INA, Ill. (February 3, 2023) — Mt. Vernon State Farmer Agent, Tony Wielt, has shown his support for Rend Lake College students by giving a thoughtful and generous donation of three portable power banks and charging stations. He has provided the three charging stations to the Mary and George Slankard Learning Resource Center on the Ina campus, ensuring that students can stay connected and charged during their studies.
Tony Wielt of State Farm Insurance brings power to the learning experience with his generous donation of 3 power bank chargers for students at the Learning Resource Center.
Tony, who also serves as Rend Lake College Foundation Board Chair, believes this donation will positively impact the students. "I know these chargers will assist students in keeping their devices charged," said Wielt. "As a student, I remember spending a lot of time here. While I didn't have technology that needed to be charged, I can see how important technology is to their success. Technology plays a major role in education, and students must have access to the tools they need to succeed. I am proud to support Rend Lake College and its students this way."
The charging banks will allow students to keep their devices charged and nearby during their time in the LRC, ensuring they have access to the technology needed to complete their coursework and stay connected with their peers and instructors.
"Tony's collaboration and generosity with the Rend Lake College Foundation have greatly impacted the college," stated Amy Newell, Assistant Director of Development for the RLCF. "This donation further showcases his dedication to the students and community. He actively identified areas of need and found an effective solution that would benefit many. We are grateful for his ongoing dedication to our mission."
"The impact of the portable charging stations within the LRC has been significant," said Sandra West, Learning Resource Center Director. "Tony and the Foundation were actively looking for ways to help students. They found that students had issues accessing their devices while sitting at a table and promptly fulfilled the need for portable power. These power banks allow students to charge their phones and laptops simultaneously. Students enjoy having these. They sit down, plug in, and work."
(L-R) Rend Lake College CTE Mentor & Success Coach Emily DeForest works with students Anna Kistner, Bryne Lassy, and Nic Barclay while using the new charging stations in the Learning Resource Center at Rend Lake College.
Two students taking advantage of the new charging stations were Bryne Lassy and Nic Barclay.
"I think it is cool to have them,' said Lassy. "Instead of leaving our devices unattended, we can use them while we work. I can check important updates on my phone without worrying about misplacing it."
Barclay mentioned that he is thankful that his computer never runs out of power while working at the table.
Rend Lake College and its students are thankful to Tony Wielt and the Rend Lake College Foundation for supporting the students and the community.
To learn more about the Rend Lake College Foundation, visit rlc.edu/foundation.
