Criminal Justice Roundup for Scholarships set for Oct. 19

INA, Ill. (Sept. 3, 2015) - Returning for another successful year is the Rend Lake College Roundup for Scholarships fundraiser, scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19, to support RLC students in the criminal justice program. The fourth annual event will be held at the Rend Lake Resort and Conference Center in Whittington.

Several guest speakers and students will take the podium during the evening as students, family, friends, and patrons partake of hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. Chief Judge Michael McHaney of the Illinois Fourth Judicial Circuit will emcee the event with Jefferson County State’s Attorney Doug Hoffman as a speaker. Event organizer Ron Meek, RLC Criminal Justice Associate Professor, said the event is a special evening for everyone in attendance.

During last year's Roundup for Scholarships fundraiser, RLC Foundation CEO Shawna Bullard, CENTER, presented 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, who will emcee the event this year. Click on the image for a larger view.
(ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)

“The Roundup for Scholarships is the perfect way to support good education,” said Meek. “Those who attend are taking a stand and saying, ‘we care about your education’ to the students at Rend Lake College. I enjoy the evening and getting the chance to thank both donors and our students for a job well done.”

Next month marks Meek’s fourth year organizing the scholarship fundraiser that has raised approximately $3,000 every year from individual donors, local law enforcement agencies, college faculty and staff, and many others. Last year, the program received a $1,000 anonymous donation, helping Meek reach his yearly goal.

“I want to give a special thank you to the donors and attendees who give so graciously to our students. Many of whom struggle throughout the year with just getting to campus or paying rent while going back to school,” said Meek. “All of the donations, no matter how small, make a big impact.”

The cost to attend the fundraiser is $25. Those wishing to attend should RSVP to Ron Meek at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1239 or meekr@rlc.edu by October 10.