INA, Ill. (May 12, 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 May Student of the Month is Emma Thompson (Opdyke).
Thompson is a sophomore in the visual communication design program, a student employee for the Marketing & Communications department and a member of the RLC Student Ambassadors. She was nominated for the student of the month honor for her outstanding drive and passion as a student, her work ethic and involvement on campus. Recently, Thompson was involved in the design and layout for RLC's 2025 Lake publication.
"Emma is the epitome of a well-rounded designer—intelligent, creative and unafraid to take risks, all while maintaining a sharp eye for detail," said Jennifer Tarantino Linsin, RLC Visual Communication Design Professor. "She consistently pushes herself beyond her comfort zone to explore new ideas. Emma is always willing to help her classmates and problem solve the situation. I feel truly fortunate that she chose to spend her time at Rend Lake College in our VCD classroom."
"Emma is the best! We couldn’t do it without her," said Nathan Wheeler, Director of Marketing & Communications. "We are so proud of her for being named Banterra’s Student of the Month! It’s not surprising though, coming from the hardest-working department on campus.”
"Emma has been a student worker for the Marketing & Communications Department for a year now, and she has been an outstanding employee," said Taylor Wilburn, Social Media & Outreach Specialist. "She excels in everything she does and makes sure she puts her all into everything. We are so proud of Emma!"
"Emma is such a great Student Ambassador," said Hillary Halsey, Recruitment & Student Success and leader of the Student Ambassadors. "She’s kind, friendly and always willing to jump in and help wherever she’s needed. I can always count on her, and I’m so proud of everything she’s accomplished."
"Emma's submissions for my class are consistently unique and brimming with creativity," said Sarah Bilderbeck, RLC Business Associate Professor. "It's quite clear that designing and creating are not just passions for her, but will undoubtedly be central to her future career!"
"Emma is a genuinely kind-hearted, compassionate and responsible person" said Kendra Gregory, Public Information Specialist. "I don’t think I have ever met a person as amazing as Emma Thompson."
Thompson will be graduating on May 17, 2025, and will be continuing her education at Southern Illinois University of Carbondale in the advertising program. Along with continuing her education, she will also be working part-time for the RLC Marketing & Communications department.
RLC is delighted to see Thompson 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 opportunity to renovate and expand the facilities within the Waugh Gymnasium on the RLC campus. Banterra Bank acquired naming rights of the gym and will henceforth be known as The Banterra Sports Complex, which is RLC’s largest corporate naming rights agreement to date. Renovations of the Banterra Sports Complex began in fall 2024 and are expected to be completed by fall of 2025.
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.