INA, Ill. (May 27, 2026) — Deaconess Illinois Crossroads Auxiliary has added a High 5 Scholarship Endowment to its long list of significant impact in the community. Gifted through the Rend Lake College Foundation, this endowment will support generations of RLC students.
Members of Deaconess IL Crossroads Auxiliary present a check to Rend Lake College Foundation Director Amy Newell (far left) outside their store "the Aux" located at Times Square Mall in Mt. Vernon.
Operating out of Deaconess Illinois Crossroads in Mt. Vernon, the auxiliary is a force of about 100 members, managed by elected officers including dedicated presidents and vice presidents who organize the volunteers and hospital outreach efforts. They fund hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical equipment, award healthcare scholarships to local students, and provide comfort items for patients.
When asked about choosing to participate in the Foundation's High 5 program, Auxiliary official Carolyn Marks said, “That's one of the reasons we do this program. We want everyone to have an opportunity. In this case it’s for the kids, for the students, and for the future. Our members are not going to be around forever. But this scholarship from our organization will be. It will still be going. We’re doing it for the future, and the future of healthcare in the region.”
Students receiving this scholarship must maintain a 2.0 GPA, a benchmark Marks said was intentionally designed to make the opportunity accessible to a broader range of students.
”You know, some students who don’t test well can still turn out to be great in their careers. They try hard and deserve this opportunity. We want them to have an opportunity.”
Carolyn’s husband, Eddie Joe Marks, volunteers his time with the auxiliary. He explained that the auxiliary’s mission is realized through hosting fundraising events and functions. They also have a store at Times Square Mall in Mt. Vernon — “the Aux” — that was opened more than two years ago. Stitchers and crafters create items for local nursing homes, along with much needed supplies. All profits go back into the auxiliary to help meet departmental needs at the hospital — small requests like microwaves, televisions and redecorating; and large projects like landscaping, a new therapy swing and a shuttle to transport patients and visitors from buildings to parking lots.
“Every dime we make goes to somebody who is in need of something,” he said.
With around 80% of full-time, degree/certificate seeking students receiving some type of financial assistance at RLC, the auxiliary’s new High 5 Scholarship is more evidence of its commitment to helping those in need.
”Deaconess Illinois Auxiliary represents the very best of community service and generosity,” said RLCF Director Amy Newell. “Their members have spent decades caring for others, and now through this High 5 Scholarship Endowment, that compassion will continue to impact students and families for generations. This gift is not only an investment in education, but in the future healthcare workforce of Southern Illinois.”
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 Deaconess IL Crossroads Auxiliary 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.