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HCC's 20th Annual Commencement May 18

Heartland Community College’s 20th annual commencement ceremony will honor the College’s fall 2011, spring 2012 and summer 2012 graduates at 7 p.m. Friday, May 18, at Illinois State University’s Bone Center, 100 N. University St. in Normal. Approximately 250 Heartland graduates are expected to participate in this year’s commencement ceremony.

Local business owner Tim Rixstine selected as 2012 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient; will deliver HCC’s 2012 commencement address

Tim Rixstine, Heartland’s 2012 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, will deliver Heartland’s 2012 commencement address. The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes individual career achievements and positive community impact while exhibiting Heartland values, which include a “can-do” attitude, respect for diversity, and ethical decision-making.

Rixstine, an entrepreneur who credits Heartland Community College with giving him the foundation for success in business, is the owner of Bloomington’s Molly Maid service. Rixstine confesses his Heartland education helped him to think and plan strategically, prepare and communicate his professional services effectively, and overcome common entrepreneurial obstacles.  Since attending Heartland, Rixstine has seen business revenues exceed $8.5 million, and he has helped his Molly Maid franchise grow into the largest residential cleaning service in McLean County. Rixstine’s franchise has one of the highest market penetration rates and employee retention rates in the nation, and in 2010 it was accepted into the prestigious Molly Maid Gold Level President’s Circle.

Rixstine has given back to Heartland and his community by serving on the inaugural board of directors for the HCC Alumni Association. He is an enthusiastic Heartland advocate and donates regularly to Heartland scholarship events and to a variety of other charitable organization in the area. Rixstine also personally volunteers at the Clare House Food Pantry and has organized several fundraising campaigns for The Neville House domestic violence shelter.

Alumni Association President Janet Hood, who nominated the entrepreneur for the award, shares “Tim is a phenomenal example for current Heartland students. His perseverance, dedication to hard work, and his career success are a result of going beyond just meeting expectations.”

Abby Ritter selected as student speaker

Heartland Community College also has been responsible for broadening the perspective of this year’s student speaker, Abby Ritter.  Ritter, of Bloomington, credits her ability to expand her perspectives and beliefs in a manner she never imagined possible to Heartland Community College. After graduating from Heartland, Ritter plans to transfer to Illinois State University to major in early childhood education.

Erik Anderson to be honored as HCC’s first commencement participant

Erik Anderson, HCC’s first commencement participant, also will be recognized at this year’s ceremony. Anderson was a member of Heartland’s first graduating class. After graduating from Heartland, he earned a bachelor’s of science degree in economics at Illinois State University.  A lifelong area resident, he believes in the power of community service and is active in Bloomington Kiwanis, the Heartland Community College Alumni board, and the local @Midwest social media conference. Anderson works as a business architect at State Farm Insurance.

For more information about Heartland Community College, visit www.heartland.edu on the Web.