WHITTINGTON, Ill. (Oct. 27, 2014) - It was a night of thankfulness among students and donors at the 25th Annual Scholarship Banquet, hosted by the Rend Lake College Foundation at the Rend Lake Resort in Whittington. This year, the banquet celebrated nearly 200 recipients and 120 different scholarships; some going to a single student and others going to multiple recipients.
After a dinner sponsored by Eggemeyer Associates Architects, Inc., RLCF CEO Shawna Bullard started the banquet by introducing two student speakers, Austin Endicott of Macedonia and Gwendolyn Upton of Texico. The students’ perspectives are just one side of the story, explained Bullard, who would later introduce Carol Rudofski of Bluford, a scholarship contributor, to share the other side.
“We are in the business of changing lives,†said Bullard. “It’s my hope the donors here tonight will see the impact they’ve had on these students and see the return on their investment. We love the connection and we love the conversation that happens at this event every year. We hope everyone will continue helping out our students in need.â€
Endicott said the Foundation scholarship he received this year from the State Bank of Whittington has made a huge impact on the “journey†he’s making through his education. His journey started when he was a senior in high school, living on a friend’s couch and with no mentors to help him reach his goals.
Numerous scholarship donors met and dined with Rend Lake College student recipients at the 25th annual Rend Lake College Foundation Scholarship Dinner held October 13, 2014, at the Rend Lake Resort in Whittington. This annual event honors the financial support from donors as well as the students who receive that support. Pictured is, FROM LEFT, scholarship representative Monica Rich, scholarship recipient Austin Endicott (Macedonia) and scholarship representative Robin Storey. Click on the image for a larger view.
“When I think about scholarships, for me, it’s the journey here and the belief in me as a person,†said Endicott. “I was able to find mentors and people who believed in me in high school, and when someone believes in you, it pushes you to do better. Of all the colleges I could be at, I’m very glad to be at Rend Lake College. I think Rend Lake and the Foundation can do many great things with the help of donors like everyone in this room.â€
Upton shared her different experiences before coming to RLC, mainly the drastic changes her life made after the passing of her father-in-law and the recession. She said it was the Dr. Gary Sweeten Isaiah 61 Scholarship that helped push her toward becoming a full-time student in the Nursing program.
Numerous scholarship donors met and dined with Rend Lake College student recipients at the 25th annual Rend Lake College Foundation Scholarship Dinner held October 13, 2014, at the Rend Lake Resort in Whittington. This annual event honors the financial support from donors as well as the students who receive that support. Pictured is, FROM LEFT, scholarship representative Karen Sweeten, scholarship recipients Gwendolyn Upton (Texico) and Shania Ellis (Mt. Vernon) and scholarship representative Dr. Gary Sweeten. Click on the image for a larger view.
“I never thought I’d be where I am today,†said Upton. “Everything fell apart after my father-in-law passed away. We lost everything. I decided I wanted to go back to school to become an RN, but I had never been to college before, so I took one class just to see if I could. Imagine my surprise when I received a letter telling me I’d received a scholarship for RLC. I am so blessed. I now know it’s never too late to achieve a dream God put in your heart. To all the donors here tonight, know that whatever I become, or any of these other students, you had a part in that. As I often tell my daughter, ‘it’s okay to be afraid, just do it afraid,’ and that’s what’s kept me going.â€
Donors and contributors sit on the opposite side of a scholarship from the students. This year, repeat contributor Carol Rudofski spoke about the memorial scholarship she established for her son Craig who passed away in 2004 after a 4-wheeler accident.
“After Craig passed away, our family agreed that we wanted to do something education-related for him and his memory. The staff in the Foundation office was phenomenal and they were there for us during that incredibly hard time,†said Rudofski. “I liked the idea of establishing a memorial for Craig, because my fear was that my son would be forgotten. I know there will be a day when students will see his name and won’t have a clue who he was, but what’s important is that there’s a scholarship for those future students. My advice to you is that life can change in an instant, and don’t wait until a life-changing event makes you want to donate. Be that change and give to the Foundation to help the students at Rend Lake College.â€
Also at the banquet this year, dinner sponsor Eggemeyer Associates Architects, Inc. was awarded the Silver Major Donor Gift Award for reaching the $25k benchmark in donations. In addition to scholarships, Eggemeyer also supports the Foundation with events, such as the banquet and the annual Golf Outing.
“This company works tirelessly for the Foundation and for the college every year,†said Bullard. “I have them on speed dial and they never hesitate to help when I call. They really are great and we appreciate everything they do for us.â€
In addition to those honored during the banquet, there are hundreds scholarships awarded to RLC students by the Foundation and its donors. Those who would like to learn more about supporting RLC students with a scholarship, contact the RLCF at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1214, or send an e-mail foundation@rlc.edu.
Numerous scholarship donors met and dined with Rend Lake College student recipients at the 25th annual Rend Lake College Foundation Scholarship Dinner held October 13, 2014, at the Rend Lake Resort in Whittington. This annual event honors the financial support from donors as well as the students who receive that support. Pictured is, FROM LEFT, scholarship representative Peggy Davis, Adam Lee Lorance Memorial Art Scholarship recipient William Kimble (Thompsonville) and Alyssa Dawn Lorance Memorial Theatre Scholarship recipient Shelby Patterson (Waltonville). Click on the image for a larger view.
Numerous scholarship donors met and dined with Rend Lake College student recipients at the 25th annual Rend Lake College Foundation Scholarship Dinner held October 13, 2014, at the Rend Lake Resort in Whittington. This annual event honors the financial support from donors as well as the students who receive that support. Pictured is, FROM LEFT, scholarship representative Joe Norris and scholarship recipient Emily Likens (Mt. Vernon). Scholarship recipient Breanna Davis not pictured. Click on the image for a larger view.
Numerous scholarship donors met and dined with Rend Lake College student recipients at the 25th annual Rend Lake College Foundation Scholarship Dinner held October 13, 2014, at the Rend Lake Resort in Whittington. This annual event honors the financial support from donors as well as the students who receive that support. Pictured is, FROM LEFT, scholarship representative David Boucher and scholarship recipients Desiree Casey (Benton) and Morgan Stoner (Opdyke). Click on the image for a larger view.
Numerous scholarship donors met and dined with Rend Lake College student recipients at the 25th annual Rend Lake College Foundation Scholarship Dinner held October 13, 2014, at the Rend Lake Resort in Whittington. This annual event honors the financial support from donors as well as the students who receive that support. Pictured is, FROM LEFT, scholarship representative Bryan Drew, scholarship recipient Caitlin Melton (Benton) and scholarship representative Christen Drew. Click on the image for a larger view.
Numerous scholarship donors met and dined with Rend Lake College student recipients at the 25th annual Rend Lake College Foundation Scholarship Dinner held October 13, 2014, at the Rend Lake Resort in Whittington. This annual event honors the financial support from donors as well as the students who receive that support. Pictured is, FROM LEFT, scholarship recipient Sara Dixon (Benton), Emily Oxford (Benton), scholarship representative Dr. Billy Dixon, scholarship recipient Kristin Odom (Benton) and Austin Carlisle (Benton). Click on the image for a larger view.
Numerous scholarship donors met and dined with Rend Lake College student recipients at the 25th annual Rend Lake College Foundation Scholarship Dinner held October 13, 2014, at the Rend Lake Resort in Whittington. This annual event honors the financial support from donors as well as the students who receive that support. Pictured is, FROM LEFT, scholarship representative Betty Jo Herbert and scholarship recipient Myranda Epplin (Mt. Vernon). Click on the image for a larger view.
Numerous scholarship donors met and dined with Rend Lake College student recipients at the 25th annual Rend Lake College Foundation Scholarship Dinner held October 13, 2014, at the Rend Lake Resort in Whittington. This annual event honors the financial support from donors as well as the students who receive that support. Pictured is, FROM LEFT, scholarship representative Vickie Trout, Julie Trout Memorial Scholarship recipient Jaci Pelaez (Mt. Vernon), Blake Trout Memorial Scholarship Matthew Breeze (Bluford) and scholarship representative Rickey Trout. Click on the image for a larger view.
Numerous scholarship donors met and dined with Rend Lake College student recipients at the 25th annual Rend Lake College Foundation Scholarship Dinner held October 13, 2014, at the Rend Lake Resort in Whittington. This annual event honors the financial support from donors as well as the students who receive that support. Pictured is, FROM LEFT, scholarship representative Mary Ann Evilsizer and scholarship recipient Kortnie Bailey (Coello). Click on the image for a larger view.
Numerous scholarship donors met and dined with Rend Lake College student recipients at the 25th annual Rend Lake College Foundation Scholarship Dinner held October 13, 2014, at the Rend Lake Resort in Whittington. This annual event honors the financial support from donors as well as the students who receive that support. Pictured is, FROM LEFT, scholarship representative Cindy VanHorn and scholarship recipient Rachel Marlo (Sesser). Click on the image for a larger view.
Numerous scholarship donors met and dined with Rend Lake College student recipients at the 25th annual Rend Lake College Foundation Scholarship Dinner held October 13, 2014, at the Rend Lake Resort in Whittington. This annual event honors the financial support from donors as well as the students who receive that support. Pictured is, FROM LEFT, scholarship representative Bill Fleri, scholarship recipient Chad Clark (Mt. Vernon) and scholarship representative Teresa Fleri. Click on the image for a larger view.
Numerous scholarship donors met and dined with Rend Lake College student recipients at the 25th annual Rend Lake College Foundation Scholarship Dinner held October 13, 2014, at the Rend Lake Resort in Whittington. This annual event honors the financial support from donors as well as the students who receive that support. Pictured is, FROM LEFT, scholarship representative Trish Reed and scholarship recipient Brett Morr (Columbia). Click on the image for a larger view.
Numerous scholarship donors met and dined with Rend Lake College student recipients at the 25th annual Rend Lake College Foundation Scholarship Dinner held October 13, 2014, at the Rend Lake Resort in Whittington. This annual event honors the financial support from donors as well as the students who receive that support. Pictured is, FROM LEFT, scholarship representative Lori Ragland, scholarship recipient Kaitlyn Laskowski (Sesser) and scholarship representative Chuck Ragland. Click on the image for a larger view.
Numerous scholarship donors met and dined with Rend Lake College student recipients at the 25th annual Rend Lake College Foundation Scholarship Dinner held October 13, 2014, at the Rend Lake Resort in Whittington. This annual event honors the financial support from donors as well as the students who receive that support. Pictured is, FROM LEFT, scholarship representative Cindy Caldwell and scholarship recipient Jacque Helverson (Ewing). Click on the image for a larger view.
Numerous scholarship donors met and dined with Rend Lake College student recipients at the 25th annual Rend Lake College Foundation Scholarship Dinner held October 13, 2014, at the Rend Lake Resort in Whittington. This annual event honors the financial support from donors as well as the students who receive that support. Pictured is, FROM LEFT, scholarship recipients Mollee Sager (Mt. Vernon), Darcey Ross (Woodlawn), Rachel Spotanski (Ashley), Paige Laughhunn (Woodlawn), Gracie Tate (Mt. Vernon), Kelsey Shannon (Mt. Vernon) and scholarship representative JoAnn Joy. Click on the image for a larger view.
Numerous scholarship donors met and dined with Rend Lake College student recipients at the 25th annual Rend Lake College Foundation Scholarship Dinner held October 13, 2014, at the Rend Lake Resort in Whittington. This annual event honors the financial support from donors as well as the students who receive that support. Pictured is, FROM LEFT, scholarship representative David Hergenreder, Continental Tire the Americas Internship Scholarship recipient Koaltin Dye (Mt. Vernon), Continental Tire the Americas Scholarship recipients Emily Marlow (Opdyke), Tyler Price (Benton), Joshua Price (Benton), Adam Ford (Mt. Vernon) and scholarship representative Mike Wagoner. Click on the image for a larger view.
Numerous scholarship donors met and dined with Rend Lake College student recipients at the 25th annual Rend Lake College Foundation Scholarship Dinner held October 13, 2014, at the Rend Lake Resort in Whittington. This annual event honors the financial support from donors as well as the students who receive that support. Pictured is, FROM LEFT, scholarship representatives Kristin Rudofski and Carol Rudofski and scholarship recipients Katelynn Braddy (Mt. Vernon) and Kayla Tooke (Mt. Vernon). Click on the image for a larger view.
Numerous scholarship donors met and dined with Rend Lake College student recipients at the 25th annual Rend Lake College Foundation Scholarship Dinner held October 13, 2014, at the Rend Lake Resort in Whittington. This annual event honors the financial support from donors as well as the students who receive that support. Pictured is, FROM LEFT, scholarship representatives Finny Mathew, Vickie Simmons, scholarship recipient Kristina Lehman (Mt. Vernon) and scholarship representative Kim Quinn. Click on the image for a larger view.
Numerous scholarship donors met and dined with Rend Lake College student recipients at the 25th annual Rend Lake College Foundation Scholarship Dinner held October 13, 2014, at the Rend Lake Resort in Whittington. This annual event honors the financial support from donors as well as the students who receive that support. Pictured is, FROM LEFT, scholarship representative Dell Hill and scholarship recipient Libbey Harrah (Mt. Vernon). Click on the image for a larger view.
Numerous scholarship donors met and dined with Rend Lake College student recipients at the 25th annual Rend Lake College Foundation Scholarship Dinner held October 13, 2014, at the Rend Lake Resort in Whittington. This annual event honors the financial support from donors as well as the students who receive that support. Pictured is, FROM LEFT, scholarship representative Henry Leeck, scholarship recipient Jacob Burris (McLeansboro) and scholarship representative Cindy Leeck. Click on the image for a larger view.
Numerous scholarship donors met and dined with Rend Lake College student recipients at the 25th annual Rend Lake College Foundation Scholarship Dinner held October 13, 2014, at the Rend Lake Resort in Whittington. This annual event honors the financial support from donors as well as the students who receive that support. Pictured is, FROM LEFT, scholarship recipient Tymber Downen (Wayne City) and scholarship representative Pamela Atkinson-Chadbourne. Click on the image for a larger view.
Numerous scholarship donors met and dined with Rend Lake College student recipients at the 25th annual Rend Lake College Foundation Scholarship Dinner held October 13, 2014, at the Rend Lake Resort in Whittington. This annual event honors the financial support from donors as well as the students who receive that support. Pictured is, FROM LEFT, scholarship representative Leah Stallman and scholarship recipient Jamie Brock (Ewing). Click on the image for a larger view.
Numerous scholarship donors met and dined with Rend Lake College student recipients at the 25th annual Rend Lake College Foundation Scholarship Dinner held October 13, 2014, at the Rend Lake Resort in Whittington. This annual event honors the financial suppor