Banterra Student of the Month: Audrey Whaley
INA, Ill. (October 28, 2025) — Join Rend Lake College in celebrating one of their students each month, sponsored by Banterra Bank. These students are selected based on their GPA, as well as their campus and community involvement. The October Student of the Month is Audrey Whaley (Benton).
Whaley is a sophomore at RLC who will graduate with an A.A. degree during the Spring 2026 commencement. She was nominated for the Student of the Month for her enthusiasm and passion towards her academic journey.
“Audrey Whaley would be an incredible student-of-the-month. She is such an awesome student and deep thinker." said History Professor Dr. Nathan Brouwer. "On top of that, she is just a kind and generous human being. We had a student that went to France and before I could even give him a packet with all that he had missed, Audrey was already helping him."
Whaley is part of RLC's STARS program. This program is a federally funded program designed to provide participants with the support services they need to successfully complete an associate degree and transfer to a four-year college or university.
"RLC offers so many classes that allow me to have the freedom to explore whatever career path I can think of," said Whaley. "The most important part of my journey has been my time in STARS. The advisors are marvelous, helpful, kind, and have been an integral part of my RLC experience so far!"
"Audrey is a delightful young woman and an ideal student who is conscientious and an asset to the Rend Lake College student body," said Carrie Ragan, Professor of Biology and Anatomy & Physiology. "She is well-liked and respected by her peers in the classroom. "
RLC is delighted to see Whaley recognized for her upstanding character – not only by our faculty and staff, but also by members of our community, such as CEO of Banterra Bank Jeff May.
“Banterra was happy to partner with Rend Lake College for the naming rights of an upcoming renovated sports facility, the Banterra Sports Complex, because we are two organizations that are committed to supporting Southern Illinois and our youth,” said May. “As part of that partnership, we are honored to sponsor a Student of the Month program which recognizes an outstanding RLC student each month for their achievements.”
The Game Plan is an ongoing project to renovate and expand the facilities at Waugh Gymnasium at RLC. Banterra Bank acquired naming rights of the Banterra Sports Complex. It's the largest corporate naming rights agreement to date. Groundbreaking took place in fall 2024 and renovations are nearing the final stage.
About the Banterra Sports Complex
The planned Banterra Sports Complex at Rend Lake College will include the existing James “Hummer” Waugh Gymnasium as well as a new addition to the space. Waugh Gymnasium is one of the original buildings on the college’s campus and in 1995 was named after Waugh, a long-time coach and educator with nearly 50 combined athletic seasons to his credit when he retired. In addition to the gym, it includes athletic offices and locker rooms.
