INA, Ill. (Oct. 27, 2023)—Rend Lake College Director of Learning Innovation & Design Jonathon Walters recently received a Silver Medallion Award at the District 3 conference of the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations. The award was a winner in the category of manipulated photography. Walters said the objective of his entry, which he called “Small World, Big Dreams: A Rend Lake College Perspective,” was to “highlight the unique charm and spirit of Rend Lake College through this creative lens.
FROM LEFT; Public Information Specialist Megan McKinley, Director of Learning Innovation & Design (previously Digital Media and Marketing Coordinator) Jonathon Walters, Director of Marketing and Public Information Nathan Wheeler, and Web, Social Media, & Institutional Outreach Specialist Lynsey Sims.
“I aim to showcase my technical skills and innovative approach to 360 photography, while encouraging viewers to explore our campus's beauty and architectural splendor,” he said. “This participation not only aids my professional growth as a photographer but also seeks to inspire our students, faculty, and potential future enrollees to see our campus from a refreshingly new perspective.”
The photo was used as a cover of a monthly employee newsletter and shared on social media.
Walters submitted the photo when he was the college’s Digital Media and Marketing Coordinator. He has since transferred to Director of Learning Innovation & Design. However, his journey at RLC started long before he was an employee at the college. His academic journey started in 2007 when he was a student enrolled in the Graphic Design program.
“Throughout my academic journey I've cultivated a passion for the crossroads where technology and education meet,” Walters said. “This transition [to Director of Learning Innovation & Design] is not just a career move for me, it’s a pursuit of my passion to make education more relevant, adaptive, and impactful in our rapidly evolving world.”
“Small World, Big Dreams: A Rend Lake College Perspective"
Photo Credit: Jonathon Walters