Monday, April 14, 2008 2:29 PM CDT
Lake Land 2008 Distinguished Alumni Society to induct 5
By JG/T-C Staff
editorial@jg-tc.com
MATTOON — From a doctor and two company vice presidents to a high ranking state official and a professor — Lake Land College’s newest class of the Distinguished Alumni Society is both prominent and diverse.
This month, the college will induct the 2008 class at a ceremony at 4:30 p.m. April 24 in Alumni Park. The inductees are: Larry Blackerby, Missouri City, Texas; Marnee Fieldman, Palatine; Dr. Margaret Merry-Niebrugge, Effingham; Larry Norton, Martinsville; and Milton Sees, Springfield.
Blackerby’s high school graduating class only had 41 students. He wanted to go to college, but was overwhelmed at the thought of a large university. The Herrick native said Lake Land was the perfect size, while also giving him quality instruction and practical experience.
“I was able to get my first professional job during my second year at Lake Land,” Blackerby said. “The confidence I gained those first two years at Lake Land allowed me to transfer to Indiana State University and receive a four-year degree.”
Blackerby is vice president and general manager of KPRC-TV in Missouri City, Texas. He attended Lake Land during 1973-1975 and received an associate degree in broadcasting.
Fieldman is in university administration and an assistant professor for Concordia University Chicago. The Mattoon native went to Lake Land for two years and majored in business administration. She received a bachelor’s degree at the University of Illinois and went on to receive a master’s degree in business administration from the London School of Economics and the University of Chicago.
She continues to give Lake Land credit for a solid education.
“This academic background gave me the opportunity to work with high profile businesses such as Arthur Andersen and Kraft Foods,” she said.
Merry-Niebrugge is self-employed as a dentist and works as a Lake Land dental hygiene instructor/dentist. As a doctor and an instructor, she has helped many people throughout her career.
She credits the excellent dental hygiene program, as well as her instructor, Carol Hjort, for “providing me with the opportunity to pursue my dreams and instilling in me the pursuit of excellence,” she said.
Norton is the vice president/plant engineer at Rowe Foundry in Martinsville. His career started at Lake Land, where he received an associate degree in applied science. He credits Lake Land’s “hands-on” approach to engineering for helping him in his profession.
“Lake Land provided me with a foundation from which to build my career,” he said. “This enabled me to acquire a job with General Motors Corporation through the co-op program and I was then able to pursue my bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering with Indiana State University.“
Sees is the secretary of transportation for the Illinois Department of Transportation. He came to Lake Land in 1973 and majored in pre-engineering. Like many in the Distinguished Alumni Society, Lake Land was a launching pad for a long educational career. He received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Illinois. He is also an Air Force veteran.
“My Lake Land experience improved both my written and oral communication skills and broadened my areas of knowledge and interest to include history and fine arts, allowing me to better appreciate other disciplines,” he said. “But most of all, I discovered a passion for learning, and sources of intellectual stimulation that helped prepare me for the challenges of both professional and political career stops.
“I am humbled to be considered a Distinguished Alumni of Lake Land,” he added.
Last year, the college initiated the first Distinguished Alumni Society and inducted 45 members.
“When you look at the 2008 Distinguished Alumni Society members, you are amazed by what they have accomplished. While their careers and experiences are quite varied, they all have one thing in common — they all began their college career here at Lake Land,” said Dave Cox, director of foundation and alumni. “These five individuals are a testimony to the quality education you receive through the community college experience. The foundation received here launched their careers and changed their perspectives of themselves.
“This group is a shining example of how the Lake Land experience can help change lives and launch futures and we are proud to honor them as this year’s class into the Distinguished Alumni Society.” Cox said.
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