Photo: Professor Lisa Lewins poses with her Intro to Business class. Business students who qualify will be eligible to apply for a new scholarship.

A new scholarship fund is now available to students at Lakeland. The “John H.Langer and H. Jack's Plumbing & Heating Company Endowed Scholarship Fund” has been established as a way to provide financial assistance to students majoring in the business management program at Lakeland. As an endowed scholarship, awards will be available indefinitely to future students who qualify. The Lakeland Foundation, Lakeland’s philanthropic arm, will administer the fund.

Now a successful business owner in the plumbing and heating industry and with experience attending a community college himself, John H. Langer, president of H. Jack’s Plumbing & Heating Company, understands the importance of investing in students at a critical point in their lives.

“Throughout my high school career, I put more emphasis on athletics than academics. Upon graduating from high school, I knew I wanted to further my education but my options were limited,” said Langer.“I attended Mercyhurst Career Institute, which acted as a community college at the time. If I didn’t have the opportunity to go there, I’m sure my career would have turned out significantly different.”

Like many Lakeland students, Langer then transferred credits to a four-year school (Mercyhurst University) and earned a bachelor’s degree in business.

The Lake County resident has been a staunch supporter of higher education, serving on several college boards including, Lake Erie College and Mercyhurst University, as well as on The Lakeland Foundation’s board of directors.

“My success has allowed me the opportunity to become more philanthropic and support organizations like Lakeland that are close to my heart,” said Langer. “It is my hope that this fund will help perpetuate success for our future students who will, in turn, become our future business leaders.”

About the John H.Langer and H. Jack's Plumbing & Heating Company Endowed Scholarship Fund

To be eligible, students must be enrolled full or part-time at Lakeland Community College, maintain a 2.5 GPA after the first semester of enrollment, and declare business management as their major. The fund may be used to cover the cost of tuition, fees, books and educational materials.

All applicants must complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form which Lakeland’s Financial Aid Office uses to determine eligibility. Students who plan to start college in summer or fall of 2020 can fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as of Oct. 1, 2019, at studentaid.ed.gov/sa. To ensure that the Lakeland Financial Aid office receives FAFSA information, please enter Lakeland’s school code 006804 on the application when prompted. For questions, call 440-525-7070 or email finaid@lakelandcc.edu.

About H. Jack’s Plumbing and Heating Company

Starting as a small, local business more than 40 years ago in Erie, Pennsylvania, H. Jack’s Plumbing and Heating Company has since expanded operations to serve Northeast Ohio, Northwest Pennsylvania and Western New York. Offering plumbing, HVAC, and remodeling services to both residential and commercial clients, H. Jack’s prides itself in building trust through high-quality workmanship, round-the-clock availability and exceptional customer service. The company is committed to the communities in which it serves by partnering with organizations such as the Greater Cleveland Food Bank and the Susan G. Komen of Northeast Ohio, among many others. For more information, visit https://www.hjacks.com

About The Lakeland Foundation

TheLakeland Foundationis an independent, 501(c)(3) organization with a 40-member board of directors.As the philanthropic arm of Lakeland Community College, TheFoundationfocuses on raising and allocating funds vital to supporting the students and programs of the college.TheFoundationalso serves as the college’s alumni association.Through its philanthropic endeavors, on average $1million is raised annually for scholarships and student support programs. TheFoundationaccepts gifts to the General Scholarship Fund, donating to an existing scholarship fund, or creating a new fund. For more information, visit lakelandcc.edu/foundation.

By: Jessica Novak