Heartland Alumni Association honors five

The Heartland Community College Alumni Association has recognized five former students who have made a positive impact on their community. 

Simran Sandhu is the 2024 recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award. This award is given to an individual who through both personal and professional accomplishments personifies the values of the College. 

Simran “Sim” Sandhu is the Director of Strategy and Innovation at Illinois Farm Bureau. Sandhu earned an Associate of Science degree from HCC and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics at Illinois State University. He also currently serves on the Heartland Community College Foundation Board. 

In addition to Distinguished Alumnus, the Heartland Alumni Association added three new honors in 2023, which were awarded again this year. 

Melissa Jewett is the recipient of the Career Achievement Award. This award is for an alumnus who has exceptional career and professional accomplishments that reflect favorably on that individual’s profession. 

Jewett is an Administrator at Ft. Jesse Imaging Center & Gale Keeran Center for Women. She earned an Associate of Arts degree from Heartland and went on to earn a technical degree in Radiology from the Bloomington-Normal School of Radiology. She also received a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Services Administration from Lincoln College. 

Melissa Donovan is the recipient of the College Engagement Award, given to an alumnus who has provided exceptional service to Heartland Community College, by either serving on committees and boards, acting as a mentor, or other service/support. 

Donovan is the owner of CPG Printing & Graphics in Bloomington. Melissa earned an Associate of Arts degree from HCC and went on to Lincoln College to earn a bachelor's degree in Business Administration. 

Arin Rader and Adam Rader are co-recipients of the Community Service Award, given to an individual who has demonstrated a commitment to their community through significant contributions to public or private programs that improve or enhance the quality of life of individuals, families, and communities.    

Arin and Adam Rader both took courses at Heartland and are employed by Rader Family Farms. The Raders’ work supports 4-H and FFA programs in schools across McLean County.  

“The purpose of these awards is to recognize alumni who are making a difference in their community,” said Heartland Associate Director of Community Engagement Gena Glover. “The Heartland Hawks represent not only individual success stories as students who have found their path through education but also an ongoing commitment to the betterment of our community as a whole.”