The celebration will feature a keynote address by Dr. Paul Frazier, Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Attendees will also enjoy live music from The J Sound Band.

Food will be provided by Smokin K’s BBQ and Cajun Cuisine and Pepsi MidAmerica. In addition to entertainment and refreshments, guests can participate in a variety of activities, including poetry and historical readings, Human Bingo, local vendor displays, games, and other family-oriented attractions.

鈥淛uneteenth is an opportunity to celebrate freedom, reflect on our nation鈥檚 history, and come together as a community,鈥� said 麻豆直播 President Dr. Kirk Overstreet. 鈥淲e invite everyone to join us for an evening of education, entertainment, and fellowship.鈥�

Attendees are encouraged to bring donations and school supplies to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Southern Illinois and Mary Logan High School. The collection effort is intended to support local youth and families throughout the region.
Service Project Collection Drive flyer (PDF)

Due to ongoing construction projects on the 麻豆直播 campus, visitors attending the event are asked to park in the Gold and Blue parking lots and follow posted signage to the Conference Center.

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom more than two years after the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation. The holiday celebrates freedom, resilience, culture, and progress.

For more information about the event, contact 麻豆直播 at (618) 985-2828 or visit the College鈥檚 Juneteenth webpage.

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Last year, Roberts signed up for the 麻豆直播 Tri-Festa at Logan Fitness almost on a dare after friends laughed at the idea of him completing a triathlon. At the time, he described himself as living a sedentary lifestyle at nearly 300 pounds. Roberts said he arrived at the event unprepared, borrowing a helmet and carrying a gym bag because he did not realize triathletes typically transition without changing clothes. Despite the odds, he finished.

This year, Roberts is returning to Tri-Festa on Saturday, May 23, with a different mindset and a new personal goal: finishing the race in under two hours after completing last year鈥檚 event in just over three hours.

For Roberts, the biggest moment from last year鈥檚 race happened after most participants had already crossed the finish line.

After completing the running portion of the race, Roberts later learned that much of the event had already been taken down by the time he reached the end. But instead of letting him finish alone, Logan Fitness staff member Mady Calvin started running beside him. Soon, other participants joined in.

When Roberts made his way toward the finish, the arch had been put back up. People were waiting. Cheering him on. Crossing that finish line, Roberts said, became more than just completing a race. It was a moment of triumph over doubt and fear.

鈥淚 honestly think it was probably the best thing I ever did,鈥� Roberts said. 鈥淥nce I knew I could do that, it made me feel like I could do other stuff.鈥�

That one race sparked a complete lifestyle change.

Now, nearly a year later, Roberts has lost more than 100 pounds and says he feels better than he ever has in his adult life.

鈥淚 feel the best I鈥檝e ever felt my whole adult life,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 affected my confidence, my mood, everything.鈥�

Roberts now swims regularly at Logan Fitness, lifts weights several evenings a week and has inspired several others to sign up for their first triathlon this year.

He credits Logan Fitness for helping support his journey, from access to the pool and equipment to encouragement from staff along the way. Living nearby, he said the facility became part of his routine and a place where he felt comfortable learning and improving.

鈥淥h yeah, you guys (Logan Fitness staff) are absolutely fabulous,鈥� Roberts said. 鈥淲hat a great resource for Southern Illinois.鈥�

If this year鈥檚 Tri-Festa goes well, Roberts said he hopes it will just be the beginning. He would like to continue competing in more triathlons in the future.

For others who may feel discouraged or unsure where to begin, Roberts said the most important thing is simply taking the first step and not giving up.

鈥淛ust try different things and see what works best,鈥� he said. 鈥淒on鈥檛 quit.鈥�

While he jokes about still feeling like the 鈥減rofessional wrestler guy who always loses鈥� in his triathlon suit, Roberts said the experience taught him something much bigger than competition.

鈥淚t鈥檚 not about what other people think,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 about what makes you feel better about yourself.鈥�

For Roberts, crossing the finish line last year was just the start. This year, he hopes that moment will come full circle again, not just as a race completed, but as a celebration of how far he鈥檚 come and the possibilities still ahead.

Ready to take on the challenge yourself?

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But like many non-traditional students, life happened first. Bills needed to be paid. Work became routine. Days turned into years.

Like many adults who step away from education, Beals said it became easy to convince himself school could wait another semester, then another year.

鈥淚 was just kind of going through the motions,鈥� Beals said. 鈥淚 had a pretty good job. It was stable, but it wasn鈥檛 something I was passionate about.鈥�

Now 30, Beals has become one of the most recognizable student leaders at 麻豆直播. A student ambassador, former president of the Black Student Association, employee at Logan Fitness and active presence on campus, Beals completed his time at 麻豆直播 in December. However, the impact he left on campus did not end there.

College leaders asked him to return to deliver this year鈥檚 student commencement address, a reflection of the impact he made during his time at 麻豆直播. He will take the stage during 麻豆直播鈥檚 commencement ceremony at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 16, at Mtn Dew Park.

His journey back to school began when a coworker encouraged him to enroll alongside him at 麻豆直播, believing the two could take the leap together.

At the time, however, Beals was preparing to tell his friend he had decided not to enroll in college after all. Before he could send the message, his phone died.

That unexpected pause changed everything.

鈥淚 sat there and really thought about when exactly I decided it was too late for me,鈥� Beals said. 鈥淲hen did I let my ambition die?鈥�

In that quiet moment, Beals said he realized the biggest thing holding him back was no longer time, money or responsibility, but fear of starting over.

Instead of backing out, he charged his phone, texted his friend back and registered for classes at 麻豆直播.

鈥淭he rest is history,鈥� he added.

Since stepping onto campus, Beals has immersed himself fully into college life.

鈥淚 don鈥檛 like to do things halfway. If I do something, it has to be worthwhile,鈥� he said.

That mindset helped him quickly become a leader among his peers. Whether organizing events through the Black Student Association, helping lead campus initiatives or encouraging fellow students and community members through his work at Logan Fitness, Beals said the supportive environment at 麻豆直播 helped him thrive.

鈥淚 feel like the staff and administration here are some of the most supportive people they could ever be,鈥� he said. 鈥淎nything I went to them about, they always gave me the tools that I needed.鈥�

For Beals, returning to school became about far more than earning a degree. More than anything, he said becoming a father changed the way he viewed responsibility and leadership.

He said his son, Dion III, became one of his biggest motivations to keep pushing forward. 鈥淜ids don鈥檛 do what you tell them to do. They do what you do,鈥� Beals said. 鈥淵ou have to set an example.鈥�

That example now extends far beyond his own family.

Beals is currently continuing his education at Southern Illinois University Carbondale through an accelerated master鈥檚 program in criminology. His long-term goal is to attend law school and become a juvenile criminal defense attorney.

Growing up in Chicago shaped that dream. 鈥淚 realized if you really want to help people, you have to help them at a younger age,鈥� he said.

Beals hopes to one day mentor and advocate for young people before they become trapped in cycles that are difficult to escape.

As commencement approaches, Beals said being selected as the student speaker is both humbling and meaningful because of how many different types of students he feels he represents.

鈥淚 feel like I鈥檓 a mixture of every type of student here at 麻豆直播. Logan,鈥� he said. 鈥淚鈥檓 non-traditional, but I was involved on campus. I did a lot of different things.鈥�

Looking back, Beals said choosing 麻豆直播 changed his life in ways he never expected. 鈥淚鈥檓 definitely glad I came to 麻豆直播.,鈥� he said. 鈥淗ere, you build connections with people. It鈥檚 more personable.鈥�

What began as a simple decision to give college another chance ultimately changed the trajectory of Beals鈥� life, transforming him from someone simply going through the motions into a leader determined to make a difference.

And for students who may feel like it is too late to start over, Beals hopes his story proves otherwise. 鈥淭he time is going to pass anyway,鈥� he added. 鈥淵ou might as well do it.鈥�

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According to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, the College鈥檚 Practical Nursing (PN) program achieved a 100% licensure examination pass rate in 2025, while the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program recorded a 98% pass rate. Both scores exceeded state and national averages.

College officials said the results reflect the Nursing Program鈥檚 commitment to academic excellence, hands-on clinical training, and student-centered support services.

鈥淭he success of our nursing students is a direct reflection of the dedication of our faculty, the strength of our curriculum, and the determination of our students,鈥� said Kristin Yosanovich, Dean of Health Science and the Director of Nursing. 鈥淲e are incredibly proud of these outcomes and the role our graduates play in strengthening the regional healthcare workforce.鈥�

The College is also highlighting the success of Makayla Collins, whose educational journey demonstrates the structured nursing pathway available through the institution.

Collins began her healthcare education while still in high school, earning her Certified Nursing Assistant certification, before enrolling full-time at 麻豆直播. After completing her general education coursework, she advanced into the Licensed Practical Nursing program.

While enrolled, Collins gained hands-on healthcare experience working as a CNA at Carbondale Memorial Hospital. She will participate in the College鈥檚 LPN pinning ceremony this May and plans to continue into the ADN program this fall.

Following successful completion of the NCLEX-PN examination, Collins plans to begin working as an LPN while continuing her education. She also intends to transfer to Southern Illinois University Carbondale to pursue an online Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

鈥淪tarting out as a CNA and completing my general education courses first gave me hands-on experience, confidence, and helped my transition from high school to college, preparing me better for the LPN and ADN programs,鈥� Collins said.

College officials said Collins鈥� experience highlights the career-focused opportunities available through the Nursing Program, allowing students to enter the healthcare workforce quickly while continuing to advance their credentials.

For more information about the Nursing Program at 麻豆直播, prospective students may contact Susan Phillips at (618) 985-2828, ext. 8497, or by email at susanphillips@jalc.edu.

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Co-Curricular Awards

Instructional Awards

Applied Technologies Department

Business, Computer Science, and Mathematics Department

Communication, Humanities, and Social Science Department

Life and Physical Science Department

Dual Credit and Partnerships Office

President’s Awards

Presidential Citation Awards

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According to the Harrison Bruce Foundation, the museum will stand as a lasting extension of Julia Harrison Bruce鈥檚 vision. In this place, historic exhibits and local art will come together to tell the story of this region. A place where voices are heard through oral storytelling鈥攚here memories are shared, recorded, and honored. A place for gatherings, for learning, for community, and for celebrating the rich legacy of Southern Illinois.

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Dr. Stephanie Chaney Hartford, Emily Monti, and Joseph Dethrow led a session titled 鈥淎 Practical, Campus-Wide Approach to Preparing an HLC Interim Report,鈥� offering attendees actionable strategies for addressing accreditation concerns through effective interim reporting.

The presentation outlined a collaborative, institution-wide framework that emphasized the use of project management tools, cross-campus engagement, and a structured organizational approach aligned with the Higher Learning Commission鈥檚 core components.

Attendees received guidance on developing reports that are both responsive and sustainable, while remaining aligned with institutional strategic planning efforts. The presenters highlighted the importance of shared ownership, clear communication, and intentional alignment in producing meaningful accreditation documentation.

College officials said the opportunity reflects 麻豆直播鈥檚 ongoing commitment to academic excellence, continuous improvement, and leadership in higher education practices.

鈥淚 am extremely proud of our team being selected to present. Hundreds of individuals and groups request to present, and only a few are selected,鈥� said 麻豆直播 President Dr. Kirk Overstreet. 鈥淭his is an example of the collaboration and leadership of our accreditation team at 麻豆直播.鈥�

The Higher Learning Commission Annual Conference is a national gathering hosted by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), of the accrediting agencies for colleges and universities in the United States.

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The 麻豆直播 Nursing Department will host the 7th Annual Dr. Barbara Patchett Eggstravaganza for neurodiverse children and their siblings on Saturday, March 28, on the 麻豆直播 campus. Registration begins at 10:00 a.m., and the egg hunts begin at 11:00 a.m. Due to ongoing construction on campus, registration will take place at the College鈥檚 east entrance. Visitors, please visit /campus-improvements-and-construction-updates/ for current construction maps and updates.

The free, family-friendly event has become a cherished tradition in the region, offering a welcoming and inclusive environment filled with springtime fun and engaging activities for children of all abilities.

鈥淭he Eggstravaganza has become a cherished tradition for our department and community. Despite the construction on campus, we wanted to continue this event for the children who look forward to it every year,鈥� said Dr. Kristin Yosanovich, Dean of Health Sciences and Director of Nursing. 鈥淥ur nursing students are once again leading the way in providing this special day filled with joy and entertainment, all at no cost to families.鈥�

In addition to the day鈥檚 activities, the Nursing Department is seeking donations to support giveaways and raffle prizes. Items such as toys, books, puzzles, and other family-friendly goods are encouraged. Larger items, including bicycles, scooters, and wagons, are especially popular among attendees.

鈥淲e are asking other departments at the college and anyone interested in helping with this event to donate items that will be used for door prizes or raffle giveaways,鈥� Yosanovich said. 鈥淲e are also excited to accept larger donations such as bicycles, scooters, and wagons, which are always highly coveted by event attendees.鈥�

Donations may be dropped off at the Nursing Office in Room G220. Those unable to deliver items may call 618-985-2828, ext. 8498 or 8455, to arrange for pick-up.

Event Details:
Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to noon
Registration: 10 a.m., East Entrance
Egg Hunt: 11 a.m. (specialized and general hunts)
Location: 麻豆直播 campus, Carterville

The Eggstravaganza is free and open to all families. Organizers encourage community members to attend and take part in a morning celebration of inclusion, connection, and the joy of the season.

For more information or to get involved, contact the Nursing Department at 618-985-2828, ext. 8498 or 8455.

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Current and future educators from across the region will gather at 麻豆直播 on Wednesday, March 18, for the 2026 SEE (Seeing Educators Emerge) Conference, a free, day-long event designed to inspire and support the next generation of teachers.

This year鈥檚 conference theme, 鈥淭he Mirror in the Classroom,鈥� focuses on the importance of representation in education and ensuring that students see themselves reflected in the educators who guide them. The event also highlights the critical need to recruit and support more male educators鈥攑articularly male educators of color鈥攚hile celebrating those already making a positive impact in classrooms.

The conference will feature keynote presentations, breakout sessions, student competitions, and a rookie teacher panel. Participants will include high school and college education students, teachers, administrators, and paraprofessionals pursuing teacher certification through Grow Your Own pathways.

Media are invited to attend and speak with current educators, aspiring teachers, and conference presenters about the future of education and efforts to diversify and strengthen the teaching workforce.

EVENT DETAILS

What: SEE (Seeing Educators Emerge) Conference
Theme: The Mirror in the Classroom
When: Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Time: Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.; conference runs through 2:30 p.m. REGISTRATION IS FULL
Where: 麻豆直播, Carterville, Illinois (Ivey, Tarvin, Batteau, and Crisp rooms)

FEATURED SPEAKERS

Silvestre Arcos
Keynote Address: 鈥淚n Lak鈥檈ch: Identity, Representation, and the Teachers Our Students Deserve鈥�

V铆ctor G贸mez 鈥� 2025 Illinois Teacher of the Year
Lunch Keynote: 鈥淭he Journey of la Mariposa Monarca鈥�

G贸mez is a bilingual chemistry teacher at聽East Leyden High School聽in Leyden High School District 212. A sixth-year educator and Cook County Co-Regional Teacher of the Year, he is recognized statewide for advancing bilingual education. G贸mez helped develop East Leyden鈥檚 bilingual program and launched the school鈥檚 first聽Bilingual Chemistry course, expanding STEM opportunities for multilingual learners.

He is also known for mentoring aspiring bilingual educators through partnerships with Elmhurst University and the Noyce PRIDE STEM Teacher Scholars Program, strengthening the pipeline of future teachers who reflect Illinois鈥� diverse student population.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

• Keynote presentations
• Breakout sessions on representation, educator longevity, trauma-informed education, and teacher preparation
• Rookie teacher panel
• Diverse Male Teacher Initiative discussion
• Student competitions (bulletin board, unit plan, and T-shirt design)
• Awards ceremony

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES

Media attending the SEE Conference will have opportunities to interview:

• The 2025 Illinois Teacher of the Year
• Current teachers and education leaders
• High school and college students preparing to become educators
• Participants involved in Grow Your Own Teacher Pathways

The event offers insight into regional efforts to address teacher shortages, expand diversity in the profession, and inspire the next generation of educators.

Media Contact:
Dr. Erin Sagaskie
Instructor, Teacher Education and Mathematics, Program Lead, Teacher Education
麻豆直播
700 Logan College Drive
Carterville, IL 62918
618-985-2828, ext. 8421 or erin.sagaskie@jalc.edu

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The College鈥檚 Commencement ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. The Nursing Pinning Ceremony for both Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) and Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) graduates will take place later that day at 2:00 p.m., also at Mountain Dew Park.

Students who wish to participate in the Commencement ceremony and have their names included in the official printed program must submit a Graduation Application by Friday, March 27, 2026. College officials emphasized that all graduating students must complete the Graduation Application to have their degree awarded and recorded on their official transcript, regardless of whether they plan to participate in the ceremony.

Graduates may order their cap, gown, and tassel through Balfour鈥檚 Build-A-Grad program. The cost for regalia is $17, with the option to ship items to campus at no cost or to a home address for an additional fee. Students who select campus delivery will be notified by the General Store when regalia is available for pickup. The deadline to order Regalia is March 29, 2026.

Students are permitted to decorate their graduation caps for the ceremony. Additional regalia information and important graduation updates will be shared through students鈥� Volmail accounts.

For more information about graduation requirements and ceremony details, students should monitor their Volmail and visit the College鈥檚 website at /admissions/graduation-information/.

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