Criminal Justice Roundup for Scholarships receives two big donations

WHITTINGTON, Ill. (Oct. 28, 2014) - With two $1,000 donations on the books, this year’s Criminal Justice Roundup for Scholarships fundraiser is deemed the most successful yet for students in Rend Lake College’s program.

The event was hosted at the Rend Lake Resort last night by Criminal Justice Instructor Ron Meek and Chief Judge Michael McHaney of the Illinois Fourth Judicial Circuit. McHaney first addressed the students and applauded them for their hard work.

“There is a reason Rend Lake College continues to be successful, and it’s students like you here tonight,” said McHaney. “Whoever came up with the idea of a community college was a genius, and there’s no better place to acquire real-life training than at Rend Lake College. To the donors, thank you for coming out here in support.”

RLC Foundation CEO Shawna Bullard, CENTER, presents a $1,000 matching check to Criminal Justice Instructor Ron Meek, RIGHT, made by an anonymous Foundation donor. The check matches a $1,000 donation from Doug Hoffman, Jefferson County State's Attorney, for scholarships to the program. Also pictured is Chief Judge Michael McHaney, LEFT. Click on the image for a larger view.
(ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)

Meek then explained how the fundraiser started nearly five years before. When he came to RLC, there weren’t any scholarships for students in the Criminal Justice program, and he took it on as a personal goal to help the students he sees every day.

“I appreciate everyone coming out tonight. We’re able to do a lot for our students with your support,” said Meek. “When I came to Rend Lake College, I would see students who really struggled, and couldn’t come to class because of gas money or paying for tuition. I told my wife, it’s a shame that there are students who want an education, but can’t get it because of money. I truly believe that I’m successful if my students are successful. This is our third annual fundraiser, and I can’t thank everyone enough for being here to support our students.”

One of the scholarship recipients this year is Evelyn Mendez of Benton, an athlete on the women’s tennis team and an active participant on campus. For the first-generation college student, scholarships like those from the Criminal Justice program are helping her reach her goals.

Student speaker Evelyn Mendez of Benton thanked her parents, scholarship donors, and Instructor Ron Meek for the experiences and successes she has in the RLC Criminal Justice program. Mendez said her biggest career goal is to join the FBI. Click on the image for a larger view.
(ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)

“I’m the daughter of two Mexican immigrants who came to this country 20 years ago to give their daughters a better future. The success I’ve had is thanks to them,” said Mendez. “I told my mother I wanted to be a police officer, and eventually join the FBI, and she told me I can do whatever I set my mind to. This program is very special to me, because it’s my dream and also that of my family, because I’ve never had anyone in my family go to school. Scholarships like this really do make a difference to us. I want to thank the donors, and also thank Mr. Meek who has been a great advisor and who has helped me so much.”

At the end of the event, Meek spoke on behalf of Doug Hoffman, Jefferson County State’s Attorney, who donated $1,000 from the county’s Drug Forfeiture Fund, which is money collected from perpetrators of crimes. The donation was matched by an anonymous donor from the Rend Lake College Foundation.

For more information on the Criminal Justice Program, contact the Applied Science and Technology Division at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1261.