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Foundation Annual Awards

2023 WINNERS

Crystal Swan

The Crystal Swan Award is awarded to a Lake Land College Foundation Board Member who has gone above and beyond. This year’s recipient is Larry Blackerby. Larry has been a true example of an ideal board member since he joined in 2019. He is the current Donor Relations committee chair, attends 3 of our 4 board meetings in person annually even though he resides in California, and continues to go above and beyond. Larry, it’s our honor to present you as the 2023 Crystal Swan recipient.

Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser

The Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser award is bestowed upon an individual who has given time and talent on behalf of Lake Land College students in securing private funding. This year’s recipient is Lisa Kallis.

Lisa began her journey in Dentistry as a Dental Hygienist in 1987. She furthered her career by getting her BS in Health Studies from EIU and became a Dental Hygiene Instructor and did this for several years at Lake Land College. She started working for Heartland Dental in 1995 and has continued her career there in many leadership roles. Her passion is education and helping make a difference for team members in their dental careers.

Three of our children graduated from Lake Land College and 2 played volleyball, so they are very supportive of Lake Land College and its future.

Outstanding Philanthropist

Leslie currently resides in Mattoon with her two angels, her cats named Gracie and Kitty. She grew up in Mattoon and went to Mattoon High School.  Shortly after high school, she moved to Oklahoma.  She followed in her mother’s footsteps, taking up a career in nursing.  She feels fortunate to have retired early to help care for her mother during her final stages of life.

After retirement, she really enjoyed traveling and visiting other countries.  She also enjoyed being outside and doing yard work in her favorite season of fall. Leslie also holds her family and cousins near and dear to her heart.

Leslie is a huge believer in Lake Land College. She considers giving back and supporting Lake Land College students through scholarships to be a privilege. 

Outstanding Philanthropic Organization

Patterson Companies Inc. (Nasdaq: PDCO) connects dental and animal health customers in North America and the U.K. to the latest products, technologies, services, and innovative business solutions that enable operational and professional success. Their comprehensive portfolio, distribution network and supply chain are equaled only by their dedicated, knowledgeable people who deliver unrivaled expertise and unmatched customer service and support.

Patterson Companies is committed to the success of Lake Land College and its community. On April 6th, 2023, Lake Land College and Patterson Companies officials announced that the college was to purchase the nearly 100,000-square-foot building and lease back a portion of the space to Patterson. As part of the agreement, Patterson generously donated the contents of the building to the Lake Land College Foundation, excluding equipment necessary for Patterson’s ongoing operations. Contents included a variety of office furniture, technology and equipment.  

PAST WINNERS

OUTSTANDING PHILANTHROPIC ORGANIZATION

This award is bestowed upon corporations, small businesses, industry, community organizations and private Foundations who have demonstrated dedication and commitment to the overall educational experience of Lake Land College students by providing sustaining financial support through a pattern of reoccurring gifts and pledges making a significant difference at Lake Land College.

  • 2017 – Heartland Dental & Farm Credit Illinois
  • 2018 – Agri-Fab & Hydro-Gear
  • 2019 – The Leona Stanford Vollintine Trust
  • 2020 – John Deere and Co.
  • 2021 – The Fuqua Foundation
  • 2022 – Sarah Bush Lincoln
  • 2023 – Patterson Companies

OUTSTANDING PHILANTHROPIST

This award is bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated dedication and commitment to the overall educational experience of Lake Land College students by providing sustaining financial support through
lifetime contributions, and pledges or planned gifts, as well as service to the college and the community.

  • 2017 – Gerald R. Forsythe
  • 2018 – Wayne and Clara Borgic & Tom Grunloh
  • 2019 – Willie Podestá Young
  • 2020 – Bob and Joyce Adcock
  • 2021 – The Burnham Neal Trust
  • 2022 – The late Cecil Paul & Marjorie Wilson Davis
  • 2023 – Leslie Hill

OUTSTANDING FUNDRAISING VOLUNTEER

This award is bestowed upon an individual who has given gifts of time and talent on behalf of Lake Land College students in securing private funding. The efforts of this individual serve as an example to others in making a difference in the lives of our students.

  • 2016 – Doris Reynolds
  • 2017 – John Livesay
  • 2018 – Dr. Roger Dettro
  • 2019 – Debbie Kirts Thomason
  • 2020 – Ann Bacon
  • 2021 – Preston Smith
  • 2022 – Nic Nelson
  • 2023 – Lisa Kallis

FOUNDATION CRYSTAL SWAN AWARD

The Crystal Swan Award is awarded to a Lake Land College Foundation Board Member who has gone above and beyond.

  • 1993 – Consuello Luttrell
  • 1994 – Dale Adams
  • 1995 – Charlie White
  • 1996 – Jim Bennett
  • 1997 – Bill Rowland
  • 1998 – Susan Leach
  • 1999 – Mel Lockard
  • 2000 – Dr. Peter Bonutti
  • 2001 – Ann Bacon
  • 2002 – Anne Kabbes
  • 2003 – Dr. Roger Dettro
  • 2004 – James Zimmer
  • 2005 – Dr. Robert K. Luther
  • 2006 – Bob Willenborg
  • 2007 – John Livesay
  • 2008 – Preston Smith
  • 2009 – Debbie Benefiel
  • 2010 – Bob Pancoast
  • 2011 – Randal Miller
  • 2012 – Pat Monahan
  • 2013 – Paul Glenney
  • 2014 – No recipient
  • 2015 – Tom Wright
  • 2016 – Dr. Nanci Huels
  • 2017 – Chad Thompson
  • 2018 – Tom Grunloh
  • 2019 – Rich Hartke
  • 2020 – Michael Bohannon
  • 2021 – Meg Yargus Steward
  • 2022 – Christine Pilson
  • 2023 – Larry Blackerby