Foundation Receives One of its Largest Gifts of all Time

Spread the love

Featured photo caption: Dan Icenogle and Debbie Kramer, the cousins of Randolph “Randy” Adkins, present Lake Land College with the second-largest cash gift in the history of the College’s Foundation. Pictured (from left to right): Lake Land College Foundation Board President Larry Blackerby, Executive Director for College Advancement Christi Donsbach, Lake Land College President Josh Bullock, Dan Icenogle and Debbie Kramer.


The Lake Land College Foundation recently received a gift of $1,275,000 from the estate of Randolph “Randy” L. Adkins. The gift marked the second largest cash gift and the fourth overall largest gift in the history of the Lake Land College Foundation.

Lake Land College alumnus and former Foundation Board Member Randolph “Randy” Adkins.

The donation will establish the Randy Adkins Endowed Scholarship to provide support every year to Lake Land College students who graduated from Mattoon High School.

Adkins’ cousins and co-executors of his estate, Dan Icenogle and Debbie Kramer, recently presented the estate check to Lake Land College President Josh Bullock, Lake Land College Foundation Board President Larry Blackerby and Executive Director of College Advancement Christi Donsbach.

“On behalf of the Lake Land College Foundation, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the family of Randy Adkins for this transformational gift,” Donsbach said. “This endowment is going to make a monumental difference in the lives of many students for years to come.”

A lifelong resident of Mattoon and alumnus of Lake Land College, Adkins served on the Lake Land College Alumni Board from 1994-2019 and was an active member of the Coles County community. He attended First United Methodist Church in Mattoon, served as a board member of Camp New Hope in Neoga and was a member of many local organizations, including the Jaycees and Corn Belt Shrine Clubs of Mattoon, the Coles County High 12 Club, the Coles County Low 12 Club, the Wabash Masonic Lodge 179 of Etna and the Valley of Danville Masonic Center in Danville. Adkins passed away in his hometown of Mattoon on December 1, 2024 at age 81.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Casey Westfield School Board.1

Casey-Westfield Schools Showcase Student Success in Academics, Athletics, and Arts

Casey-Westfield School Board Meeting | October 20, 2025 Article Summary: Administrators from Monroe Elementary and the Jr./Sr. High School presented reports highlighting a wide range of student achievements, from state-level...
Monroe celebrating homecoming.2

A Week of Warrior Pride: Homecoming at Monroe Elementary

School spirit was at an all-time high as Monroe Elementary students dove into a fun and festive homecoming week. The school’s youngest learners were made a special part of the...
Americans on Social Security will see 2.8% benefits boost next year

Americans on Social Security will see 2.8% benefits boost next year

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square More than 70 million Americans receiving Social Security benefits will see a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment beginning Jan. 2026. The Social Security Administration made the announcement...
Better-than-expected inflation report generates cut predictions

Better-than-expected inflation report generates cut predictions

By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square Investors are predicting another rate cut at the Federal Reserve’s meeting next week after a better-than-expected inflation report Friday, while stocks reached new highs. Inflation...
Op-Ed: 340B needs transparency to fulfill Its mission

Op-Ed: 340B needs transparency to fulfill Its mission

By TaLana Hughes | Sickle Cell Disease Association of IllinoisThe Center Square For the 5,000 people in Illinois living with sickle cell disease, access to affordable medical care and life-saving...
India’s Reliance says it will abide with sanctions on Russian oil purchases

India’s Reliance says it will abide with sanctions on Russian oil purchases

By Alton WallaceThe Center Square Indian conglomerate Reliance Industries said Friday it will adjust its refining operations to abide with U.S. and European sanctions on purchases of Russian crude oil....
7th Graders have been learning about cells.2

From Creative Cells to Chemical Reactions: Science in Action

In Mr. Harris's science classes, students are engaging in dynamic, hands-on learning across the grade levels. Seventh graders recently brought biology to life, unleashing their creativity to complete their cell...
On her Senior Night, Madi Gelb rises up and powers through the Marshall defense for a resounding kill to score a point for the Lady Warriors. —photo by Terri Cox

Marshall Edges Lady Warriors in Thrilling Senior Night Matchup

Featured image caption: On her Senior Night, Madi Gelb rises up and powers through the Marshall defense for a resounding kill to score a point for the Lady Warriors. —photo...
Critics warn Illinois’ ‘megaproject’ tax breaks shift costs to taxpayers

Critics warn Illinois’ ‘megaproject’ tax breaks shift costs to taxpayers

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A Springfield proposal grants major tax breaks to “megaprojects,” which critics warn could leave homeowners and...
WATCH: Pritzker creates accountability commission amid increased immigration enforcement

WATCH: Pritzker creates accountability commission amid increased immigration enforcement

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop discusses the executive...
Screenshot 2025-10-23 at 3.16.23 PM

Casey City Council Passes Ordinance Holding Parents Responsible for Minors’ Vandalism

Casey City Council Meeting | October 20, 2025 Article Summary: The Casey City Council has approved a new ordinance making parents and legal guardians financially liable for ordinance violations, such...
Illinois quick hits: Report: $17,300 state debt per person; Metro East crime suppression operations

Illinois quick hits: Report: $17,300 state debt per person; Metro East crime suppression operations

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Report: $17,300 state debt per person A new report from Reason Foundation shows that Illinois’ state government has $222 billion in...
Trump suspends trade talks with Canada over Ronald Reagan ad

Trump suspends trade talks with Canada over Ronald Reagan ad

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump suspended all trade talks with America's largest trading partner over an ad that features former President Ronald Reagan speaking about tariffs in...
lake land college.2

Lake Land College to Invest $195,000 in Advanced Farming Equipment

Lake Land College Board of Trustees Meeting | September, 2025 Article Summary: The Lake Land College Board of Trustees has approved the purchase of a new Strip-Till Bar for $195,000 to...

WATCH: Trump touts counter-narco operations during law enforcement roundtable

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square In the midst of the U.S. counter-narcotics measures in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific Ocean and a major crime crackdown, President Donald Trump hosted a...