THIS EVENT IS FULL - REGISTRATION IS CLOSED AT THIS TIME.

Do you hear what I hear?

Sleigh bells at Lakeland?

Could it be?

Yes... Santa Claus is coming to Lakeland!

Bring your family and enjoy the morning with Santa Claus. Your children will enjoy a crafts table and the opportunity to share Christmas wishes with Santa Claus. A full breakfast and your child's photo with Santa are included in the cost.

Event details:

Saturday, December 10
9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Bossard Hall
Main Campus

Cost:
Adults and children 11 and up - $8.00
Children 10 and under - FREE

The Great Lakes Writers Festival is held annually at Lakeland College, and is always free and open to the public. The event is hosted by Karl Elder, Lakeland's Fessler Professor of Creative Writing, and provides seasoned and emerging writers the opportunity to talk with peers, to discuss their work, and to learn from the pros in workshops. To register for the festival, email elderk@lakeland.edu.

In addition to participating in all workshops, alumni and friends are invited to attend a complimentary reception and reading by the featured writers! This years featured writers are Joyce Dyer and Hailey Leithauser.

Thursday, November 3, 2011 - 7:00 p.m.

The reception and reading are free of charge, but registration is appreciated.

7:00 p.m. Wine & cheese reception
7:30 p.m. Readings by featured writers Joyce Dyer and Hailey Leithauser
8:30 p.m. Book signing

To learn more about the festival go to www.greatlakeswritersfestival.org.

You Can Make a Difference!

October 31 - November 5

The Alumni Association challenges alumni to participate in a state-wide food drive. Non-perishable food items will be collected from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. from October 31 to November 5 at all seven Lakeland Centers. The entire amount donated by Lakeland students, alumni, faculty and staff will be counted in "Cans Across the Conference," a program of the Northern Athletics Conference. By contributing to the drive, you help those in need this holiday season.

Drop-Off Locations and Beneficiaries:

Sheboygan Center - Main Campus: Safe-Harbor

Central Wisconsin Center - 500 32^nd St. North, Wisconsin Rapids: Wisconsin Rapids Food Pantry

Chippewa Valley Center - 770 Scheidler Rd., Chippewa Falls: The Feed My People Food Bank

Fox Cities Center - 2320 Industrial Dr., Neenah: St. Joseph's Food Pantry and Neenah Animal Shelter

Green Bay Center - 2985 South Ridge Rd., Green Bay: Paul's Pantry

Madison Center - 3591 Anderson St., Madison: The River Food Pantry

Milwaukee Center - 1135 S. 70^th St., West Allis: The Hunger Task Force

If you have questions, contact Director of Alumni Relations, Lisa Vihos.

We will celebrate the reunion classes of 1961, 1971, 1981, 1986, 1991, 2001 and 2006.

If you are interested in helping with or have ideas for this year's celebration, please contact Charmaine Jankowski, Associate Director of Alumni Relations, at 920-565-1404 or jankowskicm@lakeland.edu.

The tournament, held June 17 on three courses, raised $35,000, which will be used for student scholarships and various needs in the Lakeland athletic department.

The Moose Woltzen Cup was held at Blackwolf Run in Kohler, the Mike Devaney Cup was held at Autumn Ridge in Valders and the Millennium Cup was held at Miller's Glenn in Howards Grove.

Following a day of golf, everyone gathered at Lakeland's campus for an awards celebration. Winning teams included:

Woltzen corporate division: Gauthier & Sons' Construction, Inc., Tim White, Chris Vandenoven, Paul Hendricks and Dean White. Woltzen open division: Big Kahuna's, Jim Jensen '70, Rick Schulz '70, Jim Snow and Dean Nowak.

Devaney corporate division: Bella's Custom Design, Patrick Skalecki, Dan Schultz, Chris Boudrie and Mark Karls. Devaney open division: Team Seehafer, Jason Seehafer '00, Chris Lenz, Ryan Tresp and Nathan Meinart.

Millennium Cup: Green Bay Packers, Adam Brown '08, Tyler Starbird '08, Jake VanCamp, Adam Hablewitz '08.

The 2012 tournament is scheduled for Friday, June 22. Registration information will be available online at http://lakeland.edu/blasters.

The 2011 Blasters promises to be bigger and better than ever. Mark your calendar and get your foursome ready for the event of the summer on Friday, June 17. Click here to see photos from last year's event.

Visit www.lakeland.edu/blasters to view the schedule of the day and register your foursome!

In early May, had you driven along Highway M past Lakeland's main campus, you would have seen a lawn filled with downed trees as the grounds were prepared for the start of construction on the new front entrance.

The project is in full swing. South Drive has now closed - North Drive and Prof Drive should be used for access to campus. In early June, the extension of Reineking Court will be completed and Reineking Drive, which will be connected to the rest of campus, will re-open.

On August 1, North and Prof Drives will close. On October 1, the new bridge will be open to traffic as the new front entrance truly takes shape. A dedication of the new front entrance is planned for Homecoming on Saturday, October 15. We hope you can join us for this historic occasion.

You can watch the front entrance project take shape this summer by accessing our live webcam at http://lakeland.edu/construction. This page also includes an up-to-date timeline for the project and news of any road closures.

The Koehler Award goes to the full-time student at the main campus who qualifies academically and who best exemplifies Lakeland's spirit through engagement in campus activities and exemplary commitment to the Lakeland community.

The Lope Award goes to the Kellett School graduate who has shown unusual persistence, dedication and commitment in the course of earning their bachelor's degree.

Devon Hay, 2011 Lope Award Winner

(Adapted from the presentation remarks by Erin Kohl, interim vice president for the Kellett School.)

Devon Hay began her educational journey with Lakeland in 2008, eight years after completing her associate's degree. She was determined to pursue her education with a specific goal in mind: to operate her own childcare center. She personified perseverance, enrolling in nine-12 credits each term while also working 50-60 hours per week. She overcame personal obstacles in the pursuit of her degree. Since the age of 12, she has been legally blind. For some, this may have proven too difficult to overcome, but for Devon, this personal challenge motivated her to excel and to attain her goals. She realized one of her professional goals and has become the owner of a childcare center.

Devon has been a role model for other students. By maintaining a positive attitude, a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence, she has helped to inspire others to overcome their own personal challenges. She continues to be an advocate for education, not only at the early childhood level, but at all levels.

In the words of her advisor, Devon is "a dedicated, enthusiastic and driven teacher, student and entrepreneur. Her story is an illustration of the great opportunities that are available in our country for people from all walks of life that are willing to work hard and achieve their dreams despite any obstacles that are placed before them."

Devon says, "I loved the flexibility available through Lakeland's BlendEd model. I also loved the personal connections with the instructors. When life would conflict with a deadline, my professors were always willing to listen and meet in the middle, and their concern was greatly appreciated." As for what she would say to her fellow new graduates: "It is all worthwhile when you see the difference you have made in your life and the lives of those who have supported you through the journey."

Pratikshya Bhandari, 2011 Koehler Award Winner

(Adapted from presentation remarks by Scott Niederjohn, associate professor of business administration and the chair of the Business Division.)

Pratikshya Bhandari completed 126 credits at Lakeland toward a degree in international business while also completing the college's honors program. These credits translate into about 42 classes, and she excelled in each at the highest academic levels. She was listed in Who's Who of American College Students in 2009 and 2010. She was named the 2010 Outstanding Student in International Business and received the Outstanding International Student for Academic Achievement and Leadership award. In the words of one of my faculty colleagues, this student has been a superstar in the classroom.

In terms of campus engagement, Pratikshya has further distinguished herself. She was a four-year member of Global Student Association and Student Association. She served in leadership positions in both of these groups, including special events coordinator of GSA, an enormous responsibility. This role includes taking leadership for the planning of the college's very popular International Night. She even found time to perform a number of dances in this event.

Lastly, Pratikshya's commitment to the Lakeland community, and others, has been exemplary. She volunteered for Habitat for Humanity (where she made two spring break service trips), Lakeland College Service Group, Colleges against Cancer, Relay for Life and Make a Difference Day. As busy as her schedule has obviously been, she has also given a significant amount of her time to tutoring others in our Academic Resource Center.

Pratikshya describes her Lakeland experience in this way: "Being more than 3,000 miles away from home was hard at first. The realization that I could not go home for the weekend was difficult....I have always believed that people make up places and not the other way around. I got to know so many people at Lakeland in the past four years. Lakeland, for me, is full of familiar faces and people I have come to love." As for her advice to new graduates, she says, "We have the tools to succeed. We just have to remember that sometimes the best things in life come if we wait for them."

Elease "Skip" Davis came to Lakeland to play football, and left with lifelong friends and the skills needed to enjoy a very successful career in information technology.

He was recruited by legendary coach Duane "Moose" Woltzen, and enjoyed a standout four-year varsity career at running back. In 1968, the team was undefeated. Elease, a two-year captain, was team MVP in 1969 and 1970 and was named National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics All-American in 1970, his senior year. Many years later, in 1997, Elease was inducted into the Lakeland Hall of Fame in the same year as his coach, John Thome, which was a proud moment.

When Elease first arrived at Lakeland, Dean Loren Tiede explained that if he maintained a 3.0 grade point average, he could receive an academic scholarship. The young star athlete from the south side of Chicago was determined to do well not only on the field, but in the classroom. He remembers fondly many professors, including Profs. Rath, Schilcutt and Ulrich. "I loved Professor Ulrich's philosophy classes and how he encouraged us to think." He also remembers history professor Robert Riles ("He helped me get some perspective") and a great French teacher, Nancy Brown ("I can't really speak French today, but I enjoyed the challenge of learning a new language.") Elease also remembers the care offered by Campus Center Director Dick Preuhs. "Dick was such a great guy. He watched out for us."

Elease majored in history and minored in education and economics. In reflecting on his education, what stands out the most for Elease is that he learned how to communicate. "I was coming from the south side of Chicago and had a very limited view of the world. At Lakeland, I was part of a diverse campus of people and ideas. My college experience opened up my eyes to a lot of different things and helped me learn how to communicate with all types of people. My education really prepared me to work in the business world."

After graduation and a short stint as a substitute teacher, Elease landed a position in sales at AT&T, where he worked for seven years. He went briefly to Xerox, then to Hewlett-Packard, and in 1986 Xerox asked him to return to work in management. He stayed there until 1997. He went into IT consulting and staffing and worked for Tech Soft and later Kelly Services, where he was a regional area manager in Cincinnati, Ohio until 2007. Since 2008, Elease has worked at Global Associates, a global IT consulting and staffing firm. He travels extensively for his work, and has been to India, Bali, Indonesia, Hawaii and all over the U.S. "When traveling is for work, it is not as much fun as it sounds!" he says, though he does try, to weave in a little vacation time, especially in Hawaii.

Elease spoke with great pride of his family. His wife, Yalanda, also works in IT sales. They blended their two families from previous marriages and now enjoy six daughters (Kimberly, Deanna, Epiphany, Shaundrea, Shaneel and Sharean) and 11 grandchildren. The youngest, a little girl name Morenikke Delaney, was born on April 26. Grandpa could not be prouder or happier.

In reminiscing on his Lakeland days, Elease says, "The thing about Lakeland is that I made lifetime friends: Louis and Nancy (Swain) Jones, Roy Evans, Reggie Williams and Tricia Hill."

And for new graduates, Elease said today's world requires a thick skin and persistent attitude. "Don't let anybody tell you that what you want to do can't be done. With God on your side, there is no way you can lose. All things are possible."

Visit & Explore Prague with Lakeland College

A unique opportunity for alumni and friends to travel to the Czech Republic. The Lakeland College Men's Basketball team will be making the trip to Prague and have invited all alumni and friends to join them. The team will be playing three games while there. Alumni and friends can cheer on the team or venture off to explore the beautiful city of Prague.

Trip Details:

• May 28 - June 4, 2011
  
  Price per person: $2,095
  
  Includes:
  Ground transportation from Sheboygan to Chicago
  Round-trip airline tickets from Chicago to Prague (all taxes and bag fees are included)
  Four-star hotel stay with daily breakfast buffet
  Transportation to and from the LC Men's Basketball games (3 of them)
  
  For all other attractions and meals, it is the responsibility of the guest.
  
• A deposit of $400 is due by December 18, 2010 to reserve your spot. Please contact Coach Aaron Aanonsen, Head Men's Basketball Coach, for more information at 920-565-1445 or via email: AanonsenAA@lakeland.edu.
  
  Don't forget your Passport!

The Lakeland College Alumni Association with Luke and Monica Pfeifer `03 `06, Kathie Powers `76, Mary Vorpahl `06, John Campbell IV `06, and Jessica Bailey `69 invite you to enjoy a piece of American history and network with alumni and friends.

Join alumni and friends for a private dinner on Saturday, May 14, 2011 in the

The Betsy Ross Room
Mount Vernon Inn, Alexandria, VA

5:30 p.m. - Cocktail Reception (cash bar)
6:30 p.m. - Dinner
7:30 p.m. - Faculty & Alumni Spotlights and State of the College
8:30 p.m. - Event concludes

Cost: $35 per person

Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Rick Dodgson, Assistant Professor of History
Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Karl A. Schleunes `59
State of the College given by: Ken Strmiska, Vice President for Advancement, Lakeland College

Looking for a weekend getaway? Join us in our nation's capital for a weekend of sightseeing and connecting with area alumni. For information on lodging, dining, and places to see, check out www.crystalcity.org (Arlington, VA area) and http://visitalexandriava.com/ (Alexandria, VA).

Please contact Charmaine Jankowski `03, Associate Director of Alumni Relations, with any questions at 920-565-1404 or jankowskicm@lakeland.edu.

Time Travel in Germany with Lakeland College

Fairy tales are real and you can visit them on this journey through time in Germany with Lakeland College professor and alumnus, Martin Ulrich `75 `00. Highlights include:

A Roman Garrison
The Rhine River and its Castles
The Cologne Cathedral
Neuschwanstein Castle
Munich, Kassel, Salzburg, and much, much more!!

Trip Details:

• May 11 - May 24, 2011
  
  Price per person: $2,500
  
  Includes:
  Airfare
• Accomodations
• All breakfasts, and some dinners.
• A deposit of $500 is due by January 31, 2011 to reserve your spot. For more information contact

• Martin Ulrich ulrichm@lakeland.edu (920) 565-1416

  Lisa Vihos vihoslb@lakeland.edu (920) 565-1295

  
  Don't forget your Passport!

This year, 10 seniors were nominated by their peers for the annual Clarence H. Koehler Award. The award is given in honor of Rev. Koehler '37 to the day program student who "best exemplifies Lakeland's spirit" through his or her engagement in campus activities and exemplary commitment to the Lakeland community.

The winner will be announced at the May 7 Graduation Celebration Banquet. As attested to by these brief biographies, the finalists are some of the college's top students with notable accomplishments in the classroom and the community. The Lakeland community certainly will miss them, and this place that so many call home will await their return. We look forward to watching them shine in the world, just as they have done here at Lakeland for the past four years. The 2011 Koehler Award nominees are:

Pratikshya Bhandari

Major: International business.

Accomplishments: Dean's List for seven semesters; 2010 International Student Academic Achievement and Leadership Award; Outstanding Student in International Business.

Involvement: Make a Difference Day, Relay for Life, Habitat for Humanity, Dress a Child for Christmas for a Malawi orphanage, Global Student Association (Special Events Coordinator/Public Relations Officer), Student Association (Incoming Student Representative, Treasurer and Graduating Student Representative), Colleges Against Cancer. In 2009-10, she was President of the Lakeland College Service Group.

"I will miss my friends who have become a part of my extended family, all the staff who have made my life possible at Lakeland, and the professors who have shaped my college experience intellectually for the past four years. I am most excited about all the possibilities that stand before me and the responsibilities that are coming my way. Life after Lakeland, at the moment, is uncertain, but it is a new beginning and I am ready to embrace it!"

Mary Dennewitz

Major: Accounting with a fraud and forensics emphasis; Minor: Resort management.

Accomplishments: Dean's List all four years, numerous awards and scholarships including Outstanding Student in Accounting in 2011.

Involvement: Numerous service projects including Big Brothers/Big Sisters Music Jam, Festival of Trees, Muskie Shoot Outs, Salvation Army Bell Ringing. Mary played basketball for four years and was team captain in 2009-10. She was a Campus Ambassador for three years, and member of Students in Free Enterprise, serving as secretary in 2009.

"I am most excited about getting into the real world and finally trying to apply some of the knowledge I have obtained into real-life situations." She will miss college life for the naps, and more importantly for the friendships with fellow students and her professors.

Kristina Filipovic

Double major: Business management and sports studies; Minor: Spanish.

Accomplishments: Numerous scholarships, Who's Who Among American College Students, Outstanding Senior in 2010, Outstanding Student in Sports Studies in 2011.

Involvement: Volunteer basketball coach at Tiny Tigers basketball clinic, a volunteer summer high school basketball coach, and a Lakeland orientation leader. She was named Homecoming Queen in 2008. She is in Mortar Board, the National Spanish Honors Society, and Lakeland conversation partners program.

Kristina says she will miss the Lakeland rule that dictates that students can work only 10 hours a week. "I am excited about putting all my experiences and lessons that I learned at Lakeland to use in the real world."

Katelyn Gussert

Major: Elementary education; Minor: English.

Accomplishments: Dean's List for eight semesters, numerous awards include the Presidential Scholarship, Who's Who Among American College Students, 2011 Outstanding Theatre Student Award.

Involvement: Countless hours volunteering in elementary classrooms. She assisted the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Music Jam, Festival of Trees, delivered canned goods for charities. She has been involved in theatre all four years, and was vice-president of Theatricians. Mortar Board for two years, serving as vice-president. Member of Student Wisconsin Education Association for three years, Freunchor for four years, and Concert Choir one year.

Katelyn is most excited about a new adventure that will begin when she completes her student teaching: a summer spent in New York attending The American Academy of Dramatic Arts. "I am going to miss the community that is found at Lakeland. It is full of people who share a deep sense of caring for one another. My second family lives here, and it is hard to imagine not seeing them."

Grace Jairo

Major: Biochemistry.

Accomplishments: Many awards including 2011 Outstanding International Student for Academic Achievement and Leadership and Outstanding Senior in Biochemistry.

Involvement: Many service projects including Relay for Life, Make a Difference Day, Habitat for Humanity, Camo Quilt Project in Plymouth. Served as an ER volunteer at Aurora Sheboygan Memorial Hospital. President of the Global Student Association, founding president of the Math Club, Vice-President of the Chemistry Club, served on the Spiritual Life Council. She played tennis and performed in the 2011 spring musical, Godspell.

"Lakeland College is full of very kind and genuinely caring people that make the environment so friendly starting from the President of the college, and including the faculty, staff, and students. It is the people I have come to know while here and the people who have been of great support that I will miss most. I will also miss the various opportunities I have had to share my culture with other people through my favorite organization, GSA. I am excited to start a whole new experience in a relatively different kind of setting. Whether it will be in graduate school or getting a job, I know I will enjoy it and get a chance to serve the world in a different way."

Katelyn Kilton

Major: Elementary education; Minor: English as a second language.

Accomplishments: President's Award, Who's Who Among American College Students. Involvement: Volunteered at Kohler Elementary School since 2008, volunteer basketball coach for Kiel seventh grade girls' team, several Muskie Shootout Basketball Tournaments. She played basketball and was the team captain in 2008 and 2009. She has been a Conversation Partner, a member of Mortar Board, secretary for Wisconsin Education Association, and has participated in Relay for Life.

"I'm excited about starting a new chapter in my life - especially having the opportunity to educate children and watch them grow. This has been a life-long dream. I will miss all the people I have met and the close friendships I have developed including students and faculty. I will also miss being a part of the women's basketball team, attending sporting events and participating in all of the fun activities that Lakeland offers."

Michael Olson

Major: Middle childhood education (grades 1-8); Minor: History.

Accomplishments: Dean's List, recipient of Dr. John and Anita Morland Scholarship, the Elden A. Amundson Scholarship and the Kuehn Achievement Award.

Involvement: Resident Assistant for three years, Campus Ambassador for two years. 2010 Lakeland Student Leader Award and was named Residence Life Staff Member of the Year. Co-President of Student Wisconsin Education Association and president of Mortar Board.

"I am excited for the opportunity to have a positive and influential role in young students' lives through teaching. I will definitely miss seeing everyone I have grown so close to over the years."

Rob Pockat

Double major: Secondary education and English; Minor: Writing.

Accomplishments: Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities all four years, 2010 English Student of the Year.

Involvement: Volunteered at local schools, the Great Lakes Writers Festival, the Wisconsin State Reading Association, and started a literary journal on campus. Columnist for the Mirror, a student blogger, and the founder and co-president of the Lakeland chapter of the Student Wisconsin Education Association. Served on the Dining Services Advisory Board, was student representative to the Lakeland College Curriculum Committee and will serve as the Class Representative on the Lakeland College Alumni Association Board of Directors in 2011-12.

"As I begin the next chapter of my life I'm reminded of a quote from Henry David Thoreau: 'Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.' With the help of my Lakeland guides-professors, faculty, and friends I've made along the way-I blazed a path not wholly expected, but the right path for me. What will I miss most about Lakeland? Miss it? I'm not leaving! I love this place!" Rob is applying for a graduate assistant position and plans to enter the master of arts in counseling program this summer.

Emily Rendall-Araujo

Double major: Voice Performance and Pedagogy and Business Management.

Accomplishments: Dean's List all four years, Who's Who Among American College Students, numerous awards and scholarships including the Helen Boatwright Music Scholarship, the Outstanding New Choral Student Award, 2011 Outstanding Voice Performance Student.

Involvement: Service projects include Giving Tree, Adopt-a-Highway, Letters to Santa, and Teddy Bear Toss. She assisted with Peruvian Day at the John Michael Kohler Arts Center and was 2010 Volunteer Coordinator for the Movers and Shakers Gala. She is active in Phi Delta Omega sorority (President, Secretary, Pledgemaster, and Sergeant at Arms), a member of the Concert Choir, the Band and the Schilcutt Handbell Ensemble and has served the Music Department in various capacities. She has performed in several Lakeland College musicals.

Emily looks forward to slowing down just a bit and being able to spend more time with her husband as well as having time to do more things that are fun for her. As far as what she will miss about Lakeland, "Definitely the people! You always say that you will visit and keep in touch, and you can, but it's not the same as seeing everyone every day."

Kayla Weber

Double major: Spanish and International Business.

Accomplishments: Dean's List, Outstanding Student Leader Award in 2010. Numerous scholarships including Orion Energy Systems and The Manitowoc Company. Involvement: Volunteered at Maywood, the John Michael Kohler Arts Center, and Salvation Army bell-ringing. Special events coordinator of LC-CAB for two years (serving as vice-president and president), president of the Spanish Club, vice-president of Spanish National Honors Society, and was involved in intramurals and Lakeland College conversation partners.

"Lakeland is such a big family that I know I am going to miss being able to walk across the hall or campus to see my friends. I have worked in admissions all four years and I know I will miss the staff in the office as well as giving tours. I am most excited about being able to move somewhere new. Seeing the world has always been a dream of mine."

As we anticipate the May 7 announcement of the 2011 Koehler Award winner, it seemed only fitting to highlight a past Koehler recipient.

When Joel Schuler was a Lakeland student, he was president of the Inter-Greek Council and also a very involved Zeta Chi, serving as president, vice president and pledgemaster. He was a member of the choir and the band, and he participated in numerous theatre productions.

In the 31 years since his graduation, Joel has continued to stay active in the Lakeland community. He has served twice on the Lakeland College Alumni Association Board of Directors, first as the class representative in the year following graduation, and again in the late 90s when he took on the role of LCAA President for four years. In 2009, Joel received the Alumni Association's Service to the College Award, which is given to an alumnus/na who has demonstrated excellent service to the college.

Currently, Joel is bringing his leadership and enthusiasm to the Sesquicentennial Steering Committee. He is the co-leader with Lori (Sass) Kaufman '09 of the Affinity Groups division, helping to shepherd the work of six different alumni-led sub-committees (arts, athletics, church relations, Greeks, international and Mission House).

Joel's involvement in Lakeland actually pre-dates his college years. "Lakeland has played a large roll in my life for a very long time. I attended music festivals in junior high and four years of music camp in high school." Furthermore, his appreciation for the college blends rather seamlessly with his personal life. When he married Becky Johnston '85 in 2002, they came up with a generous plan. "Becky and I asked our wedding guests to give a donation to the college (our reception was at Lakeland) rather than give us gifts."

Currently, Joel is national sales manager for Infor Restaurant Systems, placing point of sales systems in fast food restaurants across the country. He is on the road nearly every week, but he always makes time to come to campus for Sesquicentennial planning meetings, alumni events and student events. In this past month alone, Joel attended "Godspell" and the Homecoming Choir and Band concert, along with a pair of Sesquicentennial meetings.

When Joel received the Alumni Award in 2009, he shared some memories of his college days that illuminate how the connections made in college can help further one's career after college. He wrote:

"There are so many meaningful experiences that I remember both from an academic perspective and my student employment. Working in the Campus Center for Dick Preuhs '65 and in the book store for Dennis Brooks '72 were some of the most rewarding. I learned a lot from Dick and Dennis, and will always appreciate the time we spent together. The summers during Weight Watchers camp or the AA banquet with 500 smoking guests, no AC or electricity, and a tornado warning are a few of the more memorable moments! It was also through Dick that I was connected to Peter Rutledge '69 when I was about to graduate. He was opening up a Burger King in Arizona. I moved there sight unseen after graduation to work for him. Without that first connection to the fast food industry, my career probably would have taken a totally different course.

"Then, there was EXTRAC (Executive Training and Communication), which I would say was the most meaningful academic experience. It was a winterim class taught by Prof. Schilcutt. There are times still today when I am doing something at work and I will remember things I learned from him in that class."

Just because you have graduated, does not mean that your Lakeland experience will end. As Joel simply states, "Lakeland is a great place." The Lakeland family, which includes people like Joel, provides a strong network of support for current students and alumni who work tirelessly to support the college and one another.

You can reach Joel to catch up at joel.schuler@infor.com.

The mid-March earthquake in Japan has affected millions of lives, including the students, faculty and staff at Lakeland College Japan. Lakeland College is raising money for the earthquake relief effort, and we need your help. Any contribution, no matter the size, will help as our friends in Japan work to get back on their feet.

If you make a contribution of $50 or more, we will mail you a "We Support Japan" t-shirt, which was designed by two Lakeland students, art major Kasumi Sagae and biology major Sean Johnson. Click to donate to Japan Relief

"The idea for the shirts came from a brainstorming session held soon after the earthquake struck," said Jen Siebert, Lakeland's assistant director of the Hayssen Academic Resource Center and the English Language Institute and an instructor of Japanese. Students, faculty and staff organized a design competition with student entries posted on Facebook for voting. A total of 500 shirts were made, and nearly 400 have been sold, raising over $2,500.

Sagae's design on the front of the shirt includes three typical Japanese symbols that represent her hopes for her home: the crane, symbolizing good fortune; the cherry blossoms, peace; and the red circle, the sun that also appears on the Japanese flag. She says "I wanted to keep it as simple as possible, so people would understand what they are looking at." Kasumi's family lives closer to Tokyo, so they were not in immediate danger after the quake, though they did have to do without electricity and gas for their cars. They also experienced food shortages. Kasumi has spoken to her family via Skype and reports that things are getting better for them. She is proud of her brother, who is volunteering in the hardest hit area. Sean Johnson's contribution on the back of the shirt helps put words on the message: "We Support Japan - Lakeland College."

The shirts are being worn by students, faculty and staff. Recently, the shirts made their way onto the backs of many alumni who returned to campus on April 16 for the fifth annual Alumni College events. Shirts went into the greater community at an event called, "Barefoot Day," at Sheboygan's Memorial Mall. This event was organized by students under the direction of Lakeland's assistant community service coordinator, Danielle Ristow '10.

"The day was originally designed to provide earthquake relief to the people of Haiti by collecting gently used shoes to donate," Ristow said. "When the earthquake and tsunami hit Japan, the group broadened 'Barefoot Day' to include fundraising for Japan as well." Students were able to collect shoes and sell t-shirts to help support relief efforts in two different parts of the world in one informative and engaging community event.

There are still t-shirts available. Won't you contribute to Lakeland's earthquake relief effort and in the process, receive an artful shirt to show your support for the people of Japan? And if you have gently used shoes, Lakeland will help you get them onto the feet of people in Haiti who need them.

Click to donate to Japan Relief.

If you would like more information about aid to Japan, please contact Jen Siebert at siebertj@lakeland.edu or Nate Dehne at dehnend@lakeland.edu.

If you would like to learn more about shoes for Haiti, please contact Danielle Ristow at ristowd@lakeland.edu.

Saturday, April 16, 2011 - 8:30 to 4:30

The 5th Annual Alumni College is coming soon. Alumni and guests are welcome and encouraged to attend this day of fun-filled, thought-provoking classes designed to help you explore and develop your skills and interests. A buffet lunch will be served and there is a closing reception at the end of the day.

$10 per person includes all your classes, lunch, and the reception

This program is part of the series, "Power Up Your Mind."

Questions? Contact Lisa Vihos, Director Alumni Relations, at vihoslb@lakeland.edu or by phone at 920-565-1295.

Register online for Alumni College.

Join with other alumni and friends for a program of choral and band music in your community.

Wednesday, April 13

Menomonee Falls

St. Paul's United Church of Christ

7:00 p.m.

Thursday, April 14

Burlington

Plymouth Congregational UCC

7:00 p.m.

Friday, April 15

La Crosse

St. John's UCC

7:00 p.m.

Saturday, April 16

Two Rivers

Grace Congregational UCC

3:00 p.m.

Sunday, April 17

Lakeland College

Bradley Auditorium

3:00 p.m.

Reservations are not required, but if you do attend one of these events, please let it be known that you are a Lakeland graduate. We look forward to catching up with you! For more information, please contact Colleen Darling at darlingca@lakeland.edu or 920-565-1538.

Godspell: Dinner and a Show

Friday, April 1

Enjoy a delicious dinner prior to the Lakeland College production of Godspell. Theatre Director, Charlie Krebs will provide a pre-show talk about the play. He will be joined by cast members who will sing a few songs from the show.

Dinner: 5:45 p.m. in the David and Valerie Black Room in the Laun Center

Show: 7:30 p.m. in the Bradley Auditorium

Cost: $40 per person

This event is part of the series "Power Up Your Mind."

Questions? Contact Lisa Vihos, Director Alumni Relations, at vihoslb@lakeland.edu or by phone at 920-565-1295.

Lunch: 12:00 noon

Presentation: 1:00 p.m.

Moorings Country Club

2500 Crayton Road, Naples Florida 34103

Golf afterwards (optional)

9 holes with cart

President and Mrs. Stephen A. Gould and

Dr. J. Garland Schilcutt H`88

cordially invite you to attend the

Lakeland College Alumni & Friends
Cocktail Reception

Saturday, March 5, 2011
4:00 - 6:00 p.m.

The Phoenician - J&G Steakhouse
6000 East Camelback Rd, Scottsdale AZ

A reply is requested by February 25, 2011 to Charmaine Jankowski `03, Associate Director of Alumni Relations, 800-569-2166 ext. 1404 or jankowskicm@lakeland.edu.

Lakeland College Counselor Reception and Networking Social

Lakeland College is hosting a Networking Social for all
MAC graduate students, Lakeland College alumni, MAC adjunct faculty,
and their guests.
Thursday, February 24^th at 5:45 p.m.

Ramada Stevens Point Hotel
1501 North Point Drive
715-341-1340

Hors d 'oeuvres and soda provided with a cash bar
Hosted by Lakeland College, Sheboygan, WI

The event is free, but please register so we know you are coming!

The reception is held in conjunction with the
Wisconsin School Counselor Association Conference
for further information about the conference:
http://www.wscaweb.org/site/conference/index.asp

It is not necessary to register for the conference to attend the networking social.

Since her days as a Lakeland student, Erin Balleine has been committed to working for social justice.

She attributes her desire to making the world a better place in part to growing up the daughter of a pastor, Lakeland alumnus Lawrence Balleine '70. She remembers homeless people coming to the church seeking support. "If they needed some food or some money for diapers, our home is where they came." Erin remembers that missionaries from other parts of the world would stay at her house and share their stories of struggle and hardship. "I grew up understanding the social injustices that existed not only in my own community, but across the world. This really shaped who I am today."

Erin earned a bachelor's degree in sociology at Lakeland. She remembers that Lakeland faculty members Alan Mock, Keith Striggow and Don Francis all taught about the systematic social injustices that occur every day, and Erin began to understand the extent of the challenges and how she could make a difference.

Lakeland opened the door to several internships that gave her experience in helping people in need. At Project Youth of Lutheran Social Services, she worked with troubled youth. An internship with the AIDS Network of Madison, Wis., became the basis of her Senior Honors Thesis. She also worked part time with Safe Harbor, a Sheboygan-based domestic abuse shelter. Prof. Mock, says of her, "Erin's passion for social justice is a rare and needed attribute in today's world. Her work provides a profound and enduring commitment to improving the lives of people in need."

Erin remembers her Lakeland professors as people who cared. She has a fond memory of Richard Leach, who taught humanities, chasing after her across campus when she was late for a bus leaving for a field trip to Chicago. He had Erin's dad in class two decades before, and she says, "Dr. Leach called on me every single day. I could not ever be behind on my reading for his class, because I knew he would call on me. I tried sitting in different seats, but he always found me." She said she misses singing in the choir with Prof. Janet Herrick. "I loved that."

Erin also recalls an eye color exercise in Dr. Mock's class in which he placed students with blue eyes in the back of the class and those with brown at the front, intentionally discriminating based on eye color. "This exercise brought to life the realities of discrimination and was often something I thought about as I furthered my studies in sociology."

After graduating, Erin helped open the Miami branch of the National Farm Worker Ministry (NFWM), where she worked as a community organizer in support of farmworkers to end sweatshop labor in the fields. "Many of us have heard of the abuses that exist in sweatshops around the world," states Erin, "but few of us have considered the 'sweatshop' conditions that farmworkers in the U.S. have had to endure." During her time with NFWM, she helped organize the boycotts of Taco Bell, Mt. Olive Pickle Company and Gallo Wines, all of which ended victoriously. She remembers the day that a contract was signed between the wealthy company officials and the farmworkers who struggled to get by on $10,000 a year incomes. She and others had fought to ensure a penny-per-pound pay raise for the farmworkers who had not received a raise in 26 years. "As we all sat in the room together to sign the contract providing farm workers with their first raise in 26 years, I realized that a very small group of farmworkers, people who tend to have very little power, had just made a very significant change a multi-billion dollar industry. And I got to be a part of it. It was a very moving moment," she said.

Erin received her masters in sociology from Boston College. Her work there focused on social movements and social class. Currently, Erin is the statewide VISTA Supervisor and Resource Specialist for the Florida Literacy Coalition. She oversees an Americorps grant that provides 16 full time VISTAs to be placed in literacy organizations throughout Florida. Whereas her work during her time at Lakeland had to do with direct service to people in need, she learned from those experiences that she can do greater things for larger communities of people by working at the organizational level to create sustainable change. It's a perspective she gained through her varied work experiences and her studies at Lakeland.

When asked what advice she would give to new graduates, Erin says, "Don't be afraid to go for it, whatever 'it' is for you. Go for it full force. You have nothing to lose, only everything to gain." Erin can be reached at eballeine@yahoo.com.