Kaskaskia College representatives honored at 2026 ICCTA annual convention

 

Kaskaskia College was well represented at the 2026 Illinois Community College Trustees Association (ICCTA) Annual Banquet and Board of Representatives Meeting held June 5-6 at the Westin Chicago Lombard Hotel in Lombard, Ill.

The annual banquet brings together community college trustees, administrators, faculty, students, and statewide education leaders to celebrate the accomplishments of Illinois community colleges, recognize outstanding service and achievement, honor scholarship nominees, and conduct association business.

“I am continually reminded that the strength of our community colleges lies in the individuals who serve them,” said ICCTA Executive Director Jim Reed. “The ICCTA Awards Banquet provides us with an opportunity to recognize our faculty, trustees, and students. The event is not simply a celebration, it is about honoring the leadership, dedication, and vision that drive student success and community impact. The individuals we recognized have shown that commitment shapes opportunity, fuels innovation, and ensures our colleges remain responsive to the needs of the communities they serve.”

Several Kaskaskia College representatives were recognized during the banquet for their leadership, service, and contributions to higher education.

Among the highest honors presented was the Gary W. Davis Ethical Leadership Award, which was awarded to Kenneth Ingersoll, Kaskaskia College professor of Criminal Justice. Ingersoll was selected as the statewide recipient from a competitive field of nominees representing Illinois community colleges.

The award recognizes individuals who exemplify ethical leadership, integrity, and a commitment to serving students and communities. For more than two decades, Ingersoll has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to student success, public service, and professional excellence both in the classroom and within the criminal justice profession.

“Ken Ingersoll exemplifies the values this award represents,” said Kaskaskia College President George Evans. “His integrity, professionalism, and commitment to serving students have made a lasting impact both in the classroom and throughout the criminal justice community. We are incredibly proud to see him recognized with this well-deserved statewide honor.”

The banquet also recognized long-serving trustees who have dedicated decades of service to Illinois community colleges and the communities they represent.

KC Board Chairman John W. “Bill” Hawley received recognition for 40 years of service as a community college trustee. Hawley’s four decades of leadership have helped guide Kaskaskia College through significant growth, campus expansion, and expanded educational opportunities for residents throughout District 501.

“Very few people can say they have been a loyal civil servant for 40 years,” Evans said. “Bill Hawley has served as a trustee at Kaskaskia College for four decades, donating his time in service to our students and communities. His leadership can be measured not only by the years he has served, but by the tens of thousands of students whose lives have been improved through their education at KC. He exemplifies the true meaning of servant leadership, and we are incredibly thankful for his years of service and support of our students, faculty, and staff.”

Trustee Jim Beasley was honored for 35 years of service on the Kaskaskia College Board of Trustees. During his tenure, Beasley has played an important role in supporting the College’s mission and advancing educational access across the region.

“Mr. Beasley is a well-rounded individual who brings years of experience and mentorship to the Kaskaskia College Board of Trustees,” Evans said. “We are thankful for his 35 years of service and deeply appreciate his commitment to the community and region as a whole.”

Trustee Laura Wedekemper was elected Secretary of the Illinois Community College Trustees Association for the 2026–2027 term. Her one-year term began July 1, joining the association’s executive leadership team and reflecting her continued commitment to advancing community colleges across Illinois.

“Laura’s election to the ICCTA executive leadership team reflects the respect she has earned from her peers across Illinois,” Evans said. “We are grateful for her dedication to Kaskaskia College and for her commitment to representing community colleges throughout our state.”

Kaskaskia College women’s soccer student-athlete Clara Elliott was also recognized as a state nominee for the Gandhi-King Peace Scholarship Award. The scholarship program honors students who demonstrate a commitment to promoting peace, understanding, and positive change through thoughtful written expression. Elliott’s nomination reflects both her academic achievements and her commitment to leadership and service.

The Illinois Community College Trustees Association represents the state’s public community college trustees and advocates for policies that strengthen community colleges and expand educational opportunities for students throughout Illinois.

Photos provided by Kaskaskia College.

 

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Kaskaskia College is a public community college in Centralia, Ill., within South Central Illinois District 501, serving all or part of nine counties, including Bond, Clinton, Fayette, Marion, Washington, Jefferson, St. Clair, Madison, and Montgomery. Committed to making education accessible, they host the Centralia Crisp Manufacturing and Trades Center and have education centers in Greenville, Nashville, Salem, Trenton, and Vandalia, Illinois. The Higher Learning Commission accredits the college, which offers a broad spectrum of degrees, programs, and certification options, specializing in two-year associate degrees and trade school programs. Founded in 1940, Kaskaskia College was the first Class I Community College established in Illinois.