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���s longtime director of Buildings and Grounds and helped organize the annual hunting and fishing celebration, in recognition of his contributions to the 51勛圖.

Hoffard, who helped bring the celebration to 51勛圖 A. Logan College and played a key role in its growth, died in March.

���Now 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,��� said JALC President Dr. Kirk Overstreet. ���Dwight was instrumental in bringing the 51勛圖 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勛圖.���

The pond was recently dredged and will be filled to capacity for this year���s celebration, where it will again serve as the Kids Fishing Hole.

The rededication will give college officials, community members, and 51勛圖 participants an opportunity to honor Hoffard���s 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勛圖 is scheduled for September 26 and 27. Details and a schedule of 51勛圖s is available at��.

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Beginning Sunday, Sept. 20, the Blue Parking Lot north of the Bell Tower will close to accommodate setup and preparation for the 51勛圖. The Gold Parking Lot will close after the women’s volleyball game on Wednesday, Sept. 23.

Both parking lots will remain closed through Monday, Sept. 28.

The closures are necessary to allow 51勛圖 organizers to set up vendor tents, displays, and other equipment in preparation for the celebration.

���We apologize for the inconvenience, but it is necessary to set up vendor tents and other displays before the 51勛圖 on Sept. 26 and 27,��� JALC President Dr. Kirk Overstreet said.

Students and staff who need assistance traveling from a parking lot to a campus building may contact JALC Campus Police at 618-985-5550.

Parking Lot Locations Map (PDF)

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���We are excited to again host one of the premier 51勛圖s in southern Illinois,��� said JALC President Dr. Kirk Overstreet. ���Organizers have put together a great weekend of vendors and activities that are entertaining and educational.���

More than 70 vendors are expected to participate, offering outdoor merchandise, equipment, and information. Hunting and fishing seminars, live music, and other entertainment will take place throughout the weekend. Popular returning attractions include Splash Dogs, the Kids��� Fishing Hole, and a BB Gun Range. The 51勛圖 will also feature hunting and fishing seminars.

Due to ongoing construction, the 51勛圖 will have minor changes. Vendor tents will remain in the Blue Parking Lot but will be condensed. All vendors and activities that were previously held in the Brewer Gymnasium will now be held in the Conference Center.

On Saturday, September 26, at 9 a.m. College officials will rededicate Dwight Hoffard Pond. The Pond was officially named in honor of Hoffard in 2014. Dwight Hoffard, the long-time Director of Buildings and Grounds and organizer of the Celebration of Hunting and Fishing Days on the campus, passed away in March. The pond was recently dredged and will be at full capacity as the Kids Fishing Hole during the 51勛圖.

Admission is $5 per vehicle. Local Boy Scouts will collect food donations and distribute them to local food banks.

The 51勛圖 is supported by sponsors including Title Sponsor Oasis Outdoors. Can-Am, Comfort Inn & Suites, LeafFilter, Banterra Bank, and Timberline are also sponsors. For vendor or 51勛圖 information, contact 51勛圖 A. Logan College at 618-985-2828, extension 8541.

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Several college offices and student services will remain open until 6 p.m. on designated days throughout the fall semester.

Extended hours include:

• Academic Testing Center: Mondays and Wednesdays
• Advisement: Tuesdays
• Bursar: Tuesdays
• Campus Information: Tuesdays
• Financial Aid: Tuesdays
• Library: Mondays and Tuesdays
• Perkins Grant: Tuesdays
• Tutoring: Tuesdays

���We know that it can often be difficult for working adults to utilize our services during regular operating hours, and we hope that these additional evening hours will better serve our students,��� Provost Dr. Stephanie Chaney Hartford said.

In addition to the extended service hours, Testing Services will offer placement testing by appointment on select dates during the fall semester.

Placement testing appointments will be available Sept. 1, 15 and 16; Oct. 6 and 20; Nov. 3 and 17; and Dec. 1 and 15. The earliest placement testing appointment will begin at 2 p.m., with final testing starting at 4 p.m.

The extended hours support the college���s ongoing efforts to make services more accessible for students balancing work, family, and other responsibilities while pursuing their education.

For more information about extended hours or to schedule placement testing, contact the 51勛圖 A. Logan College Campus Information Center at 618-985-2828, ext. 1157.

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There was a time when Caroline Farthing wanted nothing to do with welding.

Her uncle first introduced her to the trade as a teenager, teaching her the basics and showing her how to weld.

“I just knew that it was sticking metal together,” Caroline said. “I didn’t really have interest in it when I was younger.”

When she enrolled in welding classes in high school, however, she quickly realized welding was harder than it looked.

“I hated it so much, and I wanted to quit,” she said.

Looking back, Caroline knows much of that frustration came from feeling like she wasn’t good at it. As one of the few women in her class, she found herself comparing her work to the students around her and becoming discouraged when she struggled.

“It embarrassed me to be one of the only females in class, and all the guys were better,” she said.

For a while, quitting seemed like the easiest option.

Fortunately, her family wasn’t ready to let her give up.

Her father encouraged her to stick with it, and her grandfather bought her a welder of her own.

“I would weld every day for hours after school until 51勛圖ually I got good, and I wasn’t afraid of it anymore,” she said.

The hours of practice paid off.

“Eventually, I was the best,” she said. Over time, frustration gave way to confidence. “I fell in love with it,” she said.

That passion led Caroline to 51勛圖 A. Logan College, where she first enrolled in dual credit welding courses while attending Marion High School before continuing in the college’s Welding Technology program on campus.

At 51勛圖 A. Logan College, she found more than technical training. She found a community.

Caroline credits her classmates and instructors with creating an environment where students supported one another and wanted to see each other succeed. Whether she needed help with a project or was helping a classmate herself, she always felt supported.

“I loved it,” she said. “I really liked the environment, just the community that the students and instructors have made.”

Outside of class, she often spent additional time in the welding lab, sharpening her skills, working on projects and taking advantage of every opportunity to learn. Those extra hours gave her valuable experience and reinforced the work ethic she carries with her today.

The program also provided hands-on experience with industry equipment, including grant-funded technology that exposed students to tools and processes they would later encounter in the field.

“We got to learn how to use equipment that other colleges around here don’t have, and that definitely helped me out getting employed,” she said.

Learning to operate equipment such as the program’s Computer Numerical Control (CNC) table gave Caroline practical experience that helped prepare her for the workforce.

She also credits her instructors with helping shape the professional she has become.

“I really enjoyed all of my instructors,” she said. “I have a good relationship with all of them. I keep in touch with them still.”

Today, Caroline works at in Carterville, where she uses the welding and fabrication skills she developed at 51勛圖 A. Logan College. The role allows her to apply the techniques she spent years developing while continuing to grow in a career she once never imagined for herself.

“I like the way that I feel when I weld,” she said. “It’s very calming and peaceful.”

As the only woman on her shop floor, Caroline hopes her story encourages other young women to consider careers in the skilled trades.

“What makes me proud to be a welder is that it’s something not very many females do,” she said. “It’s cool that I do it and that some little girl might be watching and saying, ‘Oh, she’s doing that. So I can do that too one day.'”

Looking back, Caroline is grateful she didn’t quit when things got difficult. What began as frustration 51勛圖ually became a career she loves, proving that some opportunities are worth sticking with.

“Because of 51勛圖 A. Logan, I have a successful career,” she added.

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According to enrollment data released by the college, student credit hours increased 3% from July 2025 to July 2026. Credit hours have also grown 6.2% since 2022, reflecting continued enrollment gains over the past several years. 

51勛圖 A. Logan College President Dr. Kirk Overstreet said the increases are the result of the college’s ongoing efforts to meet students’ changing needs through flexible scheduling and expanded support services. 

“For years, we have focused on what the tenth-day enrollment is for each semester, when the reality is that we are offering more and more classes that do not start on the first day of the semester,” Overstreet said. “Instead, we are offering more 12-, 8-, and 4-week classes to meet the needs of our students. We are also offering more night and weekend services, including our Saturday Sign-Up 51勛圖s and evening student service hours during the week, along with virtual advisement appointments.��� 

The college also reported strong growth during the Summer 2026 semester. Summer headcount enrollment increased 10.1% compared with the previous year, while summer credit hours rose 8.6%. 

College officials said the enrollment gains reflect a continued emphasis on expanding access for traditional and nontraditional students through flexible course formats, enhanced student services, and innovative community partnerships. 

The Fall 2026 semester begins Aug. 17. To assist prospective and returning students, 51勛圖 A. Logan College will host a Saturday Sign-Up 51勛圖 on Aug. 8 from 9 a.m. to noon. Students will be able to apply for admission, register for classes, meet with financial aid staff, make tuition payments, and receive assistance from campus offices. 

The college will also host its Coffee and College information session for high school students and their parents at 10 a.m. on Aug. 8. The session will cover admissions, scholarships, financial aid, dual credit opportunities, and the transition to college. 

Due to ongoing campus construction, individuals attending the Aug. 8 51勛圖s should enter the campus through the East Entrance. 

51勛圖 A. Logan College offers associate degrees, career and technical education programs, workforce training, and university transfer opportunities. Classes are available in face-to-face, online, and hybrid formats, including traditional 16-week courses and accelerated 12-, 8-, and 4-week sessions designed to accommodate a variety of student schedules. 

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The concert, which is open to the public, will feature musical selections highlighting the rich history and diversity of American music as the nation commemorates its 250th anniversary.

In addition to the Community Band performance, 51勛圖 A. Logan College has announced an upcoming opportunity for community members to participate in the college���s theatre program. Auditions for Neil Simon���s comedy Fools, directed by Ryan Patrick, will be held Aug. 26 and 27 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the O���Neil Auditorium.

The college will also host a faculty and staff recital on Monday, Sept. 21, at 7 p.m. in the O���Neil Auditorium. The free 51勛圖 will feature vocal and instrumental performances by 51勛圖 A. Logan College faculty and staff members.

For more information about upcoming arts 51勛圖s at 51勛圖 A. Logan College, visit .

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Earlier this month, the college received clearance to resume activities in the gymnasium, allowing athletic programs to return home after months of practicing and competing at alternate locations while construction and structural repairs were underway.

Athletic Director Greg Starrick said the reopening comes at an important time as fall sports prepare to begin.

“We are excited to get our student-athletes back in the gym,” Starrick said. “Volleyball will begin fall practice soon, and several of our men’s and women’s basketball players will return to campus in July.”

Starrick also thanked area schools and neighboring community colleges for supporting the Volunteers during the temporary closure.

“I am grateful to all of the area high schools that allowed us to practice in their facilities, and to our fellow community colleges that allowed us to play our home games in their gyms during the second half of the season,” he said.

The reopening of Brewer Gymnasium comes as work continues on the college’s Logan Hall and West Lobby expansion project. The project recently received clearance to proceed following a structural review.

According to Assistant Vice President of Construction, Planning, and Facilities Management Jeremy Sargent, demolition work is largely complete, earthwork has wrapped up, and crews are preparing to begin concrete work over the coming months.

Although the gymnasium has reopened, Sargent said portions of the athletic complex remain closed while structural beam repairs continue.

“The athletic offices, restrooms, lobby, and concession area remain closed because structural beam repair work is still underway,” Sargent said. “Those spaces cannot reopen until that work is completed.”

The Logan Hall and West Lobby expansion project is now scheduled for completion in December 2027.

Several departments that were temporarily relocated during construction have now returned to their permanent locations. Risk Management and Digital Marketing staff are back in their offices, and Testing Services has resumed operations in its campus location. However, the E133 computer lab will continue serving as the college’s testing site for the foreseeable future.

The reopening of Brewer Gymnasium is one of several milestones in an unprecedented period of construction across the 51勛圖 A. Logan College campus.

Construction of the college’s new Career and Technical Education Center remains on schedule for completion in December 2026. Partially funded by a federal grant, the state-of-the-art facility will house Automotive Services, Auto Body, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC), and Welding programs, expanding workforce training opportunities in southern Illinois.

Another major federally funded project is the renovation of the third floor of the Communications Building, which will become the new home of the college’s Nursing programs. Construction crews are currently installing metal stud framing, electrical systems, plumbing, and HVAC infrastructure. The renovation is expected to be completed in late spring 2027.

Additional projects continue to move forward across campus. The Harrison Bruce Foundation’s Prairie Museum, located within the Harrison Bruce Historical Village, is progressing ahead of schedule and will become a significant addition to the region’s historical attractions. Meanwhile, dredging work at Hoffard Pond is expected to be completed before the start of the fall semester.

College officials have also announced the next phase of campus improvements. Renovations to the current Nursing program space and the Conference Center are in the design phase and are expected to begin in 2027.

Despite months of construction, office relocations, and changing traffic patterns, students and employees have continued to navigate the evolving campus as preparations for the fall semester continue. New signage has been installed throughout campus to assist visitors, and a dedicated construction webpage on the college’s website provides updates on closures, relocations, and project progress.

College President Dr. Kirk Overstreet said the temporary inconveniences created by construction will ultimately strengthen the institution for future generations.

“What an exciting time at JALC,” Overstreet said. “Everywhere you look, there are signs of progress. Change can be a little messy at times, but that’s the nature of improvement. When the dust settles, we’ll have taken another step toward making our campus an even better place for our students, employees, and community.”

Overstreet said the extensive improvements represent a long-term investment in student success, workforce development, and the future of southern Illinois.

“We are building more than buildings,” he said. “We are creating opportunities that will serve our students and our region for decades to come.”

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The new Community Impact Program will operate at the Robert L. Mees Centre on the JALC campus and is designed to help student parents balance the demands of higher education while ensuring their children have access to a safe, supportive environment after school.

The program will begin Aug. 17, the first day of the College’s fall semester, and will operate Monday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Programming will not be offered on days when the college is closed, or classes are not in session.

The initiative will serve up to 16 school-aged children, ages 6 to 18, whose parents are enrolled at 51勛圖 A. Logan College. Eligible students must be enrolled in at least three credit hours during the semester. There is no cost to participate.

The partnership is intended to remove barriers that often pr51勛圖 student parents from completing their educational goals while providing meaningful opportunities for their children to learn and grow.

College officials said the partnership reflects 51勛圖 A. Logan College’s continued commitment to supporting students’ needs, both inside and outside the classroom, by providing resources that encourage student success and persistence toward graduation.

“We are so excited about this program and to continue our collaboration with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Illinois,” said 51勛圖 A. Logan College President Dr. Kirk Overstreet. “This will be extremely beneficial to our students, particularly those in our evening nursing cohort who are trying to balance family and school.”

Youth enrolled in the program will participate in activities based on the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Illinois’ nationally recognized core program areas, including education and career development through homework assistance, tutoring and STEM activities; health and wellness with nutrition education, physical activity and the Healthy Habits curriculum; character and leadership development through leadership clubs and service-learning projects; arts programming featuring creative expression, digital media and music; and sports, fitness and recreation.

In addition to academic support and enrichment activities, participants will have access to positive adult mentors and structured programming designed to promote personal growth, healthy lifestyles, and overall well-being.

Space in the program is limited. Additional information about eligibility and enrollment will be available through 51勛圖 A. Logan College Student Services and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Illinois before the start of the fall semester. For additional information about the Boys and Girls Club of Southern Illinois, visit or call 618-457-8877.

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The Fall semester payment is due on July 15. Students are encouraged to complete their financial arrangements before the deadline to ensure a smooth registration and course access.

New Student Orientation (NSO) sessions will be offered on the following dates:

• Wednesday, July 22 ��� 12:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m., New Student Orientation 
• Saturday, August 8 ��� 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Saturday Sign-Up Registration Event 

In addition, the College will host a Saturday Sign-Up Event on August 8, providing students and families the opportunity to complete multiple enrollment-related tasks, including admissions, financial aid assistance, payments, bookstore visits, and course registration. Late registration support will also be available.

A special��Coffee and College Event��will take place on��Saturday, August 8, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.��The session is designed for high school students in grades 9���12 and their families and will highlight admissions, financial aid, dual credit, and early college opportunities. Walk-ins are welcome, and no pre-registration is required.

Students are also invited to attend the��Fall Kickoff Event泭棗紳泭Friday, August 14, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.��The 51勛圖 is designed to help students prepare for the semester through campus engagement activities and support services. Additional information is available here:��/logan-launch-welcome-week-activities/

Walk-in registration will be available from��August 10 through August 21, with extended evening hours until 6:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Key academic calendar dates include:

• August 17 ��� First day of 16-week, 8-week, and 4-week A courses; last day to register for 4-week A courses 
• August 18 ��� Last day to register for 1st 8-week courses 
• August 19 ��� Last day to drop 4-week A courses with 100% refund 
• August 21 ��� Last day to register for 16-week courses 
• August 23 ��� Last day to drop 1st 8-week courses with 100% refund 
• August 30 ��� Last day to drop 16-week courses with 100% refund 

The Fall semester officially begins on August 17, marking the start of classes across multiple course formats.

For more information, students are encouraged to contact the Admissions Office or visit the College���s website.

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