Richland Community College Honors Life of Longtime Board Member
Richland Community College is honoring the life of Tom Ritter, a dedicated member of the Board of Trustees since 2013, who passed away on August 20, 2025.
Tom was dedicated to using his passions to support his community. A lifelong resident of Blue Mound, Tom owned and operated a corn and soybean farm, and he co-owned Village Travel (a full-service travel agency) with his wife, Diana. He served on the Blue Mound and Meridian school boards as well as agricultural boards like the Illinois and National Soybean Checkoff Board, Macon County Farm Bureau, U.S. Grains Council, and Macon County 4-H Foundation.
When Tom joined the Richland Community College Board of Trustees in 2013 to fill a vacancy left by a friend, he remarked that he would have big shoes to fill. He took that to heart and dedicated himself to helping the college serve the community through education and economic development. Tom went beyond the typical duties of a trustee – joining the Illinois Community College Trustee Association as a regional chair and serving as a liaison on the Richland Community College Foundation Board. His leadership, integrity, and quiet generosity have left an enduring mark on Richland and on all who had the privilege to work alongside him.
“Everyone who knew Tom loved him,” said Richland President Cristobal “Cris” Valdez. “It’s rare to meet a person who is so devoted to supporting and growing their community, and Tom demonstrated his passion for education every day. Early in my presidency, Tom chaired the Board. I will always remember him as a mentor, a voice of reason and an advocate of the College and the agriculture community he worked tirelessly for.”
Dale Colee, Chairman of Richland’s Board of Trustees, said, “The unexpected passing of Tom leaves a hole in both our hearts and our community. He was a loyal friend, a trusted leader, and someone who believed deeply in lifting others up through education. We will honor his memory by carrying forward the good work he began. His legacy of service and love will continue to inspire us.”