Lincoln Land Community College, founded on Feb. 23, 1967 with the passage of a referendum establishing the Lincoln Land district, kicked off the celebration of its 50th anniversary on Friday, Aug. 19 at the annual Convocation for faculty and staff. A special guest was Bill Ames, the first student to enroll at LLCC. See an album of photos from Convocation.
Dr. Charlotte Warren, the college’s sixth president, spoke on the extensive impact of LLCC, noting that 301,636 students have earned college credit at LLCC since its inception. She announced that the 50th anniversary observance will continue through the fall and spring semesters, including these major activities and events:
50 Acts of Service – LLCC faculty, staff and students will participate in 50 volunteer service activities throughout the LLCC district.
Spotlight on 50 alumni – The LLCC Foundation will highlight the accomplishments of 50 distinguished alumni of the college.
Historic display of LLCC artifacts and photos – A display of historic LLCC objects, memorabilia and photos will open in February in the James S. Murray Gallery on the Springfield campus. Travelling exhibits will also be featured at LLCC Outreach Centers throughout the district.
Oral history project: Interviews are being conducted of individuals key to the history of LLCC, including Dr. Robert Poorman, the college’s first president, and Eldon Greenwood, a founding trustee.
Founders’ Day Celebration Feb. 18, 2017 – Beginning at 12:30 p.m. with the opening of a time capsule from 25 years ago and the sealing of a new capsule by Phi Theta Kappa student honor society, the celebration continues at 1 p.m. with a ceremony honoring LLCC’s founders. Attendees may then visit the historic display in the James S. Murray Gallery and attend homecoming basketball games, where the latest class of the LLCC Athletic Hall of Fame will be introduced.
Book on the history of LLCC – A book on the first 50 years of LLCC is currently being researched and written by Dr. Betty Workman, former instructor of English at LLCC. The book, to be published by the LLCC Press, will first be available for sale at the Founder’s Day Celebration.
History Conference – LLCC will host the Illinois State Historical Society’s annual conference April 20-22.
60s style LLCC Foundation Gala – The 11th annual LLCC Foundation Gala May 6 will feature a theme of the late 1960s, when LLCC was founded and opened.
Commencement – LLCC’s annual commencement May 12, 2017 will provide the culmination of the 50th anniversary observance.
More information on LLCC’s 50th anniversary celebration can be found at www.llcc.edu/50.