OLNEY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Several people gathered at the Student Union Patio at Olney Central College on Wednesday to celebrate 60 years of education.
The event took place from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and included guest speakers President and Vice Chancellor for Business Operations Chris Simpson, Illinois Eastern Community Colleges Retired CEO Terry Bruce, and Olney Mayor Mark Lambird. Attendees also enjoyed refreshments and tours of the campus.
“OCC has a legacy of educational excellence and helping to put students on a path to success,” Simpson said. “If one looks at the leaders in Olney, Richland County, or throughout our region and beyond, that began their post-secondary education at OCC, it is an impressive list. There is no question that OCC has made a positive difference in the lives of students for 60 years.”
Known at the time as Olney Community College, the institution opened its doors to 154 students in 1963. OCC officially became a Class I college on July 1, 1968, and was renamed Olney Central College. OCC has since partnered with Lincoln Trail, Frontier Community, and Wabash Valley College to form what is now the Illinois Eastern Community Colleges District.
