Kaskaskia College 2022-2023 President's Report to the Community

COPYRIGHT © 2023 KASKASKIA COLLEGE

MESSAGE FROM THE president

Bold Steps Forward

On behalf of our dedicated faculty, staff, and Board of Trustees, I welcome you to review this 2023 President's Report to the Community. This report highlights many wonderful accomplishments achieved during the 20222023 academic year.

The college has arisen in strong fashion from the Covid-19 pandemic, with enrollment increases and a return to pre-pandemic enrollment numbers during 2023. This past year could be coined the year of "construction, stress, and interruption."

Construction is related to the $30 million of renovations the college is currently undergoing and nearing completion. Renovations have occurred in many areas of the main campus that will significantly enhance the educational environment for our students and the working environment for our staff and faculty.

The college took advantage of historically lowinterest rates and coupled these bond funds with federal grant dollars and protection, health, and safety levy funds to modernize much of the main campus. Many renovations should be completed by the summer of 2024, and the final project to be completed will be the gymnasium.

Stress and interruption occurred because of the construction, as many areas and departments have been displaced and shuffled around to accommodate the remodeling. I wish to compliment the leadership and College staff for taking the temporary inconveniences in stride and approaching the projects with a positive attitude and a "can-do" spirit. The same can be said for our students.

Regarding our students, in May 2023, we graduated one of the largest classes in the history of Kaskaskia College in a standing-room-only commencement exercise. Nearly 300 students received their diplomas

in person; over 600 completed a certificate or degree this past year. Our single most important goal at KC is our student's success. I am very proud of the staff and faculty who put their best foot forward during these hectic and adverse times to contribute to such a successful graduating class.

At KC, our graduates' success serves as the catalyst behind everything we do. I hope you find this report informative, and I encourage you to visit our main campus or any of our education centers to partake in lifelong learning or simply stop by to say hi. We are your community college and are committed to ensuring that KC remains the shining beacon of the entire district.

Thank you for your continued support of this fine institution, and we look forward to serving you now and in the future.

Kind Regards,

George M. Evans, MA President Kaskaskia College, Class of 2000

BOLD STEPS FORWARD

As we emerge from the post-pandemic world, Kaskaskia College is looking toward the future with a sharpened focus. The institution is taking a comprehensive approach to reviewing its mission and values, including all programs, services, and infrastructure needs. The goal is to ensure that students of today and tomorrow receive the highest quality, individualized education possible to ensure achievement of their goals.

From renovation to re-invention, Kaskaskia College has taken several bold steps forward to place it among the state’s leading higher education institutions.

In February 2023, the Kaskaskia College Board of Trustees approved the institution’s new vision statement and revised the college’s core values.

VISION

Kaskaskia College aspires to be recognized as a community-integrated leader dedicated to providing the highest levels of academic programming and workforce development, and known as an institution with students, faculty, and staff who value and treat all individuals equitably, and foster a sense of belonging for all partners.

MISSION

Kaskaskia College is committed to lifelong student learning and to providing quality comprehensive education.

LEARNING

Providing quality, student-focused instructional programming in a supportive environment as part of the lifelong learning process.

DIVERSITY

Practicing actions that are welcoming, inclusive, equitable, safe, and respectful.

ACCESS RESPECT

Having genuine regard for others and showing consideration for the diversity of others to foster an environment of teamwork and excellence.

EXCELLENCE INTEGRITY COMMUNITY

Maintaining high standards in all endeavors with a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.

Providing programs and services that are affordable, convenient, flexible in delivery modes and locations, and available to all.

Being honest and truthful, maintaining fair and consistent communication, and being transparent and accountable to all internal and external stakeholders.

Engaging, partnering, and collaborating with the community to serve the public good.

If you’re not brave enough to take the first step, then you’ll never know how far you can go.

- Abhishek Tiwari

INSTITUTIONAL goals

The institutional strategic plan of Kaskaskia College provides a framework for operations and continuous improvement as guided by our mission, vision, and core values.

During the development of the strategic plan, an analysis of available data was conducted to determine the major institutional goals we hope to achieve for the effective strategic planning cycle. For each institutional goal, more specific strategies, known as strategic priorities, are detailed to guide the annual planning process.

The strategic plan implementation occurs primarily through the annual planning process, which President’s Cabinet leads. Every fiscal year, all divisions of Kaskaskia College collaborate and determine which action items and projects they will work on for that year to advance our progress in meeting our institutional goals and strategic priorities.

Aligning with our strategic plan, identified key functional areas also have long-term plans specific to the college’s operational needs. This includes a Master Facilities and Improvement Plan, a Master Information Technology Plan, and an Enrollment Management Plan.

All plans are available for review: www.kaskaskia.edu/about-kc/strategic-planning

FIVE-YEAR (2023-2028) INSTITUTIONAL GOALS

1.

2. 3. 4. 5.

Align Teaching and Learning Opportunities with District Needs. We will establish Kaskaskia College as the college of first choice in our service area.

Strengthen and Evolve Programs that Support Student Success. We will foster an environment where all students are valued and can access resources that support their educational goals.

Cultivate a Workplace Culture of Growth & Diversity. We will promote an inclusive workplace where employees’ unique talents, skills, and perspectives are valued and leveraged

Foster Purposeful Community Engagement and Service. We will engage in partnerships for learning and service throughout the region to promote the public good.

Ensure Operational Effectiveness. We will be a solution-focused institution that will maintain sufficient resources, structures, and processes to fulfill its mission and respond to future challenges and opportunities.

To achieve these overarching institutional goals, more specific strategic priorities and measures for achieving them have been developed.

John W. Hawley Chairman

Linda Stover Vice Chairman

Laura Wedekemper Secretary

Jim Beasley Trustee

Jeff Brown Trustee

Bryan Holthaus Trustee

Louis Kalert Trustee

Alyssa Lurkins 2022-23 Student Trustee

George Evans KC President

Karol Potter Executive Assistant to the President and the Board of Trustees

Madison Johnson 2023-24 Student Trustee

Alice Hudders Memorial art Gallery

VANDALIA EDUCATION CENTER

In 2009, the Kaskaskia College Foundation received donations through the estates of Mary Albert O’Neill and the Tedrick C. Davis and Ruth M. Davis families to be used with a focus on the fine arts. Mary Albert O'Neill wished to honor her lifetime friend Alice Hudders through a charitable gift.

The College is utilizing those donations for a million-dollar renovation at its Vandalia campus to establish the Alice Hudders Memorial Art Gallery.

Like the Dee and Sue Boswell Art Gallery located on the KC's main campus, the Vandalia Gallery will provide a location to showcase local talent and offer educational opportunities for students and community residents.

The gallery’s interior will feature 154 linear feet of gallery walls and 1,463 square feet of wall area to hang artwork. The flooring consists of outlets

around the room for pedestals to display sculptures with any electrical requirements or needs. A dropdown ceiling box will contain a projector that will display any digital media.

In the center of the Gallery, a four feet wide diameter circular light will be recessed into the ceiling to disperse ambient lighting. In contrast, track lighting will be placed around the center walls and the perimeter of the room to be directed at artwork around the room.

The new exterior and interior entrances emphasize glazing, allowing easy viewing into the space. Both entrances will have angled overhead designs to draw visitors in and provide them with similar experiences to high-end modern galleries nationwide.

The Alice Hudders Memorial Art Gallery will open to the public in the fall of 2023.

ACROSS THE COLLEGE renovations

In 2021, the College took advantage of historic low-interest rates, federal pandemic funds, and Protection, Health, and Safety funds to modernize the entire main campus.

The project's first phase saw the renovation of classrooms in both the Library (L) and Health and Business (HB) buildings, with new alcoves created to provide flexible spaces for break-out opportunities for coursework and provide space for students to study individually and collaborate with peers, or engage with faculty.

The College's Student Services division is modernizing by combining advising, financial aid, and student admissions into a new one-stop area at the first floor entrance of the HB Building.

Additional renovations include replacing the 50-year-old west and administrative/staff parking lots, modernized classrooms that include state-of-the-art technology, a renovated fine arts area, a new automotive technology lab that includes electric vehicle simulation and garage area, modernized staff offices, and a significant upgrade to the College's antiquated heating and cooling system. The next phase of the modernization will include a new gymnasium.

The construction and renovation projects are guided by the College's Master Facilities and Improvement Plan, which creates the vision and framework for current and future development.

grant funding

KASKASKIA COLLEGE RECEIVES OVER $3 MILLION VIA STATE, FEDERAL, AND PRIVATE GRANT FUNDING SOURCES

EMS graduates from KC’s Nashville Community Education EMT program.

Kaskaskia College is in its third year of the successful Workforce Equity Initiative (WEI) grant program to expand training opportunities for minority populations. The college has received over $1 million in state funding to date.

Since its implementation in 2020, 114 students have utilized the WEI grant at KC, with 39 completing a certificate and entering the workforce, earning an average salary of $22 an hour. Other grant recipients have chosen to continue their education and will graduate in May 2023, ready to enter the workforce.

WEI provides minorities living in the KC district the resources to attend college without worrying about barriers such as tuition and textbook costs, transportation, or childcare. The grant's focus is on short-term certificates that are in high demand in our area.

In October 2022, Kaskaskia College received the Pipeline for the Advancement of the Health Care Workforce Program (PATH) grant that provides students with the resources to begin a new career in healthcare by earning credentials or continue their current healthcare career with additional certificates or licensures.

With over $461,000 in funding for the first year, the PATH grant aims to create, support and expand opportunities for individuals in health science programs and help address the shortage of qualified professionals in the healthcare industry.

All students are eligible for the PATH grant if enrolled or planning to enroll in a qualified program at Kaskaskia College. With priority funding for:

• Minority populations

• Economically disadvantaged

• First-generation college students

• Current healthcare employees seeking additional certificates or degrees

Click or scan to learn more:

https://vimeo.com/818139949/cf3569f134

GRANT

ECACE GRANT

The Early Childhood Access for Equity Consortium (ECACE) Grant provided by the State of Illinois to KC has assisted 32 ECE students to date in overcoming barriers to ensure program success. These barriers include childcare costs, laptops, gas cards, food assistance, and stipends for completing early childhood education coursework and meeting with the grant coach.

Through ECACE, KC has also been able to issue credit for prior learning. The ECACE grant provides consumables and read-aloud books to all district dual-credit ECE classrooms to promote recruitment for the KC program. This grant will also be able to provide dual credit ECE classes at Nashville High School this fall.

Kaskaskia College is one of three community colleges nationwide to receive a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) as a part of their Humanities Initiatives at Community Colleges program for 2023.

The grant, totaling $116,488, will fund the “Caring for the Dying/Caring for Us All: Death and the Meaning of Life in Healthcare” project under the direction of KC Professor of Philosophy Scott Crothers.

This project will enhance communication, nursing, philosophy, psychology, and premedicine teaching and learning while engaging the broader community in reflection on end-oflife care. The project officially begins on July 1, 2023, and will end on June 30, 2026.

INNOVATIVE BRIDGE AND TRANSITIONS GRANT

Bold steps are underway to implement programs that provide a seamless transition to college and training programs for students, including out-of-school youth, in Kaskaskia College’s district. KC was awarded the Illinois Community College Board’s Innovative Bridge and Transitions Grant for fiscal year 2023. The grant will help to prepare youth, ages 16 to 24, for entry into post-secondary education or training programs. These programs will begin the students’ journey towards high-skills, high-wage, and in-demand careers.

The Innovative Bridge and Transitions grant aims to serve at least 100 in-school and out-of-school youth in KC’s district with career exploration workshops, career planning, employability skill development, work-based training, and program opportunities to enable a seamless transition to post-secondary programs at KC. These efforts include training and certificate programs such as Aspirations in Manufacturing (AIM), career exploration workshops held during the summer of 2023, and short-term training certificates that lead to industry-recognized credentials or dual credit being developed and offered during the grant period.

NEH GRANT

APPRENTICESHIPS

Apprenticeships are high-quality, industry-driven career pathways where employers help develop the future workforce. Participants obtain paid work experience, classroom instruction, and portable, nationally-recognized credentials.

As of March 2020, Kaskaskia College became an official Intermediary for the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship to help businesses and industries create, launch, and expand apprenticeship programs in our region. As an apprenticeship sponsor for eight employers, KC’s goal is to assist other employers in our district with information about how implementing an apprenticeship training program can lead to a sustainable workforce solution. As of August 2022, KC has provided technical instruction for 15 Registered Apprentices in Manufacturing, Welding, and Automotive Technologist programs.

Beginning in June of 2023, KC will partner with Washington County Hospital to provide the technical instruction for their new Certified Nursing Assistant apprenticeship program.

In addition to being an Intermediary, KC partners with the St. Clair County Workforce Development Group, Local Workforce Innovation Area 23, and the Industry Consortium for Advanced Technical Training (ICATT) to promote the apprenticeship training model.

KC has had the following students sign the first apprenticeship agreements with employers in the past year.

Pictured L-R: Thomas Jones (Welding), KC Dean of Workforce Engagement Joy Fitts, Nic Farley, Mayor of Salem and IT Manager for Americana Outdoors, and Geff Purcell, VP of Operations Americana Outdoors.

KC Assistant Professor of Automotive Technology Charles DeBernardi, Deien Chevrolet Parts Advisor Tim Deien, Service Apprentice Devon Kahrhoff, Deien Chevrolet General Manager Nathan Deien, and KC Automotive Work-based Learning Coordinator Kevin Wheeler. Deien Chevrolet is the first employer in the KC District 501 to offer an Automotive Technician Specialist apprenticeship program.

KC CURRENTLY OFFERS EIGHT APPROVED APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING PROGRAMS FOR THE FOLLOWING OCCUPATIONS:

• Automotive Technician

• Child Care Development Specialist

• IT Security Specialist

• Industrial Maintenance Mechanic

• Certified Nurse Assistant

• Network & Computer Systems Specialist

• Truck Driver

• Fitter-Fabricator and Welder

Back Row: KC Assistant Professor of Welding Cory Wellen

Seated: Brian Wort, President and Owner of Velocity Metalworks (formerly CF Fab), Cayden Harris (Welding), Logan Smith (Welding), and Bryan McIntosh, Director of Operations for Velocity Metalworks.

How Apprenticeship Works for Employers

Employers can sponsor existing employees or hire candidates via an apprenticeship program to meet skill set needs.

Benefits Include:

• A tax credit of up to $3,500 for qualified education expenses per apprentice per year. An employer may receive an additional credit of up to $1,500 for each apprentice if (1) the apprentice resides in an underserved area or (2) the employer's principal place of business is located in an underserved area.

• Increased productivity and knowledge transfer.

• A stable and predictable pipeline for the development of qualified workers.

• A systematic approach to customized training that ensures employees are trained and certified to produce at the highest skill levels required for that industry's specifications.

aim high

A SPIRATIONS

I N M ANUFACTURING

Inspiring The Next Generation

Kaskaskia College has partnered with district high schools and industry leaders to create a new Aspirations In Manufacturing (AIM) dual enrollment program beginning in fall 2023. AIM is a two-semester, 16-hour dual enrollment program open to all district high school juniors and seniors. AIM will provide students with career exploration pathways into the rapidly growing manufacturing industry. Students will take manufacturing courses and participate in industry tours to learn about manufacturing career opportunities within Kaskaskia College’s district. Mentors within the industry will offer guidance and leadership to students in the program.

Goals for AIM

Manufacturing is currently the largest industry in Illinois when ranked by the overall contribution to GDP.

Manufacturing operations employ more than 600,000 statewide & over 44,000 in the region.

In the coming years, Manufacturing is expected to see the largest job growth compared to all other occupations. The average manufacturing salary is $79,409.

Manufacturing indirectly supports over 1.6 million jobs. 37% of in-demand manufacturing jobs require some type of postsecondary education.

Employers within KC’s district have increasingly expressed the need to fill open positions with skilled workers. High school vocational programs are limited due to program costs, including equipment & instruction. Of the 17 high schools within KC’s district, only six offer dual-credit coursework related to manufacturing, with minimal offerings available. Smaller rural high schools are at a disadvantage. The AIM program will bridge this gap by offering students affordable learning opportunities in manufacturing.

Support Career Exploration In Manufacturing

Equalize access to vocational training among high school students throughout KC’s District with a focus on economically disadvantaged and underserved populations

Meet the training needs of area industry within the KC District

The AIM program is part of the KC NOW dual enrollment program, allowing students to enroll in courses at Kaskaskia College for half the tuition. Students applying to the program must be on track to complete high school graduation requirements and receive an endorsement from their high school guidance instructor or faculty.

Source: www.ima-net.org/2022economicanalysis

on the go!

Assembly begins on half-million-dollar Mobile Industrial Trades Education and Training Lab thanks to Perkins and USDA Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) Grant Funding.

Kaskaskia College plans to take its industrial trades programs on the road within the next year thanks to a new mobile manufacturing training lab. The lab will feature training programs for robotics, welding, carpentry skills, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning), and electricity. The lab will also be available to manufacturing facilities and businesses to provide on-site training.

The new lab will help to revolutionize the manufacturing workforce pool in our community through:

• Mobile training and education, bringing manufacturing career exploration and training directly to K-12 students.

• A focus on junior high and high schools that significantly lack manufacturingrelated curriculum.

• Building a more diverse workforce pool by bringing this mobile training lab to disinvested communities, women, and veterans/military-connected individuals.

• Helping local small and mid-size manufacturers develop new short-term training programs that will meet required entry-level skills training for employment and upskilling.

“If junior high schools wanted a manufacturing day, we could go set it up with our faculty and staff. Let them play around with it, utilize the robotics, the CNC machines, the welders, the HVAC equipment, and carpentry tools. But, it can also be utilized at the high school level if you want to get more in-depth with some of the curricula offered to schools that would never be able to have an industrial technology program due to budgetary reasons. This can serve that purpose as well.”

- George Evans, KC President

The mobile manufacturer trailer features 302 sq. ft. of space and includes:

• A Tormach PCNC milling machine

• A Fanuc six axis mechanical robot

• A Hampden mobile refrigeration system trainer

• A multi-process TIG welder

• A tabletop electrical training panel

• A VFD and motor drive training panel with a PLC training system

• Four computer workstations

• One instructor workstation that will be able to broadcast training simulations on the student monitors and a 50” monitor at the front of the lab.

COMMUNITY partnerships

KC Students Help Complete Breese Central High School Greenhouse

KC Residential/Commercial Wiring students, under the tutelage of KC Assistant Professor of Commercial & Residential Electricity Mark Litteken, partnered with Central Community High School and the Clinton County Farm Bureau to bring the goal of adding a new greenhouse to fruition. KC students were responsible for designing and installing the structure's electrical systems from start to finish, giving them real-

McKay NAPA Auto Parts Donates

$30,000 to KC Auto Tech

Program

KC's Automotive Technology program received a $30,000 donation to enhance educational opportunities for students in the automotive industry. Earl Flack, President of McKay Auto Parts, presented the check to KC President George Evans and Charles DeBernardi, Assistant Professor of Automotive Technology at McKay headquarters in Litchfield, Illinois. The Automotive Parts & Service Association of Illinois made the funds available.

KC Cosmotology Teams Up with Hollywood Hair to Save Prom

In April, Hollywood Hair (Centralia) was preparing to serve as many as 50 high school students for hair and make-up prom appointments when a power outage hit their salon. Fearing they would have to cancel appointments, owner Sonya Gettinger contacted KC Cosmetology Professor Chris Browne, who arranged for the HH stylists to use KC’s facilities on the main campus to ensure the students looked fabulous for the evening.

Clinton County Electric Constructs Model Electric System

Thanks to Clinton County Electric (CCEC) KC Residential/Commercial Wiring program, students have a model electric system for training. CCEC installed the network behind the college’s Trenton Education Center. The model system enables students to study electrical systems from control wiring to high voltage systems. It also allows students to learn how renewable energy sources, like solar, tie into a main power grid.

Working with the community, for the community.

SSM Visits KC’s Allied Health Department

SSM Health representatives from St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia and Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon visited KC to connect with current nursing and health science students. SSM informed students about job openings within the organization and discussed scholarship opportunities available to help students achieve their career goals. All Nursing and Allied Health students can apply for the SSM Southern Illinois Student Scholarship, offering up to $15,000 in funds and paid tuition expenses.

39 graduate from Centralia Correctional Center program

Kaskaskia College has partnered with the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) and the Centralia Correctional Center to offer face-to-face instruction at the mediumsecurity facility for several years. KC awarded 54 vocational certificates to 39 graduates after a hiatus in graduation ceremonies due to the pandemic and COVID-19 restrictions.

Welding New Rails for the Centralia Cultural Society

Kaskaskia College Welding Student Aaron Mercado utilized the college’s new Vectis Collaborative robot welder to build eight pairs of railings for the Centralia Cultural Society. New Metal Fab of Centralia donated the metal for the project. The new welder, purchased through Workforce Equity Initiative (WEI) funds, is a fully integrated ready-to-weld system.

HVAC Program Receives New Heating and Cooling System for Training

Kaskaskia College’s Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning program recently received the donation of a highly efficient Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) heating and cooling system from Koch Air, LLC of Maryland Heights, Missouri. Students in the HVAC and Commercial & Residential Electricity programs received hands-on training in removing the system for transport.

Carpentry Occupations Program Receives Roofing Materials Donation

Alpha-Omega Construction of Salem, IL, donated shingles, metal edging, and flashing valued over $7,000 for instructional purposes within the Construction Occupations Program to enhance the student learning experience.

CELEBRATING student success

Explore KC Day

Over 300 attendees learned about the college’s services at the annual Explore KC Day, including apprenticeships, clinicals, transfer partners, student life, and the Career Pathways tool. Additionally, the college introduced its many resources, featuring free services such as tutoring, online therapy, and disability support.

Students could visit three programs of their choosing, meet with faculty, and tour classrooms/ labs. Parents heard from a panel of college representatives on financial aid, academic excellence, and health and safety.

Kaskaskia College Hosts Eighth Grade Nights Throughout District; Introduces Career Pathways

This past year, KC Career Pathways Coordinator Kelsey Tate hosted ten Eighth Grade Nights throughout the district for local eighth-grade students and their parents to showcase the Career Pathways and assessment digital tools, plus discuss the college's services. The free digital tools introduced can help students explore a chosen career and chart an educational map toward that career option.

Tate highlighted that by developing a customized, step-by-step plan, students have a better idea of what classes to take in high school, utilize KC dual credit options offered at their local high school, and enroll in courses they will need to achieve their career goals. Visit www.pathways.kaskaskia.edu to learn more.

KC NOW Program Continues To Grow

During the 2022-23 academic year, five schools in KC participated in the KC Now program, which offered high school students an opportunity to explore various coursework options that may not be available at their schools. The program had 20 students enrolled in the General Education, HVAC, and Residential/Commercial Wiring Programs.

KC Now provides students with the ability to explore their future interests and begin earning college credit through dual credit opportunities, all with the support of both KC and their respective high schools. KC has high hopes for the program and anticipates having 8-10 schools involved by the fall of 2023, with over 30 students enrolled in the program.

CEO Programs Engage with KC

In September 2022, area high school CEO program students visited KC. Assistant Professor of Culinary Arts Chef Robert Rhymes and Assistant Professor of Business Connor Pollmann led all the students in a business-focused activity before treating them to breakfast.

Students attended from Little Egypt CEO, Bond County CEO, Clinton County CEO, and Fayette County CEO.

KC hosts Illinois Community College Board’s Student Advisory Committee Meeting

In March, Kaskaskia College President George Evans and KC Board Trustee Laura Wedekemper welcomed student trustees from community colleges all over the state, including representatives from Joliet Junior College, College of DuPage, Kankakee Community College, Heartland Community College, Harper College, City College of Chicago, Parkland Community College, Illinois Central College, Danville Area Community College, Moraine Valley Community College, and KC.

The student trustees participated in a leadership development session and strategic advocacy workshop before concluding with a business session regarding updates from their campuses. “The Student Advisory Committee has focused on advocating for mental health support on campus this year, and each meeting provides an opportunity to learn more about students' mental health challenges,” said Melvin Harrison, ICCB Director for Student Affairs.

KC Hosts 4-H Theatre, Communication & Public Speaking Workshop

KC Hosts 2023 I.D.E.A. Competition

Four area high schools competed in the 2023 Illinois Drafting Educators Association (IDEA) Regional Drafting Competition hosted by KC Associate Professor of Architectural Design & Building Technology Rob Jervis.

Participating schools included Mater Dei Catholic High School, Centralia High School, Breese Central Community High School, and Nashville Community High School. Students competed in eight divisions: Assembly Modeling, 3D Modeling, Introductory CAD, Machine CAD, Architectural CAD 3D, Introductory Board, Architectural Board, and Architectural CAD 2D.

4-H Speaking Contest Winners

Kaskaskia College welcomed the University of Illinois Extension to campus in March for the area 4-H Public Speaking Contest. This contest prepares county competitors for the State 4-H Public Speaking Contest held annually in April at Parkland Community College. With support from their families, area youth from Bond, Jefferson, Marion, and Washington competed in two

Students from Washington and Clinton County, Illinois, 4-H groups participated in a workshop on theatre, communication, and public speaking at Kaskaskia College hosted by KC Professor of Speech Brandi Wilkins and KC Assistant Professor of Speech/Theatre Kevin McCarty.

levels, Beginner and Advanced, and in two speech categories, Formal and Illustrated.

CELEBRATING student success

KC Theatre Guild Hosts Two Successful Productions

KC Hosts Fifth Annual High School Welding Competition

Kaskaskia College's fifth annual welding competition was the largest one to date. Forty-one high school students representing Carlyle, Mater Dei, Centralia, Breese Central, Wesclin, Mulberry Grove, Vandalia, and Nashville high schools participated in the competition. Students were scored on welding techniques, torch cutting, assembly, and shop etiquette.

KC Assistant Professor of Welding Cory Wellen notes this year's competition was tough and praised the high quality of work presented by the students, which he says reflects their instructors' dedication and highlights the interest the field of welding is attracting.

Centralia High School student Brett Page scored first in the competition, with classmate Quaid Morgan finishing second.

2023 KC Alumna, Chloe Beal, won second place in the 2nd-year Classical Treble Division National Association of Teachers Singing (NATS) Central Region Student Auditions

NC3 Snap-on Multimeter Certified Training

ACES Challenge

The Academic Challenge regional event occurred at Nashville High School in February 2023. There were a total of 138 students from eight different high schools in attendance. KC Professor Kerri Richards and KC Professor Clint Stevens were the site coordinators.

The KC Theatre Guild had a fantastic entertainment season with their fall production of “The Enchanted Bookshop” and spring production “The Secret of Courage.”

In 2022, the first group of KC Automotive Technology Students successfully completed their NC3 Snap-On Multimeter Certified Training.

St. Louis Chapter of the American Welding Society awards

Outstanding Student Award to Zach Steevens

In 2022, Kaskaskia College student Zach Steevens received the Outstanding Student Award from the St. Louis Chapter of the American Welding Society.

Steevens was nominated by Mike Freed, territory manager of Cee Kay Supply, after seeing Steevens’ dedication and determination in KC Assistant Professor Cory Wellen’s welding courses. Steevens chose KC to continue his education due to the outstanding reputation of the KC Welding Program. He is from Salem, IL, and is a first-generation college student.

KC Dairy Judging Teams Wins Big at All-American Dairy Show

Over the years, KC's Dairy Judging Team has developed an incredible reputation for success. That success continued for the 2022-23 Team, which competed in the All-American Dairy Show in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in September 2022.

KC won four of the five breed categories and finished second in the Holstein breed. The team also won the Reasons category, with team members Naomi Scott, Nicholas Hammer, and Jacob Raber finishing first, second, and third.

KC Engineering Banquet

KC’s Engineering program banquet celebrated the accomplishments of its 2023 student graduates. Attendees included engineering students, their families, KC faculty, administration, the Deans of Engineering from SIUE, plus two guest speakers who are alumni of KC’s engineering program

Career Exploration Workshop

KC held its first Career Exploration Workshop through the Innovative Bridges Grant in June. Students spent two days exploring their strengths and talents for future careers plus trying tips and tricks for writing successful resumes. Students toured Graphics Packaging International in Centralia as part of the workshop.

KC Associate Professor of Agriculture Aaron Heinzmann said aggregating the final scores, KC won by 93 points, a large margin in contests such as these. “It was quite an accomplishment for our team as the contest classes were very tough. I was proud of their focus and determination to do well, and their preparation paid off.”

The All-American Dairy Show features nearly 2,000 of the top dairy cattle shown by over 1,000 of the best exhibitors in the U.S. and Canada.

The Dairy Judging team also took first overall at the North American International Livestock Expo and first and second in the Dairy Specialist Career Program Area of the Illinois Professional Agricultural Student (IL PAS) Annual Conference.

State FFA Dairy Judging

Kaskaskia College Agriculture hosted the State Dairy Judging CDE on March 31. Future Farmers of America members from the entire state had the opportunity to judge six classes of dairy cattle.

season! historic A

The Kaskaskia College Blue Angels Softball Team Secures Spot in NJCAA Region XXIV Championship

Going into the Division I NJCAA Softball World Series, many did not expect much from the Kaskaskia College Blue Angels. The team was ranked at 14 of 16 teams that made the World Series, and while other schools were making their yearly trip to softball nationals, the Blue Angels were arriving for the first time in program history.

If the team had gone out with two straight losses, no one would be disappointed or thought anything less of the 2023 season. However, the Blue Angels team was determined to surprise everyone and prove their worth. They worked hard and turned heads with their impressive performance. The team's dedication and hard work paid off, and they gave everyone a reason to learn how to pronounce Kaskaskia correctly.

First, the Angels dispatched the number three ranked Wallace State

Lions at a score of 1-0. After falling to Grayson College in the second game, the Angels rebounded by beating Angelina (6-4) in the elimination game, which sent them to the Elite Eight in Division I Softball.

While the Angels saw their season end against Seminole State College, the team ended their season 49-18 overall and 30-10 in conference play, the best record in program history.

The team faced adversity all year, and the road to Oxford, Alabama was full of twists and turns. Each player had a role in the team's success, and several made a name for themselves on national leaderboards.

Congratulations to the entire Blue Angels Softball Team, Coach John Barnes, Assistant Coach Joe Healy, Assistant Coach Shawn Garrett, and mentor Francesca Windler on a truly fantastic season.

Photo Credit: Toby Gullion WJBD/FTS Production

ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICANS

Baseball

Jonathan Barnes

Hunter Bilek

Seth Brown

Harmon Clifton

Mitchell Hardiek

Garrett Hodous

Matthew Hunzinger

Tyler McClure

Stephen Moraski

Blake Morrison

Tyler Timmermann

Tyler Tobey

MEET

SCOTT STEWARD Athletic Director

W. Basketball

Nyah Ford

Jaya Hedgepeth

Megan Kronk

M. Basketball

Traveion Jones

M. Cross Country

Samuel Britt

W. Cross Country

Macie Hargis

Cayla Krueger

W. Tennis

Carlie Barban

Brooklynn Belford

Claire Griffith

M. Tennis

Pierce Farmer

Softball

Lauren Brown

Shelby Houchlei

Rylee Langendorf

Brianna Roloff

Tess Timmons

Chase Wise

Volleyball

Isabella Auer

Ellie Bunnell

Myah Helmkamp

Gabrielle Jamruk

Claire Tonnies

W. Soccer

Ellen Antonacci

Brooklynn Belford

Maci Bohannon

Molly Detmer

Kira McGrellis

Hannah Miller

Madison Toennies

Emma Wesselmann

2023 ATHLETES OF THE YEAR

Kaskaskia College welcomed former Salem High School Head Football Coach and Athletic Director Scott Steward to the KC team in June 2022. Steward served 34 years at Salem High School (the last 27 as the school’s athletic director) before retiring in May 2022 and being inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame.

Steward has hit the ground running at KC, enabling the live streaming of Blue Devil and Blue Angel games, overseeing a successful Hall of Fame ceremony, and working with coaches to lead a highly successful athletic season for the college. The Blue Angels Softball Team capped the year off by appearing for the first time in the NJCAA World Series.

Steward and his wife, Tracie, reside in Salem, where they raised daughters Megan and Mallory and son Cole Steward.

Josie Grunloh

Softball

She holds the KC record for career at-bats (369), and triples (14), with the single-season record for triples (8) in 2022.

2022 - All Great Rivers Athletic Conference (1st Team); All Region 24 (1st Team); Team Award: Heart & Hustle

Jhei R Jones

M. Basketball

2022-2023

All Great Rivers Athletic Conference

All Region 24

kc

foundation

THE KASKASKIA COLLEGE FOUNDATION IS A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

dedicated to assisting Kaskaskia College in enhancing the educational aspirations of its students and to support their pursuit of lifelong learning.

3rd annual winter gala raises over $70,000

The Kaskaskia College Foundation held its third annual Winter Gala, "KC Royale," on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022, at the Aviston American Legion in Aviston, IL. The casino-themed event raised over $70,000 to support scholarships and the KC Now Program.

The evening started with dinner for over 300 guests and the opening of the silent auction, followed by casino gameplay and a live auction. The event's high attendance showed the college's strong support it receives from community members and businesses.

Guests heard from Breese Central Community High School Superintendent Dr. Dustin Foutch and the first graduate of the KC Now Program, Kylie Stockmann, on what a great program KC Now is and how the partnership with the local high schools tremendously benefits students to achieve their career faster.

Ace sponsors for the event included SSM-Health St. Mary's, Kane Insurance Agency, Poettker Construction, and the Southern Illinois Builder's Association.

SAVE THE DATE! THE KC FOUNDATION 4TH ANNUAL WINTER GALA WILL BE DECEMBER 9, 2023.

Changing Lives One Putt at a Time!

The Kaskaskia College Foundation raised over $21,000 in support of student scholarships during the Foundation’s 33rd annual golf scramble at Governor’s Run Golf Course in Carlyle.

Ninety-six golfers took part in the scramble, with proceeds going to help students offset their higher education needs via Foundation scholarships.

The Kaskaskia College Foundation has over 400 scholarship opportunities available on an annual basis and growing!

meet

MICHAEL CHRISTENSEN Executive Director of Development

Michael Christensen joined the KC team in April 2023 as the new Executive Director of Development, where he will be responsible for fundraising strategies and programs for the College and Kaskaskia College Foundation.

Christensen will be responsible for external stakeholder engagement and major and planned gifts. His previous experience as a Campaign and Major Gifts Officer includes recruiting, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding relationships with dozens of donors. He will use his previous experience to consult with current and prospective donors, acting as the liaison between the Foundation and Kaskaskia College.

Christensen and his wife Rachel and their three young daughters reside in Carlyle, recently relocating from Washington.

FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Craig Finke, President

Wesley Gozia, First Vice President

Bruce Barkau, Second Vice President

LuAlice Kampwerth, Secretary

Jay Jolliff, Treasurer

Michelle Guymon Barbee

Brad Barkau

Ty Bates

Nathan Deien

Karen Droste

John W. Hawley

Dennis Hesker

Bryan Holthaus

Jack Johnston

Whitney Kampwerth Luebbers

James R. Lampe

Dr. Maryann Langenfeld

Ted Macon

Jerry Moyer

Leonard Rose

Marvin Wiegman

Misty Johannes

George Evans

KC President, Ex-Officio

DIRECTORS EMERITUS

Ernie Chappel

Elwyn Cheatum

Dr. Dee Boswell

Marietta Broughton

Sherm Doolen

Wanda Goodner

Dr. Dorothy Pedtke

Jerry Rakers

Janice Romack

Ralph Sprehe

Joe Seeburger

Bonnell Swagler

Virginia Whitlock

Kaskaskia College Teachers and Coaches

Entrepreneurship 2023 Entrepreneur of the Year award Mckay's Napa auto parts - earl Flack, President

Kaskaskia College honored McKay Corporation

NAPA Auto Parts President, Earl Flack, as the 2023 Entrepreneur of the Year at an event reception in March at Bretz Wildlife Lodge and Winery in Carlyle, IL. An anonymous donation to the Kaskaskia College Foundation sponsors the award.

Flack started working for McKay Auto Parts as an entry-level employee in 1984. With grit and determination, Flack's work ethic helped him work his way up to become a shareholder and later company president.

McKay Corporation has been family-owned for 86 years. They currently own 24 NAPA stores and will soon add a 25th and a warehouse in Litchfield.

The company has 250 employees, some at stores located in the Kaskaskia College District. Through a cooperative effort, one of the stores is set up in the automotive department at Kaskaskia College.

The Teachers and Coaches Entrepreneurship (TCEP) Award was established in 2002 and is presented annually to individual(s) who best exemplify the ideals of entrepreneurship in successfully managing and growing businesses and inspiring existing and developing entrepreneurs in the KC district.

https://youtu.be/YLweEsIs27M

2023 Gary W. Davis Ethical Leadership Award

Craig Roper

KC Director of Purchasing and Auxilary Services

Craig Roper (pictured right) has served Kaskaskia College with distinction in various roles for over 30 years. Through his leadership, Roper established a shared governance approach toward the college’s purchasing procedures that encourages participation, professionalism, accountability, and transparency in achieving college goals through shared dialogue and a clear scope of decision-making.

Outside the college, he is committed to community participation with Lions Club International and the local resource center that provides programs for preventing, intervening, and treating mental health and substance use.

2023 Gigi Campbell Student Trustee Excellence Award

Alyssa Lurkins, 2023 Alumna

Lurkins was elected to serve as the Student Trustee to the KC Board in 2022. She was involved in many aspects of student life at KC, including serving as Phi Theta Kappa's President and Alpha Lambda Mu's Business Manager and participating in five theatre productions and the concert and blue jazz choirs.

2023 Pacesetter Award Alex Huegen, 2022 Alumnus

Despite being diagnosed with autism, Alex Huegen has earned two associate degrees and an information technology certificate. He also competed as a full-time athlete for KC and represented his country in the Special Olympics. His successes on the track and career field have proven his dedication to overcoming obstacles. Huegen’s story is one of pride, adversity, and heart as he represents the best parts of the community college alumnus system.

Kaskaskia College Paul Simon Community College Essay Winner

Amber Harmon

Harmon’s story of going from a high school dropout to a dean’s list community college student rose above all other entries. In just 475 words, she beautifully tells how KC’s faculty not only had a tremendous impact on her educational journey but helped her develop healthy self-esteem as she continues on her career path.

2023 Kaskaskia College Gandhi-King Peace Essay Winner

Hannah Hempen

Hempen is a sophomore from Centralia working towards her Associate in Arts with plans to transfer to SIUE and work towards a bachelor's degree in mass communication. Her essay, "The Peace Keepers," highlighted the shared goals of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and Mahatma Gandhi to bring peace and a sense of community to the world and how those goals continue to inspire and motivate people today.

2023

Total Revenue $51,615,226 19%

24%

2% 5%

FY22 Revenue

Local Taxes | 20%

Other Taxes | 3%

State Grants & Appropriations | 18%

State on-Behalf SURS/CIP | 15%

Federal Grants | 19%

Student Tuition & Fees | 23%

Other Revenue / Auxiliary Services | 1%

FY22 Expenses

Instruction | 20%

Academic Support | 5%

Student Services | 5%

Other Expense / Auxiliary Services | 4%

Operations & Maintenance | 6%

$51,143,551 Total Expenses

23% 1% 20% 5% 5% 4% 6% 14% 15%

Institutional Support | 14%

State on-Behalf SURS/CIP | 15%

Waivers, Scholarships & Student Grants | 24%

Depreciation Expense | 5%

Interest Expense | 2%

FY22 Revenue Exceeding Expenditures: $471,675*

KASKASKIA COLLEGE FOUNDATION NET ASSETS (LAST SEVEN YEARS)

$9,704,426: FY 2022

$10,060,429: FY 2021

$8,681,781: FY 2020

$8,561,912: FY 2019

$8,276,646: FY 2018

$7,723,785: FY 2017

$7,403,788: FY 2016

The Kaskaskia College Foundation maintained approximately $9.5 million in restricted use funds and awarded over $374,000 via 395 scholarships for the 2022-23 academic year.

KC FOUNDATION RECEIVES OVER $1.7 MILLION DONATION FROM THE JOE PAT KNIGHT CHARITABLE REMAINDER UNITRUST

The KC Foundation received a bequest of $1,714,471.32 from the Joe Pat Knight Charitable Remainder Unitrust to benefit future awardees of the Joe P. Knight Endowed Scholarship and the Jane Knight Memorial Scholarship.

Established in 2001, the Jane Knight Memorial Scholarship benefits a variety of KC students with a preference for those pursuing a career in education. Knight established this scholarship in memory of his late wife, Jane, who was dedicated to education throughout her life.

Established in 2002 for his dedication to serving as a Kaskaskia College Board of Trustees Member (1991-1997), the Joe P. Knight Endowed Scholarship benefits single parents pursuing a degree or certificate of their choosing. Knight thoroughly demonstrated a lifelong commitment to education, returning to his hometown of Centralia after a 20+ year teaching career in Michigan to serve as a KC trustee dedicated to student success.

KASKASKIA COLLEGE 2022 -2023 FINANCIAL AID HIGHLIGHTS

Credit Hour Rate

$152

$2.3 MILLION IN TOTAL KC SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED $7.8 MILLION IN TOTAL FINANCIAL AID AWARDED $20,000

Average Semester Cost

$2,400

Average Savings of Attending KC for the First Two Years

With close to 250 full-time and part-time faculty and staff at Kaskaskia College, the College prioritizes its employees and aims to foster a positive work environment. The College continually strives to offer numerous benefits and new opportunities to all.

Last year, KC provided over $104,000 in tuition waivers to KC employees and their families!

We currently have the following:

• 33 employees that have been here for 20 or more years

• 26 employees for 15-19 years

• 30 employees for 10-14 years

• 31 employees for 5-9 years

KC prides itself on encouraging its employees for upward mobility. Within the last year, 20 employees (faculty and staff) were promoted by the College.

KC employees also have received exciting professional development opportunities with travel to places like Chicago, Las Vegas, New Orleans, San Diego, California, Atlanta, and Florida.

When you join the KC Team, you join the KC Family.

www.kaskaskia.edu/hr/employment Check

Higher Learning Commission Conference

ICCB Illinois Legislative Reception

Ellucian Live Conference