OGLESBY – Larry and Christine Huffman of Peru recently created an Illinois Valley Community College scholarship for adults 25 and older. Up to five recipients will be awarded $1,000 annually beginning in fall 2022. The Huffman’s “Helping Hands Scholarship” targets first time attendees and those returning to college after a three-year gap. Students who are the first to attend college from their family, also known as first generation, are also eligible.
Christine (Strack) Huffman, a native of Tonica, earned an associate degree from IVCC, graduating Magna Cum Laude and being recognized as a Thomas J. McCormack Scholar. After graduation, she was employed in IVCC’s Student Services department for six years before relocating to Kankakee. There she was employed for 29 years at The Daily Journal as executive assistant to the editor and publisher and later Director of Human Resources.
Dr. Larry Huffman served as IVCC’s Dean of Student Development in the mid-70s before moving on to Kankakee Community College, serving there as Executive Vice President for Academic and Student Services for 10 years and then as President for 14 years. In 2006, he was named IVCC President. In 2009, he was appointed to fill a vacancy on the IVCC board and was elected to a six-year term in 2011, during which time he served as Secretary and chaired the board’s audit-finance committee.
“Larry and Chris are two of IVCC’s most loyal and giving benefactors,” said IVCC President Jerry Corcoran. “More than that, they have become trusted friends. This scholarship is a major investment in our students and another example of how much they believe in our mission. Bottom line, they want to help those who need it the most.”
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