THE SOUTHERN

MOUNT VERNON - A Hamilton County businessman became the 27th recipient of the Rend Lake College Alumnus of the Year award Thursday.

Randy Rubenacker, co-owner and manager of Rubenacker Farms Partnership in Dahlgren and 4R Equipment, a McLeansboro farm equipment dealership, accepted the award at the RLC Foundation's annual dinner.

"It is quite an honor," Rubenacker said. "I've been to several of the annual dinners and you see who usually gets it - it is a pretty impressive crowd. It is an honor and a humbling experience. I really appreciate the consideration."

Rubenacker, a 1978 RLC graduate, joined the foundation board in 2005, bringing business expertise and community leadership, foundation CEO Pat Kern said.

"The Rubenackers are an example of the full circle of giving," Kern said. "The circle began with the family business, 4R Equipment, offering scholarships and his father, Richard Rubenacker, serving on the RLCF board. Randy attended and graduated from RLC and joined the Agriculture Advisory Board. He followed in his father's footsteps serving on the RLCF board and continuing to give to the student scholarships and helping with agriculture research at RLC.

Also honored during the dinner at the Mount Vernon Holiday Inn were foundation board members Hunt Bonan and Mary Ellen Aiken.

Aiken of Benton received the RLCF Presidential Award, given to a board member who has provided exceptional service, usually over an extended period of time.

Aiken championed the Foundation's Friends of the Theatre campaign to help restore the theater at the college.

"This award can also be considered the hard-working award," said Kern.

Bonan of Mount Vernon is the inaugural recipient of the RLCF Board Hourglass Award, a special honor reserved for a member and past recipient of the Presidential Award who excels in longevity and personal commitment as a member of the board.

"As chairman, (Bonan) has exhibited a true belief in education an community volunteerism," Kern said. "Through his guidance, the RLC Foundation board meetings have always been positive and productive."