Kaye Martin, director of student activities

How would you describe Lakeland?

Home. It is a tightly-knit community that our students fall in love with and refer to as their home.

How did Lakeland or you change over the years?

We are growing and changing to best suit the students. Some of the changes might be ever so slight, while others are quite drastic, but each of the changes helps the college grow.

When you think of Lakeland, what’s the first thing that comes to mind?

The students that make my heart happy. I am so blessed to be able to work with some pretty energetic, fun and unique students that keep me on my toes and make my job a lot of fun. I really care about the students I work with and work for; I’m here because of them.

 Why did you choose Lakeland?

I heard about it through a colleague and they encouraged me to apply. Once I got to campus, it felt like a real community and I liked that.

What do you like best about Lakeland?

The students.

What does Lakeland mean to you?

Lakeland is not just a place of higher education; it is a place where students come to find themselves and reinvent themselves. There is an indescribable value to that!

 

Irvin Colon, junior international business major

How would you describe Lakeland?

Lakeland College is a perfect example of diversity because there are many people from different countries.

How did Lakeland or you change over the years?

Lakeland has changed not only from an external view, but also internal, thanks to our new president.

When you think of Lakeland, what’s the first thing that comes to mind?

Diversity. Because there are so many people from different places—so much culture. It is just awesome.

Why did you choose Lakeland?

I chose Lakeland because it is a small college in which you can actually have one-on-one time with teachers, and they can help you understand more, so I get a full understanding of the subject.

What do you like best about Lakeland?

I like Lakeland because everyone is very nice. At first I was a little nervous, but everyone here made me feel welcome.

What does Lakeland mean to you?

What Lakeland means to me is a big family full of cultures and languages, a place where everyone is welcome.

 

Joshua Kutney, instructor of writing and Core teacher

How would you describe Lakeland?

It’s a great place to learn—a friendly place. Students can get close interaction in an environment that’s dedicated to their success.

How did Lakeland or you change over the years?

Lakeland has continued to be student-focused, trying to be responsive to what we know about students. I’ve come to see myself as part of the conversation, and I try to help with that. I coordinated the Core I program for four years and am a big part in helping to see this new program come to be.

When you think of Lakeland, what’s the first thing that comes to mind?

Lakeland is an institution that is really focused on students. I think of faculty and colleagues who are really genuine, smart people. I think of great group of students that deserves a chance to get a solid education.

Why did you choose Lakeland?

I started as an adjunct faculty instructor and I was instantly in love with it. I liked the size of Lakeland and the students I was meeting, and it developed into a full time job. I’m starting my eighth year and I’ve continued to like the way we focus on teaching and learning here.

What do you like best about Lakeland?

Opportunity to think about how we teach things and support students. We get to try new things. You don’t get to do that anywhere else. I am committed and give students and teaching first priority.

What does Lakeland mean to you?

It means a place where people who didn’t imagine themselves as getting a college education get the opportunity and the attention of faculty members and staff who are really committed to helping the students be successful.

 

Nate Baake, senior writing and English major

How would you describe Lakeland?

Lakeland is an oasis. Not just because it’s surrounded by cornfields, but there is something quiet, comforting, and safe about it.

How did Lakeland or you change over the years?

The time that I’ve spent at Lakeland has given me a chance to become involved with other people. After spending years in the workforce, Lakeland is like a new planet where all the aliens are helpful and kind, not like the ones that want to use us for an energy source.

When you think of Lakeland, what’s the first thing that comes to mind?

The first thing that comes to mind when I think of Lakeland is progress. More than any other time or place or situation in my life, I’ve always felt like I was moving forward here. I’ve never looked at the future with anything but fear until I came here and began to believe that my future had a future.

Why did you choose Lakeland?

I chose Lakeland because of the atmosphere. I quite enjoy being a part of the education community. It is a great place that provides naturally, a focus that can be lost in a large school or in a city.

What do you like best about Lakeland?

My favorite thing about Lakeland is the professors. Every single one of them must have been picked from an orchard of professor trees in heaven. I feel a great connection to each one that I’ve been lucky enough to meet here, a luxury I’m not sure many other schools can offer.

What does Lakeland mean to you?

Lakeland is the place where a better me was born. It’s the place where all the best parts of me were able to surface.

 

Tiffany Miller, junior German major

How would you describe Lakeland?

It’s a lot of fun because of the many different things to do on campus and the many different people.

How did Lakeland or you change over the years?

I have definitely become more independent and out-going.

When you think of Lakeland, what’s the first thing that comes to mind?

Diversity, because there are so many different people from so many different countries.

Why did you choose Lakeland?

I chose Lakeland because of LCJ [Lakeland College Japan].

What do you like best about Lakeland?

My favorite thing about Lakeland is the people.

What does Lakeland mean to you?

It’s a place for me to grow and create the foundation of my future.

 

Holly Barecky, senior international business major

How would you describe Lakeland?

It’s a down-to-earth and diverse institution because we’re small and focus on individual needs and promote and take pride in our multiple cultures and backgrounds.

How did Lakeland or you change over the years?

Over the years, I have become more independent, self-sufficient, and open to change.

When you think of Lakeland, what’s the first thing that comes to mind?

Cornfields, because that’s the first thing I saw when I got here.

Why did you choose Lakeland?

I was interested in the international business program and the LCJ [Lakeland College Japan] program. Also, because the campus is small, the classes are small, and there are plenty of opportunities to talk one-on-one with the professors.

What do you like best about Lakeland?

People are always ready to help you no matter what.

What does Lakeland mean to you?

[It is] my comfort zone.

 

Cassie Fulton, sophomore psychology major

How would you describe Lakeland?

It’s small, but comfortable, a place that feels like home; everyone knows everyone, and it has a real family feel to it.

How did Lakeland or you change over the years?

I have become much more responsible.

When you think of Lakeland, what’s the first thing that comes to mind?

Ghosts, because apparently every building on campus is haunted.

Why did you choose Lakeland?

“It’s kind of hard to explain, but it just feels like the right place for me.

What do you like best about Lakeland?

I like the family-like environment.

What does Lakeland mean to you?

Lakeland means everything to me. It is the one place that I feel like I actually belong. It feels like home, and I love it here.

 

Lucretia Crawford, associate professor in English and humanities and Honors Program teacher

How would you describe Lakeland?

It’s home; because not only did it run in my family, I raised my son on this campus and Lakelanders taught my son how to ride a bike.

How did Lakeland or you change over the years?

The main thing that changed is I grew up. A lot of my professors are still teaching here. One of which is Linda Tolman, and children of my students are now my students.

When you think of Lakeland, what’s the first thing that comes to mind?

It would have to be how welcoming Linda Tolman was to me [when I was a] freshman when I walked into class with juniors and seniors.

Why did you choose Lakeland?

Before I became a Lakeland student, I was heavily recruited by a member of the English department. I still have all of those old letters somewhere. And at the time, the offer of a scholarship helped. Because I’m an alumnus, I already knew Lakeland’s personality when I was offered the teaching job, and for me it was a chance to come home. So it was an easy decision.

What do you like best about Lakeland?

There’s no question. It’s the students.

What does Lakeland mean to you?

Lakeland is home.

 

Brandon Balazs, sophomore accounting major

How would you describe Lakeland?

It’s one-of-a-kind, peaceful, a comfortable environment, not in the city, out in the middle of nowhere, and small.

How did Lakeland or you change over the years?

I have become far more social.

When you think of Lakeland, what’s the first thing that comes to mind?

Cornfields, because we are literally in a cornfield.

Why did you choose Lakeland?

Because of the small campus, I get to know people. [There is a] good business program, and here I am allowed to further and strengthen my choir performance.

What do you like best about Lakeland?

There are too many to choose from.

What does Lakeland mean to you?

It’s a place where I have reinvented myself.

 

Nate Dehne, vice president for student development

How would you describe Lakeland?

It offers incredible opportunities, changes lives; it’s the people, students, and faculty; and it’s where we all come from—the culture.

How did Lakeland or you change over the years?

During my ten years the public presence was raised. We are becoming both local and global, getting better all the time, and it is still student-centered. I learn from the students every day.

When you think of Lakeland, what’s the first thing that comes to mind?

It’s the people and their stories and backgrounds because [Lakeland is] a very special great place to live and learn.

Why did you choose Lakeland?

I chose Lakeland for the professional opportunity. (I was hired as the Director of Admission in 2003.) And I chose it because my wife grew up in Sheboygan, and I grew up in Howards Grove.

What do you like best about Lakeland?

I love that I can come with my family to sit and watch the play or other events. I love that everyone knows each other, and the success I see and hear about.

What does Lakeland mean to you?

Lakeland is a gift that has been entrusted to my care. …I have a responsibility to everyone that is a part of the campus community to do all I can to make it great. We are able to change people’s lives through education, and in turn, the people here have changed my life. I have created new friendships, learned about new cultures, and experienced wonderful things whether it has been on campus, or with our students on a Habitat for Humanity build off campus.