INA, Ill. (December 5, 2025) — The Rend Lake College Foundation hosted its 46th Annual Dinner on December 4 at the RLC Event Center on the Ina Campus. The evening — sponsored by Eggemeyer Associates Architects and Peoples National Bank — honored alumni, students and tremendous supporters from the community.
The event recognized Dr. J. Ryan Willis and Dr. Jerrold C. Willis as the 2025 Alumni of the Year. Dr. Ryan Willis (class of '91) and Dr. Jerrold Willis (class of '71) are both local radiologists of the Southern Illinois group Radiology Partners.
Pictured (L-R): RLC President Lori Ragland, Dr. J. Ryan Willis, Dr. Jerrold C. Willis, and RLCF Director Amy Newell.
"We have the privilege of recognizing two extraordinary individuals—an uncle and a nephew—who represent the very best of what it means to serve others with skill, compassion, and unwavering dedication," said Amy Newell, RLCF Director. "Both began their journey right here at Rend Lake College: Dr. Jerrold Willis graduated in 1971, and Dr. Ryan Willis followed proudly in 1991. We honor two exceptional physicians, outstanding alumni, and remarkable humans that have made Southern Illinois a healthier, stronger, and better place."
The Willis family celebrated Dr. Ryan Willis and Dr. Jerrold Willis on being named Alumni of the Year.
President Lori Ragland announced Randall Dauby, CEO of Pinckneyville Community Hospital, as the recipient of the 2025 Presidential Award.
Randall Dauby (center) receives the Presidential award from RLC President Lori Ragland (right) and RLCF Director Amy Newell (left).
"This year’s honoree is an exceptional leader—an advocate for education, a steadfast partner to Rend Lake College, and a champion for rural healthcare—Mr. Randall Dauby," said Ragland. "Randy’s impact extends far beyond healthcare—he promotes Rend Lake College and our partnership with Pinckneyville Community Hospital both locally and statewide. He understands that strong healthcare and higher education go hand in hand, and he never misses an opportunity to highlight the value of the college, our programs, and our students. On behalf of Rend Lake College, the Board of Trustees, the Foundation Board of Directors, and our students—Randy, you have our deepest gratitude."
Dauby celebrated by his friends and coworkers at Pinckneyville Community Hospital.
The Annual dinner also celebrated Amelia LaMont (Mt. Vernon), a proud recipient of the Continental Tire of America Scholarship and student in the Radiologic Technology program.
"Amelia is an aspiring Radiologic Technologist whose dedication, curiosity, and compassion already shine brightly," said Jessica Jackanicz, RLCF Assistant Director. "In a field where science, technology, and patient care come together in a remarkable way, Amelia has demonstrated a drive that reflects the very best of our future health care professionals."
Pictured (L-R): RLCF Assistant Director Jessica Jackanicz and Student Spotlight Amelia LaMont.
Her decision to study Radiologic Technology came naturally, driven by her desire to help others and make people feel at ease and comfortable during stressful moments. LaMont acknowledges that the program is challenging and that she has had to learn how to stay motivated and balance exams, labs, and homework. Receiving an RLC Foundation scholarship has allowed her to focus on her studies without the constant worry of financial strain.
"It is truly a blessing to have people in our community who are willing to give, whether it’s their time, their encouragement, or their financial support, so that students like me can continue our education with confidence and hope," said LaMont. "The scholarships I’ve been awarded have done so much more than simply lighten a financial burden. They have given me room to breathe, room to grow, and room to fully invest myself in the program that I love. Instead of worrying about how I’m going to afford my classes, my books, or the resources I need, I’m able to pour my energy into becoming the best future Radiologic Technologist I can be."
Amelia LaMont presenting a speech at the 46th Annual Dinner.
"The RLC Foundation is proud to have Amelia as the student spotlight and celebrate her ambition, commitment, and bright future," said Newell. "We cannot wait to see all she will accomplish at RLC and beyond!"
During the dinner it was announced that The Game Plan, a capital campaign launched in December 2022 to renovate and expand the facilities at Waugh Gymnasium on the Ina campus, has exceeded its ambitious goal of $2 million.
"When we first launched this campaign in December of 2022, the challenge was significant — to raise $2 million of a $6.6 million project to renovate the Waugh gymnasium and build approximately 5,500 square feet of additional space," said Cathy DeJarnette, Executive Director of Administrative Services. "I am proud to announce that The Game Plan officially raised a total of $2.28 million, exceeding our goal. This total speaks volumes about the spirit of the Rend Lake College community."
This victory was made possible by incredible lead gifts, including Banterra Bank with their lead gift of $1,000,000 to name the Banterra Sports Complex and Deaconess Illinois with their $250,000 gift towards a new athletic training room.
Throughout the campaign, 40 major donors (those who gave $5,000 or more) have committed to being a part of The Game Plan. Among these donors, 11 new individuals and organizations were honored Thursday night for their exceptional dedication that helped the Foundation meet and exceed The Game Plan's fundraising goal: Oasis Sports, Megan Kern Williams, Lori Ragland, Franklin Hospital, Wes Schumm, Troy Williams, Cindy Corn-Bodner, Randall Shively, The McClure/Moddelmog Family, Brad & Susan Gesell, and Jaci & Lee Wyatt.
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To conclude the evening, RLCF auctioned off a Natsy Art painting of the RLC campus, which was being created throughout the dinner by Natalie Hensley. Hensley attended the RLCF's 45th Annual Dinner last year where she created a painting that was given to now-retired RLC President Terry Wilkerson for his continuous and steadfast support of the Foundation.
The highest bidder for this year's one-of-a-kind art piece was Steven & Holly Tate!
Artist Natalie Hensley (right) presents Holly and Steven Tate their newly purchased Natsy Art painting.
Tony Wielt, Chair of the RLCF Board of Directors and Secretary for the RLC Board of Trustees, once again stepped up as emcee for the annual event.
RLC would like to extend its deepest thanks and gratitude towards our Alumni of the Year, honorees, students, faculty & staff and everyone who showed up in support of RLC and the RLC Foundation.
