Richland Community College Names Ben Andreas as Alumnus of the Year

Ben Andreas

Ben Andreas has been named Richland Community College’s 2023 Alumnus of the Year. Ben was a non-traditional student at Richland. He began his college career as an adult, right after his eldest son was born. He graduated in 2009 with an Associates of Science Degree. From there, he earned his bachelor’s degree in finance at Millikin University.

In the Decatur community, Ben has applied his financial education to his career, working his way up to an ownership role at Main Place Properties. He also applies his financial prowess and leadership skills to managing and maintaining the finances of the Andreas Foundation. The Foundation donates up to $2 million annually to organizations in the Macon County area. Over the past three decades, the Andreas Foundation has been a major supporter of Richland Community College.

The Andreas family has provided more than $3 million in gifts to Richland, as well as a $1.5 million pledge in 2022 to the College’s Agriculture program. Ben’s commitment to supporting education continues through his participation on the Board of Trustees for both of his alma maters, Richland Community College and Millikin University.

“Looking back now, I see that Richland was the steppingstone I needed to gain the confidence to achieve something greater in life,” he said. “Richland taught me work ethic, provided resources to pursue different career paths, and offered a variety of classes. [The college] not only gave me the tools to further my education, but it also paved the way to success that I am still striving for today.”