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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The accreditation, which will remain in effect until any future status changes are approved by CAAHEP, recognizes the college鈥檚 commitment to providing high-quality health professions education. 

麻豆直播 assumed responsibility for the Surgical Technology program from the Southern Illinois College Common Market in 2024 and opened new state-of-the-art classrooms and labs on its Carterville campus later that year. 

Provost Dr. Stephanie Chaney Hartford said the milestone reflects the work of the program鈥檚 faculty and staff. 鈥淲e are proud to have received initial accreditation from CAAHEP, following ARC/STSA’s recommendation, for our Surgical Technology Program,鈥� Hartford said. 鈥淭his achievement demonstrates that our program meets nationally recognized standards of excellence and prepares students with the knowledge, clinical experience, and professional competencies needed to succeed in today鈥檚 healthcare environment. Accreditation not only validates the strength of our curriculum and instruction, but also ensures our graduates are equipped to meet certification requirements and contribute meaningfully to patient care and the regional workforce.鈥� 

Program Director and instructor Jennifer Jordan was recognized for her leadership in guiding the program through the rigorous accreditation process. Dr. Kristin Yosanovich, Dean of Health Sciences and Director of Nursing, was also credited for strategic leadership instrumental in achieving the milestone. 

Surgical technologists are allied health professionals who assist surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses during procedures in hospitals, surgery centers, and private clinics. Their responsibilities include preparing the operating room, ensuring instruments and equipment are ready and functioning, maintaining sterile conditions, and assisting the surgical team throughout procedures. 

鈥淏eing a surgical technologist requires expertise, adaptability, and teamwork,鈥� Hartford said. 鈥淭his accreditation ensures that our graduates are well-prepared to provide safe, high-quality care in a dynamic operating room environment.鈥� 

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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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Corbit, chair of the Life and Physical Science Department, has been named the College鈥檚 2026 Outstanding Faculty Member, an honor awarded by her peers in recognition of her dedication to students, passion for STEM education, and commitment to the mission of community colleges.

For Corbit, the recognition is deeply personal.

A first-generation college student herself, Corbit began her higher education journey at Shawnee Community College, where she attended on both academic and athletic scholarships. She later pursued her passion for science at Southern Illinois University, earning both a bachelor鈥檚 and a master鈥檚 degree.

What she believed would be a short-term teaching opportunity ultimately became a lifelong career.

A phone call from her former volleyball coach at Shawnee, asking if she would be interested in teaching as a summer adjunct instructor, changed everything.

Twenty-two years later, Corbit has become one of the most respected faculty members at 麻豆直播, where she has served for the past eight years.

鈥淭he College has really supported me, and my colleagues have been fantastic,鈥� Corbit said. 鈥淓veryone from the administration has been so supportive; it has been a great place to work.鈥�

Corbit said one example of that support has been the addition of new classrooms and tutoring spaces that opened this past fall.

鈥淚t has been great that we have been able to offer services that have been here, but were a little bit tucked away,鈥� she said. 鈥淣ow it is much more visible, allowing us to serve our students better.鈥�

Her own experience as a community college student continues to shape the way she approaches teaching and mentoring.

鈥淚 love being able to get to know my students, and I think that is unique to community colleges that I am able to hear their stories,鈥� Corbit said. 鈥淚 feel like on day one that I always want to be there for them, and I think they learn really quickly that it is not just words and that I do care for them.鈥�

That compassion has left a lasting impact on generations of students and remains one of the defining themes of her career.

鈥淥ne of the things that makes me the proudest is that year after year there is a recurring theme in my evaluations that I care,鈥� Corbit said. 鈥淚 hope I go my whole career hearing those things.鈥�

Colleagues said Corbit鈥檚 passion for student success and her tireless advocacy for science education throughout Southern Illinois made her a natural choice for the honor.

鈥淲e are incredibly proud to recognize Rebecca Corbit as the Outstanding Faculty of the Year. Rebecca is the kind of educator every student hopes for鈥攑assionate, engaging, and deeply committed to their success. She brings both deep knowledge and an infectious enthusiasm to every classroom, helping students see their potential and believe in what they can achieve,鈥� said Provost Dr. Stephanie Chaney Hartford. 鈥淏eyond the classroom, Rebecca鈥檚 leadership鈥攅specially her work with our STEM Day鈥攈as created meaningful opportunities for students across our region. She inspires not only her students, but all of us, and truly reflects the heart and excellence of 麻豆直播.鈥�

Hartford added that in addition to leading the Life and Physical Science Department, Corbit has played a key role in strengthening STEM opportunities for students while fostering a supportive learning environment both inside and outside the classroom.

For Corbit, however, the recognition from her fellow faculty members may be the most meaningful part of the award.

鈥淚t is so special to be recognized by my colleagues as a whole and not just my department because so many people are deserving of this award,鈥� she said.

As she reflects on the path that led her from community college student to educator, Corbit said she remains grateful for the opportunities she was given and hopes to provide the same encouragement and support to her students.

Her story, colleagues say, is a powerful reminder of the transformative impact community colleges can have 鈥� not only on students, but on the communities they go on to serve.

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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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2025-2026 TRIO Scholar of the Year

Christopher Anderson

2025-2026 Perseverance Awards

2025-2026 Graduates

2025 – 2026 Grant Aid聽Recipients

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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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The collaborative initiative is designed to strengthen workforce development in Southern Illinois by providing students with hands-on training, real-world experience, and a direct pathway into high-demand industrial maintenance careers. Participants in the program combine classroom instruction at 麻豆直播 with paid, on-the-job training at IPG鈥檚 Carbondale facility.

鈥淚PG is a tape manufacturing plant located in Carbondale with a long history in Southern Illinois,鈥� said Glenn Edwards, CI Process Manager at Intertape Polymer Group. 鈥淚PG has a positive relationship with 麻豆直播 and is proud to offer work experience for students to learn and develop.鈥�

The program is already producing results. 麻豆直播 student Jason Ralston is currently participating in the apprenticeship, gaining hands-on experience in electrical maintenance while applying classroom knowledge in a real-world setting.

鈥淚PG is proud to have Jason Ralston on our team,鈥� Edwards added. 鈥淗e is doing an excellent job applying his educational knowledge in electrical maintenance at IPG. He has a bright future ahead of him.鈥�

Ralston knows the value first-hand. 鈥淵ou have problems that show up that won鈥檛 show up in class. There鈥檚 a lot of other things, variables, on a job site that are different than in class that you can鈥檛 control. So you learn a lot more.鈥� He also shared what the experience has meant beyond the job itself. “They really want to make sure I succeed,” said Ralston. “It鈥檚 like a big family there.鈥�

College officials said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to student success, regional economic growth, and meeting the workforce needs of local employers. By aligning education with industry, the program helps ensure students are prepared to transition seamlessly into meaningful careers upon completion.

National Apprenticeship Week highlights the importance of apprenticeship programs in building a skilled workforce and expanding opportunities for individuals nationwide. 麻豆直播, Man-Tra-Con, and Intertape Polymer Group officials said they are proud to contribute to that effort by investing in innovative training models that benefit both students and employers.

For more information about the apprenticeship program, contact careerreadiness@jalc.edu.

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After high school, Naser enrolled at 麻豆直播 to begin his college experience, drawn by its affordability, smaller class sizes and proximity to home. Like many students, he was still figuring out what he wanted to do, but 麻豆直播 gave him the space to explore.

That exploration led him to a program he had never considered before.

While attending a campus event showcasing academic programs, Naser was introduced to diagnostic cardiac sonography. Watching real-time images of the heart sparked his interest, and from that moment, his path began to take shape.

He went on to complete the program and entered the workforce, spending two years in Chicago using his degree in a clinical setting.

But it was that experience that ultimately brought him back.

Working with patients, Naser saw first-hand the challenges many faced when it came to access to care, especially when insurance limited their options. Those moments shifted his perspective on what he wanted to do long-term.

鈥淚 thought, why not go back to school, get my bachelor鈥檚, and get into the administrative side of things and hopefully be able to be one of those people to make a change,鈥� he said.

So he returned to 麻豆直播, this time with a clearer goal.

Now pursuing a degree in biological science, Naser is preparing to transfer to Southern Illinois University Carbondale to study health administration. His decision to come back to 麻豆直播 was intentional.

He said the college鈥檚 affordability, strong professor-to-student ratio and supportive environment made it the right fit both times.

His second experience at 麻豆直播 looked very different from the first.

The first time, he mostly went to class and headed home. This time, he got involved, joining clubs, connecting with others and taking advantage of the resources around him.

鈥淚 wasn鈥檛 involved in any clubs the first time,鈥� he said. 鈥淣ow I鈥檓 involved in about 10, and it鈥檚 a lot more enjoyable.鈥�

That shift changed everything.

Through his work as a biology tutor, Naser also found a passion for helping others succeed. He enjoyed guiding students through difficult concepts and seeing the moment when things finally clicked.

鈥淭here鈥檚 nothing like that light bulb moment when a student finally gets it,鈥� he said.

That experience reinforced the value of connection, something he believes is one of 麻豆直播鈥檚 greatest strengths.

鈥淚 never went around without being greeted with a smile, a wave, a hello,鈥� he said.

Academically, his time at 麻豆直播 helped him grow in ways he did not expect. He learned how to study, stay organized and, most importantly, ask for help when he needed it.

鈥淏ecause of 麻豆直播, I learned to help myself,鈥� he said.

Now, as he prepares for the next step in his education, Naser carries with him both the skills and perspective he gained along the way.

For Naser, 麻豆直播 was not just where he started. It was a place worth coming back to.

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