CARTERVILLE, Ill. (WSIL) -- John A. Logan College successfully held its graduation ceremonies on Saturday after rescheduling due to severe weather threats in southern Illinois. The decision to move the event from Friday proved wise as tornadoes caused significant damage in the area.
"We knew moving graduation was going to be inconvenient for our graduates, their families, and everyone involved," said JALC President Dr. Kirk Overstreet. "I can't say enough about all of our staff that jumped in to make this happen and give our graduates their special moment."
Despite the rescheduling, a strong turnout filled Brewer Gymnasium and the O’Neil Auditorium for the college’s fifty-sixth commencement ceremony, marking the first time the event was held on a Saturday.
“Both ceremonies were very close to the number of graduates that we predicted would walk through the graduation,� Overstreet said.
Provost Dr. Stephanie Chaney Hartford began the ceremonies by expressing gratitude to attendees and recognizing the community's resilience during the storm. She requested continued thoughts and prayers for those affected and the first responders involved.
The college conducted two ceremonies on Saturday. The first at 9 a.m. awarded degrees for Associate in Arts, Science, Engineering Science and Fine Arts. The second at 11:30 a.m. recognized Associate in Applied Science and certificate earners, featuring student speakers Kaleigh Duncan and Braden Wright from Carterville.
