Recognition Banquet honors retirees, outstanding faculty and excellent staff

INA, Ill. (May 8, 2018) - Rend Lake College Board members, faculty, staff, and retired employees gathered in the Theatre Tuesday afternoon to celebrate and highlight several individuals for an exceptional academic year.

At the annual Recognition Banquet, five retirees and a handful of current employees were honored for their service, as well as the awarding of the Full-Time Faculty Excellence Award, the RLC Foundation Staff Excellence Award, the Assessment Award, and certificates of recognition for members of the Academic Council.

Retirees

RLC has five retirees this year with a combined 110 years of service to the college. They were recognized and honored with a plaque during the banquet.

Jean Huie, Executive Assistant to the Vice President of Academic Instruction, is retiring with 29 years of service to Rend Lake College.

Jean Huie is pictured with RLC President Terry Wilkerson. Click on the image for a larger view.
(Reece Rutland / RLC Public Information)

Originally hired full-time in June of 1989, Huie has served as administrative assistant to many different departments on campus. She was hired as a dual-assistant in Business and Social Sciences, and Math and Sciences, where she worked for 10 years. She then moved to the Agriculture-Architecture-Automotive Division for another five years. Then, for the last 14 years, she’s worked under three separate vice presidents in academic instruction.

In addition to moving around campus, the Coello resident said it’s the people - everyone she’s met - who will be missed the most.

“I have been so fortunate to work with the best of the best - students, faculty, staff, maintenance, security, administrators, members of our Board of Trustees, and members of our Foundation Board,” said Huie. “Working in different areas of the college allowed me to get to know, respect, and become friends with employees from various areas of campus who I may not have otherwise had the privilege.”

She continued, “Working in such a flexible place has enabled me to enjoy all of my children’s milestones and events, and also my grandson’s. I have shared in the joy of co-workers getting engaged, married, having children, having grandchildren, and advancing in their education and positions. I have also shared in the sorrow and tragedies that members of our RLC family have faced. I have learned something valuable from every person I have come in contact with here, past and present. It has definitely been a great ride, and I am so thankful for the opportunity and memories.”

When asked about her favorite memory of RLC or the RLC community, Huie said there were too many to pick just one favorite. In her retirement, she said she plans to do some traveling with her family, specifically to Disney World this fall. She also has some mini-trips planned and some projects to do around the house. She also hasn’t eliminated working part-time, in her words, “if I get bored.”

Don McBride, Mining Technology Instructor, is retiring just after his fifth year of teaching at Rend Lake College.

Don McBride, click on the image for a larger view.

The Johnston City resident was hired full-time in April of 2013 to teach classes for RLC’s then-new Mining Technology Associate degree program - an industry he is very familiar with. After working for 35 years in the mines - mostly underground - he decided to try his hand at teaching.

“Bringing that knowledge and experience to RLC was enjoyable, especially not having to go underground every day to use it. I had never had such a clean work environment to work in before. I guess you can say I’m not going to have to retire as a dirty old man, like I thought,” joked McBride.

In addition to the program classes, McBride also taught classes for the Mine Safety and Health Administration and initial training at Hamilton County Coal (formerly White Oak Mine). In more recent years, he has shifted his focus to solely mine technology and cooperative learning courses; his favorites.

“I love talking to the other ‘old timer miners’ here at RLC, exchanging the old war stories,” said McBride. “We all have a unique history to share and it is good to relive the memories. I also enjoyed letting the new miners know how to be successful in the mining industry, based on my experiences. I hope they listened and took something away.”

With no finite plans for his upcoming retirement, McBride simply said he would “work only when necessary, play as much as possible, and still contribute to anyone who needs a hand.”

Chris Nielsen, Dean of Applied Science and Technology, retired last December with 25 years of service to the college and only months shy of 40 years roaming RLC’s hallways as a student.

Chris Nielsen is pictured with RLC President Terry Wilkerson. Click on the image for a larger view.
(Reece Rutland / RLC Public Information)

The Herrin native, a former coal miner, was hired full-time in August of 1992 as an instructor teaching everything from mining to basic electrical classes. In 2012, he was named the Division Chair of the Applied Science and Technology Division, a title that was later changed to Dean.

As dean, he was in charge of 16 different programs on campus, ranging from architecture and graphic design to agriculture and heavy equipment to criminal justice, and everything in between. He was also a contributor to two of the largest grants RLC has ever received: the first, a $1.07 million grant to construct the Coal Mine Training Center in the Fall of 2009 and the second, a $1.6 million grant to train the region’s future coal mining workforce.

In his two and a half decades at RLC, Nielsen received the 2010 Faculty Excellence Award for his outstanding work in the classroom. He had served as president of the faculty union for a decade. He also helped lead RLC through two reaccreditation processes with the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), having a seat on the Steering Committee in 1998 and as one of three coordinators during the 2008 visit when the college received the maximum 10-year reaccreditation.

In his retirement, Nielsen is enjoying time with family, a daughter Liz in Chicago; and friends, members of the Herrin Tiger Football Alumni Association. He is also a licensed scuba diver and enjoys traveling.

To read Nielsen’s full retirement story, visit www.rlc.edu/pressroom/13639-rlc-dean-chris-nielsen-retiring-after-40-years-on-campus.

Dave Smith, Welding Professor Emeritus and Men’s Golf Head Coach, is retiring with 37 years of experience teaching and coaching at Rend Lake College.

Dave Smith, click on the image for a larger view.

Smith first joined the ranks at RLC as a welding instructor in January of 1981, and has continued to teach students the trade for more than 30 years. Though he officially retired as a professor and returned as a full-time emeritus professor in 2009, he sits atop the unofficial RLC seniority list of active, full-time employees.

Combined with his years of teaching, Smith is also recognized as one of RLC’s most successful coaches, leading the Men’s Golf team for the better part of three decades.

When he took over the team in 1989, it took three years for the Warriors to clinch their first tournament victory in 1992, and they’ve been a powerhouse ever since. In his 26 years at the helm, Smith and his teams have captured seven consecutive Region XXIV Division II Championships. He also coached 13 All-Americans and an individual National Champion.

It’s no surprise that Smith himself has seven Region XXIV Coach of the Year awards. With more than one hundred collegiate tournament championships, Smith has competed with RLC on the national stage 14 times.

Smith’s impact wasn’t limited to RLC. In fact, he has meant a lot to the game of golf at the junior college level. He began his membership with the National Junior College Athletic Association Region XXIV Golf Committee in 1993 and chaired that committee from 1997-2006. In 2000, he was elected Vice President of the National Golf Coaches Association and served as its President from 2001-02.

Most recently, Smith was featured as one of RLC’s 50 Influencers who helped shape the face of campus over the last 50 years.

Arvella Waugh, Administrative Assistant to the Math and Sciences Division, is retiring just shy of her 15th anniversary at Rend Lake College.

Arvella Waugh is pictured with RLC President Terry Wilkerson. Click on the image for a larger view.
(Reece Rutland / RLC Public Information)

Initially hired full-time in September of 2003, Waugh has served the college as an administrative assistant in the Learning Resource Center and Math and Sciences Division. Waugh is originally from Bourbonnais and a current resident of Mt. Vernon.

“Being able to do something I really enjoy has been wonderful,” said Waugh. “I’ve had the opportunity to meet and work with some great people and I’ve made some very special friends.”

Some of those friends have made lasting memories, said Waugh, including a trip to see the St. Louis Cardinals baseball game years ago - one of her favorite memories.

In her retirement, Waugh said she and her husband are moving to Florida, plan to do some travelling, play golf, and visit the beach often.

Full-Time Faculty Excellence Award

Cindy Caldwell, Mathematics Professor, was named the 2018 Faculty Excellence Award winner after a nomination by her peers for her 18 years of service to RLC and its students.

Cindy Caldwell is pictured with RLC President Terry Wilkerson. Click on the image for a larger view.
(Reece Rutland / RLC Public Information)

Caldwell’s ties to RLC go back much further than the last two decades. The 1980 graduate of RLC earned her first degree in higher education while playing softball as a Lady Warrior. She returned to RLC in 1995 as an adjunct instructor and was hired full-time in 2000.

She earned her master’s degree from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 1995, and has won several prestigious awards for her continued dedication to students, including the Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers Award in 2000 and again in 2005, and was nominated for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics Teaching in 1994.

Known for her constant smile and instantly recognizable laughter, Caldwell is known around campus by students, faculty, and staff alike for her encouraging attitude and positive outlook.

“I feel honored because we have such hardworking and dedicated teachers here,” said Caldwell about the Faculty Excellence Award. “It’s really hard to put into words how I feel. I’m completely speechless.”

Caldwell said her feelings stem from looking at those who have been awarded the honor before her, many of whom were her instructors and inspiration to go into education.

“So many of the previous recipients were teachers here when I was a student. To receive this award with that company, with those who I looked up to, is what leaves me speechless. I’m blessed beyond belief,” said Caldwell. “They helped me accomplish my dream of becoming a teacher. I really look up to them because they believed in me, and that’s what makes me excel to this day.”

Of those outstanding faculty recipients, Caldwell said the likes of Wayne Arnold, Dr. Evelyn Claxton, Dr. Barbara Luchsinger, and Jim Waugh come to mind.

Cindy Caldwell is pictured with one of her Spring 2018 classes immediately after being presented the Faculty Excellence Award in March. Click on the image for a larger view.
(ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)

At RLC, Caldwell has served as the lead instructor in the development of the college’s mathematical pathways course. She has also incorporated the Livescribe 3 Smartpen into her classes to improve student communication and problem solving. Outside of class, she goes above and beyond to meet with students needing assistance.

In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Caldwell serves on the RLC Academic Council, Mission Statement Committee, various assessment committees, and assists with the annual WYSE (Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering) competition. She is an active donor to the RLC Foundation, which provides financial assistance to students, and received the Major Gift Award in 2012 for her generosity.

Of the gift award, Caldwell said, “Although honored, more important to me is offering the greatest gift for making a difference in someone’s life; the opportunity of an education on the pathway to achieving their future occupation.”

Caldwell is a member of the Illinois Mathematics Association of Community Colleges and the International Women’s Leadership Association.

Staff Excellence Award

Jena Jensik, Director of Academic Advisement, was honored with the 2018 RLC Foundation Staff Excellence Award for her 14 years of service to RLC, specifically for her dedication to helping students find their path to success. The Herrin resident was hired full-time at RLC in August of 2004 and was nominated by 22 of her colleagues.

Jena Jensik is pictured with RLC President Terry Wilkerson. Click on the image for a larger view.
(Reece Rutland / RLC Public Information)

In their nomination letter, Jensik’s peers highlighted her willingness to go above and beyond for both students and fellow staff members in need.

“If you could hear the way students sing her praises, you would understand why the entire Advisement Department feels she is worthy of this nomination,” the letter reads. “Her vast knowledge in advisement processes and procedures is something students have certainly recognized and depended on. Students will often say that she is ‘the best.’ She does a downright outstanding job as an RLC advisor.”

The letter continues, “Jena always leads by example. If someone in the department needs help, she is the first to offer her time. Often this comes with the consequence of pushing her own duties aside to complete at home or after hours, but she never makes mention of this. She will always go the extra mile to do what is necessary.”

Her peers also focus on her many duties that expand past the director position, such as the leader of the Student Activities Committee and RLCares. Jensik is also a member of the Curriculum Committee of Academic Council and the Student Emergency Fund Committee. For students, she is the sponsor of the Student Ambassadors, the National Society of Leadership and Success, and Phi Theta Kappa.

“It is without hesitation we nominate our director, Jena, for the outstanding staff member. Jena is an excellent example of what we think an employee and leader should be,” the letter finishes.

Assessment Award

Holly Heisner, Radiologic Technology Program Director, was awarded the 2018 Assessment Award for her service to RLC. This award credits an individual who works tirelessly on assessment policies and procedures for the college, and is only awarded when there is a qualified candidate.

Holly Heisner is pictured with RLC President Terry Wilkerson. Click on the image for a larger view.
(Reece Rutland / RLC Public Information)

Heisner of Pinckneyville was hired full-time at RLC in January of 2014 and was nominated by nine of her fellow faculty members and colleagues. In her nomination letter, Heisner is applauded for her focus on student learning and the effects it has on her students’ lives and potential careers.

“Holly demonstrates a passion for student learning and works diligently throughout the process - assessing her students, analyzing the learning that takes place, and recommending curriculum modifications accordingly,” the letter reads. “She has implemented policies within her program to increase retention and board pass rates - all based on assessment results and discussions with advisory council members.”

The nomination continues, “Holly also actively serves as a mentor to RLC colleagues and goes beyond to help faculty with their understanding of assessment and with their analysis. She is always willing to reach out to provide support and willingly shares her ideas regarding institutional assessment projects, such as co-curricular assessment.”

Academic Council Certificates of Recognition

Several RLC faculty were awarded Certificates of Recognition for their service on Academic Council and sub-committees.

• Academic Council: Andrea Banach, Dean of Math & Sciences Division; Jeff Fairbanks, Culinary Arts Associate Professor; Holly Heisner, Radiologic Technology Program Director; Beth Mandrell, Reference Librarian; and Daphne Mitchell, Cosmetology Professor
• Faculty Development: Joe Ervin, English Professor; and Dr. Jeannie Mitchell, Psychology Professor
• Curriculum: Elizabeth Bailey-Smith, Speech Professor
• Learning Resource: Nathan Brouwer, History Associate Professor

Service Awards

Five Year Awards

The following employees have five years of service at RLC. They are, FROM LEFT, James Featherstone, Coordinator of Data Information Systems; Abbi Kash, Records Specialist; Amy Epplin, Financial Aid Specialist; Margo Wagner, Director of Community and Corporate Education; ReAnne Palmer, Public Information Specialist; Joy Fitts, Administrative Assistant to the Applied Science and Technology Division; and Emily Jones, Biological Sciences Associate Professor. Not pictured is Charlotte Loquasto, Testing and Placement Specialist; Don McBride, Mining Technology Instructor; and Charles Wingo, Mining Technology Instructor. Click on the image for a larger view.
(Reece Rutland / RLC Public Information)

Ten Year Awards

The following employees have 10 years of service at RLC. They are, FROM LEFT, Damon Sims, Assistant Chief of Security; Christina Hutcheson, Director of Adult Education and Family Literacy; Leah Stallman, TRIO Director; and Kristina Shelton, Perkins Coordinator. Not pictured is Joe Ervin, English Professor; Ron Murray, Information Systems Specialist; and Pete Wilce, Welding Professor. Click on the image for a larger view.
(Reece Rutland / RLC Public information)

Fifteen Year Awards

The following employees have 15 years of service at RLC. They are, FROM LEFT, Kay Shaw, Developmental Math Professor; Gary McGill, Chief of Police; Arvella Waugh, Administrative Assistant to the Math and Science Division; Chad Copple, Dean of Communications and Marketing; Kathy Craig, Agriculture Professor; and Rodney Summers, Maintenance Technician. Click on the image for a larger view.
(Reece Rutland / RLC Public Information)

Twenty Year Awards

The following employees have 20 years of service at RLC. They are, FROM LEFT, Ricky Robinson, Computer Networking Professor; Kathryn Byars, Subsidized Child Care Specialist; Brenda Heinzmann, Early Childhood Education Professor; Glenna Maxwell, Payroll and Benefits Accountant; Trinda Heitmeyer, Data and Technology Specialist; Sue Scattone, Accounts Payable and Purchasing Specialist; and Kelly Eubanks, Custodian. Not pictured is Tracey Webb, Theatre Professor. Click on the image for a larger view.
(Reece Rutland / RLC Public Information)

Twenty-Five Year Award

Rob Little, English Professor, was honored for his 25 years of service to RLC. Click on the image for a larger view.
(Reece Rutland / RLC Public Information)

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