Don't delay, register today!
Hoekstra honored for dedication
Event for contractors & businesses
33 years of service to KCC!
Registration is underway for Kankakee Community College’s fall semester courses.
“The staff, professors, and faculty are extremely warm and helpful,” said Guadalupe Martinez of Kankakee. “Campus is easy to navigate, and finding classrooms is easy. Not only that, but the cost is a big advantage of KCC.”
Martinez, a 2024 KCC graduate, is transferring to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to major in psychology.
There are two general paths for KCC students: transfer and career/technical education. Transfer students enroll in programs and courses which lead to a four-year college/university degree. Career/technical students have multiple options which lead to certifications, degrees and employment.
New students can start by submitting an application at https://apply.kcc.edu. After applying, new students meet with a KCC academic advisor and finish the registration process.
Returning students can use the My KCC portal at https://my.kcc.edu and go to the “Self-Service” link to register. In addition, registration and advising appointments for returning students are available at www.kcc.edu/student-resources/advising.
All students are encouraged to register early for the best selection of classes.
“The advice I would give someone at KCC is get to know the staff and don’t be afraid to ask for assistance because they would gladly help a student with anything they can,” said Robert Billings of Kankakee. “Get into some activities and make a group of friends to feel like you belong and are a part of the community of KCC.” Billings completed a KCC transfer degree in December 2023.
College offices will be closed June 28, July 4, 12, 19 and 26.
KCC’s Riverfront Campus in Kankakee is located at 100 College Drive, south of downtown Kankakee.
Students also can register and meet with advisers at the KCC South Extension Center, 1488 E. Walnut St. in Watseka, next to the Watseka Riverside Medical Center facility. Extension center advising hours are Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and other times by appointment. The phone number is 815-802-8270.
For further information, make a request at info.kcc.edu or phone 815-802-8500.
Jerald Hoekstra has been honored with the prestigious Illinois Community College Trustees Association Certificate of Merit Award.
Hoekstra, who recently retired from the Kankakee Community College Board of Trustees, received the award at the ICCTA Annual Awards Banquet in Chicago on June 7.
The ICCTA Certificate of Merit Award celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to ICCTA, the Illinois community college system, or an individual member college.
“Kankakee Community College extends its deepest gratitude to Jerry for his dedication and congratulates him on this well-deserved recognition,” said Cathy Boicken, chairperson for the KCC board of trustees . “Jerry’s leadership has been instrumental in guiding the college through significant milestones and challenges.”
“Mr. Hoekstra's receipt of this award is a reflection of his career-long dedication to the community college system and his impactful contributions to Kankakee Community College,” said Dr. Michael Boyd, president of KCC. “Jerry’s commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and his support for critical developments at KCC have made an impact for KCC and the community we serve. This award is a testament to his remarkable contributions and the lasting legacy he leaves behind."
The Capital Development Board is holding a free informational outreach session at Kankakee Community College on Wednesday, June 26 from 9:30 a.m. - noon.
The event is for local contractors and businesses to learn more about opportunities available through government construction contracts. It includes information on pre-qualifying as a government contractor; how to bid on CDB projects; and what qualifies a business for diversity certification as Minority Business Enterprise, Women Business Enterprise, Veteran Business Enterprise and Persons with Disability Business Enterprise.
In addition to construction businesses, the CDB recommends the session to purchasing officers from school districts and municipalities.
Although the event is free, participants are asked to register at bit.ly/3ygKqd5. The session will be in KCC’s Advanced Technology Education Center, Room T205. KCC is located at 100 College Drive in Kankakee.
The CDB is a state agency responsible for overseeing the construction of state-owned buildings. It allocates approximately $1.2 billion annually across roughly 700 projects.
Jerald Hoekstra has retired from Kankakee Community College’s board of trustees.
Hoekstra served on KCC’s board from November 1991 to May 2024, and was the board chair from 2014 to 2018.
“His service to the college has been nothing if not distinguished,” said KCC’s president, Dr. Michael Boyd. “In his leadership role during these 33 years, Mr. Hoekstra has experienced so many of our college's significant historical events.”
The board during Hoekstra’s tenure approved and oversaw hiring three college presidents as well as construction and major renovations of six buildings. In addition to adding and changing facilities, KCC’s outdoors campus has undergone many changes. The college added four outdoor sculptures and wind power and solar installations.
“Mr. Hoekstra has supported so many of our college's achievements, and he's also helped us endure and persevere through the roughest of times such as a lengthy statewide budget impasse and global pandemic,” Boyd said. “His leadership leaves a lasting legacy on KCC's strength and resilience as an institution.”
Before his final board meeting, a reception to honor Hoekstra’s service to the college was held May 21 at KCC.
“One of the best things about being on the KCC Board of Trustees is its commitment to the mission of the college,” said Hoekstra. “This is a tremendous board and I’m humbled and appreciative of the community who supported me in continuing in the role for 33 years.”
Hoekstra and his wife, June, reside in St. Anne.
At the May KCC board meeting, Michael Kick was appointed to complete Hoekstra’s term on the board. Kick, a 1977 KCC graduate, is retired after serving as a judge and chief judge for the 21st Judicial Circuit from 2000 to 2020. He also served as Kankakee County’s state’s attorney for five years. Kick holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign and a Juris Doctorate from the John Marshall Law School in Chicago.
“I’m excited to join this board,” said Kick. “To say that I’ve got big shoes to fill is an understatement.”
Kick lives in Bourbonnais.