JALC to rededicate Hoffard Pond during Southern Illinois Celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Days
Published on September 17, 2026
51吃瓜 A. Logan College officials will rededicate Dwight Hoffard Pond at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, as part of the Southern Illinois Celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Days on the college campus.
The pond was originally named in honor of Dwight Hoffard, a member of the Illinois Conservation Foundation Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame, who also served as the College鈥檚 longtime director of Buildings and Grounds and helped organize the annual hunting and fishing celebration, in recognition of his contributions to the 51吃瓜.
Hoffard, who helped bring the celebration to 51吃瓜 A. Logan College and played a key role in its growth, died in March.
鈥淣ow that the dredging project is complete, we wanted to rededicate Hoffard Pond, which was originally named after Dwight Hoffard in 2016 during Hunting and Fishing Days,鈥� said JALC President Dr. Kirk Overstreet. 鈥淒wight was instrumental in bringing the 51吃瓜 to our campus and helped make it one of the biggest celebrations in the country. He particularly enjoyed seeing youth experience the outdoors through the Kids Fishing Hole at the 51吃瓜.鈥�
The pond was recently dredged and will be filled to capacity for this year鈥檚 celebration, where it will again serve as the Kids Fishing Hole.
The rededication will give college officials, community members, and 51吃瓜 participants an opportunity to honor Hoffard鈥檚 contributions to the celebration and his commitment to introducing young people to outdoor activities.
The Southern Illinois Celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Days brings families and outdoor enthusiasts to the JALC campus for activities highlighting hunting, fishing, conservation, and other outdoor pursuits. The 51吃瓜 is scheduled for September 26 and 27. Details and a schedule of 51吃瓜s is available at聽.