Kaskaskia College to Host Ribbon Cutting and Court Dedication for John W. “Bill” Hawley Court
April 1, 2026
CENTRALIA, IL - Kaskaskia College will celebrate the opening of its new competition gym and honor longtime Board of Trustees Chair John W. Bill Hawley with a special ribbon-cutting and court dedication ceremony on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
The event will take place from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the new gym at Kaskaskia College's main campus in Centralia, where the basketball court will officially be named Bill Hawley Court in recognition of Hawley's decades of service and dedication to the college and the community.
Hawley, a KC board trustee since 1986 and chair of the Board of Trustees for more than 20 years, has played a significant role in guiding Kaskaskia College through decades of growth and progress. The court's dedication recognizes his long-standing leadership, advocacy for students, and commitment to the institution.
"This dedication reflects the tremendous impact Bill Hawley has had on Kaskaskia College and the communities we serve," said Kaskaskia College President George Evans. "His leadership and commitment to education have helped shape the college into what it is today, and it is fitting that we recognize his legacy in a space that will serve students and our community for generations."
The celebration will also mark the grand opening of the college's new competition gym, which will serve as a venue for Blue Devil/Blue Angel athletics, campus events, and community gatherings.
Community members, alumni, and friends of the college are invited to attend the ceremony and help celebrate this milestone for the college and the recognition of Hawley's lasting contributions.
Guests are encouraged to RSVP by visiting https://pci.jotform.com/form/260743954352158 or by contacting the Kaskaskia College Foundation. Attendees will also have the opportunity to show their support for students through scholarship donations.
For more information, contact Michael Christensen, Executive Director of the KC Foundation, at mchristensen@kaskaskia.edu or 618-545-3069.
