Richland Community College Foundation & Alumni Association

06/15/2026

🌱 We’re always excited to see what is sprouting among our alumni community! Check out Free Natures summer series!

06/08/2026

We're still dreaming about an incredible evening Under the Big Top! 🎪✨

Together, at the Bright Futures Gala, our community raised more than $90,000 to support Richland students and help create bright futures through scholarships, emergency assistance, and life-changing educational opportunities.

As we look back through these photos, we're filled with gratitude for everyone who helped make the evening so special. From our guests and donors to our sponsors, partners, and vendors, this event was truly a community effort!

A special thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, Three Link Media, whose support helped bring our vision to life and set the stage for an incredible evening of impact!

We're grateful for our 2026 Corporate Partners & Event Sponsors!
• Platinum Partner ADM
• Gold Partner TCCI Manufacturing
• Silver Partners: Busey Bank, IPI Wealth Management, HSHS St. Mary's Hospital Decatur, Regions Bank, BLDD Architects, Inc.
• Bronze Partners: Millikin University, Hickory Point Bank, Ameren Illinois, Refreshment Services Pepsi of Decaturr
• Bright Futures Gala Table Sponsors: Millikin University and Decatur Public Schools #61

And to the amazing partners who helped make the evening unforgettable:
• Emcee: TAT
• Room Transformation: Sound & Light Creations
• Floral & Tablescapes: Heaven on Earth Design Studio
• Culinary: Richland Community College Culinary Arts Institute
• Auction: Mega Events Auctions
• Entertainment: Gamma Phi Circus at Illinois State University
• Photography: Rachel Holden Photography
• Student Testimonials: Carter Hitchings & Calleigh Foster
• Volunteer Catering Sponsor: Central Illinois Papa Murphys Pizza

We're grateful for each and every one of you for helping create a truly magical night in support of our students!

Enjoy a few of our favorite moments from the evening, and be sure to tag yourself and your friends in the photos! 📸❤️

And while we're reminiscing, we hope you'll save the date and join us for next year's Bright Futures Gala on Thursday, April 29, 2027!

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. ❤️