As Lincoln Trail College prepares for the upcoming academic year, students can look forward to a blend of helpful resources and exciting activities designed to set them up for success. The 2025-26 school year kicks off with New Student Orientation on Tuesday, Aug. 19, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event introduces new students to campus life, student support services, and academic expectations.

Sean Stone, a 2025 Lincoln Trail College graduate, is gaining international recognition for his powerful and faith-inspired compositions. His piece "Temptation’s Embrace" recently won the Gold Prize in the London Young Musician (LYM) Original Composition Performance competition and another Gold Prize in the Schubert International Music Competition UK. His work "Lux Invicta" earned Silver Prizes in both competitions. Stone said the recognition took him by surprise.

The Lincoln Trail College Foundation celebrated the newest members of its Hall of Fame and introduced a new honor—the Patrons of the Statesmen—during a heartfelt ceremony recognizing alumni and supporters who have made a lasting impact on the College and its students. This year’s Hall of Fame inductees include brothers Andrew “Andy” Corn and Ryan Corn, along with David Hasty. The College also honored Ken and the late Barb Hohlbaugh as the inaugural Patrons of the Statesmen for their extraordinary commitment to LTC Athletics and student success.

Lincoln Trail College has released its academic honor lists for the Spring 2025 Semester. Three lists have been established by Illinois Eastern Community Colleges to indicate students who have achieved academic excellence. They are the Chancellor’s Honors List, the President’s Academic Honors List, and the Dean’s Academic Honors List. To qualify for any of the honor lists, a student must be enrolled full-time (12 hours or more) and must be taking college-level classes.

Lincoln Trail College is offering a series of engaging and educational summer camps for area youth through the 2025 Ignite Curiosity program, part of a district-wide initiative by Illinois Eastern Community Colleges. These hands-on camps give students the opportunity to explore careers, learn new skills, and experience global culture in fun, age-appropriate ways. Four distinct offerings are available at LTC this summer. Welding Camp Two sessions will be offered on June 9 at the Red McCoy Welding Center:

Lincoln Trail College recognized four outstanding students with special awards during its 55th Annual Commencement ceremony.

With pride, reflection, and a message to “seize the day,” Lincoln Trail College honored the Class of 2025 du

Lincoln Trail College honored the Nursing Class of 2025 in a heartfelt Pinning Ceremony that celebrated the hard work, compassion and dedication of the graduating students as they prepare to enter the nursing profession. The ceremony began with a welcome from Associate Professor of Nursing Angie Williams, who spoke about the symbolism behind the nursing pin. She explained how the pin represents more than just the completion of a program—it’s a badge of honor that reflects a commitment to care, service and integrity.

Four Lincoln Trail College Process Technology students recently tested their skills on a national stage, competing in the North American Process Technology Alliance’s Troubleshooting Skills Competition — and gaining a firsthand look at the industry they’re preparing to enter. Students Madison Davis, Kollin Ramos, Reeve Dennis, and Garrett Winterrowd represented LTC in the event, which challenges students from across the country to solve simulated industrial problems using Distributed Control Systems (DCS), teamwork, and real-world troubleshooting.

Lincoln Trail College welcomed approximately 100 high school and college students on May 1 for the 2025 Future Educators Summit, a one-day event designed to motivate, inform and prepare the next generation of teachers and education leaders.