JOSH WEGER - ALUM

I enrolled at Lincoln Trail College after graduating from Lawrenceville High School. At LTC, I learned everything from how to use a computer, to the basics of state and local government, to the fundamentals of economic theory. After graduating from LTC, I went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree in economics and a master’s degree in political science from the University of Illinois at Springfield.

After college, I worked for former State Rep. Chuck Hartke and the Illinois Auditor General’s Office before joining the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). I was recently named DCEO’s Southeast Region Manager, where I’m responsible for working with local leaders to coordinate economic development programs and services across a 13 county region of Southeastern Illinois.

LTC instructors gave me more than academic readiness and workplace competency - they gave me life perspective and the taught me the importance of self-motivation and maturity. Without question, I would not be where I am today without Lincoln Trail College. LTC gave me the ability to succeed and prepared me for the future.

Josh Weger
Southeast Region Manager
Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity
Olney, IL

JENNIFER BRICKER - FORMER STUDENT

Cora Wegerand the Student Advantage Network REALLY helped me with school and were a BIG part and help of me get everything together that I needed to get onto the college program at Disney World. I really don't know what I would have done with out their help! They're amazing people and a great group!

Jennifer Bricker

Acro-aerialist

Operations cast member Disney World
Orlando, FL

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Graduates Sought

Are you an Lincoln Trail College graduate? Do you know someone who is? We are looking for graduates who make our college proud to feature on our LTC Proud blog. To nominate someone (or even yourself), send their name and email address to Danelle Hevron at hevrond@iecc.edu. You may just be the next face of LTC!

KIM NATION - ALUM

I chose LTC because I received a Presidential Scholarship that covered the cost of my tuition, fees and books. It was so nice to not have the financial burden of having to pay for four whole years of college. I fulfilled all of my general education requirements at LTC, so once I transferred to the university I was able to concentrate on taking classes for my major. I really enjoyed being a peer counselor. I liked helping other students and assisting with campus events and I learned some valuable interpersonal skills. I was also involved in the Campus Life club. I had a lot of fun with the Bible study and get-togethers. The church I attended at that time did not have a youth group, so Campus Life made me feel like I belonged. I feel that LTC was a great place for me to start my college education.

Kim Nation
Upward Bound Academic Coordinator
Indiana State University
Terre Haute, IN

SHELBY DERSCH - ALUM

I chose LTC for two main reasons. First, I simply was not ready for the four-year university setting. I also wanted to save money, so when I received an academic scholarship offer I knew LTC was where I wanted to build my college foundation. LTC offered me smaller class sizes, so I was able to receive individualized assistance as well as the attention I needed to excel. Taking a majority of psychology courses, I was very impressed with the variety of topics offered. Susan Polgar supported my interest of psychology and gave me the encouragement to go after what I was most passionate about. The class times also worked well with my schedule, enabling me to continue working at Monical’s Pizza throughout my time at LTC, and thus saving even more money for my next step. I encourage current and prospective students to get involved at LTC because there are a lot of great opportunities there. Being a part of Student Senate as well as being a Peer Counselor gave me a voice and helped me realize I wanted to work with those who might not otherwise have a voice. For me, LTC was the smartest decision I made for my academic career and it holds a special place in my heart.

Shelby (Finn) Dersch, MSW
Senior Information & Referral Specialist
ElderLink St. Louis
St. Louis, Missouri

KYLE DISHONG - ALUM

I chose Lincoln Trail College because of the great location, reasonable cost, and the reputation of success of LTC alumni. I wanted to transfer to the University of Illinois and, despite popular belief, transfer students in Illinois actually outperform their counterparts that attend four-year universities directly out of high school. LTC prepared me for everything the University of Illinois threw at me.

Kyle Dishong
Financial Advisor
Prairie Rivers Company
Robinson, IL

KARA PRICE - ALUM

LTC was the perfect fit for me. The small class sizes allowed me to get to know the instructors and other students in my classes. The many course offerings enabled me to take the basic requirements that I needed for a degree in education, and the courses easily transferred to a four-year university. Being involved in the peer counseling program was a wonderful opportunity that allowed me to work with two outstanding women – Susan Polgar and Searoba Mascher. LTC offered all that I needed: affordability, closeness to home, and a quality education.

Kara L. Price
7th grade math teacher
Nuttall Middle School
Robinson, IL 62454

JONATHON WAGGONER - ALUM

After receiving an awesome scholarship from LT, I decided to attend. I was pleasantly surprised with the college academics, environment, & freedom it gave me. The classes were challenging enough to keep me busy, with engaging teachers that left me hungry for more.

LT offers a fulfilling atmosphere. Students encourage each other daily in their assignments & activities, becoming friends for life. The extracurricular activities enrich the college experience.

College sports are not lacking. LTC has men’s & women’s basketball, baseball & softball. Sporting events are a popular activity where the student body can come together to support the school & their friends. Intramural sports are offered as well.

Despite my initial doubts, LT proved to be an excellent environment for preparing me to attend a university. The knowledge, friends, & memories I have acquired at LT will remain with me for life. Do not pass up Lincoln Trail College until you have discovered all it can do for your life.

Spanish teacher
Mt. Carmel High School
Mt. Carmel, IL

STEPHANIE GRAY - ALUM

I chose LTC because it was a local school and a great opportunity to further my career. I was able to work full-time and attend school full-time to reach my goals.

Stephanie Gray
Assistant Manager
Super Wal-mart
Fairfield, Illinois

JAMIE ATEN - ALUM

I am extremely grateful for the opportunities and learning experiences LTC provided me as a student. I had the chance to develop relationships with faculty like Yvonne Newlin and others who helped encourage me and prepare me for transition to a four-year university and later for graduate studies. In fact, my experience and relationships I formed with faculty at LTC influenced my decision to pursue a career in higher education.

Jamie D. Aten, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Psychology
Assistant Director of the Katrina Research Center
The University of Southern Mississippi
Co-Editor of "Spirituality and the Therapeutic Process" (APA Books)

BILL SANDIFORD - ALUM

I chose LTC because of convenience. I was unsure of what I wanted to do and where I wanted to go. At LTC, I learned to meet and deal with new people. It was an excellent networking opportunity, and I'm still in touch with several classmates and teachers.

Bill Sandiford
Vice President
First Robinson Savings Bank
Robinson, Illinois

ERIC DEAN - ALUM

I enjoyed my time at LTC. It was great for me to get a lot of my general classes out of the way and it is where I decided to pursue a degree in education. My degree is in social studies, and I took several classes with Ed Fitch and Rod Harmon. Those two instructors played a big role in my becoming a teacher. I have been a seventh grade teacher in Robinson for the past 11 years.

Eric Dean

Teacher

Nuttall Middle School

Robinson, Illinois

NIKKI BROTHERTON - ALUM

Attending LTC was such a positive experience for me and one in which I am truly grateful. It allowed me to take the classes I needed to transfer to a four-year university at a fraction of the cost, while still providing quality education. The small size of the school and the classes allowed for personal interaction by caring faculty and staff, while also allowing me to gain valuable social experience with peer counseling, tutoring, club participation, and the music program. My time as a student at LTC showed me the major benefits of community college, and as a current employee of Henderson Community College, that experience helps me better serve the students with whom I work.

Nikki Brotherton
Coordinator of Assessment/Testing
Henderson Community College

Henderson, KY

SHELLEY STEPHENSON - ALUM

I chose LTC because after 20 years of jobs, I was ready for a career.

As a non-traditional student, I was a little hesitant, not knowing how I would be received. However, there were plenty of other students just like me – slightly older students who were getting a little later start on their college education. I found that the non-traditional students were treated just like the younger students and many times were asked for advice based on life experience.

Lincoln Trail College gave me the education, the skills, and the self-confidence I needed to begin my office career.

Shelley Stephenson
Administrative Assistant
Crawford Memorial Hospital
Robinson, Illinois

MARK HALL - ALUM

My learning and experiences at Lincoln Trail established a confident foundation for our businesses success over the last 20 years.

Mark Hall

President and CEO PinPoint Resources

Chief Marketing Office and Partner American Nurse Staffing

Indianapolis, Ind.

RICHARD JONES - CURRENT STUDENT

LTC is awesome! There are great people, great instructors and the education is second to none. LTC is where it's at.

Richard Jones
Student Senate
College Democrats
Field of study: administration of justice

LINDSEY COOPER - ALUM

I chose to attend Lincoln Trail College because of the flexibility of classes. I was able to be a full-time student and still work. The activities that the college offered were a real hit. Student Senate has activities that keep the students involved.

Lindsey Cooper
Receptionist
Crawford County Health Department
LTC Medical Assistant program graduate

JOSH CONNOR - ALUM

I met people at LTC that had a tremendous impact on my life, including the person that helped me find my first job in broadcasting.

Josh Connor
Singer/songwriter
Nashville, TN

LANI ACKMAN - CURRENT STUDENT

I like the diversity (at LTC). The instructors are so personal. LTC has made me be and feel so successful.

Lani Ackman

Student Advantage Network mentor

Peer Counselor at LTC

Field of study: recreational management