INA, Ill. (May 7, 2026) — Rend Lake College often marks the starting point for lifelong journeys. For Michael "Mike" Best, it also became the place to honor his late wife, Candace “Candee” Best, through a new scholarship.
Mike and Candee Best visiting Canada in 2012.
The connection between the Bests and the college runs deep, serving as the starting line for a 54-year marriage and decades of professional success. Both Mike and Candee were graduates of the college and its predecessor, Mt. Vernon Community College. Candee, in particular, holds a unique place in institutional history as a member of the very first graduating class of RLC in 1968.
Though the couple spent over 50 years building their life in Houston, TX, Mike felt that RLC was the place that defined their shared roots. By returning to Southern Illinois through philanthropy, Mike is ensuring that the foundation they built together continues to support others starting their own paths.
Candee and Mike Best in 1969, a year before their marriage
The inspiration for this generous gift was born from the couple’s own experiences navigating the financial hurdles of higher education. Mike and Candee relied on summer jobs, support from a family friend, and a series of loans to cross the finish line. Their belief in the power of a college degree was so resolute that they even decided not to marry until Mike had secured his degree and began working as a professional.
"This endowment scholarship, hopefully, will help many students gain their educational goals," Mike shared. "It gives me great pleasure to think about how this will help aspiring professionals with their education. I am sure Candee would approve.”
“This extraordinary gift is a beautiful testament to a lifelong connection for the Bests—to each other and to Rend Lake College,” said Amy Newell, Director of the RLC Foundation. “By honoring both Mike and his late wife Candee and their time here, Mike has created something enduring that will support students forever. It’s a powerful reminder that love, legacy and education can come together to change lives in meaningful and lasting ways.”
Candee’s own life was a profound testament to service and compassion. After finishing her degree in social work, she spent 21 years working for the State of Texas. She later dedicated her talents to animal welfare, where she was deeply passionate about her work managing several adoption centers across Houston. Together, the Bests shared their home with 14 dogs and 4 cats over their marriage, and Mike noted it was rare to find a photo of them without an animal in their arms.
Candee Best at Mike's retirement party in 2004.
Mike also had a distinguished career, retiring in 2004 as Vice President for Business Affairs at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston after 26 years of dedicated service. In that role, he helped guide the institution’s financial and administrative operations, contributing to its growth and continued excellence as a leading cancer center. Throughout his career, he was respected for his leadership, integrity and steady commitment to those he worked with. In retirement, Mike and Candee enjoyed time together reflecting on their years of work, travel, and shared experiences.
Mike Best working in his office in 1990.
By establishing this scholarship through the High 5 Scholarship Endowment Match campaign, Mike is extending their spirit of care to future Warriors. He hopes that by easing the financial burden, the scholarship might encourage students to enter the college world or provide the necessary push to finish an associate degree before transferring to a four-year institution, just as he and Candee accomplished.
"I hope it helps many students over time and perhaps they will help the next generation," Mike said. "Pay it forward is the slogan."
Through this endowment, the Bests’ legacy of hard work, support and compassion will continue to open doors for students for years to come.
Donors can establish or strengthen endowed scholarships while RLCF amplifies their generosity with matching funds, creating long-term impact that lasts for generations through the High 5 Campaign. RLCF is offering 25 matching opportunities from a total match pool of $125,000. When all 25 matches are utilized, the campaign will generate up to $375,000 in lasting scholarship impact. Currently, there are only 5 matches left.
Whether you are establishing a new endowment like the Michael J. and Candace S. Best Scholarship or contributing to an existing fund, your support ensures that the legacy of our alumni continues to thrive. To learn more about the campaign or how to give, visit rlc.edu/high-5 or contact RLCF Director Amy Newell at newella@rlc.edu.