John A. Logan College Board of Trustee member, Dr. Glenn Poshard, and his wife, Jo, have donated $110,000 to establish the Jo and Glenn Poshard Scholarship Endowment with the John A. Logan College Foundation. The scholarship will be awarded annually to an incoming freshman who, upon completing their studies at JALC, plans to transfer to Southern Illinois University. Scholarship awards will be dedicated to a traditional or nontraditional student in the John A. Logan College district with a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade-point average.
According to Glenn, it was the couple's lifelong dedication to education and a belief in the mission of John A. Logan College as well as the future of southern Illinois that drove the decision to establish the scholarship.
"We wanted to establish this scholarship because Jo and I both believe in John A. Logan College, and we are proud of the quality education that students receive here," said Glenn. "We also believe in southern Illinois, and we not only want students to be able to attend John A. Logan College and SIU but also to have the opportunity to stay in southern Illinois after graduation."
John A. Logan College Foundation Executive Director Staci Shafer believes that it is that belief in John A. Logan College and the future of southern Illinois that makes the establishment of this endowment about more than just charity.
"This gift exemplifies the passion that Glenn and Jo Poshard have for improving the lives of people in our community," said Shafer. "Their gift will benefit and affect the lives of so many here in southern Illinois, that is why this isn't just about charity, but about investing in the community.
"Glenn and Jo Poshard are educators, and for all they have accomplished and done for southern Illinois, their passion has always been education and helping others," said John A. Logan College President Dr. Ron House. "We are grateful for this generous donation and the example that Glenn and Jo Poshard continue to be to all of us."
Glenn served as the SIU System President from 2006-2014. He is also a former Illinois State Senator (1984-88) and United States Congressman (1989-99). In 1998 he was the Democratic nominee for Governor. Jo spent 20 of her 34 years in public education teaching third grade at Carterville Grade School.
Jo stated that the long-standing relationship between the couple and the College is why they felt that it was the best place to start the scholarship.
"It has been a great privilege for us to partner with John A. Logan College and our Foundation for abused children for nearly twenty-two years," stated Jo. "Glenn served as the assistant to the President in 1999, and now as a member of the Board of Trustees. Through these partnerships, we have enjoyed our work with this excellent institution, and we look forward to providing additional support in the future for this scholarship and the students who will benefit from these funds."
Glenn added that the partnership between John A. Logan College and the Poshard Foundation has benefited educators and professionals.
"Thousands of educators and other professionals have attended seminars and trainings at John A. Logan College sponsored by the Poshard Foundation, at no cost to participants, over the past two decades; we look forward to continuing these types of activities and many others."
Glenn and Jo Poshard established The Poshard Foundation for Abused Children in 1999. John A. Logan College has and continues to provide office space for the Foundation that is dedicated to healing abused children physically and emotionally and to stop child abuse. The Foundation has created many rewarding relationships with individuals, agencies, and organizations in southern Illinois, as well as statewide, by providing funding for children in crisis when other funds are not available.
For more information, contact John A. Logan Foundation Executive Director Staci Shafer at stacishafer@jalc.edu.
