INA, Ill. (December 17, 2024) — The Rend Lake College Foundation hosted its 45th Annual Dinner on December 12 at the RLC Event Center on the Ina Campus. The evening honored alumni, students and community members.
The event recognized Jaci and Lee Wyatt as the 2024 Alumni of the Year. Representing the Class of '73, Jaci and Lee are the cofounders of the Three Palms Foundation and Lee is a retired Senior VP and CFO of Fortune Brands.
"Lee and Jaci had a dream of creating opportunities for others," said Dawn Johnson, RLCF Major Gift Officer. "This past year the Wyatts added to their scholarships at RLC, now totaling five in all: Coach Jim Waugh Memorial Scholarship, Coach Mike McClure Memorial Scholarship, Coach Wayne Arnold Memorial Scholarship, Wyatt Family Scholarship for Steeleville students and the Brown Family Scholarship for Pinckneyville students."
"It is humbling that after all their success and blessings, Jaci and Lee continue to honor RLC and the impact it had on their lives," said Amy Newell, RLCF Assistant Director of Development. "Their journey has come full circle, enabling them to help students from the RLC communities invest in themselves."
The Wyatts ran into unavoidable travel complications and were unable to attend the dinner to accept their award. Athletic Director Tim Wills spoke on their behalf. He recalled talking to Lee in preparation of the two-sport athlete's 2020 RLC Sports Hall of Fame Induction.
"In some of our conversations leading up to his induction, [Lee] actually said, 'This is really great. We have been fortunate our entire lives, so is there anything we can do for the school?'," said Wills. "I got him in contact with the head of RLCF and that's where everything really started."
President Terry Wilkerson announced Jeff May, President and CEO of Banterra Bank, and Nik Pearce, Plant Manager at Continental Mt. Vernon, as the recipients of the 2024 Presidential Award.
The Presidential Award stands as a rare and distinguished honor, presented at the sole discretion of the college president. It recognizes exceptional collaborations and relationships between local leaders and RLC.
"We have honored this individual on several occasions for a huge contribution financially, motivationally and just as a good community partner," said Wilkerson in his speech about May. "Jeff May, from Banterra Bank, I appreciate your friendship. I appreciate your support, both personally and professionally."
"This individual has a job to do," Wilkerson said of Pearce. "They're local. They grew up in the area. They're about the area and they are interested in Southern Illinois being a success. Nik Pearce of Continental Tire — you call him and he will show up."
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The Annual Dinner celebrated this year’s student spotlight, De’Vonna Boyd.
Boyd is a 2018 graduate of Mt. Vernon Township High School and the proud recipient of the Dr. Oliver D. Spitler Memorial Scholarship and MVTHS Class of 1957 Scholarship. She is currently pursuing her Associate Degree in Nursing, with plans to graduate in May 2025. Boyd is a dedicated student, wife and the mother of a 6-year-old son, with a strong desire to make a lasting difference in her community.
"I worked as a CNA for three years before finally having the courage to apply to nursing school," shared Boyd. "Nursing school has taught me more about myself than my adversities ever have, because this was intentional. I chose this."
"De'Vonna has shown incredible resilience, dedication and determination on her journey toward achieving her dreams," said Jessica Jackanicz, RLCF Development Coordinator. "Her story is one of perseverance, overcoming challenges and never losing sight of the future she envisioned, even when it seemed out of reach."
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This year's RLCF Annual Dinner celebrated donors of The Game Plan who have contributed at least $5,000, with Special MVP awards. Individuals who have received these awards include:
- Trish Reed
- Tony & Julie Wielt, State Farm Insurance
- Pat Kern
- State Rep. Dave & Penny Severin, All Stars-N-Stitches
- Gregg Barnard Family
- John D. and Mary Ellen Aiken
- Benton Lions Club
- Mark Dillon, Eggemeyer Associates Architects
- Henry “Buster” Leeck
- James & Patti Wittenauer
- Robert “Bob” & Kindi Kelley
- Matt Burkett
- Trudee Wynn, Country Financial
- Crystal Hemby, Crystal Clear Pools & Spas
- Tim & Sherri Millenbine, Wooly Wash Car Wash
- Eric Gayer, T-Street Rides
- Greg Hale – SIJHSAA (Southern Illinois Junior High School Athletic Association)
- Eric Kern
- James & Carole Mounier
- Cindy Leeck
- Kevin Karcher
- John and Maria Kretz
- Linda Smith
- Ron Smith
One group of individuals RLC celebrated was the RLC Corporate MVP, Deaconess Illinois and President Will Davis. Deaconess Illinois previously contributed $250,000 to the new Banterra Sports Complex, securing the 10-year naming rights to the athletic training center.
Deaconess Illinois group with Terry Wilkerson, Dawn Johnson and Tony Wielt
Cathy DeJarnette, Executive Director of Administrative Services, presented Wilkerson with a painting of the Ina Campus. It was painted live at the event by Natalie Hensley with Natsy Art. The painting features a tree planted on campus in honor of his late father, Marvin Wilkerson.
"Terry’s journey to this point is, in many ways, a testament to the power of education to change lives. As he often shares, he never actually planned to go to college. But, once he got here in 1990, he never left," said DeJarnette. "I have witnessed his extraordinary leadership firsthand. He has guided our college through both opportunities and challenges with finesse, vision and unwavering dedication."
DeJarnette shared that Wilkerson has been a steadfast supporter of the RLCF’s work. Whether attending fundraising events, advocating for new initiatives, personally engaging with donors or personal financial support, his leadership has been vital in helping them raise the funds necessary to fulfill the RLCF mission. Wilkerson will retire June 2025 after 13 years of service as the RLC president and more than 30 years total at the college.
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RLC would like to extend their deepest thanks and gratitude towards our Alumni of the Year, honorees, students, faculty & staff and everyone who showed up in support of RLC and the RLC Foundation.
