Kaskaskia College celebrated the graduation of students earning Associates in Arts Degrees as well as certificates in vocational programs at graduation Friday night.
College President George Evans says this 2025 is a milestone year for the college.
“85 years ago, in 1940, the Centralia Junior College opened its doors with a simple mission: to provide a regional higher education pathway to the citizens of Southern Illinois,” Evans said. “Fast forward 25 years to 1965, when Centralia Junior College was reborn into Kaskaskia Community College District 501. And here we are today, 85 years later, celebrating these amazing students, these amazing graduates, and another milestone for this institution.”
Evans says much has remained the same over the years.
“Since its inception the mission of Kaskaskia college has not only endured, it has thrived. The campus has grown into more than just a place of learning. It has become a home. It has become a launching pad and a bridge between dreams and reality.”
Evans also recognized the role of Joseph Heimann in organizing the campaign to make Kaskaskia College the first community college in the state in 1965. His children were in attendance and introduced to the audience.
Evans also commended the work of the Kaskaskia College Foundation.
Olivia Etheridge gives the student address at KC graduation.
Twelve students were recognized as Summa Cum Laude Graduates who attained a perfect 4.0 grade point average while a student at Kaskaskia. They are Caitlyn Bone of Centralia, Olivia McCormack of Salem, Baili Gore of Carlyle, Daci Finke and Hailey Frantz of Nashville, Joshua Bowman of Okawville, Olivia Links of Bartelso, Makenna Lake of Albers, Ethan McWhorter of Highland, Isabella Borja of Freeburg, Megan Fitzgerald of Greenville, and Kylie Kruse of Litchfield.
