HARRISBURG, Ill. (April 30, 2026) — The Southeastern Illinois College Foundation hosted its annual Donor Recognition Celebration on April 24 in the George T. Dennis Visual and Performing Arts Center, honoring the individuals and organizations whose generosity supports student success and strengthens the college’s mission.
The evening featured live music by Melinda Tolley and Dr. Keith Talley, along with a buffet meal prepared by Chef Michael Intravaia of the Falcon Bistro and time to connect and celebrate the impact of giving.
SIC President Dr. Karen Weiss welcomed guests and expressed appreciation for the continued support of the college and its students.
“Our donors make a lasting difference in the lives of our students,” Weiss said. “Because of their generosity, we are able to expand opportunities, remove barriers and help students reach their goals. Their investment in education strengthens not only individual futures, but our entire community.”
The evening’s student speaker, Avery Henderson of Harrisburg, shared how scholarship support has shaped his experience at SIC. Henderson is a sophomore studying computer science, serves as Student Trustee and is actively involved in student leadership and service organizations across campus and in the community. He plans to transfer to the University of Southern Indiana this fall. Henderson was also recently named the recipient of the prestigious Spirit of Southeastern Award, the oldest individual award given at the college.
“Scholarships represent opportunity,” Henderson said. “They allow us to focus on learning instead of worrying, to participate instead of holding back, and to lead instead of simply getting by.”
Institutional Advancement Controller Adriana Lane reported another strong year for the SIC Foundation. During the 2025–26 academic year, SIC awarded 300 scholarships totaling approximately $295,000.
Lane also highlighted continued growth in the Foundation’s endowment, with $25,000 contributed through the Falcon Society, $11,000 through the Dream Maker Society and $3,000 through the Pyramid and Heritage Societies, for a combined total of $39,000.
Fundraising events also saw strong participation, with the Holiday Dinner raising $16,090 and the Concert for a Cause generating $24,018. Additional gifts included $25,000 from Dr. Lawrence Jennings to support the SIC Chemistry Department and $50,000 from David and Thelma Steward in support of the Sam Porter Chemistry Award.
Lane also recognized the establishment of four new scholarships supporting students in education, first-generation college access, athletics and the PowerSports program, along with a 2026 Can-Am side-by-side valued at approximately $24,000 donated to the program.
The Falcon Society recognizes donors who pledge $1,000 annually for 10 years to support student scholarships and programs. Dream Maker Society members continue giving beyond that commitment, working toward a lifetime giving level of $20,000 or more. Higher-level giving societies, including the Pyramid and Heritage Societies, recognize donors for significant cumulative contributions to the Foundation’s endowment. These giving groups play a vital role in sustaining long-term support for SIC students.
Falcon Society medallion and certificate recipients included Dr. Chris and Alicia Barr; Dr. Tyler Billman; Dr. Kyla Burford; Banterra Bank, accepted by Debbie Hughes; and Lisa Hite. Members recognized in absentia included Dr. Travis Cripps; Daniel Davis; HSG Mechanical; Dale and Erin Hicks; Marc and Anita Isaacs; Jim Hayes Inc.; Kristin Parks; Jonathan and Hon. Ella Travelstead; and Dr. Matt and Dr. Laura Winkleman.
Lifetime Falcon Society members recognized this year included Melody Sexton; Scot and Dr. Karen Weiss; and Jeffrey Dunn, who was unable to attend.
Dream Maker Society recipients included Dr. Frank and Sandy Barbre; Bill and Dr. Dana Keating; Dennis and Lynn Murphy; Mike and Gina Sirach; Michael and Gloria Tison; and Dr. Pat and Mary York. Phyllis Kay Whitlock was also recognized but unable to attend.
Additional recognition was given to donors continuing their support through the Pyramid Society, including William and Dr. Betty Walton; Dr. Jonah and Megin Rice; and Robert and Patti Wilson, who were not in attendance. William and Rhonda Oglesby were recognized as members of the Heritage Society.
Dr. Lawrence Jennings was also recognized with a special award for his significant contribution to the SIC Chemistry Department.
Guests concluded the evening by attending a performance of Godspell presented by SIC Theatre.
For more information about the SIC Foundation or how to support student scholarships, visit sic.edu/foundation.
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Please see attached photos with cutlines below.
1 – Falcon Society
Southeastern Illinois College Foundation recognized Falcon Society members present during its annual donor celebration April 24 for their leadership in supporting student scholarships and programs. Pictured (l-r) are Dr. Karen Weiss, Dr. Chris Barr, Melody Sexton, Dr. Tyler Billman, Banterra Bank represented by Debbie Hughes, Dr. Kyla Burford, and Lisa Hite.
2 – Dream Maker Society
SIC Foundation recognized Dream Maker Society members during its annual donor celebration April 24 for their continued support of student scholarships and long-term endowment growth. Pictured (sitting, l-r) are Mary York, Sandy Barbre, Dr. Frank Barbre, Dr. Dana Keating, and Lynn Murphy. Standing (l-r) are Dr. Pat York, Gloria and Michael Tison, Mike and Gina Sirach, Bill Keating, and Dennis Murphy.
3 – Pyramid Society
SIC recognized donors contributing through the Pyramid Society during its annual donor celebration April 24. Pictured (l-r) are Dr. Jonah and Megin Rice and Dr. Betty and William Walton.
4 – Heritage Society
SIC President Dr. Karen Weiss (left) presents a certificate to Rhonda and William Oglesby in recognition of their support through the Heritage Society, one of the Foundation’s lifetime giving levels, during the annual donor celebration April 24.
5 – Avery Henderson, Student Speaker
SIC student Avery Henderson of Harrisburg shares his story during the annual donor celebration April 24. Henderson, a sophomore computer science major and Student Trustee, spoke about the impact of scholarships on his education and future plans.