Shawnee Celebrates 40th Anniversary

09/25/07

Governor Otto Kerner signed into law the Illinois Junior College Act in 1965. The Act brought the existing junior colleges under the jurisdiction of the Illinois Junior College Board rather than the common school system. The Act also made local and state financial support for junior college attendance applicable to all Illinois residents . . . and so Shawnee rose from the rolling hills, wetlands and forests to become the driving force of education, economics and community service for southernmost Illinois and beyond. Even for those few residents who have never taken a class or set foot on campus, everyone in the district has been affected, improved because Shawnee Community College is here.

Board of Trustees Chair Wesley Wright spoke during the celebration to a crowd of roughly 200 people.

"On behalf of the Board of Trustees I would like to let everyone know how we are proud of the college and all its successes for the last 40 years. As a graduate of Shawnee College, I know first-hand how much this college affects the region." Wright said. SCC President Dr. Larry Choate also spoke during the event and announced the unveiling of the new college logo during his presentation (see photo).

"Shawnee College has a wonderful history full of exciting times, and a great 40 years of educating the community. We are looking forward to the future, which we think will be our best times." Choate said.

The slideshow presentation from the 40th Anniversary is available on the school's web site, www.shawneecc.edu.