INA, Ill. (Oct. 11, 2018) - Two new community members have made a commitment to the students of Rend Lake College by stepping up to become members of the Rend Lake College Foundation Board of Directors.
Amanda Basso is the Chief Executive Officer of Crossroads Community Hospital in Mt. Vernon. Basso is a Sesser native and Rend Lake College graduate, receiving her nursing degree from RLC. She went on to complete a Master’s in Business Administration and in Nursing from McKendree University. Prior to coming to Crossroads Hospital, Basso owned C-Suite Consulting, a leadership firm that provided consultation and she served as the CEO of Clay County Hospital in Flora.
“I am honored to serve on the Rend Lake College Foundation because RLC is where my collegiate roots began. I am extremely proud of the exceptional programs offered by Rend Lake College,†Basso said.
“I have been privileged to work alongside and ultimately hire many exceptional health care professionals who have graduated or received certificates from RLC over the past 20 years. Southern Illinois employers benefit every day from the great scholars who pass through the halls of RLC.â€
Basso is joined by Tony Wielt, a local State Farm Insurance Agent out of Mt. Vernon.
Wielt attended Rend Lake College his freshman year in college as a recipient of a RLC Foundation Scholarship. Wielt currently serves as the President of the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce and has been active in several community and non-profit organizations. Wielt and his wife Julie (Van Horn) live in Whittington and have been supporters of the Foundation for several years including funding an endowed RLCF scholarship.
“My connection to Rend Lake College has taken a lot of different facets over the years, including: camp participant, college student, Advisory Board Member, Foundation Golf Outing participant and sponsor, and now parent of a RLC student,†Wielt explained.
“In my work with the Chamber of Commerce and as a small business owner myself, I can see first-hand the value of the education RLC provides to the workforce. Becoming involved in the RLC Foundation as a Board Member will provide me the opportunity to give back to the next generation of students who are looking to continue their journey at RLC.â€
“Given their active involvement in the community, their strong passion for helping others and their deep ties to RLC, I have no doubt that Amanda and Tony will be great assets to the Foundation Board of Directors. The Foundation is privileged to have such a dynamic group of individuals on our board of directors who are actively involved in ensuring the success of Rend Lake College and our students,†said RLCF CEO Kay Zibby-Damron.
The Rend Lake College Foundation represents a partnership between public and private interests for the benefit of Rend Lake College students. We invite and encourage your participation, interest, and support. Please join the many generous individuals, corporations, and foundations who have given their support to the Foundation and the mission of Rend Lake College.
Last year, the Foundation provided $200,000 to 255 students to complete their dream of earning a college degree.
To learn more about the RLCF, or to donate, visit rlc.edu/foundation, call 618-437-5321 Ext. 1214 or email foundation@rlc.edu.