Kaskaskia College and Bradford National Bank Announce Transformational 15-Year Partnership Supporting Students, Community, and the Future of Education

CENTRALIA, Ill. - Kaskaskia College and Bradford National Bank have announced a landmark 15-year partnership that will provide significant support for student success, educational opportunities, and the long-term growth of the college and its foundation. The agreement includes a major endowment commitment, annual funding for the KC Now Scholarship Program, and naming rights to the college's arena, which will become the Bradford National Bank Arena.

The historic agreement represents one of the most significant collaborations between Kaskaskia College and a regional financial institution. Through a combination of annual support and long-term investment, the partnership will help expand educational access, reduce financial barriers for students, and strengthen resources that benefit the entire region.

The newly named Bradford National Bank Arena will serve as a highly visible symbol of the shared commitment both organizations have made to the communities they serve. The facility hosts athletic competitions, campus events, community gatherings, academic ceremonies, and special programs that welcome thousands of visitors each year.

In addition to naming rights, Bradford National Bank will provide ongoing support for the KC Now Scholarship Program, helping students pursue higher education while minimizing financial challenges. KC Now is a dual-credit initiative that allows local high school students to take select college-level courses at Kaskaskia College while still attending high school at a significantly reduced cost, earning transferable college credits before they graduate high school. This program is a lifeline to all students who attend high school in economically disadvantaged communities throughout the entire Kaskaskia College district. The partnership also includes the establishment of a long-term endowment designed to generate lasting support for future generations of Kaskaskia College students participating in the KC Now program.

"For nearly 160 years, Bradford National Bank has believed that strong communities are built through investment in people," said Michael Ennen, President and CEO of Bradford National Bank. "Education is one of the most powerful investments we can make. This partnership with Kaskaskia College reflects our commitment to creating opportunities for students, strengthening our region's workforce, and supporting an institution that continues to make a tremendous impact throughout Southern Illinois. We are honored to have our name associated with the Bradford National Bank Arena and proud to support the KC Now Scholarship Program and a permanent endowment that will benefit students for years to come."

Kaskaskia College officials noted that the partnership will help advance the college's mission of providing high-quality, affordable education while creating additional opportunities for students across the district.

"This partnership reflects a shared commitment to student success, educational excellence, workforce development, and the future strength of the communities we serve," said Kaskaskia College President George Evans. "Bradford National Bank understands that when students are given access to education, scholarships, and meaningful opportunities, the impact extends well beyond the classroom. It strengthens families, helps local employers build a skilled workforce, and creates new possibilities throughout our region. Bradford National Bank has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to Southern Illinois and to the many communities our organizations proudly serve together. We are deeply grateful for the bank's confidence in Kaskaskia College, its belief in our students, and its willingness to make an investment that will continue opening doors and changing lives for generations to come."

The agreement reflects a shared vision centered on educational achievement, workforce development, community engagement, and regional growth. Both organizations have long histories of serving Southern Illinois and are committed to ensuring that future generations have access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.

Additional details regarding the partnership, scholarship funding, and endowment initiatives will be announced in the coming months.

About Kaskaskia CollegeKaskaskia College is a comprehensive community college serving Southern Illinois through high-quality academic, career, and technical education programs. The college is committed to providing accessible and affordable educational opportunities that support student success and regional workforce development. For additional information on the many programs and services available through KC, visit www.kaskaskia.edu.

About Bradford National BankFounded in 1867, Bradford National Bank is a locally owned and managed community bank headquartered in Greenville, Illinois, with eight locations throughout Southern Illinois. As the 10th oldest bank in Illinois, Bradford provides a full range of personal, business, mortgage, wealth management, and trust services while maintaining a longstanding commitment to local decision-making, community involvement, and helping individuals, businesses, and communities thrive. For more information, visit www.bradfordbank.com.