Kaskaskia College Foundation receives over $1.7 million donation from the Joe Pat Knight Charitable Remainder Unitrust

The Kaskaskia College Foundation received a bequest of $1,714,471.32 from the Joe Pat Knight Charitable Remainder Unitrust to benefit future awardees of the Joe P. Knight Endowed Scholarship and the Jane Knight Memorial Scholarship. 

 “Joe P. Knight’s lasting commitment to students continues to provide scholarship benefits to KC students, and we are very grateful,” said KC President George Evans. “It’s exciting to grow these two scholarship endowments to ensure a lifetime legacy for the Knights and continue to serve our students.”

Established in 2001, the Jane Knight Memorial Scholarship benefits students pursuing a degree in education, with a preference for those pursuing a career in elementary education. Mr. Joe P. Knight established this scholarship in memory of his late wife, Jane, who was dedicated to education throughout her life. 

Established in 2002 for his dedication to serving as a Kaskaskia College Board of Trustees Member (1991-1997), the Joe P. Knight Endowed Scholarship benefits single parents pursuing a degree or certificate of their choosing. Knight thoroughly demonstrated a lifelong commitment to education, returning to his hometown of Centralia after a 20+ year teaching career in Michigan to serve as a KC trustee dedicated to student success. 

Both of these scholarships are awarded on an annual basis, and financial need is a factor of consideration. Recently, the Kaskaskia College Foundation awarded over $374,000 through 395 scholarships for the 2022-23 academic year. 

“Establishing scholarships like the Knights endowments are a wonderful way to honor loved ones, legacies, and more – while helping worthy students at the same time,” said Craig Finke, President of the Kaskaskia College Foundation. 

Contributions and donations may be made via the Kaskaskia College Foundation to benefit any scholarship or college program or establish a new endowment to continue a loved one’s legacy. For more information, please contact Judy Hemker, KC Vice President of Administrative Services, at 618-545-3105 or jhemker@kaskaskia.edu.