Du Quoin State Fairgrounds to host Logan College commencement
John A. Logan College officials have announced plans to hold commencement exercises in the Grandstand at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds.
The ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 13.
John A. Logan College President Kirk Overstreet said the large venue allows the college to hold a traditional event while maintaining COVID-19 protocols.
"It was essential for us to have some type of in-person graduation event this year," said Overstreet. "I challenged our graduation committee to come up with a plan that would allow us to honor our graduates while still maintaining proper social distancing and safety precautions, and they found that the Du Quoin Fairgrounds could meet those requirements.
Overstreet added that seating will be limited and that all those in attendance would be required to wear face coverings. Seats will be marked off to ensure social distancing and attendance requirements are met.
"Based on the size of previous graduations and current guidelines for outdoor events, we have determined that each graduate will be allowed six guests," said Overstreet. "This will allow us to be safely within the guidelines to ensure the safety of all those in attendance.
The ceremony will be carried live on the college's Facebook page and YouTube Channel for those unable to attend.
"This is the plan we have in place, and we are working toward making this the best possible event for our graduates and their families," said Overstreet. "I do want to remind everyone, though, that this event, like all events in the last year, remains fluid, and we will communicate any changes or updates through our normal channels of communication."
Students who have completed all degree requirements and have a final cumulative grade-point average of 2.0 can apply for graduation at jalc.edu/admissions/apply-for-graduation. Students who want to participate in the ceremony and have their name appear in the graduation program need to apply by Friday, March 25.
A one-time fee of $10 is added to the student's bursar account for graduation.
Students must order their caps and gowns from the college bookstore at bkstr.com/johnloganstore/shop/graduation by April 4. Prepayment is not required for caps and gown purchases. Students pay for those items when they pick them up from the Bookstore.
In addition to the graduation ceremony, the John A. Logan College Nursing Department will hold its Pinning Ceremonies at the Fairgrounds. Both the LPN and ADN ceremonies will be held on Wednesday, May 12. Details and times for those events will be announced at a later date.
For more information, contact Dr. Steve O'Keefe at (618) 985-2828, Ext. 8569 (work) or 618-925-0710 (cell).