Seiler to Receive LLC Outstanding Service Award

David Seiler, Lake Land College history instructor,will receive the 2016 Faculty Association Outstanding Service Award at the 49th annual commencement ceremony on Friday, May 13 at 7:30 p.m. in the Lake Land College Field House.

In his 16 years at Lake Land College, Seiler has inspired both his students and colleagues in his teaching and service. A proud Lake Land College alumnus, Seiler often shares his experience as a student and how the college helped pave his way to his career saying, “I once was in your shoes and sat in this very classroom.”

In addition to inspiring students to reach their potential, Seiler teaches students how to learn and think critically. Music Instructor Nancy Caldwell wrote in her nomination, Seiler’s approach to teaching challenges students to “reexamine their understanding of history from a broader perspective.”

After class, Seiler is always available to explain something or debate a topic, encouraging students to develop their own thoughts and support their opinions.

“Dave lives by the philosophy that our students come first; in the classroom and outside of the classroom,” Nominator Heather Nohren, academic counselor, wrote.

Seiler also goes out of his way to be available to his colleagues throughout the college. He often takes on leadership roles or tasks and devotes countless time to these commitments. Seiler is the past president of both the Lake Land College Faculty Association and the statewide Illinois Community College Faculty Association.

Nohren said Seiler has excelled as a leader during challenging times. “I have seen him brainstorm and voice ideas to fellow faculty and administrators at the highest level in an effort to find resolutions to challenging situations.”

“Dave is very generous and willing to donate his time to any college related activity,” Philosophy/English Instructor Tom Caldwell wrote in his nomination. “Dave has served as president of the Faculty Association twice. He always puts the needs of the group before himself.”

Seiler also has served or continues to serve on the Academic Standards Committee, the Health Insurance Committee, the Committee Restructuring Task Force, the Inclusion and Diversity Task Force and the Scheduling Task Force. 

When the college hosts an event to raise funds for scholarships or charity for Lake Land students, Seiler is one of the first to volunteer, his nominators said.

Brett Roberts, administrative assistant to math/science and social science/education divisions, said, “Dave Seiler is one of the most caring, compassionate instructors I have had the pleasure of working with. His office door is always open when he is in, and he always has a minute to discuss whatever might be on your mind.”

In his community of Effingham, Seiler served on the board of the Effingham Library and was an author of the written history of St. Anthony’s Church. He and his wife Susan have three children, Adam, Maggie and Dane.

Seiler has also been chosen to be the Lake Land College nomination for the Illinois Community College Trustee Association “Outstanding Service Award.”