Kaskaskia College

06/17/2026

🕊️ Remembering Charles Mundell (1928–2026)

Kaskaskia College mourns the passing of legendary educator, coach, veteran, and Hall of Famer Charles Mundell, who passed away on June 15, 2026, at the age of 98.

Born in Terre Haute, Indiana, on March 20, 1928, Charles dedicated his life to education, athletics, his community, and his country. A proud United States Army veteran who served during the Korean War, he devoted more than four decades to Kaskaskia College, retiring in 1996 after an extraordinary career as a teacher, mentor, and coach.

Charles joined Centralia Junior College, now Kaskaskia College, in 1954 as Athletic Director and coach of basketball, baseball, and tennis. During his 29 seasons leading the Blue Devils basketball program, he compiled a remarkable 400-358 record, captured ten conference championships, and guided teams to four state final appearances, including a state championship in 1964. His 1964 team finished 28-3 and was ranked eighth in the nation. He coached five basketball All-Americans and one baseball All-American, and his tennis team also earned a national tournament appearance in Florida.

His influence extended far beyond the court. Generations of students and student-athletes remember Charles for his unwavering belief in young people, his commitment to excellence, and the lessons in leadership and character that continue to inspire the Kaskaskia College community.

“Chuck Mundell was a true servant leader and a lifelong icon of Kaskaskia College,” said KC President George Evans. “He is undoubtedly among the most recognizable individuals ever associated with our institution. For more than four decades, he helped shape the culture of Kaskaskia College through his leadership, dedication, and commitment to students and athletics. His legacy will forever be a part of our College, and we extend our deepest sympathies to his family, former players, colleagues, and friends.”

For generations of Blue Devils, Charles Mundell was more than a coach and educator—he was a mentor, a teacher, a leader, and a friend whose impact will continue to be felt throughout the Kaskaskia College community for years to come.💙

06/16/2026

📣 Join the Conversation!

Your voice matters, and we hope you'll join the conversation as we work together to build stronger communities and create new opportunities for the future.

🍽️ Free lunch begins at 11:30 a.m.
📊 Presentation & discussion from Noon–1:00 p.m.

📍June 25 – Salem (Please RSVP by Monday, June 22, 2026, to Andrea Shipley at the Salem Education Center by calling 618-545-3436 or by email at [email protected].)

📍June 29 – Vandalia (Please RSVP by Wednesday, June 24, 2026, to Wendy Blythe at the Vandalia Education Center by calling 618-545-3446 or by email at [email protected].)

📍July 8 – Greenville (Please RSVP by Wednesday, July 1, 2026, to Sandi Laurent at the Greenville Education Center by calling 618-545-3466 or by email at [email protected].)

📍July 14 – Nashville (Please RSVP by Wednesday, July 8, 2026, to Madison Althoff at the Nashville Education Center by calling 618-545-3491 or by email at [email protected].)

📍July 29 at 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. – Centralia (Crisp Center) (Please RSVP by Thursday, July 23, 2026, to Joy Fitts, Dean of Workforce Engagement & Industrial Career Service at 618-545-3118 at [email protected].)

📍August 6 – Trenton (Please RSVP by Wednesday, July 27, 2026, to Christine Wheeler at the Trenton Education Center by calling 618-545-3476 or by email at [email protected].)

06/15/2026

Lace Up and Join the Blue Classic 5K! 💙🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️

Whether you're chasing a personal best, walking with friends, or simply supporting KC Athletics, the 9th Annual KC Blue Classic Alumni & Friends 5K Run/Walk is the perfect way to get moving and have fun!

📅 Saturday, August 1, 2026
📍 Kaskaskia College – Centralia Campus
⏰ 7:30 AM Start Time
👟 Run or Walk – All Fitness Levels Welcome
👕 Every Registered Participant Receives a Race T-Shirt

Can't make it to campus? No problem! Virtual participation is available, so you can join the Blue Classic from anywhere. Bring your family, invite your friends, and help us make this year's Blue Classic bigger and better than ever!

🔗 Register Here: https://ow.ly/GSbc50ZbRX4

💙👟🏁

06/11/2026

🎭✨ The Centralia Opera is returning to Kaskaskia College! ✨🎭

Experience the beauty, romance, and unforgettable music of La Bohème—one of the world's most beloved operas—right here in the Jane Knight Auditorium.

We're especially excited to cheer on the talented Kaskaskia College students who will be taking the stage as part of this incredible production! Their hard work and dedication will be on full display alongside a talented cast bringing Puccini's timeless masterpiece to life.

📅 June 26 & 27
📍 Jane Knight Auditorium, Kaskaskia College
🎟️ Pay-What-You-Can Tickets Available
https://www.centraliaopera.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawSX_GVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFXRDk0Umx4em9XYUV1RmZCc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHjnmwhtnkE7PtgGlx2jkHCc7bTaCQ631T9bROIubnindgnXsYXU5ogiKaLcB_aem_q7e3inxe4rl7oymqVWz7Kw

Join us for an unforgettable evening of music, storytelling, and local talent. We hope to see you there!

🎶🌟

🎭 TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE! 🎭

Centralia Opera presents Giacomo Puccini’s La Bohème, one of the most beloved operas ever written, performed right here in Centralia. Love. Loss. Laughter. Melodies that will last forever.

Don’t miss it.
🗓️ Friday, June 26th — 7:00 PM
🗓️ Saturday, June 27th — 7:00 PM
📍 Jane Knight Auditorium, Kaskaskia College — Centralia, IL

🎟️ Tickets are Pay-What-You-Can - To keep the Centralia Opera going $20 per ticket is suggested, but please do not let that be the reason you don't come. Free tickets are available. Choose whatever option fits you the best at check out!

👉 Grab yours NOW at centraliaopera.com before they’re gone! See you there!

06/11/2026

Exploring Careers. Building Skills. Creating Futures. 🔧❄️🔥

Yesterday, local high school students had the opportunity to step into the world of HVAC through Kaskaskia College's hands-on summer program. Participants explored industry fundamentals, learned about refrigerants, furnaces, and air conditioning systems, completed a lab-based scavenger hunt, and even gained experience with brazing copper and torch handling.

Programs like these help students discover career pathways, build confidence, and develop valuable technical skills in a fun, engaging environment.

A big thank you to our HVAC faculty and staff for providing an outstanding learning experience for the next generation of skilled trades professionals!

06/10/2026

25 Years of DGMS Excellence 💪🌟

For 25 years, Kaskaskia College's Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DGMS) Program has been preparing students for rewarding careers in healthcare while serving communities across Southern Illinois.

What began in Fall 2000 with just six students has grown into a respected program known for excellence in education, clinical training, and student success.

Over the past 25 years, KC DGMS graduates have worked in hospitals, clinics, imaging centers, and other healthcare facilities throughout the region and beyond.

Join us as we celebrate 25 years of educating the next generation of sonographers and making a difference—one patient at a time. 💙

06/10/2026

⚽🏀⚾🎾 A Summer of Fun, Learning, and Blue Devil Pride!

Over the past two weeks, Kaskaskia College Athletics has welcomed dozens of young athletes to campus for our 2026 Summer Sports Camps! From the soccer field and basketball court to the baseball diamond and tennis courts, campers had the opportunity to develop their skills, build confidence, make new friends, and learn from KC coaches and student-athletes.

Whether they were perfecting a jump shot, improving their swing, sharpening their footwork, or learning the fundamentals of the game, these future athletes brought tremendous energy, enthusiasm, and determination each day.

A huge thank you to our coaches, student-athletes, volunteers, and families who helped make this year's camps such a success. We loved seeing our campus filled with so much excitement, teamwork, and Blue Devil spirit!

And the fun isn't over yet—more sports camps are still on the way this summer! Stay tuned for upcoming opportunities to learn, compete, and grow with KC Athletics.

💙 Thank you to everyone who joined us. We can't wait to see what these young athletes accomplish next!

06/09/2026

📣 Join the Conversation. Shape the Future.

Kaskaskia College invites community members, business leaders, educators, and stakeholders to attend one of our upcoming Community Engagement Meetings across the district.

These meetings provide an opportunity to hear updates on College initiatives, workforce development efforts, and educational opportunities while sharing your ideas, feedback, and suggestions. Your input helps us better serve our communities and strengthen partnerships throughout the region.

🍽️ Free lunch begins at 11:30 a.m.
📊 Presentation & discussion from Noon–1:00 p.m.

📍June 25 – Salem (Please RSVP by Monday, June 22, 2026, to Andrea Shipley at the Salem Education Center by calling 618-545-3436 or by email at [email protected].)

📍June 29 – Vandalia (Please RSVP by Wednesday, June 24, 2026, to Wendy Blythe at the Vandalia Education Center by calling 618-545-3446 or by email at [email protected].)

📍July 8 – Greenville (Please RSVP by Wednesday, July 1, 2026, to Sandi Laurent at the Greenville Education Center by calling 618-545-3466 or by email at [email protected].)

📍July 14 – Nashville (Please RSVP by Wednesday, July 8, 2026, to Madison Althoff at the Nashville Education Center by calling 618-545-3491 or by email at [email protected].)

📍July 29 at 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. – Centralia (Crisp Center) (Please RSVP by Thursday, July 23, 2026, to Joy Fitts, Dean of Workforce Engagement & Industrial Career Service at 618-545-3118 at [email protected].)

📍August 6 – Trenton (Please RSVP by Wednesday, July 27, 2026, to Christine Wheeler at the Trenton Education Center by calling 618-545-3476 or by email at [email protected].)

Your voice matters, and we hope you'll join the conversation as we work together to build stronger communities and create new opportunities for the future.

06/08/2026

🎓🩺 Your future in healthcare starts here!

If you're passionate about helping others and looking for a rewarding career, Kaskaskia College has opportunities waiting for you. Applications are still being accepted for several in-demand Health Sciences programs designed to prepare students for careers that make a real difference every day.

KC offers programs in:
✔️ Respiratory Therapy
✔️ Radiology
✔️ Sonography
✔️ Dental Assistant
✔️ Paramedicine
✔️ Nursing
✔️ Physical Therapist Assistant

With experienced instructors, hands-on learning opportunities, and strong clinical partnerships, you'll gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in today's healthcare workforce.

📞 Learn more or apply today by calling 618-545-3431.

Your healthcare career could be closer than you think. Take the first step today! 💙

06/08/2026

Today at 10 am! (June 8th)
They will be set up in the Lifelong Learning Center at KC!

Did you know the Illinois Treasurer's Office holds billions in unclaimed property? Join us at Kaskaskia College on June 8 to learn if any belong to you and receive assistance with the claims process.

📍 Lifelong Learning Center at KC
⏰ 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.