Published on October 26, 2026 11:03 am
Last Updated on October 26, 2026 11:03 am
The Lake Land College Foundation recognized the 2026 Foundation Award recipients during a ceremony on Wednesday, Oct. 21.
The Foundation presented awards to individuals and organizations alike during the reception, recognizing them for their outstanding contributions to the College and for going above and beyond in support of students. The following 2026 Foundation Awards were presented during the event: the Outstanding Philanthropic Organization Award, the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award, the Outstanding Philanthropist Award and the Crystal Swan Award.
The Outstanding Philanthropic Organization Award was presented to HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital for demonstrating commitment to the educational experience of Lake Land College through recurring gifts and pledges.
Rich Hartke, Teutopolis, received the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award for abundantly sharing his time and talent to secure private funding on behalf of the College.
The Outstanding Philanthropist Award was presented posthumously to Lake Land College alumnus and former Foundation board member Randolph Adkins. Following his death in 2024, Adkins left Lake Land College a $1.2 million cash gift, the second largest in the Foundation’s history, to provide scholarships to deserving students every year.
Amanda Martin, Paris, received the Crystal Swan Award, which is presented annually to a Lake Land College Foundation Board Member who has gone above and beyond in service to the College. Martin was also recognized during the ceremony for concluding her term on the Foundation Board.
“On behalf of the Lake Land College Foundation Board, I’d like to congratulate this year’s award recipients. These individuals consistently go above and beyond in demonstrating generosity, supporting Lake Land College students and actively working to make their communities a better place,” said Christi Donsbach, Executive Director for College Advancement. “In their lives and in their careers, they are exceptional representatives of Lake Land College, and it is our honor to recognize them for their achievements.”
The Foundation and Alumni Awards reception is an annual tradition to reflect on recent successes from the Lake Land College Foundation and celebrate those who helped make it possible. This past year, the Foundation saw its third-highest fundraising year in history, with more than $2.95 million raised in support of Lake Land College students. In addition, the Foundation’s Community Partner Program continued to build momentum in its second year, raising $102,000 through the support of 31 local businesses investing in student success.
The Lake Land College Foundation is overseen by a board of directors that provides strategic oversight and direction. For the 2027 Fiscal Year, the Foundation is pleased to welcome three new members to the board, Luke Collings of Charleston, Douglas Shook of Sullivan and the first-ever student board member, Natalie Craig of Martinsville.
“I would like to thank our board members for generously sharing their time, talents and vision to support the growth of the Lake Land College Foundation,” Donsbach said. “We are proud of the legacy they have helped build through their service, and we look forward to continuing our mission with our newest board members in 2027 and beyond.”
The 2027 Foundation Board slate of officers is comprised of President Tom White, Charleston; Vice President Cassie Yoder, Decatur; and Secretary Mike Bohannon, Paris.
For information on the Lake Land College Foundation, visit the Lake Land College Foundation website at LakeLandCollege.edu/foundation/.
