Mattoon, IL-(Effingham Radio)- The Lake Land College Foundation recognized the 2023 Foundation and Alumni Award recipients at a reception on Thursday, Oct. 19.
The reception was a celebration of a record-breaking year for the Foundation and an opportunity to recognize individuals and organizations who helped make it possible by going above and beyond in their support of the college. The 2023 Foundation Awards include the Outstanding Philanthropist Award, the Outstanding Philanthropic Organization Award, the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award and the Crystal Swan Award.
The Outstanding Philanthropist Award went to Leslie Hill, Mattoon. Patterson Technology Center, Inc. earned the Outstanding Philanthropic Organization Award. The Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award went to Lisa Kallis, Effingham. Larry Blackerby, Cowden, received the Crystal Swan Award.
“We extend our congratulations to the 2023 Foundation Award recipients,” Executive Director for College Advancement Christi Donsbach said. “The sincere generosity they have demonstrated with the giving of time, talent and financial support is truly humbling, and it is an honor to recognize their dedication to the college.”
During the reception, several additional awards were presented to Lake Land College Alumni and community members in recognition of their service and personal achievement. The Distinguished Alumnus/Alumnus Achievement Award went to Tammy Helm, Humboldt. Kimberlin Michels, Dieterich, received the Pacesetter Award. The Distinguished Service Award went to Shirley Sherwood, Greenup. Five Lake Land alumni were also recognized for being inducted into the Lake Land College Distinguished Alumni Society, including Dyke Barkley, Paris; Carolyn Cloyd, Mattoon; Rachel Grunloh, Effingham; Curt Rincker, Shelbyville; and Jay Westendorf, Teutopolis.
Cheryl Rich, Sullivan, and Cindy Lanman, Charleston, were also honored during the reception for their outstanding achievements and contributions as former Lake Land employees. Rich and Lanman are both 2023 inductees into the Lake Land College Retiree Wall of Fame.
Two board members, Deacon Patient and Micah Dickens, were also recognized during the reception, as both will be rotating off the board of directors with the conclusion of their second term in December of 2023.
“I would like to thank our outgoing board members on their incredible and sincere dedication over the years,” Donsbach said. “The generous devotion of their time, talents and leadership has helped the Foundation experience tremendous growth throughout their service on the board.”
The 2024 Foundation Board slate of officers is comprised of President Rich Hartke, Vice President Renee Huckstead and Secretary Tom White.
For information on the Lake Land College Foundation, visit lakelandcollege.edu/foundation/.
Lake Land College District 517, located in Mattoon, Illinois, serves the second largest community college district in the state, with a total population of 189,869. The Lake Land College district comprises all or part of 15 counties and 31 public school districts in rural east central Illinois. Counties served by Lake Land College include: Christian, Clark, Clay, Coles, Crawford, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Effingham, Fayette, Jasper, Macon, Montgomery, Moultrie and Shelby.
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