Roundup for Scholarships raising funds for Criminal Justice

INA, Ill. (Sept. 12, 2014) - After overwhelming success for the past two years, the Rend Lake College Criminal Justice program’s Roundup for Scholarships fundraiser is coming back to help students complete their degree. The event is set for 6 p.m., Oct. 27 at the Rend Lake Resort and Conference Center in Whittington.

Students, family, friends, and patrons can partake of hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar while listening to a number of guest speakers at the fundraiser, including Chief Judge Michael McHaney of the Illinois Fourth Judicial Court and some student scholarship recipients.

Rend Lake College students Kenise Smith, LEFT, of Thompsonville and Dakota Church, RIGHT, of Bluford thanked donors for giving to students in need during the 2013 Criminal Justice Roundup for Scholarships. The student speakers were two of five individuals who received scholarships raised by the event. Click on the image for a larger view.

Ron Meek, RLC Criminal Justice Instructor, said he’s looking forward to another successful year at the fundraiser, which helps give students an extra boost toward getting their degree.

“The Roundup for Scholarships event has been a huge success every year, thanks to the gracious donors in our district and the attendance during the evening,” said Meek. “These scholarships are imperative for the students in the Criminal Justice program, giving them extra money to purchase books, supplies, and even gas to get to class and complete their degree.”

Meek started the scholarship fundraiser three years ago, and has raised approximately $3,000 every year with help from individual donors, local law enforcement agencies, college faculty and staff, and many more. Specifically, donations were made last year by the Mt. Vernon Police Department, the Jefferson County Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 241, and the Jefferson County State’s Attorney’s Crime Victim Impact Fund.

Jefferson County State's Attorney Doug Hoffman, RIGHT, donated $1,000 from the county's Crime Victim Impact Fund to Rend Lake College's Criminal Justice program and Instructor Ron Meek, LEFT, during last year's Roundup for Scholarships event. Click on the image for a larger view.

“I want to personally thank everyone who has participated in the past, and encourage others to join this year,” said Meek. “We added to the five Criminal Justice scholarships last year and we hope to be able to continue that tradition this year too.”

The cost to attend the fundraiser is $25. Those wishing to attend should RSVP by October 20 by contacting Ron Meek at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1239, or meekr@rlc.edu.