FREEPORT — Last month, five prominent graduates from Highland Community College received Distinguished Alumni Awards from the Highland Foundation. Tamisha Bonvillain, Matthew Bordner, Delbert Bunker III, Deontae Collier, Sr., and Darrel Wichman were honored at a Freeport Club reception on Nov. 14.
Close to 16,000 students have earned certificates and degrees since the college and its Foundation were each established in 1962. Fewer than 200 have been named as Distinguished Alumni since the Foundation began recognizing outstanding individuals who got their start at the community college.
“These distinguished alumni demonstrate the profound impact education can have on individuals and communities,” said Dan Dick, Executive Director of the Highland Community College Foundation. “Their dedication, remarkable accomplishments, and leadership not only define their success but also serve as a powerful inspiration for Highland Community College and Northwest Illinois. They embody the values of innovation, service, and excellence that Highland strives to instill in every student.”
The following people were recognized as 2024 Distinguished Alumni:
Tamisha Bonvillain, Freeport
Nominated by Karla Guiffre and Juliet Moderow
After graduating from Highland’s Nursing program, Tamisha Bonvillain served as a labor and delivery nurse for 16 years. She went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from Lewis University in 2013 and master of science in nursing from St. Anthony College of Nursing in 2019. In her current role as family nurse practitioner with FHN, she serves many members of the community, ranging from infants to adults, taking the time to ensure she addresses all of her patients’ needs. In her spare time, she is active in the community, through FHN, Freeport School District, Highland Community College, the League of Women Voters and NAACP. As a speaker for HCC Women+ in Science Club, Tamisha has shared several examples of the resources she utilized at Highland, particularly acknowledging and praising Project Succeed. She consistently encourages students to take advantage of financial assistance and scholarship opportunities that Highland can provide.
Matthew Bordner, Monroe, Wis.
Nominated by Chris Kuberski
Matt Bordner graduated magna cum laude in 2014 with an associate of science and an associate of arts in teaching-mathematics degree. He was a member of Phi Theta Kappa, served on the Student Senate, Student Activities Committee, and as Student Trustee on the HCC Board of Trustees. Matt gave the student keynote address at Highland’s 2014 commencement, where he challenged his classmates to, “be proud to be an HCC graduate,” and “boast that we came from a community college.” Matt received a B.S. in secondary education and a B.S. in mathematics dual degree from Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee, and a master of education degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stout in 2024. Matt was one of nine outstanding educators in the School District of Monroe to receive the 2021 Colony Brands Foundation Teacher Recognition Awards, and received the Allan B. Holsthopple Crystal Apple Award in 2024. In addition to teaching math at Monroe High School, he coaches the varsity boys and girls tennis and has been an advisor for video game club, math team, and e-sports team.
Delbert Bunker III, Freeport
Nominated by Haley Kurtz
Delbert Bunker III is proud to have graduated from Highland, and is a Freeport High School graduate as well. He went on to Western Illinois University for a B.S. in Marketing, using his education to establish a successful Freeport business that consistently demonstrates care for both customers and employees. Delbert sits on the Board of Directors for Union Savings Bank and the Greater Freeport Partnership, and is a member of the National Auto Dealers Association and the Illinois Auto Dealers Association. He received the United Way of Northwest Illinois’ 2024 Small Town Hero Award for his work with various organizations and having a deep care for his town and a strong desire to give back.
Deontae Collier, Sr., Freeport
Nominated by ShaNeka Collier
Deontae Collier Sr. is a father, coach, mentor, and pastor. A graduate of Freeport School District 145, he became a father at a young age and did not think that college would be in his future, but with encouragement he decided to attend Highland and graduated in 2019. He went on to obtain his bachelor’s degree in Educational Studies. While earning this degree he had two open-heart surgeries, yet he achieved his goal. Deontae obtained his master’s degree in Special Education from Grand Canyon University. This year he achieved his long-term goal of becoming Dean of Students for Freeport High School for the Lead Academy. Deontae is also a Pastor whose ministry supports several local organizations, and has been there for many families in the community that have lost loved ones to gun violence and more. Deontae and his wife ShaNeka were both awarded the United Way’s Small Town Hero Award in 2019.
Darrel Wichman, Champaign, Ill.
Nominated by Timothy Brooks
After graduating from HCC with an associate of science degree, Darrel Wichman went on to University of Illinois to earn B.S. and M.S. degrees in mechanical engineering. He joined The Boeing Company, working in engineering on several of the F-series fighters. As he progressed through his career, he took on various roles related to those aircraft, becoming a leader in the field with expertise in mission systems, systems engineering, international programs, systems development and integration, systems integration, weapons integration, software development and integration, and International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR). Retiring from Boeing in 2023, he is now actively working as a consultant for Dayton Aerospace providing support to government and industry customers in the areas of weapon interface development and assessment and weapon systems engineering. During his career, Darrel did not forget his farming roots and has restored antique farm equipment, continuing that hobby into retirement.
For more on the Highland Community College Foundation, visit highland.edu/foundation.
