Banterra Student of the Month: Lily Owen
INA, Ill. (August 27, 2026) — Join Rend Lake College in celebrating one of its students each month, sponsored by Banterra Bank. These students are selected based on their GPA, as well as their campus and community involvement. The August Student of the Month is Lily Owen (McLeansboro).
Owen is a sophomore English major who plans to transfer to Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and pursue a degree in Zoology after she graduates in May 2027. Her ultimate goal is to earn a Ph.D. in zoology and to become a tenured professor.
"Being named Student of the Month uplifts me and gives me confidence that hard work is still recognized," shared Owen. "I don't just mean how much effort I put into my grades, even though that's a huge part of my life and I value my academic standing greatly, but also that the little niceties and politeness I strive for are received well. I try to foster connections with all of my instructors and peers. Achieving Student of the Month is like being told, 'I see you trying, and I appreciate it.'"
"Lily is an outstanding candidate for Student of the Month," said Jessica Bertolozzi, Coordinator of First Year Experience. "I appreciated all the effort she put into helping at the Warrior Days she attended to welcome students, giving excellent advice during her introduction, and being excited to give tours. She never hesitates to step up and help with anything that is needed."
Outside of being a full-time student, Owen is highly involved on campus. She serves as one of RLC's Student Ambassadors, the student editor of the publication Lake, an active participant of the Creative Writing Club and the Community Craft Club and a member of the Phi Theta Kappa academic honors society.
"Lily has been an outstanding Student Ambassador," said Hillary Halsey, Specialist of Recruitment & Student Success. "She is always one of the first to volunteer when we need help with an event, and she does a great job making new students feel welcome on campus. We are very lucky to have her representing RLC."
"From the classroom to student organizations, Lily has shown that she is kind, thoughtful, dedicated, responsible and has a strong work ethic," said Carrie Ragan, Professor of Biology, Anatomy & Physiology. "She is an asset to Rend Lake College and exemplifies the college’s values as a student of being student-focused, authentic, and resourceful. I am so impressed by her fortitude during a time when many would understandably withdraw or postpone their studies."
Reflecting on her time on campus, Owen expressed gratitude for the supportive environment fostered by RLC's faculty and staff.
"I consider myself an eclectic learner with interests in many disciplines, from sci-fi and comics to earth science and theatre," said Owen. "I especially want to give a shout-out to some of my favorite RLC instructors and staff who have made such a difference in my journey — including Dr. Jared Kemling, David Junkins, Nathan Brouwer, Cindy Caldwell, Tracy Webb, Karla Gunter, Jessica Bertolozzi, Dr. Elizabeth Bailey-Smith, Adrian from Blended, and Mr. Russ Gulley from the café. They have truly helped me thrive."
RLC is delighted to see Owen recognized for her upstanding character — not only by faculty and staff, but also by members of the community, such as CEO of Banterra Bank Jeff May.
“Banterra was happy to partner with Rend Lake College for the naming rights of the 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.”
Banterra Bank's naming rights of the Banterra Sports Complex is the largest corporate naming rights agreement to date. Renovations are complete and a ribbon cutting was held February 11.
About the Banterra Sports Complex
The Banterra Sports Complex at Rend Lake College includes 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.
