Banterra Student of the Month: Riley Ridgeway
INA, Ill. (May 26, 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 May Student of the Month is Riley Ridgeway (Thompsonville).
Ridgeway is a pre-allied health sophomore aspiring to pursue a career in nuclear medicine technology.
"Despite a serious illness and an extended hospitalization during the fall semester, Riley demonstrated extraordinary resilience by completing a full load of demanding courses on time while diligently maintaining the physical therapy required for her recovery," said Carrie Ragan, Professor Biology and Anatomy & Physiology. "I am so impressed by her fortitude during a time when many would understandably withdraw or postpone their studies. She is considering a career in nuclear medicine, and I have no doubt she will be successful in that field—or in any path she ultimately chooses."
Along with being a full-time student, Ridgeway works part-time as a waitress and helps care for her family's horses."I am so thankful for being named student of the month!" exclaimed Ridgeway. "This shows the amount of determination and the amount of effort that I put towards school and other activities."
RLC is delighted to see Ridgeway 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.
