A life long Bloomington Normal area farmer has left Heartland Community College $1.5 million in his will. The largest ever donation to the community college in Normal comes from the estate of Raymond and Beulah Thompson. Second Cousin Brenda Thompson says they were a simple, unassuming couple who you'd never think of as wealthy.
Their one extravagance was travel. She says that was a reflection of their eagerness to encounter the world and to learn. That love of learning, she says is why Raymond Thompson decided to make the gift to Heartland. Brenda Thompson says both Beulah and Raymond were inquisitive people who wanted to instill that quality in others through the scholarships the gift will fund. Heartland Community College has also created the Raymond and Beulah Legacy Society. Heartland leaders say that will help potential donors decide how best to handle their gifts.
