INA, Ill. (November 14, 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 November Student of the Month is Kris Kreger (Du Bois).
Kreger is a second-year nursing student from Pinckneyville High School. She plans to graduate during the May 2026 Commencement Ceremony with an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN).
"I think Kris Kreger is an excellent student of the month! I have her in clinical, and she has been phenomenal with patients and staff," said Cheyenne McCoy, RLC Nursing Instructor. "The ER staff at Herrin went out of their way to send an email to me expressing how great Kris was while observing in the ER. She always goes out of her way to be involved, asks great questions, and is good with her peers. Additionally, she is an amazing student in the didactic setting as well."
Along with being a full-time student, Kreger works as a nurse extern in the ICU at SSM Health. This externship allows her to be at the forefront of her dream career.
"Rend Lake College has set me on a great path for my future. I can be close to home and earn a good education, while being able to hold an externship at a nearby hospital," said Kreger. "Once I graduate, I have hopes of becoming an ICU nurse. I can’t thank RLC enough for the opportunities it has given, and having the honor of being student of the month."
"Kris is a good student," said Dr. Susan Wiley, Director of Nursing Program. "She is a great representative not only of the nursing program but of the college."
RLC is delighted to see Kreger 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.