LMC Students Gain Real World Experience at Illinois Government Simulation

BENTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. - Four Lake Michigan College students became the first Michigan delegation to participate in the prestigious Model Illinois Government (MIG) simulation in Springfield, Illinois. This premier intercollegiate event brought together 162 students from 16 colleges and universities for an immersive experience in state government operations.
 
Greer Armstrong, Jadyn Haynes, Julia Pepple, and Renato Recillas represented LMC under the guidance of political science instructor Dr. Tiffany Bohm. During the four-day simulation, the students served as House Representatives, each assigned to a political party and Illinois district while participating in committee work aligned with their interests.
 
The simulation occurred in the Illinois Capitol building during a legislative recess, allowing students to debate and vote on bills in the same chambers used by elected officials.
 
"This program is an incredible leadership-building experience. The four days are 100 percent student-run," Bohm said. "The only things faculty advisors do is coordinate overall logistics. Students do everything else. They conduct elections for Executive Board positions like governor, attorney general, and secretary of state; decide which bills will make it to the floor for a vote and debate the issues; and eventually vote on the bills in session."
 
For Recillas, who will transfer to the University of Michigan this fall to continue studying political science, the experience confirmed his career aspirations.
 
"On the trip home, I had a good conversation with Dr. Bohm. I told her that what we did in Springfield is exactly what I want to do after college. That's where I want to end up. I want to go into government and even run for President one day. I want to create positive change and see the effects of my work in the lives of others," Recillas said.
 
In addition to building leadership skills, the intensive program helps students develop skills they can use in any career path. Pepple, who will transfer to Grand Valley State University this fall to study political science and pre-law, discussed what she gained by participating.
 
“Beyond learning more in-depth about governmental systems, a key takeaway for me was developing my public speaking skills,” Pepple said. “I got comfortable speaking in front of a crowd and using my research and debate skills. Some bills would come to the floor, and I didn’t know much about them. So, I would quickly look up information and develop what I was going to say.”
 
The students prepared for MIG through Bohm's Political Science Special Topics course where they studied governmental structures, bill analysis, debate preparation, and parliamentary procedures. To overcome their nervousness about the formal MIG structure, the students independently traveled as a group to Roosevelt University in Chicago for a practice simulation, which significantly boosted their confidence before the main event.
 
“These are the types of experiences that enrich the student experience at Lake Michigan College,” stated Kristopher Zook, LMC Dean of Arts & Sciences. “It is because of the dedication of faculty like Dr. Bohm that our students have access to innovative learning pathways that elevate their overall college experience.”
 
Bohm plans to organize a new team of students, including both freshmen and sophomores, to attend the 2026 MIG event.
 
“I’m so proud of our students. They did great, and this was a terrific learning experience for them,” Bohm stated. “When we returned, we talked about ways to improve classroom preparation for next year including more practice with spur-of-the-moment research, debate techniques, and how to think quickly on their feet.”
 
To participate, students must enroll in the Political Science Special Topics course for the Spring 2026 semester. Both freshmen and sophomores are encouraged to participate. Those interested in learning more can contact Bohm at tbohm@lakemichigancollege.edu.