Annual Impact

2025 Annual Impact

Each year, the RVC Foundation highlights the significant achievements and deep impact our donors have had on our college and our students.

Contact Us

  • RVC Foundation
  • (815) 921-4500
  • RVC Main Campus
    Spring Brook House
    6520 Spring Brook Road
    Rockford, IL 61114
  • Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

 

Year in Review

$2.9 Million

Donation Revenue in FY25

$750,000+

Awarded in Scholarships in FY25

1,290+

Donors in FY25

foundation scholarship recipient pictured with donor

About Our Recipients

355 Scholarship Recipients

Over 800 scholarships applications were submitted this past year. On average, scholarship recipients had a 3.1 GPA and 55% of scholarship recipients identified as first-generation college students.

79% In-District Recipients

Our scholarship recipients live in Rockford (51.1%), Other (13.3%), Belvidere (12.2%), Loves Park/Machesney Park (8.9%), Rockton/Roscoe/South Beloit (8.9%), Poplar Grove (3.3%), and Winnebago (2.2%).

group of scholarship recipients

The Impact of Scholarships

We have witnessed firsthand the impact of philanthropy on our students' lives. Scholarships, made possible by the selfless contributions of our donors, have opened doors for countless individuals, enabling them to pursue their dreams and reach their full potential. We have seen students from varying backgrounds and circumstances flourish academically, gain confidence, and become future leaders in their fields, all thanks to the collective support we have received.

43 New Scholarships Created

In the 2025-2026 Academic Year, $750,000+ scholarships were awarded. In the past year, 43 new scholarships were created, leading to a new total of over 420 scholarship awards available.

group of college employees wearing RVC 60 shirts

Our Community Cares

100% RVC Cabinet Participation

This year, a total of 120 employee donors contributed a collective total of $32,773.

Overall, gift sources include: Community (72%), Alumni (17%), Employees (8%), and Other (3%).

2025 Scholarship Recipients

Behind these statistics are real people with their own stories, families, and dreams. The RVC Foundation is thrilled to announce the individuals whose hard work, perseverance, and passion allowed them to rise to the top of their applicant pool. Join us in congratulating our deserving 2025 scholarship recipients! Recipients are listed alphabetically by last name. 

We invited this year’s recipients to share what receiving a scholarship means to them and how it supports their goals. Check out their interviews and witness the incredible talent and appreciation from our students!

Spotlight: Macy

"I'm proud to live in this community where people just give other people scholarships and just give them a chance to do what they want to do in life."

Spotlight: Landon

"Through the Foundation Scholarship, I learned that the community at Rock Valley is very supportive and they truly want to open as many doors as possible for you."

Spotlight: Gabrielle

"Knowing that someone I never met believed in my potential enough - it made me feel really proud of myself."

In the News

Rhonda L. Pottinger Scholarship

The Rhonda L. Pottinger Scholarship was created by family to honor Rhonda's memory. Brianna Untiedt, pictured, is the first recipient of this new scholarship.

About the New Scholarship

Brent Brodeski

RVC Distinguished Alumnus Brent Brodeski was recognized as a 2026 Chicago Titan 100 for the third consecutive year and inducted into the Chicago Titan 100 Hall of Fame.

Read Brent's Story

Jim Pirages

RVC Distinguished Alumnus and RVC Foundation Board Member Jim Pirages was honored with the 2025 Citizen of the Year Award, a recognition reserved for those who have left an indelible mark on the Rockford Region.

Read Jim's Story

Bing Liu

RVC Distinguished Alumnus and Oscar-nominated filmmaker Bing Liu debuted his first narrative film, “Preparation for the Next Life” after serving as the keynote speaker at RVC’s Professional Development Day.

Read Bing's Story

Ethan Storm

Ethan Storm, a right-handed pitcher from Rock Valley College, was selected in the 13th round of the Major League Draft by the Tampa Bay Rays on July 14, 2025.

Read Ethan's Story

CEO Challenge 2025

RVC welcomed 19 CEOs and business leaders from 20 regional organizations to its campus for the 60th Anniversary CEO Challenge, a high-energy event that blended fun, connection, and a powerful purpose.

CEO Challenge 2025

Support Our Students  

As we reflect on the past year's successes, we recognize that our work is far from complete. The challenges faced by our students and our community persist, and it is our responsibility to continue championing their aspirations. We remain committed to advancing our mission and reaching even greater heights in the coming years.

Ways to Give