SPRINGFIELD — Lincoln Land Community College Foundation was presented a $420,687.07 gift Monday, Dec. 1.
Micah Bartlett, president and CEO, of Townand Country Bank presented the check on behalf of the Russell L. and Thelma L. Kirchner Trust.
“With this gift, the Kirchner’s legacy of learning and love for education will continue and assist students,” said Ryan Murphy, LLCC Foundation board chairman.
The gift from the Kirchner Trust Agreement, the principal from the trust, is being used to establish the Russell L. and Thelma L. Kirchner Endowment Scholarship. The annual interest earned on the endowment will be used to fund several scholarships.
The scholarships will help the LLCC Foundation fill an important need of the college’s district residents by offering financial assistance to students.
The scholarships will be available for first-time and continuing students who are pursuing any program of study.
Scholarship applications for the 2015-2016 academic year are being accepted online at www.llccfoundation.org.
For more information about LLCC Foundation scholarships, contact Lori Smith, scholarship program coordinator, at 217-786-4502.
“The Foundation’s goal is to continue to provide scholarships to target populations to meet the needs of district residents,” said Murphy.
Russell L. and Thelma L. Kirchner were very charitable in nature. They valued supporting higher education for area youth. While in Springfield, they owned the Colonial Motel on South MacArthur and the Spring Street Laundromat.
“Town and Country Bank had the distinct honor of carrying on the Kirchner’s values and generosity, and the responsibility to carry on their wishes,” said Bartlett. “As trustee, we solicited proposals at various times from multiple colleges and universities. In each case, the proposal and information provided by LLCC demonstrated both the ability and commitment we sought as trustee.”
The LLCC Foundation’s mission is to raise and receive charitable gifts in support of the students and programs of Lincoln Land Community College.
