6 Distinguished Alumni recognized by Highland Community College Foundation

The Highland Community College recognized six Distinguished Alumni on Oct. 10 at the Freeport Club, Freeport. The Foundation has recognized 151 individuals as Distinguished Alumni in the past 25 years including the current six persons. The college recognizes the students who studied there and later on showed community leadership.

The individuals who are recognized as Distinguished Alumni on Oct. 10 include Jolene Bohnsack, Curtis Derrer, Joseph Mattingley, Shary Meinert, Jim Phillips, and Chris Schneiderman. Jeff Snyder nominated Bohnsack to be a Distinguished Alumni. She became senior vice-president at the Forreston State Bank after completing her education. She got an Associate’s degree in Business Administration from the HCC.

Derrer was nominated by Verlo and Ardath DeWall and he was graduated from the HCC in 1997. He is a member of several organizations including the Lena Economic Development Committee, FFA Alumni Association, and Carroll County Farm. Mattingley was nominated by Libby Miller and he was graduated from the HCC in 1997. He is the current president of the Northwest Illinois Market for Illinois Bank and Trust.

Meinert was graduated from the HCC in 1977. She is the producer of the community programs on WFRL-AM and WFRL-FM. She was nominated by Jae Hezlep. Phillips was nominated by Tracy Mays and he was graduated from the HCC in 1996. He is the Dean of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Fine Arts Division at the Leadership Institute.

Schneiderman was nominated by Mary Hartman and he studied in the HCC from 1996 to 1998. He is the executive vice-president of the State Bank of Freeport. He is also acting as a mentor for the people who are interested to enter the financial industry. It was really a proud moment for the individuals to receive a prestigious status from the place that helped them to achieve their goals. The HCC has been recognizing the Distinguished Alumni for 25 years.