Heartland Community College Alumni Association honors four

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

Jeremiah Fletcher is the 2025 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. 

Fletcher is the Vice President of Infrastructure and Chief Technology Officer at COUNTRY Financial. He earned his associate degree at Heartland and is currently active with the HCC Corporate Alumni Council at COUNTRY Financial/Illinois Farm Bureau. He also serves as a mentor in Heartland’s COUNTRY Scholars program. 

In addition to the Distinguished Alumnus award, the Heartland Alumni Association recognized three other former students for their post-college impact and contributions to the community. 

Adam McGuckin is the recipient of the Career Achievement Award. This award goes to an alumnus who has exceptional career and professional accomplishments that reflect favorably on that individual’s profession. 

McGuckin, Underwriting Manager (UP), US National Accounts-Captives Unit, with Zurich North America, graduated with his associate degree from Heartland before attending Illinois State University, and then earned his Master of Business Administration from Northern Illinois University. 

Josh McWilliams 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. 

After earning his associate degree from Heartland, McWilliams furthered his education at Illinois State University, eventually earning his master’s degree in Agricultural Education and Leadership. He is an active and founding member of the COUNTRY Financial/Illinois Farm Bureau Alumni Corporate Council. Additionally, he is active with a variety of volunteer endeavors. McWilliams is currently a Senior Business Intelligence Analyst at Illinois Farm Bureau. 

Brian Peterson is the 2025 recipient of the Community Service Award, given to an individual who has demonstrated 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.    

Peterson, a Forensic Autopsy Assistant, volunteers with the McLean County Board of Health and the Town of Normal Human Relations Commission and is a McLean County Deputy Registrar. Peterson earned a bachelor’s degree at ISU after completing his associate degree at Heartland.  

“The purpose of these awards is to recognize alumni who are making a difference in their community,” said Gena Glover, Director of Community Relations at Heartland Community College. “These 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.”