The Rend Lake College Foundation held its Annual Dinner Meeting, Dec. 3, at the Mt. Vernon Holiday Inn. In addition to a program packed with the presentation of four Major Gift Awards, the RLC Presidential Award and Alumnus of the Year Award; a big announcement was delivered to the hundreds of supporters in attendance.

RLC Foundation CEO Pat Kern announced that contributions to the college have reached new heights. Not only did 2009 have the largest amount of scholarships with $391,000 awarded to RLC students - an in a recession, no less - but contributions from 1992 to FY'09 add up to a whopping $11 million!

Kern said everyone in the room that night was to be commended for this milestone.

"I just want to thank everyone here," she said. "With a beginning balance of $115,000 the first year, this is quite an acheivement."

More stories from the 2009 RLC Foundation Annual Dinner Meeting include:

Alumnus of the Year: Jim Muir

RLC Presidential Award: Ed Cunningham

Major Gift Award: Joy Mining Machinery

Major Gift Award: Crossroads Community Hospital

Major Gift Award: Benton Lion's Club

Major Gift Award: Bonnie Tolbert