INA, Ill. (October 6, 2022) — The Rend Lake College Foundation is the cornerstone that helps provide students from the region with educational opportunities at Rend Lake College. It has provided countless students with scholarships, recognition for achievements, and support to the communities in which RLC serves.
As RLC looks to the future of education, it has structured the Foundation to help better serve students with a streamlined organizational structure.
Cathy DeJarnette, Executive Director of Administrative Services, will oversee the Foundation’s staff, help the group set its vision as they take on new development projects, and serve as the liaison with the RLC President’s Office.
DeJarnette served RLC for several years as the executive assistant to the president before taking on her new responsibilities with human resources and, most recently, the foundation.
“I am truly excited and optimistic about the direction the RLC Foundation is heading,” Dejarnette said. “We have several dedicated staff members in the Foundation office, and we have an engaged and supportive board of directors working with us.”
Amy Newell
Amy Newell, RLC Foundation Assistant Director of Development, will oversee the Foundation events and operations.
Newell has served at Rend Lake College in the student records department, president’s office, events, and now at the Foundation.
“I am so excited to work with a team of people who bring different skills and experiences to support Rend Lake College, our staff, faculty, students, and ultimately the community,” said Newell.
Lexi Johnson
Lexi Johnson, RLCF Development Coordinator, focuses on the scholarship program, git entries, donor acknowledgment, data management, and social media.
Johnson graduated from McKendree with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Sports management and marketing in 2020. She worked in the non-profit sector as a community development intern with the St. Louis Blues. She has served at the Foundation since February 2021.
“The RLCF restructure allows us to build personal relationships with the selfless givers who continue to work to improve the college,” stated Johnson. “It allows me to have more contact with those donors and, ultimately, a larger impact on student opportunities. This personal atmosphere has been a notable benefit of the Foundation’s restructuring.”
Dawn Johnson
Dawn Johnson, RLCF Major Gift Officer, is responsible for capital campaigns, planned giving, and contributions above $5,000.
Johnson has spent prior years in higher education at Eastern Illinois University and Southeast Missouri State. She enjoys being a part of something bigger and cultivating relationships with the college and the community.
“I am looking forward to working with current and potential donors to see the goals of RLC Foundation come to life,” said Johnson.