Richland Community College Foundation & Alumni Association

05/28/2026

Thank you to Three Link Media for capturing our Distinguished Alumnus of the Year story! Scott’s journey is a story of determination—proof that even from a small town, you can chase big dreams and make a real impact at organizations like NASA. We can’t wait to share his story! We are

We recently welcomed Scott Tashakkor into the studio as part of a partnership with the Richland Community College Foundation & Alumni Association.

A Decatur native and current Deputy to the NESC (NASA Engineering & Safety Center) Software Technical Fellow, Scott joined us to reflect on how Richland and the Decatur community helped shape the foundation of his career.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to help tell stories that highlight the impact education and community can have on a person’s life.

05/21/2026

Step into the spotlight and become a Student Ambassador! Applications for this full-tuition scholarship are due by June 1.

The Richland Student Ambassador Program is a new leadership opportunity for students interested in representing Richland Community College while building professional skills and connections. Selected students will serve as Student Ambassadors, representing the College at events, supporting recruitment and community outreach efforts, and sharing the Richland experience with donors, prospective students, and community partners.

Ambassadors will enroll in a 1-credit Student Development course each semester, focused on learning about leadership, networking, career readiness, and communication skills. Each student will also be paired with a Richland alumni or community mentor for guidance and career exploration.

Again, applications are due before June 1. Apply at richland.edu/student-ambassador-program

05/19/2026

We are so grateful to Scott Tashakkor for joining our commencement ceremony as the keynote speaker and 2026 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year.

Congratulations to our graduates! 🎓💚💙

05/19/2026

Caps off to our newest graduates!
Commencement maybe over, but your journey is just getting started! Congratulations to the class of 2026!

We are !

05/16/2026

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05/15/2026

Thank you RockWell Coffee Company for helping fuel our graduates with donuts and lattes this morning!

We cannot wait to celebrate our newest Alumni tonight! 💙💚🎓

05/14/2026

Congratulations to our 2026 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year, Scott Tashakkor!

Our commencement speaker for the 53rd Annual Commencement Ceremony is Scott Tashakkor, Deputy Technical Fellow for Software at NASA and Richland's 2026 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year!

Scott started earning his associate in engineering science as a high school senior and graduated from Richland in 2004. After earning master’s degrees in aerospace engineering and computer networks, he was hired by NASA in 2012. He won a NASA Early Career Achievement Award for his work with the Space Launch System. Now, he tackles high-risk projects – ensuring crew safety and mission success. Scott also teaches classes and volunteers at NASA’s student outreach events.

We're honored to have him back in town to share his story and address the Class of 2026! Congratulations, Scott!

05/02/2026

What an unforgettable evening at the Bright Futures Gala on Thursday night! From an incredible meal and exciting activities to the thrilling performance by Gamma Phi Circus from Illinois State University, the night was a true celebration of community and impact.

Together, we raised more than $90,000 to support Richland Community College students—helping create equitable access to quality education and opening doors to brighter futures.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, gave generously, and believes in the power of education to change lives. ❤️

04/28/2026

We’re excited to welcome Richland alum Terrence “TAT” Taylor as our emcee for this year’s Bright Futures Gala!

A proud graduate of Richland Community College, Terrence brings energy, talent, and a passion for making a difference—helping us celebrate the incredible impact our students and supporters make every day.

✨ Not attending the Gala on Thursday? No worries! You can still be part of the excitement.
🛍️ Register to participate in our silent auction and raffles—all from wherever you are!

⏰ The auction goes LIVE tonight at 5 PM—don’t miss your chance to bid on amazing items while supporting the greatest needs of the College.

Browse our auction items here: RCCGala2026.givesmart.com

04/22/2026

Congratulations, Dwayne! We are so proud of you!

GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT: One of Dwayne Allgood's most memorable moments from his time in Richland's Health Information Technology (HIT) program was winning the 2024-25 Outstanding Student in HIT award. This was a culmination of the dedication he put into the coursework - which was he able to do thanks to scholarships.

"I would have really struggled to complete my degree without the scholarships," he said. "They helped boost my confidence and made me want to work harder to not only complete my degree but to do it in a manner that will make the donors proud."

Dwayne plans to attend Danville Area Community College next to earn his certification in Cancer Registry Management while working at Taylorville Memorial Hospital. Join us in congratulating him on this accomplishment!