As many of you know, April closed her chapter at RCC in December 2025. Even then, it was clear she embodied the spirit of leadership and generosity we strive to celebrate, making her the perfect choice for our very first Rogue Hero Spotlight.
April didn’t just support our mission; she inspired it. Through her creation of the One-One-Ten Challenge, she encouraged staff to step up, give back and become true heroes for the cause. Her passion and commitment set a powerful example of what it means to lead with heart and purpose.
Introducing the Rogue Hero Spotlight!
We’re excited to launch the very first monthly Rogue Hero Spotlight, a new feature dedicated to celebrating RCC employees who make a difference through voluntary giving. Starting January 2026, you’ll find this spotlight on the first Monday of each month, highlighting the inspiring stories of those who believe in the power of education and student success. Stay tuned as we shine a light on the heroes among us!
The Power of Giving: Meet RCC’s Rogue Heroes
At Rogue Community College, heroes stand beside our students, lifting them up and believing in the power of education. Rogue Heroes are RCC employees who support students through voluntary giving. Every dollar donated through payroll deduction, or one-time gifts goes directly to scholarships, emergency aid and programs that change lives.
Your Philanthropy at Work
Over the past five years, staff members have contributed over $135,000 to:
- Fund scholarships that keep students enrolled.
- Support projects that enhance teaching and learning.
- Empower student clubs and leadership opportunities.
- Provide emergency assistance for food, housing and crises.
Every gift removes barriers and opens doors for RCC students.
This month, we are highlighting Rogue Hero April Hamlin.
Years at RCC: 5
Department and Title: Student Learning & Success; Dean of Student Success
What made you decide to participate for the first time?
I started at Rogue Community College on Oct. 1, 2020. The first day that I started at RCC, I contacted the RCC Foundation to become a Rogue Hero. The work that the RCC Foundation does to support student success is truly remarkable, and something that I have been proud to be a part of!
What makes you proud to be an employee donor?
Celebrating Commencement in the Rogue Bowl for the past two years has been an incredible honor and joy!
How do you feel employee giving contributes to student success?
When I worked for the Washington University Alumni Department, I learned that US News and World Report factored employee and alumni giving into their ranking for colleges and universities (this changed in 2024). However, I still think that employee giving matters, because it allows our Foundation to be able to reach out to community stakeholders and say, “RCC’s employees support our Foundation, and you should too!” This makes giving to the RCC Foundation a meaningful collective action that anybody can participate in — at any dollar amount — to help students pay for their education. For me, I value being a Rogue Hero because I see the impact that the RCC Foundation makes for our students and our college every day.
What would you say to a colleague who’s considering donating?
In addition to donating to a very worthy cause, I always tell employees that Rogue Heroes get two raffle tickets at the Spring Inservice! I would also tell them that even a small donation has a big impact when it is pooled with others. When the Foundation awards scholarships to students, I am always thrilled to think that I am a part of that, every year.
Ready to make an impact?
As we kick off the Rogue Hero Spotlight, we invite you to join this incredible community of employee donors. Whether it’s $5 once or $10+ monthly, your gift creates opportunities for students working toward a better future.
Become a Rogue Hero today and help a student become the hero of their own story.