INA, Ill. (April 13, 2021)
The Rend Lake College Board of Trustees agreed tonight at its regular monthly meeting to rename the Learning Resource Center to the Mary and George Slankard Center. Only the fifth building to be dedicated at the Ina campus, the naming honors the local couple whose generosity championed the major renovation that was recently completed at the center.
The Slankards have been longtime supporters of education with their donations to RLC. Their lead gift for the recent addition was instrumental in the completion of the project. George Slankard died March 7, 2020 at the age of 95. The retired magazine publisher left a legacy of generous service in the Sesser community and as a member of the Rend Lake College Foundation Board of Directors. He and Mary had been married for 70 years.
“I want to thank the Slankard family for all they’ve done,†said RLC Board Chair Randy Rubenacker.
New Student Trustee
Nick Wimber
Nick Wimber was seated as the new Student Trustee on the board. Dakota Tate of Bluford was recognized for his service during the meeting.
Dakota Tate of Bluford, left, received a plaque to commemorate his service on the board. He is pictured here with RLC President Terry Wilkerson.
Bid accepted for Academic overpass removal
The board accepted the lowest bid from Litteken Construction Company in Breese to remove the Academic building overpass and reshape the existing concrete on the ground level to improve drainage issues. The amount of the winning bid was $436,555.
There were five bids for the project, which will be paid through PHS funds.
Bidding begins on new Event Center
Also at the meeting, the board granted permission to accept bids for converting the former Aquatics Center into a new Event Center. The conversion will repurpose the center into a conference and multipurpose meeting space, which was approved at the Oct. 20, 2020, board meeting. Funding for this project will come from bonding sources that are already available. There will be no additional costs to the taxpayers of the district.
Librarian Mandrell retiring, Mabrey stepping in
The board accepted the retirement resignation of Reference Librarian Beth Mandrell, effective June 1. Mandrell started at the college in 1999 and has been a great resource for many students at the college. Her wonderful storytime sessions have made her a beloved figure to the youth who have attended the RLCF Children’s Center over the years. She has helped sweeten dozens of campus events with her baking and pastry skills. Mandrell is taking advantage of the new Post-Retirement Benefit Plan that was established at the March meeting.
Angelina Mabrey will be transferred from her current position as Apprenticeship Coordinator to Reference Librarian, effective June 1. Mabrey has working knowledge of a library system and currently sits on a local library board.
Purchase of new switches will upgrade security, speed
The board approved the purchase of new Cisco switches through World Wide Technology of St. Louis in the amount of $822,560.02, effective April 13. Most of the existing switches are now considered at the end-of-life. The switches can no longer receive software or security updates or get technical support from the vendor. The new switches are necessary to increase bandwidth and network speeds. They will also enable higher bandwidth for Warrior Wireless. The purchase will be made through funds received from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
Wilson hired as Financial Aid Specialist
The board approved the appointment of Lauren Wilson as Financial Aid Specialist, effective April 5. Wilson has a bachelor’s degree in science from Greenville University. She had previously worked as a permanent substitute math teacher and aid for Casey Middle School and a substitute teacher at Spero Family Service/Bright Start Child and Family Education Center.
Tockstein named Custodial Supervisor
Adam Tockstein was promoted to Custodial Supervisor, effective April 16. Tockstein has an Associate of Arts and Associate of Applied Science degrees from Rend Lake College and a bachelor’s in marketing and accounting from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. He currently works in the shipping and receiving department at RLC.
In other business, the board…
Accepted the resignation of Joseph Marlo, coordinator for the Learning Enhancement and CTE Success Centers, effective Aug. 1.
Revised the job description for a part-time barista at the Rend Lake College Coffee Shop; deactivated the lifeguard and manager positions at the former Aquatics Center; and deactivated the manager stipend and assistant manager position at the Coffee Shop.
Approved the creation of a new course, Career Planning, as well as other curriculum changes.
Approved the online course development process and prodcedure effective April 13.
Mark Your Calendars ...
Culinary Showcase, Runs through April 30, limited seating available, Rend Lake College.
Section 221 FFA Ag Mechanics Competition, Wednesday, April 14, Rend Lake College.
Studio RLC Virtual Open House, Tuesday, April 27, Zoom, 5 - 7 p.m.
RAD Tech Pinning Ceremony, Thursday, May 6, Rend Lake College Theater, 10 a.m.
Nursing Pinning Ceremony, Thursday, May 6, Rend Lake College Theater, 1 p.m.
Annual Faculty/Staff Awards Event, Thursday, May 6, Rend Lake College Outdoor Track, 3 p.m.
Jefferson County CEO Trade Show, Thursday, May 6, RLC MarketPlace, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
RLC Commencement, Saturday, May 8, Rend Lake College Outdoor Track, 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Job Search Party, Tuesday, May 18, Doubletree Hotel, Mt. Vernon, 3 - 6 p.m.
Mental Health 101 with Lindsey Adams, Tuesday, June 15, virtual TBD.
Paramedic Program Accreditation, Thursday and Friday, July 8-9, virtual.
Auto Show, Saturday, Oct. 9, Rend Lake College Campus.
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