Rend Lake College Foundation
The 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.
Why support the Foundation?
The Rend Lake College Foundation does not merely seek gifts or donations. It asks that you consider investing in:• Campus Growth
• Economic Development
• Community Growth
The Foundation asks that you invest in the individual growth of the many students who attend the college. Thanks to the generosity of our contributors, Rend Lake College has been able to help students see their dreams turn into reality and will continue to be able to do so in the years ahead.
The 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.
Read our FY 2021-22 Annual Report HERE!
Upcoming Dates:
RLCF Scholarship Application for the 2023-2024 Academic Year opened on October 1, 2022 until March 1, 2023.
February 28, 2023 - 2023 Annual Scholarship Dinner, 5:30 pm, RLC Event Center
September 7, 2023 - 44th Annual RLC Foundation Golf Outing
The RLCF Scholarship Application is now OPEN!
To apply for Rend Lake College Foundation scholarships, please click the button below.
How to Apply for a Scholarship
EligibilityApplicants are selected based on the criteria set forth by the donors. Complete the application thoroughly as different scholarships emphasize different categories, such as financial or educational need, community and school involvement, and academic record.
Application Requirements
How to Apply for RLCF Scholarships - A Guide
Click the link above.
Use an email address that you check regularly. DO NOT USE YOUR HIGH SCHOOL EMAIL ADDRESS. Register your account.
Complete the entire scholarship application. Only one application needs to be completed for consideration of RLC Foundation scholarships.
Ask Student Records or your high school guidance counselor to submit a transcript via the transcript upload option. If you request from Student Records, list your birthdate in the email being sent.
Submit at least two letters of recommendation to the Rend Lake College Foundation. These letters cannot be from a family member. Students will be able to send an automated email to their recommender via the scholarship software. RLC Foundation cannot accept hard copies of letters of recommendation.
Applications will not be processed without all three pieces: a completed application, two letters of recommendation, and a transcript.
All students applying for Rend Lake College Foundation scholarships are required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You may apply online at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa or the Rend Lake College Financial Aid Office.
Scholarship Awards
The final scholarship recipients will be selected by the RLC Foundation Scholarship Committee. Scholarship award recipients will be notified at their high school awards program, graduation, or by email. Scholarship applications will be kept on file for the academic year if additional funds become available. The RLC Foundation reserves the right to review a scholarship recipient’s performance and revoke the scholarship if deemed necessary.
Contact information
If you move or change phone numbers, please remember to contact the RLC Foundation so we can contact you if chosen for a scholarship.
Scholarship FAQ
Student ScholarshipsScholarships totaling approximately $250,000+ annually are awarded to Rend Lake College students each academic year. These scholarships are made possible by generous local businesses and individuals who care about the future of our students and community. Scholarships, for the most part, range from approximately $500-$1,500 annually. Students must reapply each year to qualify for scholarships as there are no two-year awards.
The Foundation Board invites and in fact, encourages all interested students to apply for these scholarships. Each year more than 350+ scholarships are awarded by the Foundation. Scholarship awards include endowed scholarships, annual scholarships, or one-time scholarships.
For the 2023-24 academic year, the scholarship award will be handed out to high school seniors / incoming RLC freshmen during their respective high school awards and honor's night or graduation. Returning RLC students and other incoming sophomores will receive scholarship award emails at the end of May and after. For specifics, contact the RLC Foundation Office.
Other Types of Scholarships & Awards
Presidential Scholarships and High Achievers Scholastic Awards are issued through the Financial Aid Office.Presidential Scholarships
High Achievers Scholastic Award
Academic Awards are issued through RLC Departments.
Alumnus of the Year
2022 — DEAN MERDER ('84), Jasper, IN
President & CEO, TrueScripts Management Services
2021 — CLINT McDONNOUGH ('73), Pinckneyville
Retired Managing Partner, Ernst & Young, LLP
2019 — CHAD W. KERN ('91), Whittington
President & CEO, Schirm USA
2018 — CURTIS SMITH ('82), Benton
(Awarded posthumously)
RLC Basketball legend and local coach, Correctional Officer - IL Dept. of Corrections
2017 — BOB KELLEY ('69), Mt. Vernon
Retired Director of Marketing & Public Information, Rend Lake College
2016 — RODNEY CABANESS ('90), Sesser
Co-Owner, Black Diamond Harley-Davidson
2015 — DR. BRIAN KERN ('94), Ewing
Orthopedic Surgeon, Orthopedic Institute of Western Kentucky
2014 — JAMES "JIM" MOUNIER ('72), Caledonia
Senior Vice President & Wealth Management Advisor, Merrill Lynch
2013 – TRISH REED (’87), Scheller
President, GM, UpTime Parts LLC
2012 – PETER JOHNSON (’85), Mt. Vernon
Instrumentation Engineer, NASA
2011 – RON SMITH (’74), Benton
Assistant Basketball Coach, SIUC; Entrepreneur
2010 – HON. MIKE D. McHANEY (’77), Salem
Judge, Fourth Judicial Circuit of Illinois
2009 – JIM MUIR (’97), Sesser
Publisher, Southern Illinois Sports Connection, Marion Living & Saluki Illustrated; Radio Broadcaster
2008 – RANDY RUBENACKER (’78), Dahlgren
Co-Owner, Rubenacker Farms/4R Equipment, McLeansboro
2007 – BRAD GESELL (’80), Benton
Co-Owner, Gesell’s Pump Sales & Service Inc., Whittington
2006 – CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON (’98), Valier
Distribution Center Manager, Walgreens, Mt. Vernon
2005 – BILL SHIELDS (MVCC ’58), Mt. Vernon
Assistant Professor/Workforce Ed Coordinator, Southern Illinois University – Carbondale
2004 – LINDA L. SANDERS (’82), Mt. Vernon
Warden, Federal Correctional Complex, Forrest City, AR
2003 – DONALD H. DAME (’72 / ’76), Sesser
Vice President/Human Resources & Government Relations, Freeman unity Coal Mining Company
2002 – ROSE M. MYLES (’68), Mt. Vernon
Manager / Network Services, AT&T
2001 – CARL ROWLEY (’77), Sesser
Team Leader / Building Management Systems, Panduit Corporation
2000 – HOLLY McCANN (’76), Benton
Acting National Director, Internal Revenue Service Office of Interest and Penalty Administration
1999 – LAIRD D. WISELY (’71), Benton/Mt. Vernon
(Awarded posthumously)
Owner, Therapy Resource Associates & Physical Rehab Works
1998 – MARK MICHALIC (’78), West Frankfort
1999 ICCTA CO-“ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR”
Special Agent, U.S. Department of the Treasury/Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms
1997 – JOHNATHAN W. THOMAS (’71), Sesser
CEO (Executive Dean), Ivy Tech State College, Madison/Lawrenceburg, IN
1996 – TIM WILLS (’84), Benton
Associate Professor of Health/A.D./Coach, RLC
1995 – COURTNEY COX (’72), Benton
Partner, Hart and Hart Attorneys-At-Law, Benton
1994 – FLO DUDLEY (’76), Bonnie
Retired elementary school teacher
Mt. Vernon City Schools District 80
1993 – SEN. J. BRADLEY BURZYNSKI (’79), Benton
Illinois State Senator / 35th District, Sycamore
1992 – CINDA CHULLEN (’79), Benton
Technical Manager, NASA’s Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX
1991 – CRAIG M. SINCLAIR (’74), Mt. Vernon
Vice President of Advertising, The Walgreen Company
1990 – GLORIA J. SLOAN-REEL (’74), McLeansboro
Product Brand Manager, Phone-Poulenc Ag Company, Research Triangle Park, NC
1989 – KEVIN DAVIS (’72), Mt. Vernon
Comptroller/Treasurer, Rend Lake Conservancy District
1988 – CAROL DILLEY-JAUDES (’75)
Stage actress, St. Louis, and New York
1987 – DR. MARY KAY WITGES BENGTSON (’71), Scheller
Staff/Athletic Physician, N. Carolina State U.
1986 – DR. GARY R. SWEETEN (MVCC ’60), Ina
Minister of Christian Growth, College Hill Presbyterian Church, Cincinnati
1985 – DR. HALE E. RYDER JR. (MVCC ’58), Mt. Vernon
Professor of Economics/Director of Graduate Studies, Brown University
1984 – DR. LESLIE JOHNSON (’74), Thompsonville
Family Practitioner, Mt. Vernon (now in Peoria)
1983 – ROBERT L. BROWN (MVCC ’66), Mt. Vernon
Guidance Counselor, Mt. Vernon Township H.S./Part-time Rend Lake College GED Instructor
1982 – DAVID N. JUNKINS (’71), Mt. Vernon
Social Worker, Illinois Dept. of Children & Family Services
Scholarships
Annual Scholarships
Adam Lee Lorance Memorial Art Scholarship
AGE Scholarship
Alyssa Dawn Lorance Memorial Theatre Scholarship
Amanda Peyton Memorial Scholarship
AMVETS SadSacks #10 Scholarship
Andrea Bradley Memorial Scholarship
Benton Lions Club Scholarship
Black Diamond Harley-Davidson Scholarship
Brenda Scarber Memorial Scholarship
BWC Past President's Business & Education Scholarship
Clifford A. & Mary E. Gunter Memorial Scholarship (SIU)
Community First Bank Scholarship
Continental Tire America Scholarship
Craig V. Rudofski Memorial Scholarship
Crossroads Community Hospital Scholarship
Crossroads Legacy Scholarship
Dave and Penny Severin Scholarship in Memory of Rowland Schwarz
David Scott Memorial Scholarship
Dora E. Brydon Scholarship
Dr. Charles and Mary Roe Scholarship
Eggemeyer Associates Architects Scholarship
Ellen Aston New Opportunities for Women Scholarship
Frankie Allan Minor Memorial Scholarship
Gene N. & Dortha Bailey Scholarship
George Cybulski Memorial Scholarship
Hamilton County Telephone Foundation Scholarship
Jane Waugh Memorial Scholarship
Jornd Family Scholarship
Joshua Hurst Memorial Scholarship
Kevin and Beth Pyatt Scholarship
Leeck Family Scholarship
Legence Bank Merit Scholarship
Legence Bank - Burt H. Rowe, Jr. Memorial Scholarship
Mathew Bodine Memorial Scholarship
Merritt and Ileeta Walker Philp Memorial Scholarship
Mr. A Scholarship
Mt. Vernon Gun & Sportsmanship Club Scholarship
Mt. Vernon Rotary - Noon Club Scholarship
Mt. Vernon Rotary - West Club Scholarship
Mt. Vernon Unitarian Universalist Scholarship
Murphy-Wall State Bank & Trust Co. STRIVE Award
Nina Peacock Art Scholarship
North Carolina Coal Institute, Inc. Scholarship
Oza Family Scholarship
Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce Vocational Scholarship
Randall & Cretia Dauby Scholarship
Rend Lake Dental Scholarship
Rita Greer Busby Memorial Scholarship
RLC Advanced Technology Scholarship
RLC Automotive Car Show Scholarship
RLC Caring & Sharing Scholarship
RLC Criminal Justice Scholarship
RLC Culinary Arts Scholarship
RLC Financial Aid Department Scholarship
RLC Foundation Scholarship
RLC Helping Hand Scholarship
RLC Physical Plant Scholarship
RLC Theatre Scholarship
Rounds Family Scholarship
Sandy Jordan Scholarship
Shirley and Jerry Jenkins Memorial Nursing Scholarship
State Bank of Whittington Scholarship
The Armed Barber's Scholarship
The Frosty Mug Scholarship
The Manor at Mason Woods Scholarship
Tony Wielt State Farm Insurance Scholarship
Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. Scholarship
Women United Scholarship
Endowed Scholarships & Challenge Grants
AJ Wellen Memorial Scholarship
Allen Trucking, LLC Scholarship
Allison Bash State Farm Scholarship
Andrea K. Boucher Memorial Scholarship
Ann M. Santoro Memorial Scholarship
Arnistine Tolbert Memorial Scholarship*
Austin-Welch Scholarship
Bank of Illinois Scholarship
Benton BPW Scholarship
Benton Lions Club Scholarship◊
Bert & Ruth Keelin Memorial Scholarship
Bill B. and Ruth O. Smith Memorial Scholarship
Blake Trout Memorial Scholarship*
Brad and Brian Evilsizer Memorial Scholarship◊
Brad Evilsizer Memorial Scholarship
Brandon Dame Memorial Scholarship*
Brian C. Fleri Memorial Scholarship
Busby Family Scholarship
Caldwell Family Memorial Scholarship
Carlos and Bonnie Tolbert Scholarship*
Charles and Martha Dee Ritchey Memorial Scholarship
Christian Chapel Church Scholarship*
Clara A. Crocker Brown Family Endowment
Clayton Charles Ragland Memorial Scholarship◊
Cletis and Imogene Reed Memorial (Vocational & Business) Scholarships
Clifton Caldwell Memorial Scholarship Endowment
Coach Jim Waugh Memorial Scholarship
Coach Mike McClure Memorial Scholarship
Coach Wayne Arnold Scholarship
Continental Tire the Americas LLC Scholarship
Craig V. Rudofski Memorial Scholarship*
CTA Pathway to Success Scholarship
Curtis Smith Memorial Scholarship
Dallas Carl and Anna Mae Bargesser Nursing Scholarship*
David E. Hill, M.D. Scholarship
Delta Theta Tau Vermadel M. Wood Scholarship
Donald "Digger" Donelson Memorial Scholarship
Donald E. Peacock Nursing Scholarship*
Doris Welch Nursing Scholarship
Doug Leeck Memorial Scholarship
Douglas S. Carlson Memorial Scholarship
Dr. Allen Y. Baker Scholarship
Dr. Charles and Mary Roe Scholarship
Dr. Evelyn E. Claxton Memorial Art Scholarship
Dr. Gary Sweeten Isaiah 61 Scholarship
Dr. Leslie Johnson / Ed Kownacki Scholarship
Dr. Oliver D. Spitler Memorial Scholarship
Dr. Richard Doherty Scholarship
Dr. Robert and Marilyn Parks Scholarship*
Dr. Warren E. Petty Memorial Scholarship
Drew Family Scholarship
Emil Perpich Family Memorial Scholarship
Everett “Boogie” and Dolores Ames Scholarship
First Cellular of Southern Illinois Scholarship
Franklin County Medical Society Scholarship
G. William “Billy” Rector Memorial Scholarship*
George / Anna Orshak and Paul / Bernice Petty Memorial*
Henry and Fern Peacock Nursing Scholarship
Housing Authority of Jefferson County Scholarship
Howard L. Payne Scholarship
Howard L. Payne Nursing Scholarship
Howard L. Payne Vocational Scholarship
Illinois Manufacturer’s Association Education Foundation Scholarship
International Police Association, Region 57 Scholarship
Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce Scholarship
Jim and Carole Mounier Golf Scholarship
Joe P. Boyle and Lois Ferne Boyle and His Ancestors Who Lived in
Belle Rive Scholarship
John C. Riley IV Scholarship
John D. Whittington / Ada D. Whittington Scholarship
JRS Scholarship
Judge Roy O. Gulley Scholarship
Julie Trout Memorial Scholarship*
Karen L. Bertschi Memorial Scholarship
Keith Bauman Memorial Scholarship
Kelley Family Scholarship
Mark S. Kern Memorial Scholarship Endowment
Marvin Wilkerson Memorial Scholarship
Maurice Kirsch Memorial Scholarship
Mel Farlow Memorial Scholarship
Michael Dean Memorial Scholarship*
Mr. A Scholarship
Mt. Vernon Kiwanis Scholarship
NAPA John’s John H. Wininger Scholarship
Norma Harrell RN Scholarship
North Hamilton County Coal Association Scholarship
Pat Kern Endowment Scholarship
Polk Lodge No. 137 - McLeansboro Scholarship
Rachel R. Nielsen Engineering Scholarship
Ribella Palada Family Scholarship
RLC ADN Scholarship
RLC Foundation Student Scholarship
RLC Physical Plant Department Endowment Scholarship
RLC Students for Students Art Scholarship◊
RLCF Pathway to Success Scholarship
Robert and Rose Rice Scholarship
Rodney R. Rubenacker Memorial Scholarship
Rountree Family Scholarship
Rubenacker Family Scholarship*
Stan and Jean Koziara Scholarship
Stella M. Baker Scholarship
THF Keep on Learning Scholarship
Thomas B. Harrell Memorial Scholarship
Thomas J. and Leota L. Sweeten Christian Memorial Scholarship*
Timothy Keith Chamness Memorial Scholarship
Tommy Mundell Memorial Scholarship
Tony Wielt State Farm Insurance Scholarship
Trader/Kistner Family Farm Scholarship
Tri-County Electric Co-Op Scholarship
US Bank Scholarship
Venita Brinkley Memorial Scholarship
Victor and Betty Rapp Scholarship
Wayne Fitzgerrell Memorial Scholarship
Willard & Brandon Dame Memorial Scholarship
William Crawford Memorial Endowment
Zeigler United Methodist Scholarship
Minimum investment of $10,000
* indicates Challenge Grant II Scholarship
◊ indicates Endowment & Challenge Grant II Scholarships
Staff
Rend Lake College Foundation
Phone Number: (618) 437-5321 Ext. 1214
Email: [email protected]
Address: 468 N. Ken Gray Parkway, Ina, IL 62846 Attn: Foundation
Fax Number: (618) 437-5677 Attn: Foundation
Upcoming Events
| Blastoff! (Grades 4-7) - RLC Kids Camp Jun 12 2023 |
| Outdoor Life (Grades 4-6) - RLC Kids Camp Jun 12 2023 |
| Golf Camp (Grades K-3) - RLC Kids Camps Jun 13 2023 |
| Board of Trustees June Meeting Jun 13 2023 |
| Golf Camp (Grades 4-6) - RLC Kids Camps Jun 14 2023 |
| The Look (Grades 4-6) - RLC Kids Camp Jun 14 2023 |
| Juneteenth (Observed) - Campus Closed Jun 19 2023 |
| Fun Fest (No classes from Noon-3:00 pm; morning and night classes will meet) Jun 20 2023 |
| Let's Get Fit (Grades 4-6) - RLC Kids Camps Jun 20 2023 |
| RLC Super Sleuths (Grades 4-6) - RLC Summer Camp Jun 20 2023 |