KC BOARD MEMBER HONORED

KC BOARD MEMBER HONORED
Kaskaskia College Board of Trustees
member Jim Beasley has been selected
as the “Illinois Community Trustee of
the Year” for the year 2007-2008 by the
Illinois Community College Trustee
Association.
years and served as Chairman,
and is currently the Board ViceChairman. Beasley’s impact on
both the College and the district
has been significant and he
continues to work hard every day
to better the lives of all
individuals.”
This award is officially titled “The Ray
Hartstein Trustee Achievement Award”
that recognizes a currently serving
trustee whose exemplary board service
and leadership sets the standard for
outstanding trusteeship in Illinois.
The award is named after Ray
Hartstein, the founding chair of the
Oakton Community College Board of
Trustees and an Honorary Member of
the Illinois Community College
Trustees Association.
According to KC President Dr. Jim
Underwood, “Mr. Beasley embodies all
of the qualities which make a great community college
trustee. He has served as a trustee for Kaskaskia for 17
Beasley has been a strong leader
in economic development with the
South Central Illinois Growth
Alliance and has worked
tirelessly in the recognition of
veterans and in preserving the
history of Centralia and the
surrounding communities. Mr.
Beasley is a life-long educator and
has put his expertise and
dedication into serving Kaskaskia
College and the college district.
Pictured above are Mr. Jim Beasley and Ray Hartstein for
which the trustee leadership award is named.
TRAVELING MUSEUM HEADING TO KC
Confronting Democracies Boundaries. The Lincoln-Douglas Debates is a
traveling museum exhibit on loan to Kaskaskia College Library from
August 6 through August 28.
The exhibit is provided through the joint efforts of “The Looking for
Lincoln Heritage Coalition”, the Illinois State Library and the Shawnee
Regional Library System.
The Kaskaskia Library staff will be providing supplementary materials
and books focusing on both Lincoln and Douglas, the presidential elections,
presidential debates, register voting information and other materials that
will help citizens reflect on the importance of presidential elections and
how their participation and votes can make a difference.
The Kaskaskia library computer lab will be available for additional
opportunities in conjunction with this exhibit. Groups of 25 or less who
wish to tour the exhibit can provide their group additional research opportunities on the Internet for more material about
Abraham Lincoln, Stephen Douglas or Presidential elections their group. The Librarian is also available to facilitate the
group’s research experiences. For appointments to use the Kaskaskia computer lab and or have the librarian help with
research contact Arlene Dueker, Kaskaskia College Library 618-545-3131 or [email protected]
KC AND FARMERS STATE BANK...
It’s a partnership bound by education.
Kaskaskia College and Farmers State
Bank of Hoffman have served the
region with distinction for years, their
relationship bound by the quality staff
of Farmers State Bank, and the
education many of them received as
students at Kaskaskia College. Ten of
those employees recently spoke about
their experiences at KC and how it has
benefited them in not only their
careers, but the careers of family
members.
The partnership between Kaskaskia
College and Farmers State Bank
began nearly forty-seven years ago
when Paul Finke, president of
Farmers State Bank, graduated from
Nashville High in 1961 then attended
Centralia Junior Colleges. Finke
transferred to Southern Illinois
University at Carbondale and later
attended SIUE where he got his
Bachelor of Science degree with a
specialty in finance. According to
Pictured are (seated) - Phil Palm (Hoffman) and Caroline Tate (Hoffman). Standing are Treva
Finke, “I am proud of the relationship
Diekemper (Shattuc), Sherri Williams (Boulder), Theresa Carpenter (Centralia), Sami Nolte
that we have and have had with
(Carlyle), Bruce Gansauer (Centralia), Travis Simpson (Centralia), John Harris (Centralia),
Kaskaskia College. They have always Mary Verstegen (Carlyle), and Lura Thompson (Vernon). Not pictured is Robin Homan
been there to help our staff and their
(Centralia).
children get there certificates and
foundation to work in some unique and challenging
degrees. Equally important is the help that is available
positions.” Gansauer recalls working in the microbiology
through employee training, the Small Business
department of the old Hollywood Brands in Centralia where
Development Center and the other programs that are
offered to us through KC. We are proud to be a part of these we tested for salmonella, and later worked for General Tire
and Rubber Company and helped implement the quality
two proud traditions."
control department for raw materials testing. He adds, “KC
The trend continued when Phil Palm enrolled in classes at
KC and later earned an Associate in Applied Science Degree provides so many more programs today than when I
attended and I would certainly recommend it to anyone
in Banking and Finance and later chose to enroll in more
looking to continue their education.” Gansauer also has had
classes also earning an Associate in Arts Degree in 1985.
a son attend Kaskaskia.
Palm says, “Even though I did not attend a four-year
college, the education I received at KC was an affordable
Like Phil Palm, Caroline Tate earned an Associate in
alternative that allowed me to take night classes in my
Applied Science degree from KC and has been a long time
chosen field. I consistently recommend KC to others.”
employee of Farmers State Bank, having worked at the bank
Palm’s oldest son Justin graduated from KC and then
for 21 years. Although, her children are not old enough to
graduated from Eastern Illinois University and is now
attend KC, once they graduate high school I plan for them to
teaching at Trinity Lutheran grade school in Centralia.
attend there. Tate adds, “I believe that receiving a good
Palm has worked at Farmers State Bank of Hoffman for 31
education helps you to prepare for your future. It helps to
years.
give you options in your life and I know that KC has done
that for me and will do the same for my children. I believe
Farmers State Bank Insurance Agent Bruce Gansauer
that it offers a good foundation for a college education for
graduated in 1969 and then transferred to Southern Illinois
those wanting to transfer to a university and for those just
University in the pre-dental curriculum. Gansauer says
wanting to attend college to earn a 2 year degree.”
that “the education I received at Kaskaskia gave me the
...A PARTNERSHIP BOUND BY EDUCATION
Five of Farmers State’s employees, Sherri Williams, Lura
Thompson, Theresa Carpenter, Travis Simpson and Mary
Verstegen all graduated from KC’s Business Program.
Williams, a four year employee of Farmers, obtained an
Associate of Arts degree in Marketing and Retail
Management from Kaskaskia College in 1984, credits the
degree with helping her success. “The degree that I attained
from KC required an internship that helped me get a job at
JC Penney, in Centralia, as a part time sales associate. After
I graduated, Penney's offered me a full time position and I
quickly moved up to a department manager’s job. From
there I obtained a job with Maurice’s as an Assistant
Manager where I worked for thirteen years. I believe my
education and degree from KC gave me skills and knowledge
to get hired and it continues to be of benefit because I know
that anytime I desire I could continue my education and
build on the degree that I already have.” She adds that both
of her daughters also took advantage of KC by taking KICK
classes while they were in grade school. Her daughter
Kaitlyn, now a senior at Carlyle High School has taken
summer classes and is also enrolled in dual credit classes
and her Raeshelle, an eighth grader, just completed a PC
Repair and Trouble-shooting class at Nashville Education
Center. When asked if she would recommend Kaskaskia to
others, she states, “Yes, we are so lucky to have this local
educational opportunity so close to home it would be a
shame not to!”
For Thompson, who earned an Associate in Business and
Administration at KC, the degree is something that cannot
be taken away, “earning a degree shows prospective
employers that I’m focused and can complete challenging
tasks,” said Thompson. “The community college is a great
way to transition from high school to college.” Thompson
went on to earn a Bachelor in Economics and Finance with a
minor in Business Management from McKendree College.
Carpenter earned an Associate in Applied Science Degree in
Business Management and an Accounting Certificate and
has been an employee at Farmers State Bank for four and a
half years. Carpenter’s children have attended Kaskaskia
and she feels the college is beneficial to our community and
would recommend KC to others.
A 2000 KC graduate, Simpson attended and graduated from
Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville with two
degrees, one is accounting and one in finance. Simpson feels
that Kaskaskia was beneficial because it was a nice
transition between High School and a major university. He
says, “Attending classes at Kaskaskia allowed me to keep
working while getting most of my general studies out of the
way. It also gave me a little extra time to choose a career
path, not to mention the money I was able to save. I would
definitely recommend KC to others!”
Verstegen, a 1981 graduate of KC would also recommend KC
for students who are unsure of their course of study because
it is more economical and the location is also good.
Verstegen, whose son Nick received his Associate in Arts
degree this year, adds, “KC is beneficial for those who are
not ready for the transition to a four year college or
university.”
Kaskaskia College also gets high marks from 1975 graduate
Robin Homan. Homan, who graduated from the Dental
Assisting Program, has been with Farmers State Bank for
nearly seven years. She feels that “the education she
received at Kaskaskia provided her with a steady and
rewarding job in dentistry for 27 years and she would
definitely recommend it to anyone.” Like many of her fellow
employees, Homan’s children are also KC Alum. Son Nick
attended KC for one year and then transferred to Southern
Illinois University at Edwardsville and received the Harbert
Scholarship. Jenni graduated from KC and also transferred
to SIUE in the Elementary Education Program.
Sami Nolte, who earned an Associate in Arts from KC and
then a Bachelor Arts Degree in English from Southern
Illinois University at Edwardsville, would also recommend
KC to anyone beginning their college career. “Kaskaskia
was a great choice for me. I was able to save money, stay
close to home, and meet a lot of terrific people at KC,” said
Nolte.
The KC connection with Farmers State Bank does that stop
with these employees as they now have college age students
of their own. Many of the employees said that plans are
being made for their children to follow in their footsteps is a
must.
Phil Palm’s oldest son Justin graduated from KC and then
graduated from Eastern Illinois University and is now
teaching at Trinity Lutheran grade school in Centralia.
Caroline Tate says that although, her children are not old
enough to attend KC, once they graduate high school she
plans for them to attend there. Tate adds, “I believe that
receiving a good education helps you to prepare for your
future. It helps to give you options in your life and I know
that KC has done that for me and will do the same for my
children.”
Through the education they received from Kaskaskia
College, these employees have enhanced their lives and
careers and in turn enhanced the services that have made
Farmers State Bank one of the leading banks in south
central Illinois.
MITCH KOESTER NAMED INTERIM HEAD BASEBALL COACH
The Kaskaskia College Athletic
Department has announced
that Mitch Koester of New
Baden will be the interim head
baseball coach at Kaskaskia
College replacing Brad Tuttle.
Koester has been an assistant
coach at Kaskaskia College for
three years and has been an
integral part of the coaching
staff at KC as he has helped
guide the Blue Devil hitters to a
season batting average of .340.
A Teutopolis, Illinois native,
Koester graduated from Purdue
University with a bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts. He was
a three-year starter at shortstop for the Boilermakers. In his
junior year at Purdue, Koester was rated the best defensive
shortstop in the Big Ten by Baseball America after
committing only 6 errors in 50+ games. Prior to joining the
Blue Devils, Koester was an assistant at West Lafayette
High School in West Lafayette, Indiana. While there, he
helped guide the team to a Final 8 appearance in the 2005
season. In the summer of 2004, Koester served as an
assistant coach for the Quincy Gems of the Central Illinois
Collegiate League. In both positions, Koester primarily
worked with the hitters and infielders.
Koester is excited about his first head coaching job, “I want
to thank Brad Tuttle for mentoring me the past three years.
Through his guidance, I feel that I am ready for the position.
I am also elated that Assistant Coach Kurt Friese will be
staying on as my assistant. He is a terrific pitching coach
and been an important part of KC’s success over the past
three years.”
KC Athletic Director Zach Loll says, “I am excited to have
Mitch named the interim head coach and am looking
forward to him as a member of the team”.
According to Kaskaskia College President Dr. Jim
Underwood, "We are extremely pleased that Coach Mitch
Koester has accepted the Interim Head Baseball Coaching
position and that Coach Kurt Friese will continue as an
Assistant Coach working with our pitchers along with other
coaching assignments. Coach Brad Tuttle has done a
wonderful job of preparing these two assistant coaches and
for having developed a superb baseball program during his
five years as the head coach. We wish Brad much success as
he joins the administration at Centralia High School. We
are also grateful to Coach Larry Smith for early on
developing a great baseball tradition at KC. Coach Koester
is well-prepared for the head coaching job and we are excited
to have both Coach Koester and Coach Friese continuing to
lead our baseball program."
Koester and his wife, Megan, reside in New Baden, Illinois.
KC NAMES NEW MEN’S BASKETBALL COACH
Kaskaskia College has named Brian Hancock of Moscow, Idaho as the new men’s basketball coach
to replace John Cooksey who resigned in May.
Hancock has been an Assistant Coach at the University of Idaho since 2006 and has also served as
an assistant coach at the University of Northern Colorado, Barton County Community College,
and College of Southern Idaho. He started his career at North Idaho College where he worked
under NJCAA Hall of Fame Coach Rolly Williams from 1991-1996.
At the University of Northern Colorado, he helped lead the team to two consecutive Division I
Independent Championships in 2004-05 and 2005-06.
Hancock’s credentials include on floor coaching, academic advising, team travel, scouting and
recruiting at four-year colleges as well as at community colleges. He has a Master’s Degree in Recreation and has over 10
years of teaching experience in physical education activity and lecture courses.
Hancock says he is excited about coming to Kaskaskia and feels that “KC is one of the most highly regarded NJCAA
programs in the state of Illinois”. He added that “I am thrilled to be stepping into the head coaching position at Kaskaskia
and am looking forward to meeting the staff, team and to complete the recruiting process for 2008.”
He is married to the former Carrie Burkhart of Mulvane, Kansas. The couple is expecting their first child in late
November.
GED GRADUATION HELD AT KASKASKIA COLLEGE
Kaskaskia College recently held a GED graduation
ceremony with 48 students along with eight YouthBuild
participants. Approximately 568 students participated in
the GED Program this year with 170 graduating with GED
Certificates.
All GED completers are eligible for a Kaskaskia College
GED scholarship. The scholarship covers tuition and
student technology fees and may be
awarded for up to 48 credit hours.
Pictured are GED Graduation and
YouthBuild students: 1st Row:
Teresa M. Naylor, Centralia; Nichole
Alise Brown, Greenville; Jessica
Marie Brown, Sandoval; Jennifer R.
Allen, Centralia; Curtis J. Williams,
Bartelso. 2nd Row: Robert
Gelsinger, Sandoval; Evelyn R.
Elwood, Greenville; Jessica R.
Bryan, Sandoval; Kimberly Lynn
Burton, Salem.
3rd Row: Zakk Juday, Centralia;
Stacey Nicole Jourdan, Centralia;
Ashley Jagasar, Centralia; Heather
M. Grandt, Shobonier; Lisa M.
Gibson, Centralia; Kelsi Jo
Rinehart, Centralia; Kirbi JaNell
Rinehart, Salem. 4th Row: Brett M.
Marshall, Vandalia; Jac Marks,
Centralia; Douglas E. Long, Centralia; Bailei Nicole Linder,
Kinmundy; Siara Stokes, Salem; Ashley A. Teitsort,
Centralia. 5th Row: Chasta Marie Price, Centralia; Monique
Ann Peach, Centralia; Olivia Pearce, Centralia; Rhys Corson
Fredrick Mueller, Beckemeyer; Lloyd Alen McClain,
Centralia; Patrick D. Thomas, Sandoval. 6th Row: Erica Ann
Taylor, Centralia; Dessa Sanders, Centralia; Raina Myers,
Centralia; Chris Nelson, Sandoval; Joni Ann Read, Iuka;
Kristal L. Twiggs, Centralia.
7th Row: Anthony R.
Rinehart, Salem; Megan
Lynn Schniers, Breese;
Tracey J. Sarchet, Vandalia;
Stacey L. Sarchet, Vandalia;
David L. Peek, Beckemeyer;
Kyra Janelle Varel,
Beckemeyer. 8th Row:
Elizabeth Sunnie Angelia
Zimmerman, Centralia;
Mary Evelyn Williams,
Centralia; Caylee jo Wilson,
Kell; Leslie Warren,
Centralia; Rose Vorce, Iuka;
Cassandra Kimberlin,
Centralia. 9th Row: April
Zabel, Centralia; O’Dell D.
Wright, Centralia; Jon W.
Finch, Beckemeyer; Willard
Tolbert, Centralia; Nathan
Kempf, New Minden
WOMEN’S SOCCER WILL BEGIN FALL 2008
The Kaskaskia College Athletic Department is adding women’s soccer in the Fall 2008 and have
hired Joe Basch as the college’s first women’s soccer coach.
Basch graduated from Centralia High School in 2003 where he was a four-year varsity starter
(one year at Pekin High School). He was an all conference selection for three years, two as a
forward and one as a marking back. He was also awarded offensive player of year award at
Centralia in 2003 as well as being named Team co-captain.
Basch attended Marian College in Indianapolis, Indiana where he graduated with a Bachelor of
Science degree in Sports Management in 2007 and played soccer collegiately as a marking back.
Basch is excited to about recruiting and getting the KC Program off to a good start, “ I am
honored to get the opportunity to coach soccer at Kaskaskia College and to be part of starting a
brand new team. Kaskaskia College has a lot to offer student athletes. It is a quality academic
institution.”
Athletic Director Zach Loll says that “Kaskaskia is extremely excited about hiring Coach Basch
and getting the women’s soccer program started. Adding a quality Coach like Joe helps the
entire athletic department. The addition of soccer will give more opportunities to student-athletes that are looking to
continue their soccer at the next level.” Loll added that KC is still looking to hire a men’s soccer coach for the fall as well.
Coach Basch can be reached at Kaskaskia College at 545-3175 or by e-mail at [email protected].
FORMER STUDENT CREDITS KC FOR HER SUCCESS
Former Kaskaskia College student athlete Mindy Vancil of
DuQuoin is now a banker at Regions Bank in Nashville and
gives credit to KC as her stepping stone for a great start on
her education and career.
Vancil graduated from KC in May 2005 with an Associate in
Arts degree and was able to complete all of her general
studies courses. “I was able to get my Associate of Arts
degree and get a good solid basic education. The classes I
took at Kaskaskia transferred to Eastern Illinois University
with no problem.” Mindy was a member of the Blue Angels
softball team and was named an Academic All-American her
sophomore year. “I preferred
to start out at a community
college where I could have
more personal attention and
help.”
Vancil says that continuing
her softball career at
Kaskaskia was the right
decision for her and credits
the coaches at KC for making
her a better player. “The
coaching staff watched over
my grades, made sure I was
taking the right classes to
earn my degree and assisted
with any problems I ever
had. I was also taught how to
be a better softball player.”
When asked about the new Sports and Wellness Project that
Kaskaskia is now building, Mindy added, “Donating to this
terrific project will assist Kaskaskia in accelerating their
sports. This project will attract good athletes and the
facility will be better to play and practice on.”
Kaskaskia College has begun a major initiative to provide a
comprehensive Wellness Program for students, faculty, staff
and community members. The College is committed to
providing facilities that are functional and attractive to
potential students. Providing competitive facilities is key to
recruiting the best student-athletes to be part of the
College’s intercollegiate
athletic program. The College
made the initial financial
commitment of $1,800,000 for
construction of Phase I which
includes a concession and
restroom area, new softball
field, renovated baseball field,
spectator seating, press boxes,
accessible parking and a
lighted commons area. The
Completion of the project will
be funded through a major
gifts campaign under Phase II.
Mindy is currently enrolled in
the Master of Business
Administration at McKendree
to further her education.
Coal Mining Technology Classes Returns To KC
As the global demand for coal continues to grow, Kaskaskia College is looking to provide a trained work force in mining. The
College has announced the return of coal mining classes, to be held at its Nashville Education Center. “We’re excited about
our opportunity with coal mining technology as the industry begins to make a comeback in this region,” said Tim Hood, Vice
President for Instructional Service. “It’s critical that we provide educational opportunities for those men and women who will
seek employment, and in some cases it will be for those already working in the mines to upgrade their skills and certifications
to do other types of work.”
Part of KC’s Weekend College Program, the new classes will cover items needed for an Associate of Applied Science Degree
in Coal Mining Technology. A series of certificates also will be offered, some of which can be completed in a time period of weeks
or months. Most of those will be recertification programs for miners who are currently working to upgrade their credentials.
The course will be offered in Nashville, due to its proximity to the Gateway Mine in Coulterville. Some on site training will
take place at the mine as part of the curriculum.
More information about the revived Kaskaskia College Coal Mining Technology Program may be received by calling Hood at
(618) 545-3015 or by emailing him at [email protected].
SALEM SENIORS TAKE ADVANTAGE KC CLASSES
Clyde and Helen Maxey have
resided in Salem for the past
thirty years. Clyde retired in
1995 as the Postmaster of
Iuka and he and his wife
Helen have been married for
forty-five years and enjoy
taking Kaskaskia College
Continuing/Community
Education classes.
Clyde and his wife Helen have
enrolled in senior classes at
the Crisp Center and the
Salem Education Center
having just completed the
Senior Computer Class Part I
in Salem.
According to the Maxey’s, they enjoy the ease of getting to
and from class right here in their own hometown and like
that the senior classes are free for seniors over 60.
They are enjoying learning the
fundamentals of the personal
computers. Clyde stated “a lot of us
never grew up with computers as
our present generation has. I
encourage anyone interested in
learning computer basics to enroll
in a class. The classes help a person
enjoy their computer to a fuller
extent”.
The basic computer classes are
offered in Salem on Thursdays from
4:00 to 7:15 p.m. Upcoming classes
that will be offered during the fall
semester in Salem include Quilting,
Senior Computer College Part I and
II, Digital Photography, Floral
Arranging, and Scrapbooking. Community members 60 and
older receive free tuition on all classes, but are responsible
for supply fees. If you are interested, call us at 545-3427 or
come to the center and register for the classes.
PARAMEDICINE STUDENTS MAKE KC HISTORY
Mr. Chris Wagner of Greenville and Mr. Scott Wilfong of
Pocahontas recently graduated from Kaskaskia College with
an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Paramedicne.
They will go down in the college’s history as the first
candidates to successfully complete the requirements for the
Paramedicine Program at Kaskaskia College.
Wagner, age 34, is married and has two young boys ages
three and six. He began in the medical field as an assistant
administrator in a nursing home in Mt. Vernon. “Even then”,
Chris stated, “I always had an interest in being an
emergency medical technician (EMT)”. After moving to the
Greenville area Chris pursued his EMT Basic License and
had worked thirteen years as an EMT on a prn (whenever
necessary) and part time schedule at the local hospital.
Chris expressed the challenges of getting his degree in terms
of having to juggle work, family and the intensity of the
courses and clinical/lab requirements as “demanding”. Mr.
Wagner is a full-time Paramedic at the Greenville Regional
Hospital and loving every minute of it.
Wilfong, age 26, is married and the father of two young
children, a son age two and a brand new daughter who is
one month old. Scott has been working a total of two and a
half years in the medical field. He was an EMT for about two
to three months before pursuing his Paramedicine degree.
His desire was to be an active member in a fire department
setting. “I wanted to be where I could help people on a daily
basis”, stated Wilfong. When asked what challenges he faced
in getting his degree, he also cited that “it was hard fitting
work, family and the course requirements and clinical/lab in
his daily schedule.” Scott felt that his Paramedicine degree
helped him to get his current position; he is a full time
paramedic at the Edwardsville Fire Department.
Students completing the Associate in Applied Science degree
in Paramedicine enter the profession as an EMT-Paramedic
licensed at both State and National Levels after appropriate
testing. These students will meet all requirements to be
certified by the State of Illinois Department of Public Health
to be employed in the field of emergency medicine. Pictured
below are Scott Wilfong and Chris Wagner.