WHITTINGTON, Ill. (Oct. 19, 2015) - Officials, student scholarship recipients, and scholarship donors gathered together Monday night at the Rend Lake College Foundation’s 26th Annual Scholarship Banquet to celebrate another year of support for education. This year, the banquet celebrated 146 student recipients of 59 different scholarships.
After a dinner sponsored by Eggemeyer Associates Architects, Inc., RLCF CEO Shawna Bullard started the banquet by introducing two student speakers, Emily Browder of Mt. Vernon and Kristina Lehman of Mt. Vernon. The students’ perspectives are just one side of the story, explained Bullard, who would later introduce Benny Harmse, Continental Tire the Americas (CTA) Mt. Vernon Plant Manager, to share the other side as the representative of a donor.
“It’s incredible to be able to support our students in this way,†said Bullard. “The support in this room is amazing. These scholarships are inspirational, and not just to the student recipients. They inspire others to give.â€
Browder, the recipient of the Dr. Robert & Marilyn Parks Scholarship, said she is working on a business degree from RLC with future plans to go into accounting. If not for her scholarship, she said the journey would be much more difficult.
Scholarship recipient Emily Browder of Mt. Vernon, RIGHT, is pictured with RLC Foundation CEO Shawna Bullard at the 26th annual Rend Lake College Foundation Scholarship Dinner, held Oct. 12, 2015, at the Rend Lake Resort in Whittington. Numerous scholarship donors met and dined with RLC student recipients at the event, which honors the financial support from donors as well as the students who receive that support. Click on the image for a larger view.
“I’m proud to be a part of the Rend Lake College Foundation Scholarship Dinner, because of the support from the Foundation and the one-on-one attention I receive from the college,†said Browder. “I’m working hard now to get into a business that I really care about and want to be active in. Without the Foundation, I wouldn’t be able to pursue my career.â€
Similarly, Lehman said she’s thankful for donors who help students make a difference in their lives by continuing their education or going back to school. Lehman’s donor, Crossroads Community Hospital, was represented by CEO Finny Mathew, who echoed Lehman’s words.
Scholarship recipients Sarah Bumpas of Mt. Vernon, SECOND FROM LEFT, and Kristina Lehman of Mt. Vernon, THIRD FROM LEFT, are pictured with scholarship representatives Finny Mathew, LEFT, and Jessica Connaway, RIGHT, at the 26th annual Rend Lake College Foundation Scholarship Dinner, held Oct. 12, 2015, at the Rend Lake Resort in Whittington. Numerous scholarship donors met and dined with RLC student recipients at the event, which honors the financial support from donors as well as the students who receive that support. Click on the image for a larger view.
“I think I speak for every college scholarship recipient when I say thank you to all the donors tonight,†said Lehman. “RLC provides the gateway for students and the Foundation puts students in touch with donors who want to help them. It’s a great system. I truly do feel at home here and look forward to a happy life after I graduate.â€
Mathew added, “If you’re in this room, you already made a difference in our communities. When a donor writes a check, you’re giving a student a gift, not a handout, but something they’ve earned. Student recipients are helping to better our communities with knowledge and new skills. All we can do is make a difference in this world, and we’re doing that here tonight.â€
This year, CTA was honored for their $25,000 donation to the Foundation’s Pathway to Success campaign, which renovated and upgraded the walkways and front façade of the Administration Building, a location visited by nearly every RLC student for needs such as admission, advisement, financial aid, student records, and more.
The donation to the campaign was matched by the Foundation to establish an endowment for several Pathway to Success scholarships for students to receive every year. Harmse said it’s this kind of enthusiasm to education that helps keep companies in the local communities filled with skilled workers.
“Education is the future and we want to support that in many ways,†said Harmse. “I’ve listened to [the student recipients’] stories tonight and it’s very interesting. We need bright students coming into our company and will need them in the future. The transfer of knowledge is key for our company. It is sensational what the college and Foundation can do. Thank you to the Foundation, Shawna, and RLC for being great contributors to our community.â€
Bullard added there were 11 new scholarship donors present at the banquet this year, and each was recognized for their support at the end of the evening.
“I want you to know you’re making a difference,†said Bullard. “You are so appreciated. For the students, keep working hard and making your donors proud.â€
In addition to those honored during the banquet, there are hundreds scholarships awarded to RLC students by the Foundation and its donors. Those who would like to learn more about supporting RLC students with a scholarship, contact the RLCF at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1214, or send an e-mail foundation@rlc.edu.
To view all photos from the dinner, see below or visit www.flickr.com.
Scholarship recipients Kaleb Darnell of McLeansboro, CENTER, and Mary Morgan of McLeansboro, RIGHT, are pictured with scholarship representative Marci Allen, LEFT, at the 26th annual Rend Lake College Foundation Scholarship Dinner, held Oct. 12, 2015, at the Rend Lake Resort in Whittington. Numerous scholarship donors met and dined with RLC student recipients at the event, which honors the financial support from donors as well as the students who receive that support. Click on the image for a larger view.
Scholarship recipients Callie Priebe of Pinckneyville, LEFT, and Leah Hopp of Pinckneyville, RIGHT, are pictured at the 26th annual Rend Lake College Foundation Scholarship Dinner, held Oct. 12, 2015, at the Rend Lake Resort in Whittington. Numerous scholarship donors met and dined with RLC student recipients at the event, which honors the financial support from donors as well as the students who receive that support. Click on the image for a larger view.
Scholarship recipient Lauren Schaubert of Salem, LEFT, is pictured with scholarship representative Peggy Davis, RIGHT, at the 26th annual Rend Lake College Foundation Scholarship Dinner, held Oct. 12, 2015, at the Rend Lake Resort in Whittington. Numerous scholarship donors met and dined with RLC student recipients at the event, which honors the financial support from donors as well as the students who receive that support. Click on the image for a larger view.
Scholarship recipient Gracie Tate of Mt. Vernon, RIGHT, is pictured with scholarship representative Shirley Bradley, LEFT, at the 26th annual Rend Lake College Foundation Scholarship Dinner, held Oct. 12, 2015, at the Rend Lake Resort in Whittington. Numerous scholarship donors met and dined with RLC student recipients at the event, which honors the financial support from donors as well as the students who receive that support. Click on the image for a larger view.
Scholarship recipients Alexandria Richardson of Mt. Vernon, SECOND FROM LEFT, Aarati Tailor of Benton, CENTER, and Jordan Bravard of Mt. Vernon, FOURTH FROM LEFT, are pictured with scholarship representatives David Boucher, LEFT, and Charles Boucher, RIGHT, at the 26th annual Rend Lake College Foundation Scholarship Dinner, held Oct. 12, 2015, at the Rend Lake Resort in Whittington. Numerous scholarship donors met and dined with RLC student recipients at the event, which honors the financial support from donors as well as the students who receive that support. Click on the image for a larger view.
Scholarship recipient Mariann Cook of Benton, CENTER, is pictured with scholarship representatives Denver Tolbert, LEFT, and Johanna Tolbert, RIGHT, at the 26th annual Rend Lake College Foundation Scholarship Dinner, held Oct. 12, 2015, at the Rend Lake Resort in Whittington. Numerous scholarship donors met and dined with RLC student recipients at the event, which honors the financial support from donors as well as the students who receive that support. Click on the image for a larger view.
Scholarship recipients Brandon Cook of Benton, SECOND FROM LEFT, Cassandra Johnson of Benton, CENTER, Megan Buntin of Benton, FOURTH FROM LEFT, and Dakota Head of Benton, RIGHT, are pictured with scholarship representative Dr. Bill Dixon, LEFT, at the 26th annual Rend Lake College Foundation Scholarship Dinner, held Oct. 12, 2015, at the Rend Lake Resort in Whittington. Numerous scholarship donors met and dined with RLC student recipients at the event, which honors the financial support from donors as well as the students who receive that support. Click on the image for a larger view.
Scholarship recipient Zane Austin of Opdyke, CENTER, is pictured with scholarship representatives Rickey Trout, LEFT, and Vickie Trout, RIGHT, at the 26th annual Rend Lake College Foundation Scholarship Dinner, held Oct. 12, 2015, at the Rend Lake Resort in Whittington. Numerous scholarship donors met and dined with RLC student recipients at the event, which honors the financial support from donors as well as the students who receive that support. Click on the image for a larger view.
Scholarship recipient Savannah Smith of Christopher, LEFT, is pictured with scholarship representative Mary Ann Evilsizer, RIGHT, at the 26th annual Rend Lake College Foundation Scholarship Dinner, held Oct. 12, 2015, at the Rend Lake Resort in Whittington. Numerous scholarship donors met and dined with RLC student recipients at the event, which honors the financial support from donors as well as the students who receive that support. Click on the image for a larger view.
Scholarship recipient Nicholas Marlo of Sesser, RIGHT, is pictured with scholarship representative Cindy VanHorn, LEFT, at the 26th annual Rend Lake College Foundation Scholarship Dinner, held Oct. 12, 2015, at the Rend Lake Resort in Whittington. Numerous scholarship donors met and dined with RLC student recipients at the event, which honors the financial support from donors as well as the students who receive that support. Click on the image for a larger view.
Scholarship recipient Angel Song of Mt. Vernon, CENTER, is pictured with scholarship representatives Tracy Adams, LEFT, and Christy Prosise, RIGHT, at the 26th annual Rend Lake College Foundation Scholarship Dinner, held Oct. 12, 2015, at the Rend Lake Resort in Whittington. Numerous scholarship donors met and dined with RLC student recipients at the event, which honors the financial support from donors as well as the students who receive that support. Click on the image for a larger view.
Scholarship recipient Karli Verheyen of Mt. Vernon, CENTER, is pictured with scholarship representatives Teresa Fleri, LEFT, and Bill Fleri, RIGHT, at the 26th annual Rend Lake College Foundation Scholarship Dinner, held Oct. 12, 2015, at the Rend Lake Resort in Whittington. Numerous scholarship donors met and dined with RLC student recipients at the event, which honors the financial support from donors as well as the students who receive that support. Click on the image for a larger view.
Scholarship recipient Amanda Gant of Christopher, LEFT, is pictured with scholarship representative Bonnie Tolbert, RIGHT, at the 26th annual Rend Lake College Foundation Scholarship Dinner, held Oct. 12, 2015, at the Rend Lake Resort in Whittington. Numerous scholarship donors met and dined with RLC student recipients at the event, which honors the financial support from donors as well as the students who receive that support. Click on the image for a larger view.
Scholarship recipient Brett Morr of Columbia, CENTER, is pictured with scholarship representatives Imogene Reed, LEFT, and Jan Wood, RIGHT, at the 26th annual Rend Lake College Foundation Scholarship Dinner, held Oct. 12, 2015, at the Rend Lake Resort in Whittington. Numerous scholarship donors met and dined with RLC student recipients at the event, which honors the financial support from donors as well as the students who receive that support. Click on the image for a larger view.
Scholarship recipient Tyler Smith of Macedonia, LEFT, is pictured with scholarship representative Donnie Millenbine, RIGHT, at the 26th annual Rend Lake College Foundation Scholarship Dinner, held Oct. 12, 2015, at the Rend Lake Resort in Whittington. Numerous scholarship donors met and dined with RLC student recipients at the event, which honors the financial support from donors as well as the students who receive that support. Click on the image for a larger view.
Scholarship recipient Emily Stanhouse of Du Quoin, CENTER, is pictured with scholarship representatives Lori Ragland, LEFT, and Chuck Ragland, RIGHT, at the 26th annual Rend Lake College Foundation Scholarship Dinner, held Oct. 12, 2015, at the Rend Lake Resort in Whittington. Numerous scholarship donors met and dined with RLC student recipients at the event, which honors the financial support from donors as well as the students who receive that support. Click on the image for a larger view.
Scholarship recipients, FROM LEFT, Hayden Baker of Woodlawn, Ryan Richardson of Woodlawn, Morgan Massie of Waltonville, Emily VanDeVeer of Scheller, and Conner Buretz of Mt. Vernon, are pictured with RLCF CEO Shawna Bullard, RIGHT, at the 26th annual Rend Lake College Foundation Scholarship Dinner, held Oct. 12, 2015, at the Rend Lake Resort in Whittington. Numerous scholarship donors met and dined with RLC student recipients at the event, which honors the financial support from donors as well as the students who receive that support. Click on the image for a larger view.
Scholarship recipients Garrett Craddock of McLeansboro, SECOND FROM LEFT, Mikaela Matthews of Bluford, CENTER, and Tyler Kelly of Dahlgren, FOURTH FROM LEFT, are pictured with scholarship representatives Mike Wagoner, LEFT, and Benny Harmse, RIGHT, at the 26th annual Rend Lake College Foundation Scholarship Dinner, held Oct. 12, 2015, at the Rend Lake Resort in Whittington. Numerous scholarship donors met and dined with RLC student recipients at the event, which honors the financial support from donors as well as the students who receive that support. Click on the image for a larger view.
Scholarship recipient Rebecca Clark of Mt. Vernon, RIGHT, is pictured with scholarship representative Dell Hill, LEFT, at the 26th annual Rend Lake College Foundation Scholarship Dinner, held Oct. 12, 2015, at the Rend Lake Resort in Whittington. Numerous scholarship donors met and dined with RLC student recipients at the event, which honors the financial support from donors as well as the students who receive that support. Click on the image for a larger view.
Scholarship recipient Bailee Jones of Valier, SECOND FROM LEFT, is pictured with scholarship representatives Beverley Carlson, LEFT, Scott Carlson, CENTER, Fischer Carlson, FOURTH FROM LEFT, and Kelty Carlson, RIGHT, at the 26th annual Rend Lake College Foundation Scholarship Dinner, held Oct. 12, 2015, at the Rend Lake Resort in Whittington. Numerous scholarship donors met and dined with RLC student recipients at the event, which honors the financial support from donors as well as the students who receive that support. Click on the image for a larger view.
Scholarship recipients Dustin Chesnek of Woodlawn, SECOND FROM LEFT, Kali Verheyen of Mt. Vernon, THIRD FROM LEFT, and Kaleb Burris of McLeansboro, RIGHT, are pictured with scholarship representative Henry Leeck, LEFT, at the 26th annual Rend Lake College Foundation Scholarship Dinner, held Oct. 12, 2015, at the Rend Lake Resort in Whittington. Numerous scholarship donors met and dined with RLC student recipients at the event, which honors the financial support from donors as well as the students who receive that support. Click on the image for a larger view.
Scholarship recipients Trevor Hood of Pinckneyville, SECOND FROM LEFT, and Bruce Bruno of Pinckneyville, THIRD FROM LEFT, are pictured with scholarship representatives Gunnar Thoren, LEFT, and Bonnie Tolbert, RIGHT, at the 26th annual Rend Lake College Foundation Scholarship Dinner, held Oct. 12, 2015, at the Rend Lake Resort in Whittington. Numerous scholarship donors met and dined with RLC student recipients at the event, which honors the financial support from donors as well as the students who receive that support. Click on the image for a larger view.
Scholarship recipients Gwendolyn Upton of Texico, LEFT, and Shania Ellis of Mt. Vernon, RIGHT, are pictured with scholarship representative Dale Burzynski, CENTER, at the 26th annual Rend Lake College Foundation Scholarship Dinner, held Oct. 12, 2015, at the Rend Lake Resort in Whittington. Numerous scholarship donors met and dined with RLC student recipients at the event, which honors the financial support from donors as well as the students who receive that support. Click on the image for a larger view.