Kaskaskia College Celebrates Milestone Anniversaries of Medical Imaging Programs

Radiologic Technology Marks 60 Years; Diagnostic Medical Sonography Celebrates 25 Years of Educating Healthcare Professionals

CENTRALIA, Ill. - Kaskaskia College is celebrating two significant milestones in healthcare education during 2026 as the College recognizes the 60th Anniversary of its Radiologic Technology Program and the 25th Anniversary of its Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DGMS) Program.

Together, the programs represent 85 years of excellence in medical imaging education and have helped prepare generations of healthcare professionals who now serve hospitals, clinics, physician offices, imaging centers, and healthcare organizations throughout Illinois and beyond.

The Radiologic Technology Program, established in 1966, stands among the College's longest-running career and technical education programs. For six decades, the program has provided students with the knowledge, technical expertise, and clinical experience necessary to become highly skilled radiologic technologists. Graduates have played a vital role in patient care by providing diagnostic imaging services that help physicians identify injuries, illnesses, and other medical conditions.

Building upon the success of the Radiologic Technology Program, Kaskaskia College launched its Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program in the fall of 2000 after healthcare providers throughout the region identified a growing need for trained sonographers. At the time, opportunities to pursue sonography education in Southern Illinois were limited, often requiring students to relocate or travel significant distances to receive training.

The vision for the program was championed by then-Radiologic Technology Program Director Penny Connors and longtime sonography educator Cindy Hoffmann, who understood firsthand the challenges facing aspiring sonographers. Hoffmann entered the field in 1993 after traveling to Mobile, Alabama, for specialized ultrasound training because no local educational programs existed in the region. When she joined Kaskaskia College's Radiologic Technology Program in 1998, she and Penny began exploring the possibility of creating a sonography program closer to home.

Working alongside Radiologic Technology leadership and regional healthcare partners, Hoffmann helped conduct a needs assessment that revealed overwhelming demand for sonographers throughout South Central Illinois. Based on those findings, the Illinois Community College Board approved the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program in 1999, and the first cohort of six students began classes in the fall of 2000. The program celebrated its first pinning ceremony in July 2001.

Reflecting on the program's beginnings, Hoffmann said the goal was always to create opportunities for local students.

"When we started the program in 2000, our goal was simple: provide students in Southern Illinois with an opportunity that previously required them to leave the area. Seeing our graduates build successful careers and serve patients throughout the region has been the greatest reward. The program's success belongs to our students, sonographers, clinical partners, faculty, and everyone who believed in the vision from the beginning."

What began with a small group of students and refurbished ultrasound equipment quickly developed into one of the region's most respected healthcare education programs. Over the past 25 years, the program has continually evolved alongside advancements in imaging technology while maintaining strong relationships with clinical partners who provide students with invaluable hands-on learning experiences.

Since welcoming its first class in 2000, the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program has graduated 252 sonographers through May 2026, with an additional 10 students expected to graduate in October 2026. These graduates now serve patients in hospitals, clinics, physician offices, and imaging centers throughout Illinois and beyond.

The success of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program was built upon the strong foundation established by Kaskaskia College's Radiologic Technology Program. Established in 1966 under the leadership of Radiology Department Director Dr. Mina K. Edelman, the program has prepared generations of radiologic technologists for careers in healthcare while earning a reputation for excellence in medical imaging education.

Throughout its 60-year history, the Radiologic Technology Program has been guided by dedicated leaders, including Burt Dunbar (1966-1983), Gary Stevens (1983-1995), Penny Connors (1995-2002), and Mimi Polczynski (2002- present). Since assuming leadership of the program in 2002, Polczynski has played an instrumental role in maintaining its tradition of excellence while helping prepare students for successful careers in healthcare. Reflecting on the program's legacy, Polczynski emphasized the lasting impact of the profession and its graduates.

"Medical imaging has changed dramatically over the past 60 years, but the heart of our mission and goals has remained the same - preparing compassionate, highly skilled radiographers who create quality images for proper patient diagnosis and to expand their knowledge in special modalities in the radiology profession. It has been an honor to watch generations of graduates carry that mission forward and serve communities throughout our region."

As the program celebrates its 60th anniversary, it also marks the conclusion of an era. After 30 years of dedicated service to Kaskaskia College, Polczynski will retire on July 30, 2026. Throughout her career, she has helped shape the lives of countless students while building a Radiologic Technology Program recognized for excellence throughout the region.

Over the years, the program has continued to expand educational opportunities by adding a Computed Tomography (CT) Certificate Program and Mammography courses, allowing radiologic technologists to pursue advanced training and continue their professional growth within the imaging profession.

Since the program's inception through May 2026, Kaskaskia College has graduated 1,163 radiologic technologists. As Polczynski prepares to retire, she will pass the torch to the program's current faculty, Professor Sharon Elwood and Associate Professor Candace Sloat, who will continue the longstanding tradition of academic excellence, clinical partnership, and student success. Elwood joined the full-time faculty in 2017 and has helped educate radiologic technology students for nearly two decades. Sloat, who began teaching as an adjunct instructor in 2010 before joining the College full-time in January 2017, has served students in both the Radiologic Technology and Diagnostic Medical Sonography programs.

Julie Obermark, KC Provost and Vice President of Instructional Services, said the anniversaries reflect the dedication of faculty and the College's commitment to meeting workforce needs.

"The success of these programs is a testament to the vision, leadership, and dedication of educators like Cindy Hoffmann and Mimi Polczynski. Their commitment to student success has helped shape generations of healthcare professionals while ensuring our communities have access to highly trained imaging specialists. These milestone anniversaries represent not only years of operation, but decades of lives changed through education."

The milestone anniversaries also highlight the importance of healthcare partnerships that have supported both programs throughout their history. Area hospitals, healthcare systems, imaging centers, physicians, and clinical professionals have worked alongside Kaskaskia College faculty to ensure students receive real-world experiences that prepare them to meet the demands of modern healthcare environments.

Today, both programs continue to evolve through updated technology, enhanced clinical experiences, and curriculum improvements designed to meet the changing needs of healthcare providers and patients. Guided by experienced faculty including Cindy Hoffmann, Sharon Elwood, and Candace Sloat, the programs continue preparing highly skilled imaging professionals while building upon decades of educational excellence.

Kaskaskia College President George Evans said the programs exemplify the College's mission of transforming student lives and strengthening communities.

"For 60 years and 25 years respectively, these programs have opened doors to rewarding careers while helping address critical healthcare workforce needs throughout Southern Illinois. Every graduate represents a patient who will receive skilled, compassionate care and a community that benefits from a well-trained healthcare professional. That is the lasting impact of these programs."

As the College celebrates these anniversaries, it also recognizes the individuals who helped make them possible - faculty members who devoted their careers to student success, healthcare partners who invested in workforce development, and graduates who continue to represent Kaskaskia College in healthcare facilities across the country.

For Kaskaskia College, the anniversaries serve as both a celebration of the past and a reminder of the institution's ongoing commitment to improving lives through education, strengthening the healthcare workforce, and serving the communities of south-central Illinois.