SR0587 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0587 LRB104 15524 LAW 28689 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate wish to congratulate Kaskaskia College on the occasion of achieving 85 years as an educational institution; and

WHEREAS, Kaskaskia College was established as Centralia Township Junior College in 1940, and it holds the distinction of being the first community college founded in the State of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, In 1965, the Illinois General Assembly enacted the Illinois Community College Act, which provided for the formal creation and recognition of community college districts across the State to ensure greater access to affordable higher education and workforce training opportunities; and

WHEREAS, Kaskaskia College was the first institution officially recognized under the Illinois Community College Act of 1965, becoming Community College District 501 and serving as a model for accessible, affordable, and comprehensive higher education; and

WHEREAS, Over the past 85 years, Kaskaskia College has grown substantially and now serves thousands of students annually across a multicounty district that includes Clinton, Marion, Washington, Bond, Fayette, and portions of surrounding counties in Southern Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Kaskaskia College has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence, workforce development, and community service by offering diverse educational programs, technical training, and cultural enrichment activities to meet the needs of students, employers, and the region as a whole; and

WHEREAS, Kaskaskia College, as the premier provider of workforce education and training in Southern Illinois, has partnered with local industries and economic development organizations to build a strong, skilled workforce that contributes to the growth and vitality of the region; and

WHEREAS, Kaskaskia College has provided generations of families with opportunities, empowering students to achieve their educational goals, build successful careers, and become active participants in their communities; and

WHEREAS, Kaskaskia College has been formally recognized by numerous local and state leaders for the tremendous impact it has had on the entire Southern Illinois region; and

WHEREAS, Kaskaskia College is currently led by President George Evans, the institution's 11th president, providing visionary leadership and upholding the college's mission of service, innovation, and excellence; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Kaskaskia College on its 85th anniversary, and we commend its historic role as Illinois' first recognized community college under the Illinois Community College Act of 1965; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we commend the leadership of Kaskaskia College President George Evans, the board of trustees, the faculty, the staff, and the administration for their dedication to providing high-quality education and workforce training, positively impacting the lives of countless students, alumni, and families; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to Kaskaskia College President George Evans, the board of trustees, and the faculty and staff as a symbol of our esteem and gratitude.