Jim Shaffer, Shelbyville, will receive the 2016 Distinguished Service Award at the 49th annual Commencement Ceremony, Friday, May 13 at 7:30 p.m. for his outstanding service to Lake Land College. The award is designed to acknowledge an individual who has rendered outstanding service to the college.
Shaffer was first elected to the Lake Land College Board of Trustees in 1981 and served the college for the next 30 years. During his tenure, he was elected chairman twice and served on numerous committees.
Jim Shaffer, Shelbyville, will receive the 2016 Distinguished Service Award at the 49th annual Commencement Ceremony, Friday, May 13, at 7:30 p.m. for his outstanding service to Lake Land College.
“Jim’s gifts of time and talent were given selflessly without thought of personal recognition or applause. During his years of service, Jim always put the college ahead of any personal or external issue, seeking to do what was right, and what served the interests of students,” Bob Johnston said.
In his nomination, Johnston said he was talking with an administrator who described Jim’s service in this way, “When he (Jim) made decisions as a trustee, he was the voice of the community and the students.”
Josh Shallenberger also nominated Shaffer for the award.
Shaffer represented Lake Land College as a member of the Illinois Community College Trustees Association’s Legislative Committee, making numerous trips to Washington D.C. to advocate for student focused education policy. He was an avid supporter of all students, and had an exceptionally strong affinity for the agriculture division and its students, Johnston said. Shaffer helped establish the John Deere ProTech training program and facilitated discussion and policy decisions that helped the Lake Land College Agriculture Division become nationally known for excellence.
During his tenure, the college’s enrollment grew, campus developed and outreach expanded with the opening of extension centers. His service spanned six different college presidents.
“We are so grateful for the outstanding leadership and guidance Mr. Shaffer shared with his fellow trustees, administrators, employees and students of Lake Land College. The Distinguished Service Award is just one way we are able to express our gratitude for his years of service to all of us,” Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said.
Shaffer has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois and farms several hundred acres. He served as an active member and leader in 4-H, the Shelbyville Lions Club and the First United Methodist Church of Shelbyville.
Shaffer and his wife Sandy have three children Mike, Steve and Christy and grandchildren, Cassy, Megan, Brendan, Payton and Ashton.
To learn more about Lake Land College, visit lakelandcollege.edu.
