CLC Foundation Scholarship Golf Classic brings community together for student success

A photo of scholarship recipients with thank you cards Published September 29, 2026

The College of Lake County (CLC) Foundation brought together community members, business leaders and partners Monday, Sept. 28, for the 2026 Scholarship Golf Classic at Stonewall Orchard Golf Club in Grayslake. 

The annual event raises funds to expand access to higher education through scholarships for CLC students with demonstrated financial need, helping students pursue degrees and credentials while strengthening the Lake County community and local workforce. 

"We are deeply grateful to every sponsor who chooses to invest in CLC students," said Cynthia Gentleman, community giving manager. "This event is more than a golf tournament. It's an opportunity to transform lives. Every dollar raised helps students overcome financial barriers, earn a college education and create a stronger future for themselves and our community." 

Community partners champion student success 

The 2026 Scholarship Golf Classic was made possible through the generosity of sponsors and participating organizations committed to CLC students. 

  • Silver Sponsors included The Liam Connell Family, Old National Bank and Robbins Schwartz. 
  • Bronze Sponsor was UCC Environmental 
  • Lancer Community Sponsors included Knickerbocker Roofing & Paving Co., Inc., Packaging Corporation of America and Virgilio & Associates. 
  • Friends of the Foundation Sponsors included Alliant, AMWINS, CDW, City of Hope, CS Hyde Company, Demonica Kemper Architects (DKA), First Bank Chicago and Pepper Construction. 

Additional participating companies included Aldridge Electric, Inc.; Blue Cross Blue Shield; Consumers Credit Union; Consertus; CLC Business and Social Sciences Division; Lake County Partners; Legat Architects; Libertyville Bank & Trust, Co. - Wintrust Community Bank; Power Construction; The George Sollitt Construction Company; RJ Galla Company, Inc.; United Healthcare; The Viti Companies; and Weller-Metalworks. 

Together, these organizations and Golf Classic participants helped advance the Foundation's work to remove financial barriers and create opportunities for CLC students to achieve their educational goals. 

The Scholarship Golf Classic brings business and community partners together around a shared purpose: creating greater opportunities for CLC students. Through philanthropy, the annual event helps expand access to scholarships and invest in student success across Lake County. 

The CLC Foundation looks forward to continuing this tradition at the 2027 Scholarship Golf Classic on Sept. 20 at Glen Flora Country Club in Waukegan and welcoming the community back for another day of philanthropy, partnership and purpose. 

Every swing drives student success. 

About the College of Lake County Foundation 

The College of Lake County Foundation inspires philanthropic giving to support student scholarships, college programs and capital projects that create life-changing opportunities for Lake County residents. 

For more information about the College of Lake County Foundation, contact CLC Foundation Marketing and Communications Specialist Kerilyn Merritt at kmerritt4@clcillinois.edu or (847) 543-2091.