INA, Ill. (May 20, 2025) — Rend Lake College acknowledged the success and achievements of its employees on May 3 during the annual RLC Faculty and Staff Awards, held this year at the RLC Event Center.
This event is a tradition for RLC employees to look back and recognize the hard work put in to the college over the past year. The Faculty and Staff Awards celebrated service milestones, outstanding work and retirees' dedication to their careers.
Celebrating 5 years of service are; Andrew Lingle, Brody Wilson, Cory Braden, Faith Blair and Sean Carley.
Pictured (L-R): Sean Carley (Academic Advisor) and Andrew Lingle (Software Developer / System Admin Information Technology)
Not pictured: Brody Wilson (Coordinator of Industry & Apprenticeship), Cory Braden (Software Developer / System Admin) and Faith Blair (Administrative Assistant of Arts & Sciences Division)
Marking 10 years of service are; Heather Adams and Dr. Richard Holland.
Pictured: Dr. Richard Holland (Physical Science Instructor)
Not pictured: Heather Adams (Grant Management Director)
Honored for 15 years of service are; Mark Jornd, Ronald Meek and Sarah Draper.
Pictured (L-R): Mark Jornd (Business Associate Professor) and Sarah Draper (Student Success and Wellness Coordinator)
Not pictured: Ronald Meek (Criminal Justice Associate Professor)
Celebrating 20 years of service are; Carrie Ragan, Corey Phillips, Daphne Mitchell, Dr. Elizabeth Bailey-Smith, Kent McKown, Melissa McClement-Engler, Paul Sandrock and Sara Alstat-Sanders.
Pictured (L-R): Sara Alstat-Sanders (Music Professor) and Corey Phillips (Director of Auxiliary Services / Head Coach - Men's Golf)
Not Pictured: Carrie Ragan (Biology and Anatomy & Physiology Professor), Daphne Mitchell (Cosmetology Professor), Dr. Elizabeth Bailey-Smith (Speech Professor), Kent McKown (Chief Information Officer), Melissa McClement-Engler (Art Associate Professor) and Paul Sandrock (Chemistry Associate Professor)
Commemorating 25 years of service are; Cindy Caldwell, Jennifer Tarantino Linsin, Laura Johnston, Lori Ragland and Wesley Rush.
Pictured (L-R): Jennifer Tarantino Linsin (Visual Communication Design Professor), Cindy Caldwell (Mathematics Professor) and Lori Ragland (Executive Vice President / President Designee)
Not pictured: Wesley Rush (Custodian)
Acknowledged 30 year of service are; Beth Stevens, Shari Carpenter and Tranae Brockhouse.
Pictured (L-R): Beth Stevens (Testing & Placement Specialist) and Shari Carpenter (Dean of Applied Science & Technology)
Not pictured: Tranae Brockhouse (Director of Child Care Resource and Referral)
Additionally, RLC bids farewell to the 2025 retirees, Cathi Jackson (Subsidized Child Care Specialist / CCRR) with 28 years of service, Cary Hottes (Subsidy Services Coordinator / CCRR) achieving 30 years of service, and President Terry Wilkerson, with 27 years of committed service.
Jackson dedicated her time and talents to support many families in the RLC communities over the years. With retirement now calling her name, Jackson is ready to enjoy what she loves most in life - her granddaughters and family.
Jackson (center) at the 2023 RLC Faculty & Staff Awards.
Hottes is retiring after three decades of dedication to serving families and childcare providers in a dozen counties. As she steps into this new phase of life, Hottes will spend time with her grandsons, her husband and the rest of her family who will continue to be at the center of her attention.
Hottes (right) with her award for 25 years of service in 2019.
President Wilkerson has been at the helm of RLC for over a decade, and will be leaving behind a legacy that has undoubtedly shaped the institution and the community it serves. As Wilkerson prepares to retire, he looks forward to spending more time with his family and tending to his farm. He will forever remain a part of the story of RLC. Thank you, Wilkerson, for your vision, your leadership and your service.
Lori Ragland presenting President Wilkerson with his retirement plaque.
Congratulations on the success, achievements and milestones each faculty and staff member has reached!
