By Adam Studzinski
NORMAL – Heartland Community College will be able to increase the amount of scholarships it gives out thanks to a donation from the estate of Raymond and Beulah Thompson.
The $1.5 million donation is the largest gift in Heartland’s history.
“You’re looking at, for the next foreseeable decade to decade-and-a-half, we’re able to know that every year we’re going to be able to provide 15 to 17 full scholarships,” Heartland Foundation Executive Director Chris Downing said.
Downing added this represents a 10 percent increase in the amount of scholarships Heartland hands out.
“This is going to be case specific. The Thompson family had designated it to help students who are financially challenged and are trying to make their way through,” he said.
Family spokesman Brenda Thompson isn’t sure why Heartland was chosen to receive the gift.
“Other than that Raymond was definitely an advocate for education,” said Thompson. “And I think he thought that this was a great avenue to have the possibility of coming out in two years with a degree and being able to start some profession, or to know that you could go on for four.”
Downing hoped this donation will help others in the community realize Heartland is a place they can invest in.
Adam Studzinski can be reached at adam.studzinski@cumulus.com.
