Lincoln Land Community College Foundation was presented with a $420,687.07 gift Monday, Dec. 1. Micah Bartlett, president and CEO of Town and Country Bank, presented the check on behalf of the Russell L. and Thelma L. Kirchner Trust.
L to R – Karen Sanders, LLCC Foundation executive director; Micah Bartlett, president and CEO, Town and Country Bank; Ryan Murphy, LLCC Foundation board chairman; Charlotte Warren, Ph.D., president, LLCC; Jennifer Stice, senior trust officer, Town and Country Bank; Lori Smith, LLCC Foundation scholarship program coordinator; Katie Boston, LLCC student; Tom Gallagher, senior vice president, Town and Country Bank; and Jason Barth, LLCC Foundation board member
“With this gift, the Kirchner’s legacy of learning and love for education will continue and assist students,” stated Ryan Murphy, LLCC Foundation board chairman. The gift from the Kirchner Trust Agreement, the principal from the trust, is being used to establish the Russell L. and Thelma L. Kirchner Endowment Scholarship. The annual interest earned on the endowment will be used to fund several scholarships. The scholarships will help the LLCC Foundation fill an important need of the college’s district residents by offering financial assistance to students. The scholarships will be available for first-time and continuing students who are pursuing any program of study. “The Foundation’s goal is to continue to provide scholarships to target populations to meet the needs of district residents,” said Mr. Murphy.
Russell L. and Thelma L. Kirchner were very charitable in nature. They valued supporting higher education for area youth. While in Springfield, they owned the Colonial Motel on South MacArthur and the Spring Street Laundromat.
“Town and Country Bank had the distinct honor of carrying on the Kirchner’s values and generosity, and the responsibility to carry on their wishes,” stated Mr. Bartlett. “As trustee, we solicited proposals at various times from multiple colleges and universities. In each case, the proposal and information provided by LLCC demonstrated both the ability and commitment we sought as trustee.”