KC HOST HOSTS RIBBON CUTTING FOR ART GALLERY, AWARDS BANQUET
Kaskaskia proudly hosted the ribbon-cutting opening ceremony of the Alice Hudders Art Gallery at its Vandalia campus on April 30, 2024, continuing the college’s commitment to fostering creativity and cultural enrichment in the community.
The ceremony included remarks from KC President George Evans, KC Board of Trustees Chairman Bill Hawley, Dale Timmerman, and Vandalia Mayor Ricky Gottman.
The gallery’s first exhibition featured artwork by several talented local artists. Light refreshments were served during the event, providing attendees with an opportunity to mingle and celebrate the opening of this new creative space.
Alice Hudders was a talented musician and a passionate supporter of the arts, plus generous in donating her time and talents throughout the Vandalia area.
For those interested in displaying works or learning about upcoming exhibits, Dillon Whitten, Gallery Coordinator, welcomes inquiries and can be reached at dwhitten1@kaskaskia.edu.
The college also recently celebrated the outstanding achievements of its faculty, staff, students, and community partners at the Annual Awards Banquet held this April.
The event recognized individuals and organizations that have made significant contributors to the college mission of excellence in education and community engagement.
Among the distinguished honorees were Whitney Kampwerth Luebbers, recipient of the prestigious Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Award, and Monken Automotive, recipient of the Business and Industry Award.
Luebbers, a 2007 graduate of Kaskaskia College, has distinguished herself as a dedicated family practice attorney in Carlyle. She was the first student graduate high school at the same time she received her Kaskaskia College.
Monken Automotive has demonstrated exceptional collaboration and support for over a decade to the KC Automotive advisory board, contributing to the advancement of automotive education and workforce development.
Other award recipients included:
Outstanding Employees of the Year: Jenna Eldred and Franceska Windler
Outstanding Part-Time Employee of the Year: Trishia Kohnen
Synergy Award: Education Center Staff; Children’s Learning Center Staff
Outstanding Full-Time Faculty of the Year: Julie Littrell
Horizon Faculty Member of the Year: Lesley Brower
Assessment Award: Scott Crothers
High School Dual Credit Faculty Member of the Year: Helen Essenpries of Mater Dei High School
Educational Partnership of the Year Award: Sandoval High School
Paul Simon Student Essay Contest: Jacquelynne Witteborg
Gandhi King Peace Scholarship Contest: Jordynn Duensing
Gigi Campbell Student Trustee Excellence Award: Madison Johnson, outgoing student trustee
Kaskaskia College
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27210 College Road, Centralia IL