Lake Land College Foundation Awards Over $865,000 in Scholarships for 2025-2026

Lake Land College Board of Trustees Meeting | October 13, 2025

Article Summary: The Lake Land College Foundation has awarded more than $865,250 in scholarships to 675 students for the 2025-2026 academic year, marking an increase of over $140,000 compared to the previous year. The announcement was made during the foundation’s report at the Board of Trustees meeting on Monday, October 13, 2025.

Foundation Scholarship Awards Key Points:

• Total Awarded: $865,250 in scholarships were distributed for the current school year.

• Student Impact: 675 students received awards, representing 61% of the 1,101 total applicants.

• Increased Funding: The total amount awarded is $140,250 more than what was distributed last year.

• New Coordinator: The Foundation announced the hiring of Grayson Gough as the new Foundation Awards & Corporate Relations Coordinator.

MATTOON, IL – The Lake Land College Board of Trustees on Monday, October 13, 2025, received a glowing report from its foundation, which announced it has awarded over $865,250 in scholarships to 675 students for the 2025-2026 school year.

According to a report provided by Executive Director for College Advancement Christina Donsbach and presented by Trustee Larry Lilly, the scholarship program saw a significant increase in both funding and recipients. This year’s awards reflect a $140,250 increase over the amount distributed in the previous academic year. A total of 1,101 students applied for scholarships, with 61% of them receiving financial assistance through the foundation.

To recognize the student recipients, the Foundation is planning a pizza party celebration on November 19. The report also noted that the Foundation will celebrate its 2025 Alumni and Foundation awardees at a reception scheduled for October 23.

In addition to the scholarship news, the Foundation announced that Grayson Gough has been hired as the new Foundation Awards & Corporate Relations Coordinator. Gough previously served as a Financial Aid Scholarship Specialist in the college’s Financial Aid office.

The report was accepted by the board, which commended the foundation for its successful efforts in supporting Lake Land College students.