancer Center. She also participates in One Stop Community Christmas and collects toys and socks throughout the year to donate to the event. She contributes to local sports teams, school booster clubs and volunteers at school breakfast programs. She recently implemented a food truck to her business model and frequently visits both the main campus and the Kluthe Center.

“This small town girl came to the big town of Mattoon to attend Lake Land College. I was met with open arms and wonderful experiences. The staff were always there whenever you needed them and helped prepare me for the business world. Every time I’m back here on campus, I am still met with open arms and now with my business I get to make people happy by feeding them! Thank you to all of those who helped me get to where I am today. Lake Land College will always hold a special place in my heart!” Perdomo said.

Richard M. Clapp, Laker Nation Class of 2002

Clapp is a nursing instructor at St. Mary of the Woods College in Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana. From the time Clapp began school, he wanted to be a nurse and follow in his mother’s footsteps.

Richard has a passion for learning and planned his educational and career paths carefully after graduating from Lake Land so that he would gain the most experience and education possible in an effort to better serve his patients.

Clapp continued his formal education at Indiana State University receiving a bachelor’s degree in nursing and at the University of Rhode Island where he received a master’s degree in nursing, becoming an advanced practice registered nurse. Clapp worked at the same time he pursued his formal education at facilities across the country. He recently served as a hospitalist at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center with the designation ACNP-BC. Always looking to learn as much as possible and be prepared to serve patients, he enlisted in the United States Naval Reserves in 2013 where he currently has the rank of Lt. Commander. He was deployed to Afghanistan in 2015. Richard previously served as faculty for the Lakeview College of Nursing affiliated with Eastern Illinois University.

Clapp’s drive to become the best healthcare provider possible and his passion to be a lifelong learner began at Lake Land College. His career and educational paths both bring distinction to Lake Land College and the nursing program.

“For me, my time at Lake Land College was perhaps the most formative and satisfying years as a student in higher education,” Clapp said. “From the moment I arrived on campus as a nursing student there was a clear expectation of personal accountability, social/community responsibility and academic excellence. Inside the classroom, the small class size, rigorous curriculum, endless clinical opportunities and frequent personal interactions with expert faculty provided a solid educational and clinical foundation that would set the standard for how I view a nursing professional. Outside of the classroom, the numerous social opportunities, both within and outside my area of study allowed me the opportunity to explore a variety of experiences and interact with peers from a variety of backgrounds.

“These experiences, both inside and outside the classroom, shaped me personally, socially and professionally, and have served me in my future endeavors. I will forever be grateful to Lake Land College for setting the foundation for my future successes.”

Kelly Sager, Laker Nation Class of 1991

Sager is the President and CEO of HSHS Holy Family Hospital in Greenville, Illinois. Sager has earned significant accomplishments in her professional career following her time at Lake Land College.

Sager began her career as a staff nurse at HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital. Her genuine spirit and natural leadership abilities earned her subsequent roles as chief nursing officer at St. Anthony’s and later, chief nurse executive for HSHS Southern Illinois Division. Recently, she was named president and CEO of HSHS Holy Family Hospital in Greenville, Illinois.

In addition to her diploma from Lake Land College, Sager holds a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership from Greenville College, a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville and a master’s degree in nursing administration from Bellevue University in Bellevue, Nebraska. Sager serves on many community advisory and administrative boards and selflessly volunteers with her church, neighborhood events and more.

“Her passion and commitment to helping others is demonstrated through her work and has resulted in her growing leadership roles,” her nominator, Deana Nuxoll, said. “Sager is a terrific role model for aspiring nursing students and the community.”

“Lake Land College served as my first extension to higher education. It became the platform I used to begin to move my way into a nursing career. I had mentors that encouraged me to attend due to its great reputation for nursing programs. I was so lucky to get in and the program was challenging,” Sager said. “Mrs. Thompson ran the programs at that time and she was very encouraging to all students. They were all tough so we could become the best professionals we could be. I remember her saying, ‘Nurses save lives. They heal−body and soul.’ What a great foundation for a lifelong career. I am proud to be an alumni!”

Mark McCully, Laker Nation Class of 1992

McCully is the current CEO of the American Angus Association, one of the largest livestock associations in the world.

In his previous position, McCully served as vice president for production at Certified Angus Beef, the most well-known branded meat program. McCully’s influence and leadership has impacted animal and meat production on a global scale.

McCully obtained an associate degree from Lake Land College as an Ag transfer major. He completed a bachelor’s degree from Western Illinois University and conducted master's research at Michigan State University.

“As far as achievements and leadership, McCully has had a career that most could only dream of. He is a great supporter and advocate of Lake Land College and is the epitome of a successful Laker alumnus,” nominator Ryan Orrick, division chair agriculture/agriculture instructor, said.

“My time at Lake Land College was incredibly beneficial and impactful on my life,” McCully said. “Most importantly, Lake Land was where I met my wife, Gerry. Professionally, my involvement in the livestock judging team dramatically expanded my horizons of the livestock industry. This, coupled with various life skills developed through judging, set my career on the path I’ve been blessed with ever since.

“There were many staff and faculty that had a marked impact but probably most notable was Curt Rincker. He was a true mentor and saw more in me than I did in myself. I consider myself blessed to have had Curt in my life’s path.”

Wesley Wise, Laker Nation Class of 2003

Wise is the agricultural educator and FFA advisor at Okaw Valley High School (OVHS). After receiving an associate degree from Lake Land College, Wise attended the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana and received a bachelor’s degree in Ag education.

“Wise has taken the Okaw Valley Ag program to new heights under his leadership. He is amazing with students and is always thinking about the students first. Over the last five years at OVHS he has been instrumental in developing a program with the CORPS of Engineers which won a National Partnership Award. This program also won the Army CORPS of Engineers in Shelbyville the National Stem Award. His Ag students do a lot of work on Lake Shelbyville and even farm acreage for the CORPS,” nominator Matt Shoaff, Okaw Valley High School principal, said.

Wise led a team at OVHS that built a new state of the art ag facility. It is a one of a kind complex which houses animals and allows students to participate in hands on learning. Wise and the OVHS staff have presented at the Illinois School Board Convention in Chicago the last two years about the OVHS Ag program.

“He is a strong promoter of Lake Land College and is always pushing students to attend Lake Land. He is still connected with the ag program at Lake Land and works closely with Division Chair Agriculture/Agriculture Instructor Ryan Orrick,” Shoaff said.

“Lake Land College helped to lay the foundation for my career and success in education,” Wise said. “Lake Land was the perfect fit for me as a small town student that needed to bridge the gap between high school and a university. Not only were the faculty beyond outstanding, the experience was first rate also. I was allowed to develop the skills needed for me to be successful because of the personal relationships that I had with my teachers. I wasn’t just another face in the crowd. They knew my name, my goals and my dreams. More importantly, they took it as a personal challenge to help me become successful. Without Lake Land College, I have no doubt that I would never be in the position that I am today. I am beyond proud to say that I am celebrating my 15th year in education because of the outstanding education that I received at Lake Land College.

“During my time at Lake Land College several of the faculty inspired me to continue to follow my dream of becoming an educator. Curt Rincker was the first to cultivate this passion and was the main reason that I chose education. Curt was a mentor of mine before I even began Lake Land and allowed me to job shadow him throughout my high school years. Additionally, while attending Lake Land Jon Althaus and Bob Jurgens built upon the foundation that Curt had started and fed my passion of agriculture and education. Both of those men loved their job and made it apparent that they had a vested interest in all of their students. Also, Jon Van Dyke was someone who made every effort to assist me in my career goals. Although Jon never taught a class, he worked with me to make sure that all my objectives and needs were met. These men no doubt helped shape me into the educator I have become today.”