LLC Recognized by Secretary of State for Organ/Tissue Donor Drive

(ILLINOIS SECRETARY OF STATE JESSE WHITE PRESENTED AN AWARD TO THE PHI THETA KAPPA CHAPTER AT THE COLLEGE FOR SPONSORING AN ORGAN AND TISSUE DONOR EFFORT ON CAMPUS. SECRETARY WHITE IS THIRD FROM LEFT. OTHERS PICTURED ARE PHI THETA KAPPA OFFICERS, INCLUDING SECRETARY KELLI UTZ OF EFFINGHAM, VICE PRESIDENT NEIL RHOADES OF WATSEKA, AND PRESIDENT HOLLI AUSTIN OF BROCTON)

Illnois Secretary of State Jesse White recognized Lake Land College for holding an organ/tissue donor drive on campus. White presented awards to organizers of the drive at a press conference and awards ceremony in the Lake Land College Theater on Tuesday.

Hosted by Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) the press conference and awards ceremony served as the kick-off event for the organ/tissue donor drive, which took place Wednesday in the Luther Student Center. 

During the Tuesday event, Lake Land College student Richard “Audie” Swinford, Paris, who received a corneal transplant spoke as the special guest.

“Although the cornea is a very small piece of tissue, someone out there was kind enough to bless me with this donation and for that, I am grateful,” said Swinford, who lost his vision to a degenerative condition at the age of 40. “So, I encourage everyone to sign up to be a donor because even the smallest things can make the biggest impact in someone’s life.”

Phi Theta Kappa is an international honorary society for two-year college students that concentrates on scholarship, leadership, service and fellowship. The club’s advisor is Eva Ritchey, speech communication instructor.