INA, Ill. (July 16, 2026) — Rend Lake College has completed renovations to its Student Center as part of the Student Center Efficiency Project, which was partially funded through a grant from the Illinois Green Economy Network (IGEN).
Pictured: completed renovations on the Student Center taken July 1, 2026.
The project included the demolition of the existing 2,490-square-foot window system on the north side of the RLC Student Center and its replacement with a 985-square-foot window curtain wall. In addition, new energy-efficient double doors were installed. Reducing the window size has improved building performance and significantly lowered the heat load, contributing to long-term energy savings and sustainability.
“IGEN has been an invaluable partner to Rend Lake College by providing not only funding opportunities, but also technical guidance and resources that help colleges complete meaningful projects like this one,” said Lynne French, Assistant Director of Facilities Management and Campus Operations.”
French emphasized how the Student Center Efficiency Project meets RLC's goals of commitment to its students and community.
“By reducing the amount of glass while using modern, high-performance materials, these improvements will make the building more comfortable for students, faculty, staff and visitors, lower heating and cooling costs, and improve the college's overall energy efficiency."
About IGEN
IGEN is a consortium of all 39 Illinois community college districts, formed in 2008. IGEN’s mission is to provide a platform for collaboration among all Illinois community colleges and their partners to drive growth of the green economy.
About RLC
Rend Lake College is a nationally ranked college in southern Illinois with campuses located in Ina, Mt. Vernon, and Pinckneyville. Founded in 1967 and nationally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1969, Rend Lake provides its district and the region with real-world educational opportunities through more than 100 degree and certificate options. RLC’s mission is to provide open access to lifelong education across cultural and economic boundaries to the diverse student population it serves. RLC strives to be student-focused, authentic, and resourceful, with every employee playing a part in serving students and the community. Embedded in every program of study are RLC's four fundamental learning objectives: critical thinking, problem solving, oral communication, and written communication.
