2018 Education

Page 46 2018 EDUCATION MAGAZINE LINCOLN DAILY NEWS MARCH 1, 2018 CONTINUED → One former student who originally had a rough start at Lincoln College is now a CEO of a company in Chicago, and recently gave $2 M to the school, and also promised a matching pledge of up to $100,000 dollars. A comprehensive campaign to raise money for Lincoln College began in 2014 with a fundraising goal of $6 M. That goal was increased to $8 M. Over $5 M has been raised so far. The college now plans to sell the Normal campus and more emphasis is being placed on the Lincoln campus. One student said scholarships provided for any newcomer were a huge help in paying for school. The school offers a wide variety of scholarships paid out of endowment funds. Donors are essential to the scholarships offered. State Farm recently committed $100,000 for scholarships to support adults working on their baccalaureate degrees. The economic impact of the college in Logan County is $41 M. Gerlach said by 2021, it will be $51 M. Lincoln College offers students the personal attention they may not get at bigger schools. Advisors said they focus on a seamless process for students, point students toward resources they may need, and help students reach their potential. The Academic Success Center helps students become more independent learners by offering one-on-one tutoring by appointment and study groups. Tutoring Supervisor Tami Goodrich said they see about sixty to seventy percent of students in the center who may need a little extra help with their academic studies. At Creekside Environmental Center students in science courses do field work in a hands-on outdoor laboratory. For traditional students, 10 majors and five minors have been added to the four-year degree program, with several more fields of interest planned in coming years. There are now more bachelor degree students than associate degree students. Students on a recent television commercial for the school say, “I found my future” at Lincoln College. As the school has expanded its mission, student life has also been enhanced.