Rend Lake College Foundation receives Historic $720,000 Scholarship Endowment

INA, Ill. (March 1, 2023) — The Rend Lake College Foundation is proud to announce that it has received the largest scholarship endowment in its history. The Wilma Guy Trust of Perry County, IL, has established $720,000 to create the Charles and Maude Guy Family Scholarship Fund, which will provide financial assistance to Rend Lake College students who reside within the boundaries of Pinckneyville High School District No. 101. This endowment will help students pay for tuition, books, transportation, and other related college expenses.

Wilma Guy was a dear friend to RLC and a frequent contributor to the Foundation over the years. Her donations have helped fund the Annual Fund Campaigns, RLC Foundation Scholarships, the Theatre Renovation in 2007, and the Murphy-Wall RLC Pinckneyville Science Lab Addition in 2010.

Wilma Guy (second from the left) with fellow Learning in Retirement students at Rend Lake College. Wilma's generous endowment of $720,000 to the Rend Lake College Foundation has established the Charles and Maude Guy Family Scholarship, providing financial assistance to Rend Lake College students within the boundaries of Pinckneyville High School District No. 101. Wilma's legacy of championing lifelong learning and commitment to education will continue to inspire and uplift generations to come. (Click for Printable Version)

"Wilma was a true champion of learning and a beloved member of RLC's Learning in Retirement program. Her enthusiasm for creative writing and literature classes was contagious, and her kindness and selflessness left a lasting impression on all who had the pleasure of knowing her," said RLC VP of Instruction and Student Affairs Lori Ragland. "We are deeply grateful for Wilma's generosity in supporting students as they pursue their educational goals. Her legacy will continue to inspire and uplift generations to come."

The RLCF is honored to have been chosen to administer this scholarship and to be the recipient of such a generous gift. The Foundation is committed to ensuring that the funds have a lasting impact on the lives of our students.

"The overwhelming generosity of Ms. Wilma Guy is a true testament to her dedication to education," said Cathy DeJarnette, Executive Director of Administrative Services at RLC. "With this endowment, she has further solidified her commitment to ensuring that future generations have access to the same opportunities for lifelong learning that she cherished so dearly. It is an honor to play a small role in carrying on Wilma's legacy and providing Rend Lake College students with the resources they need to achieve their educational goals and pursue their passions."

"This scholarship will go to students who reside in the Pinckneyville High school boundaries and preference will be given to students who are seeking a degree in Education and who attend her church, the First Baptist Church of Pinckneyville," said RLCF Assistant Director of Development Amy Newell. "However, we are potentially looking at a multitude of yearly scholarships totaling $35,000.00 going to students of Pinckneyville. The number of students impacted by this scholarship is MANY."

"We are deeply grateful for the generosity of Wilma Guy," said Terry Wilkerson, Rend Lake College President. "Her unwavering commitment to education and our institution is certain to shape the future of countless students. Her enduring legacy as a friend and advocate will always be remembered, and we are privileged to honor her as a devoted supporter of education."

For more information, please contact the Rend Lake College Foundation at (618) 437-5321 ext. 1214 or visit their website at www.rlc.edu/foundation.

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