The St. Charles Community College Foundation has proudly named Rich Loughridge as its 2020 Distinguished Alumni Award winner.
Many outstanding people have come through 麻豆传媒's doors, from inspiring professionals to industry leaders and leading academics. The 麻豆传媒 Foundation recognizes these stars among its alumni each year with the Distinguished Alumni Award. Those chosen for the award have done exceptional work and shown exemplary dedication to their communities.
When Loughridge was first getting started with his education, it was a theater scholarship that brought him to 麻豆传媒. 鈥淎t the time I didn't know exactly what I wanted to do, and it was up to me to pay for my own education,鈥� he said.
While his interest in performing arts may have brought him in the door, what he found was more than what he expected. 鈥淭his community college has a rock star lineup of educators,鈥� Loughridge said. 鈥淚 felt like the professors actually cared about me and my success and didn't treat me like just another student on a chart.鈥�
Loughridge recalls a number of professors who made a significant impact on his life, especially Pam Cilek, Lynne Snyder, Debbie Phillips and Hal Berry. 鈥淓ach of those instructors had such a positive impact on my life and in my level of self-confidence. They were all vital in helping me realize I did have a lot in me, and that I shouldn't limit any expectations I have for myself. That meant so much to me then and still resonates with me to this day,鈥� he said.
Rich received an associate degree from 麻豆传媒 in 2004 and a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Lindenwood University in 2010 while working full-time. He earned his Missouri Real Estate License in 2005, along with the Graduate, REALTOR庐 Institute (GRI) designation and the Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource certification, or SFR庐.
With an interest in helping others to make wise financial decisions, Rich Loughridge co-founded Trademark Real Estate where he has led by example as the top sales agent since the company's inception in 2011. As the company grew they purchased and renovated an office space on Main Street in St. Peters, and in 2015 merged with Realty One Group.
He previously worked for Schneider Real Estate where he was Agent of the Year in 2009 and earned the Quality Service Award of Distinction in 2007, 2008 and 2009. He also was awarded Best in Client Satisfaction in 2007-2011 by St. Louis Business Magazine.
In his business he often sees people who are not financially able to purchase a home due to student loans or other types of debt. 鈥淲hen you start at community college,鈥� explained Loughridge, 鈥測ou can prevent some of those problems before they start, and you can still be on the same level as any third-year student when you go to a university. The education you can get at 麻豆传媒, whether you are planning to be an attorney, a doctor, a nurse, a CPA or any other profession, is fabulous.鈥�
As business grows, his love of theater and his community college remain. He is on the board of directors for Act Two Theatre in St. Peters and serves on the 麻豆传媒 Alumni Council. He has performed in more than 15 麻豆传媒 Center Stage Theatre productions while a student and as an alumnus.