College of Lake County Foundation 2025 Annual Report

Impact at a Glance

FY2025

$5.5M+

$1.02M

fundraised awarded in student scholarships and emergency funds students received scholarship and emergency funding

1,600+

193

new donors invested in students through the CLC Foundation

A Message from Foundation Leadership

“A community college belongs to its community, and philanthropy is how that shared responsibility is honored. When generosity is stewarded with care and intention, it strengthens public trust, advances educational equity and ensures that opportunity is sustained for generations to come.”

—Renee Young Chair, Board of Directors

Dear Friends,

The College of Lake County, at its heart, is a gathering place. It is where students take brave first steps, where working parents return to classrooms with renewed purpose, and where learners of all ages prepare for meaningful careers and lives of contribuion. The CLC Foundation advances this important work—one thread at a time—to create opportunity across Lake County. Together with our donors and partners, we work to weave together a support system that binds students, donors, volunteers, faculty, staff and community partners into something far stronger than any could create alone—a blanket of success.

When philanthropy is woven throughout an institution, each gift reinforces another. Scholarships are strengthened by emergency support. Capital investments expand access. Donor commitment fuels student persistence. Together, these threads form a resilient fabric—one that holds students steady when challenges arise and lifts them toward possibility.

As a Foundation, we are intentional about cultivating a culture of philanthropy—one where generosity is shared, celebrated and deeply connected to mission. Our Board of Directors plays a vital role in this work, serving as stewards, ambassadors and partners in advancing student success. We are grateful for their leadership and for every individual, family and organization who chooses to invest in education as a public good.

What makes this work especially meaningful is its ripple effect. When philanthropy is woven into a community college, the impact extends far beyond campus. Employers gain

skilled talent. Families gain stability. Communities grow stronger, more equitable and more resilient. Education becomes not just a pathway—but a promise.

Thank you for being part of this shared work. Whether you give, volunteer, advocate or simply believe in the power of education, your thread matters—and it is deeply felt by the students we serve. Together, we are weaving a culture of philanthropy that supports students today—and strengthens Lake County for generations to come.

With gratitude,

Mission:

The College of Lake County Foundation inspires philanthropic giving to support student scholarships, college programs and capital projects that create life-changing opportunities for Lake County residents.

“When philanthropy is woven throughout a community college, it becomes a source of strength—connecting people, reinforcing opportunity and transforming lives far beyond the classroom. It is how access becomes enduring, and how community investment becomes shared purpose.”

A Legacy Woven Forward

Across Lake County, demand for skilled professionals in manufacturing, engineering, advanced technologies and health sciences continues to shape workforce priorities. These fields remain central to the region’s long-term vitality as industries adapt to technological change and an evolving labor market. For students pursuing these pathways, access to education— and the financial support that makes it possible—remains a determining factor in whether opportunity can be fully realized.

For Michael and Elisa Decker, that reality is not abstract. It is personal.

The Decker Family Endowed Scholarship was created with a clear purpose: to remove financial barriers for students pursuing in-demand careers while strengthening the broader community those students will one day serve. Their decision to invest in CLC reflects both lived experience and a deep understanding of education as a stabilizing force during times of transition.

“We have been fortunate to be in a position to give to those in need,” the Deckers shared. “We have each been exposed to many of the things that CLC does to improve our community and felt that contributing to CLC would be an excellent way to have impact.”

Their belief in the value of community colleges was shaped

The Decker Family Endowed Scholarship

early on. Elisa earned her associate degree at a community college before completing her bachelor’s degree in education and returning regularly for continuing education to maintain her teaching certification. Through her career in education, she encountered many capable students whose potential was often constrained by financial circumstances. Michael, meanwhile, returned to school full time later in life to pursue a career change while raising a young family, gaining firsthand insight into the financial strain adult learners frequently face.

Those experiences informed a scholarship designed with flexibility and foresight. In addition to supporting students entering the workforce for the first time, the Decker Family Endowed Scholarship is available to adults returning to education, recognizing that career transitions are increasingly common across generations.

“Our family values education,” the Deckers said. “We would like to offer an opportunity to those who want to pursue a career but lack the financial means to do so.”

Their primary focus on manufacturing, engineering and advanced technologies, along with wellness and health sciences, aligns closely with workforce needs across Lake County. Philanthropic support has been a catalyst for workforce growth at CLC: from FY20 to FY25, enrollment in key career

and technical education programs increased by at least 15%, with some disciplines—like welding, electronic engineering and legal studies—growing by more than 50%, preparing more students for in-demand careers.

At the same time, enrollment in education and social sciences programs grew by 76 percent, rising from 262 to 460 students. This growth highlights increasing interest in education and community-serving careers—fields that form the foundation of a strong, resilient workforce and reflect the broader impact community colleges have across sectors.

That persistence is where scholarships make a measurable difference. Data shared by the CLC Foundation shows that 87% of scholarship recipients graduate or transfer, compared with just 53% of students without scholarship support. The Decker Family Endowed Scholarship is designed to help close that gap by allowing students to remain focused on learning rather than financial uncertainty.

Leaders across the college see firsthand how philanthropy strengthens student outcomes in high-demand fields. Miguel Mireles, dean of the Engineering, Math and Physical Sciences Division, notes that investments like the Decker Family Endowed Scholarship allow students to concentrate more fully on their studies.

“Scholarships play a critical role in helping our students persist and succeed in manufacturing, engineering, advanced technology and transportation programs,” Mireles said. “Financial support allows students to stay focused on their coursework rather than worrying about how to cover essential expenses. This investment directly supports student retention, completion and long-term career success.”

For the Deckers, the goal is not recognition or scale. It is impact.

“We hope that students take advantage of the opportunity, do well and go on to lead successful lives,” they said. “We hope they learn skills that allow them to have meaningful careers that contribute to the well-being of the community and adapt to future changes in the work environment.”

They are realistic about what one scholarship can do, yet

“We have been fortunate to be in a position to give to those in need . . . We have each been exposed to many of the things that CLC does to improve our community and felt that contributing to CLC would be an excellent way to have impact.”

–Michael and Elisa Decker

steadfast in their belief that meaningful change is built through consistent, intentional investment.

“The scholarship is small, of course,” they shared. “But every little bit really does help.”

Their message to students is grounded in humility and perspective.

“Take full advantage of your opportunity to attend CLC,” the Deckers advised. “Recognize that you will learn from coursework and from interacting with people with different experiences and points of view. Education does not end when you receive a degree or certificate. It is a lifetime pursuit.”

In a region navigating economic shifts and evolving workforce demands, the Decker Family Endowed Scholarship stands as a steady thread in a larger fabric of support. It reflects a belief that philanthropy is not about filling gaps temporarily, but about strengthening systems so students, families and communities can move forward together.

That is how legacies endure—not only through generosity, but through intention.

The Thread She Left Behind The Dolores K. Spapperi Endowed Scholarship

Philanthropy often begins long before a gift is made. For Dolores K. Spapperi, it took shape through a lifetime of teaching, service and a belief in the power of education to open doors.

A longtime Lake County resident and educator, Spapperi devoted her career to learning and to those she served along the way. After earning her master’s degree from Northern Illinois University, she spent more than three decades teaching in the Crystal Lake School District, guiding students across disciplines that included home economics, chemistry and physics. Even in retirement, her commitment to education continued through years of volunteer service at the CLC, where she taught English as a second language to adult learners pursuing new beginnings.

“Dolores loved the College of Lake County and especially enjoyed volunteering to help those who were not native English speakers,” said Kathy Allen, former CLC Foundation board member and longtime steward of Spapperi’s investments. “When Dolores was a child, her family spoke only German at their home in Chicago. She learned English only after she started elementary school. Perhaps that is the reason she had a soft spot in her heart for those who were struggling to learn English while trying to keep up with their studies and better themselves.”

That same commitment now lives on through a six-figure planned gift to the CLC Foundation. Thoughtfully structured as

part of her estate plans, the Dolores K. Spapperi Endowed Scholarship reflects her belief that access to education should remain available to future generations, regardless of circumstance. Her scholarship was intentionally designed to support students across multiple academic pathways, including education and social sciences, science and math, sustainability and horticulture and wellness and health sciences.

In recent years, enrollment in wellness- and serviceoriented academic pathways at the CLC has grown steadily, reflecting increased demand for professionals focused on healthcare and community well-being. Between fiscal years 2020–2021 and 2024–2025, enrollment in early childhood education programs increased by 132%. During the same period, fire science technology enrollment grew by 45% and human services programs continued to serve students preparing for careers rooted in advocacy, care and public service. Together, these pathways reflect a growing population of learners committed to supporting the physical, social and emotional health of Lake County communities.

Those trends reflect the very students Spapperi spent her life supporting. Many learners in these pathways are adult students balancing coursework with work, family or caregiving responsibilities. Her endowed scholarship helps ensure that financial barriers do not stand in the way of persistence, completion and opportunity.

“Dolores was always impeccably put together, graceful, elegant and radiant every time I saw her,” said Laura Gergely, director of development for the CLC Foundation. “But what truly set her apart was the light within her. Her kindness, humility and genuine love for students and Lake County shone just as brightly as her outward beauty. While she never had the chance to meet the students whose lives she would change, her generosity ensures that her inner radiance lives on through them.”

“Her commitment to education did not end with retirement or with her lifetime,” Laura reflects.

Planned gifts like Spapperi’s play a vital role in strengthening the Foundation’s ability to respond to both present and future student needs. While immediate scholarships and emergency assistance help address today’s challenges, legacy gifts provide long-term stability, ensuring that support for students can continue

Her commitment to education did not end with retirement—or with her lifetime.

–Laura Gergely, CLC Foundation

even as demands evolve. Her generosity helps weave continuity into the fabric of student success, reinforcing the Foundation’s mission to expand access, persistence and opportunity.

Those who knew Spapperi describe a woman guided by humility, intention and a deep respect for lifelong learning. She understood that education does not end with a degree, but continues through curiosity, service and shared knowledge. Her philanthropy mirrors that philosophy, centered not on recognition, but on impact.

Spapperi’s legacy is a reminder that philanthropy takes many forms. Some gifts respond to immediate needs. Others are designed to endure. Through her planned gift, she ensured that her lifelong belief in education would continue to open doors for students she would never meet, yet whose futures she chose to invest in.

Her generosity now lives on through the students who will benefit from her foresight, each one another thread woven into a stronger, more resilient Lake County community.

Threads That Open Doors Meridian Group International, Inc.

Access to technology is a critical thread in student success. Through its continued partnership with the CLC Foundation, Meridian Group International, Inc. is helping ensure that more students have the tools they need to succeed in college and beyond.

Meridian’s ongoing support through laptop and backpack donations reflects a shared belief that education should be accessible, equitable and empowering. By removing technological barriers, Meridian enables students to fully engage in coursework, participate in online learning and pursue academic and career goals without added stress or disruption.

“We are proud to partner with the College of Lake County in empowering students through technology— because when education is accessible, opportunities multiply for the entire community,” said Jeff Murray, CEO, Meridian Group International, Inc.

For students like Adam Ciesielski ’25, a nursing student at the CLC, the impact of this partnership is immediate and deeply personal.

“I’m very grateful to the College of Lake County Foundation and Meridian Group International. My laptop recently broke, so I was relying on public resources like the library or my parents. In the nursing program, so much of our work is online. This gift makes things easier and takes a lot of stress off. I’m truly appreciative.”

Beyond the donation itself, Meridian’s partnership is distinguished by hands-on involvement. Members of Meridian’s technology team worked alongside CLC staff to assist students in setting up their devices, ensuring a seamless transition and immediate academic use. This collaborative approach reinforces Meridian’s role not only as a corporate partner, but as an active advocate for student success.

From left: Kenneth Rybka, senior systems engineer, Meridian Group International Inc.; Adam Ciesielski ’25, College of Lake County graduate, Associate in Applied Science in nursing; Olivia Lyjak, marketing coordinator, Meridian Group International Inc. and CLC alumna (Associate in Arts, 2022); and David Hamilton, systems engineer, Meridian Group International Inc., during the Meridian Laptop Giveaway in April 2025.

“We are proud to partner with the College of Lake County in empowering students through technology—because when education is accessible, opportunities multiply for the entire community.”

— Jeff Murray, CEO, Meridian Group International, Inc.

As Executive Director and Chief Development Officer of the CLC Foundation Leigh Ann Jacobson, CFRE, shared: “Meridian Group International continues to demonstrate what it means to be a true champion for student success. This gift ensures more students have access to the tools they need to succeed in college and beyond. Through their continued generosity and hands-on involvement, Meridian is helping remove barriers and open doors—ensuring access and opportunity are more than just words, but a reality for the students we serve.”

Together, the CLC Foundation and Meridian Group International are strengthening the fabric of student success—one partnership, one opportunity and one opened door at a time.

Scan the QR code or visit the following link to hear Ciesielski share his testimony: bit.ly/AdamsMeridianStory

Threads of Partnership Partner with

CLC

Workforce and Talent Development

Build, train and retain your workforce.

• Strengthen your workforce through customized training and by building a talent pipeline with CLC students and graduates.

• Offer internships or apprenticeships to support hands-on learning.

• Help shape future-ready programs by serving on career advisory committees.

Manufacturing Alliance

Be part of the movement. Invest in the future of your organization and network with regional manufacturers.

• Drive innovation and workforce readiness through partnership with CLC and regional manufacturers.

• Build skilled talent through hands-on, industry-aligned learning for students and your team.

Student and Campus Engagement

Share your expertise and help shape student success

• Mentor students through classroom engagement and professional guidance.

• Volunteer your time to support campus programs and events.

• Become a community education instructor and share your skills with learners of all ages.

Campus Spaces, Facilities and Events

Host your next meeting, workshop or event at CLC.

• Explore venues such as the Eleanor Murkey Community Center at the Lakeshore Campus in Waukegan, the Conference Center at the Southlake Campus in Vernon Hills and the Advanced Technology Center in Gurnee.

• Consider performance and event space at the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts at the Grayslake Campus.

• Experience dining and event space at Prairie at Brae Loch, a student-managed restaurant.

Community Cultural Enrichment

Learn, experience and connect through culture, creativity and lifelong learning.

• Become a CLC noncredit learner and pursue enrichment, professional growth and skill-building through flexible programs.

• Patron the James Lumber Center, which is amplifying the arts across Lake County by creating experiences that expand access to high-quality performances and cultural programming for all.

Philanthropy and Strategic Support

Invest in what matters most: Student success.

• Make a tax-deductible gift to support scholarships and academic programs.

• Donate equipment, supplies or services to strengthen learning environments.

• Support basic needs for students through the SHARE Market.

bit.ly/clcnoncredit jlcenter.clcillinois.edu

• Explore corporate sponsorship opportunities, including the CLC Foundation Golf Classic (Sept. 2026).

Have questions or not sure where to start?

Email our Engagement Coordinator to help connect you with the right opportunity.

CWP.EmployerResources@clcillinois.edu

Weaving Student Success: A Community Art Project

As part of CLC’s 2030 Strategic Plan, the Weaving Student Success community art project brings together students, faculty, staff, Foundation leadership and community members through a shared creative experience centered on connection, inclusion and collaboration.

CLC staff first participated in the project during the fall kickoff in Aug. 2025, followed by participation from members of the CLC Foundation Board during their Nov. meeting. In each setting, participants were invited to contribute individual woven frames, symbolizing their personal connection to student success and their role in supporting the college’s mission through leadership, service and philanthropy.

As the project continues to expand across CLC’s campuses, these individual contributions will be combined into larger installations—visually expressing how student success is woven through collective effort. Together, the completed displays will serve as a lasting reminder that every thread matters, and that strong communities are built through shared purpose and generosity.

Statement of Financial Position

Comparative for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2024 and 2025*

Statement of Activities

Year ended June 30, 2025*

Members of the CLC Foundation Board and staff gather at CLC Advanced Technology Center during the Foundation’s Nov. 2025 board meeting. The 170,000-square-foot facility houses the largest welding and fabrication lab in Illinois.

For more information about the Advanced Technology Center, visit bit.ly/atcatclc

Take a virtual tour: bit.ly/clcvrtour

Board of Directors Officers:

Chair - Renee Young*, W.W. Grainger, Inc. (retired)

Vice chair - Glenda Abbott, Abbott Laboratories (retired)

Secretary - Scot Parker, AIA, LEED AP, Principal, Project Manager, Legat Architects

Treasurer (Ex-Officio) - Kevin Appleton†, Vice President, Business Services and Finance CFO, College of Lake County

Interim Treasurer (Ex-Officio) - James W. Beckom, MBA, PAHM, Interim Vice President, Business Services and Finance, CFO, College of Lake County

Board Members:

Lincoln Abbey Software Engineer, CME Group

Jorge A. Cantú*, Ph.D.

Director of the SCSE, Associate Professor, Northeastern Illinois University

Paul Diamond*

Chief Executive Officer, Diamond Residential Mortgage Corp.

Lesly Flores

Vice President, Community Development Manager, Old National Bank

Judith Haga

Teacher (retired), President of Haga’s BP Amoco (retired)

Darryl Levon Harlan Certified Peer Support Specialist, Department of Veteran Affairs

Meg Largay Old National Bank (retired)

Christine López*, M.Ed., ACE-CPT Principal, Lopez Consulting, Inc.

Elizabeth Kangas Miller† Attorney, Elizabeth K. Miller Law Offices

Val Munchez-van der Wagt*, AALU, CLU, JD Owner/Principal, VMvdW Law, PC and VM Insurance Consulting

Tiffany Peppers* Executive Director, JIC Community Development Corp.

Chris Piazzi

Branch President, Libertyville Bank & Trust Co, N.A. / Wintrust

R. Lee Piekarz, CPA, MBA Chief Financial Officer, City of Hope Chicago

Maria A. Rivera-Ripoll Founder, Maria Rivera-Ripoll Coaching LLC

Joanna Rolek

Executive Director, Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Chamber of Commerce

Faculty Liaison: Marcus S. Morgan, Instructor, Business Administration, College of Lake County

Trustee Liaison: Paul G. Virgilio, B.S., PE, SE, Principal, Virgilio & Associates, Ltd.

Ex Officio Members:

Lori Suddick, Ed.D. President, College of Lake County

Leigh Ann M. Jacobson, CFRE

Executive Director and Chief Development Officer, College of Lake County Foundation

*Denotes CLC Alumni. †Denotes deceased.

Sandra L. Shinsky Wintrust Private Trust Company (retired)

Lisa Trace Broker, REALTOR: @Properties Christies International Real Estate

Michael S. Trimble* Senior Vice President, First Bank Chicago

Ester C. Viti Vice President, Viti Financial

Bob Worobow, MBA Owner/President, RRW & Associates

Jan Zobus Retired Legislative Assistant

Kristen Jones, Ed.D. Vice President, Education, College of Lake County

Ali O’Brien, Ed.D. Vice President, Community and Workforce Partnerships, College of Lake County

New CLC Foundation Board Member Spotlight

The CLC Foundation Welcomes Maria Rivera-Ripoll

Maria A. Rivera-Ripoll joined the CLC Foundation Board in 2025, bringing with her a deep commitment to community service, student advocacy and transformational impact. She currently serves as a Foundation Board Member and is the founder of Maria A. Rivera-Ripoll Coaching LLC.

Maria’s connection to CLC runs deep. In addition to her service on the Foundation Board, she previously worked at CLC as an Adjunct Faculty member, teaching Spanish courses and building meaningful relationships with students and colleagues across the institution.

Her decision to join the Foundation Board was rooted in a strong belief in giving back and creating opportunities that change lives. Maria is especially passionate about supporting individuals who may not always be seen or recognized, ensuring

they have access to the resources needed to succeed.

“Serving on the CLC Foundation Board means having the opportunity to be an agent of change while creating and providing the means for student success,” Maria shared.

CLC holds a special place in her heart, shaped by the years she spent working at the institution and the lasting relationships she formed along the way. Through her service, Maria is committed to making a meaningful difference by touching lives and helping students overcome barriers to education. Outside of her professional and philanthropic work, Maria finds joy in dancing, which she describes as her personal form of therapy.

Maria’s favorite quote—“Be the change that you wish to see in the world”—reflects her approach to service and leadership and guides her continued dedication to the CLC Foundation’s mission.

Thank you for your service and for helping strengthen the fabric of philanthropy that transforms lives through education.

Our Mission

The College of Lake County Foundation inspires philanthropic giving to support student scholarships, college programs and capital projects that create life-changing opportunities for Lake County residents.

Our Vision

The College of Lake County Foundation strives to provide a debt-free, quality educational experience to every Lake County student who seeks one. The Foundation drives ongoing student success through sustainable, robust financial support systems that meet the evolving needs of Lake County learners to create a thriving community and valued workforce for local employers and institutions. This is achieved by being the donors’ trusted, first choice for educational giving that is reliable, responsive and relentless in meeting student needs, while supporting the College’s mission to deliver high-quality, accessible and equitable learning opportunities.

CLC Foundation Team

We’re grateful for your support

Cynthia Gentleman - Community Giving Manager

Laura Gergely - Director of Development

Leigh Ann Jacobson, CFRE - Executive Director and Chief Development Officer

Kerilyn Merritt - Marketing and Communications Specialist

Janet Paddock - Prospect Research Coordinator

Hannah Shallenberger - Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations

Rachel Slater - Assistant to the Executive Director

Alma Trujillo - Development Services Manager

Together, we transform lives.

Threads of Generosity

Join us in transforming lives and creating life-changing opportunities for our community

Donate online, by phone or by mail.

Secure donations can be made by visiting clcillinois.edu/foundation or calling (847) 543-2091. Checks made payable to the CLC Foundation can be sent to 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake, IL 60030.

*Beginning in 2026, taxpayers who take the standard deduction will once again receive a limited tax break for charitable donations—up to $1,000 for individuals or $2,000 for couples filing jointly. Tax benefits may vary based on individual circumstances. Donors are encouraged to consult with a qualified tax professional.

Ways to Give

Create your own Named Scholarship.

With a total gift of $5,000–just $83.33/month or $1,000/ year–you can establish a Named Annual Scholarship supporting students for the next five years through the Lancer Collective Annual Scholarship Initiative. You can create your scholarship here bit.ly/lancercollective26 or contact Community Giving Manager Cynthia Gentleman at (847) 543-2400 or cgentleman@clcillinois.edu.

Make a planned gift.

CLC honors individuals who include the CLC Foundation in a will or trust, helping to ensure the legacy of our scholarship programs. Contact Executive Director and Chief Development Officer Leigh Ann Jacobson, CFRE, for more information at (847) 5432640 or ljacobson3@clcillinois.edu.

Give through a donor advised fund.

Donors recommending grants from a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) are limited by IRS guidelines for benefits they may receive in exchange for the gift. Please consult your tax advisor regarding the deductibility of your gift.

Make a corporate gift or sponsor our scholarship golf classic.

Invest in our CLC Foundation Scholarship and Grants Fund and promote your company to Lake County communities. Contact Community Giving Manager Cynthia Gentleman at (847) 543-2400 or cgentleman@clcillinois.edu.

Make a gift of stocks, bonds or mutual funds.

By making a gift of appreciated assets, such as stocks, bonds or mutual funds, your contribution is tax-deductible. Stock gifts are accepted by the Foundation and valued at the closing price on the day received. Please notify the CLC Foundation at foundation@ clcillinois.edu when making a stock gift so we can allocate the stock sale proceeds to the proper fund according to your wishes.

Donate equipment and supplies.

Making a gift in-kind supporting the academic experience, a non-cash donation, is the charitable giving of goods and/or services. You can donate a gift for educational purposes that advances our mission.

Examples include:

• Musical or lab equipment

• Technical machinery

• Automotive equipment

Scan the QR code below or visit: www.clcillinois.edu/give

19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake, IL 60030 (847) 543-2091

foundation@clcillinois.edu www.clcillinois.edu/foundation