INA, Ill. (Feb. 25, 2019) - Last week, the Rend Lake College Foundation celebrated faculty and staff by awarding the second We Are Warriors grants and recognizing those who go above and beyond with giving back to the college and RLC students. RLCF Board of Directors Chariman Robert Bornheimer, Director and former part-time RLC instructor Mary Ellen Aiken, Director Tony Wielt, and community members Eric and Linda Black, were on hand to personally congratulate and thank each faculty and staff member.
In total, the RLC Foundation awarded 11 grants totaling $11,089, which was predominately generated through RLC employee giving and some outside donor support. Each grant will go toward institutional-related projects, curriculum or instruction needs, or equipment and technology. All employees were eligible to submit a grant application.
The We Are Warriors grant recipients are, FOURTH FROM LEFT, Dean of Community and Corporate Education Margo Wagner, Agriculture Professor Kathy Craig, CTE Support Specialist Joy Fitts, Cosmetology Instructor Melissa Bertschi, Welding Professor Pete Wilce, Mathemetics Professor Cindy Caldwell, Automotive Technology Professor Nigel Thompson, Director of Financial Aid Cheri Rushing, and Director of Marketing and Public Information Nathan Wheeler, SECOND FROM RIGHT. Also pictured is RLCF Board of Directors Member Tony Wielt, LEFT; RLCF supporters Eric and Linda Black, SECOND AND THIRD FROM LEFT; RLCF Board of Directors Member Mary Ellen Aiken, THIRD FROM RIGHT; and RLCF Board of Directors Chairman Robert Bornheimer, RIGHT. Click on the image for a larger view.
| Division / Program | Grant Amount | Grant Purchase / Upgrade |
| Marketing & Public Information | $2,475 | Digital Kiosks (hardware and software) |
| Welding | $2,300 | Bandsaw and Portable Table |
| CTE Student Success Center | $1,673 | Furniture for CTE Center |
| Automotive Technology | $1,079 | Box and Pan Brake |
| Mathematics | $1,000 | Short-Throw Projector |
| Agriculture Production | $710 | Soil Kit |
| Enrollment Services | $556 | Stools in the Financial Aid Computer Lab |
| CTE Student Success Center | $502 | Tutoring Materials |
| Automotive Technology | $424 | Belt Grinder |
| Culinary Arts | $200 | Teaching Aids |
| Cosmetology | $170 | Esthetics Equipment |
| TOTAL | $11,089 |
The RLC Foundation also spent some time thanking individual faculty and staff for continously giving back to the college and its students. Twenty-four people were recognized for their years of giving back, both consecutively and cumulatively.
"This year, we celebrate RLC employees and say thank you for their faithful support to the Foundation," said RLC Foundation CEO Kay Zibby-Damron. "I know each and every one of these individuals deeply cares about our students and RLC; they’ve demonstrated that commitment for 10 years or longer through their gifts. The deep impact these employees are having on RLC today and well into the future is inspirational."
Nine faculty and staff were honored for making regular donations to the RLC Foundation for at least 20 years each. They are, FROM LEFT, Professional Development Specialist Cary Hottes (20 years), Subsidized Child Care Specialist Kathryn Byars (21 years), Automotive Technology Professor Nigel Thompson (24 years), Data and Technology Specialist Trinda Heitmeyer (21 years), Vice President of Student Services Dr. Lisa Price (21 years), Computer Science Professor and Instructional Designer Shari Carpenter (23 years), Athletics Administrative Assistant Julie Oxford (27 years), and Vice President of Instruction and Student Affairs Lori Ragland (20 years). Also pictured is RLC Foundation CEO Kay Zibby-Damron, RIGHT. Not pictured is Reference Librarian Beth Mandrell (20 years). Click on the image for a larger view.
Fifteen individuals were honored for giving between 10 and 20 years to the RLC Foundation. They are, FROM LEFT, Manager of the Bookstore and Copy Center Casey Rhine (10 years), Director of Human Relations Kim Rogers (15 years), Welding Professor Pete Wilce (10 years), Associate Vice President of CTE and Student Support Kim Wilkerson (11 years), Director of the RLC MarketPlace Corey Phillips (10 years), Psychology Professor Dr. Jeannie Mitchell (19 years), History Professor Nathan Brouwer (11 years), Dean of Facilities Management and Campus Operations Donnie Millenbine (17 years), Coordinator of Special Projects Jo Ann Dick (13 years), Maintenance Technician Charlie Massie (11 years), Graphic Design Professor Jennifer Tarantino Linsin (11 years), Associate Vice President of Academics and Student Services Henry "Buster" Leeck (14 years), and Accounts Payable and Purchasing Specialist Sue Scattone (14 years). Also pictured is RLC Foundation CEO Kay Zibby-Damron, RIGHT. Not pictured is Softball Head Coach Dave Ellingsworth (19 years) and Maintenance Supervisor David Mathis (12 years). Click on the image for a larger view.
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