Alumni and Friends

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How would you describe Heartland in three words?
Morgan:  Prepares for Success!

Meet Our Alumni

Leading our community to lifelong learning and success is the vision of Heartland Community College. These spotlights are of students and alumni who exemplify success. Their stories inspire us.

Alumni Spotlight - Morgan Hauptman

Meet Morgan, a current nursing student at Heartland Community College.  In addition to being a student, Morgan is also a Tech Aide at Fort Jesse Imaging Center and a member of our Alumni Corporate Council at Fort Jesse.

When asked to describe what a “day in the life of you as a Tech Aide is like”, Hauptman stated: My current job has been the biggest breath of fresh air for me within the last year. I absolutely LOVE having such a positive work environment and great coworkers to look up to.  My job consists of various duties, but the main duty is to be the MRI Technician’s second hand. I review orders and history sheets before getting the patient, and the help the patient prepare for their exam, by starting the IV access for exams requiring contrast. I have many things to think about in order to provide proper care for my patients, including: safety of the patient and yourself, Adverse Reactions/Contradictions for contrasts (MRI/CT), verify orders, allergies and prior medical histories.

Morgan, we are happy to have you as an alum and a student!! 

Alumni Achievement Awards

Heartland Community College recognizes alumni who have utilized their experience at the College to make an imprint on their profession, community, and the College. An alumnus is anyone who has graduated from Heartland Community College or has taken at least one class.

Community Service Award

Awarded to an alumnus 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. 

Career Service Award

Awarded to an alumnus who has exceptional career and professional accomplishment that reflect favorably on his or her profession. 

College Engagement Award

Awarded to an alumnus who has provided exceptional service to Heartland Community College, by either serving on committees, boards, acting as a mentor or other service/support.

 

Selection Process

All completed nominations will be scored utilizing a scoring rubric, by a panel of reviewers, consisting of no less than three individuals.  The nomination (s) receiving the highest overall score, will be named the Distinguished Alumni.  If there are nominations which score high in one of the three additional Alumnus Achievement Award areas, they could be selected as that award recipient.  

Only one nomination is required.  Nominations not selected for the Distinguished Alumnus Award will be considered for the Alumnus Achievement Awards.    

No single nominee can receive the Distinguished Alumnus and an Alumnus Achievement Award in the same year. 

Previous Alumni Achievement Award Recipients

Year	Name
2024	Simran (Sim) Sandhu
2023	Ben Jeffreys
2022	Melissa Marx
2021	Dr. Justin Rickard
2020	Richard Casper
2020	Dr. Seshanand Rao, MD
2019	Christopher Marx
2018	Justin Boyd
2017	Cassie Kuizin
2016	Adam Bellas
2016	Justin Bellas
2015	John Bierbaum
2014	Jay Verner
2013	Deborah Fedor
2012	Tim Rixstine
2011	Donny Bounds
2010	Kent Crutcher
2009	Chad Pregracke

2025 Nominees

Jeremiah Fletcher

Jeremiah Fletcher, of Normal, is the Vice President of Infrastructure and Chief Technology Officer at COUNTRY Financial.

Fletcher 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.

 

Tawnya Isaacson

Tawnya Isaacson, of Bloomington, is a registered nurse at Carle Bromenn.

Isaacson graduated with her associate degree in nursing from Heartland and then went on to further her education at Illinois State University. She is now a psychiatric nurse.

Adam McGuckin

Adam McGuckin is the Underwriting Manager (UP), US National Accounts-Captives Unit, with Zurich North America.


McGuckin graduated with his associate degree from Heartland before attending Illinois State University, and then earned his Master’s of Business Administration from Northern Illinois University. In addition, he has earned several additional certifications is his professional field.

Josh McWilliams

Josh McWilliams is a Senior Business Intelligence Analyst at Illinois Farm Bureau.

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.

Angel Miller

Angel Miller is a home day care provider in Normal.

Miller earned her associate degree at Heartland, where she received the Shelly Weidenbenner Scholarship. She also teaches Sunday school at her church.

Alex Nigro

Alex Nigro, of Bloomington, is the Director of Strength and Speed at K’s Training Academy.

Nigro earned his associate degree at Heartland and then earned a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science at Illinois State University. He sits on ISU’s Exercise Science Advisory Council and is the assistant wrestling coach at Normal Community West High School.

Brian Peterson

Brian Peterson, of Normal, is a Forensic Autopsy Assistant, and community volunteer. He volunteers with the McLean County Board of Health and the Town of Normal Human Relations Commission and is a McLean County Deputy Registrar.

Peterson went on to earn his bachelor’s degree at ISU after completing his associate degree at Heartland.

Samantha Uhe

Samantha Uhe, of Normal, is a PTA/Clinic Director at Ivy Rehab for Kids, and a Level 3 CrossFit Trainer at Be Strong CrossFit.

Uhe earned her associate degree in Physical Therapist Assistant at Heartland. While a student at HCC, she received the Continuing the Circle of Kindness Scholarship.