History of Lake Land College

Data Book

1960-1969

JULY 1, 1965– Idea of a junior college is first discussed: At a regular meeting of the Eastern Illinois Area of Special Education (EIASE) – an organization formed in 1961 that was comprised of 33 local school districts’ superintendents- the idea of a junior college was first discussed.
Video – Dr. Webb discusses the idea of a junior college.

JULY 15, 1965– The Public Junior College Act passed by the Illinois General Assembly: Recognizing the need for affordable higher education, occupational and technical training, and adult retraining opportunities, this key legislation is passed in Illinois.
Video – Public Jr. College Act

SEPT. 23, 1965– Clem Phipps named chairman of the Eastern Illinois Area Junior College Steering Committee: A local businessman and University of Illinois graduate, Clem Phipps believed that junior colleges were the single most important thing to happen to education in a decade. As chairman, Phipps identified counties interested in being part of the Lake Land College district, a possible location of the campus, and rallying public support for the school.

Video – Clem Phipps named chairman

JAN. 12, 1966– Eastern Illinois Area Junior College Steering Committee presents results of a public opinion survey and produces a resolution to create a junior college in the district: The resounding support for the idea of a junior college in the area compelled Virgil H. Judge and others to begin immediately drafting a formal resolution to bring a school to the area.

SEPT. 24, 1966– Referendum vote creating Lake Land College district passes: Residents in thirteen school districts approved the creation of a junior college in the East Central Illinois area.
Video – Referendum vote creating Lake Land College district passes

NOV. 22, 1966– First Board of Trustees members elected to office: The seven candidates elected were Arthur Culumber (Tower Hill), Floyd Curl (Neoga), Robert Johnston (Shelbyville), Dr. LE McNeil (Toledo), Thomas Nolan (Oakland), Clem Phipps (Mattoon), and Edward Resch (Casey). A week later, at the group’s first meeting, Clemm Phipps and Floyd Curl were elected board chairman and secretary, respectively.

Video – First Board of Trustees elected

JAN. 9, 1967– Virgil H. Judge named college’s first president: Prior to Lake Land College, Judge had been a teacher, principal, and superintendent; president of various professional organizations, including the Illinois Association of County Superintendent of Schools and the Illinois Association of School Administrators and chairman of the EIASE.

Video – Virgil H. Judge is named president of Lake Land College

JAN. 16, 1967– First administrators hired at Lake Land College
Video – First administrators hired at Lake Land College

FEB. 1, 1967– College’s first administrators, including staff and service personnel, are hired: Robert Webb, superintendent of the Shelbyville school system, was named Vice President. The Dean of Arts and Sciences was Thomas Deem, and Dale Roberts was named as the college’s Dean of Vocational-Technical Education.

FEB. 2, 1967– Community organizers officially name school: At a meeting at the Eastern Illinois Junior College, the board unanimously named the school “Lake Land College.”

APR. 1, 1967– College’s first faculty interviewed and hired: Lake Land College hired a total of 24 full-time faculty members to instruct the first students at the college. The first ever faculty faced many unique challenges and opportunities, including the creation of course outlines, selecting and securing textbooks, and the purchase of necessary equipment.
Video – College’s first faculty interviewed and hired

MAY 1, 1967– Richard Nichols of Cumberland High School is the first student to enroll at Lake Land College: With his Cumberland High School guidance counselor on hand, Nichols accepted in writing President Judge’s invitation to enroll at Lake Land. Nichols, like so many of the students who enrolled those first few years, was a vocational student seeking an Associate’s in Applied Sciences.

JUNE 30, 1967– President’s First Annual Report released: Documenting the school’s first-year achievements and outlining ten important long/short range goals were a few of the important sections in President Judge’s report. It also summarized the legislation that made the formation of junior colleges in the state possible, as well as the possibility of other communities being annexed into the LLC district.
Video – President’s First Annual Report

AUG. 28, 1967– College’s Christian Center creates school’s first controversy: After the board formally announced college support for a College Christian Center—in the form of chairs, tables, and other equipment when necessary—some residents and newspaper outlets were concerned that the move was possibly unconstitutional, violating the separation of church and state. Described as a “blunder” by the Decatur-Herald and Review, the administration and members of the Board assured citizens that no tax money would be spent on the project, and that students and local churches interested in supporting the center would be required to raise funds to pay for it. Phipps stated that it was not officially.

SEPT. 3, 1967– Parent-student assembly occurs at Mattoon’s National Guard Armory: This convocation served as Lake Land College’s first official college event and President Virgil H. Judge unveiled the athletic teams’ name, the “Lakers,” as well as the school’s colors. The board of trustees and the upcoming bond referendum was also presented.

SEPT. 6, 1967– Lake Land College opens its doors to the first class of students: Classes begin in short-term buildings and 629 students are enrolled for classes in Lake Land College’s first semester.

Video – Classes begin

OCT. 1, 1967– First Student newspaper published: Originally named “Lake Land Press,” Lake Land College’s first newspaper publication included a President’s Column, a story about the school’s first-ever social event, and information for young men concerned with the draft. Steve Daughtry served as the Press’ editor and Joan Raymer and Clifton DeBates served as advisors.

Video – First student newspaper published

OCT. 10, 1967– Location for permanent campus announced: The Lake Land College Board chose to place Lake Land’s campus three miles south of Mattoon after considering a total of eleven locations.

Video – Location for permanent campus

NOV. 12, 1967– Formal dedication of Lake Land College takes place: In the Mattoon Armory, representatives from Eastern Illinois University, the University of Illinois, and the State of Illinois’ Vocational and Rehabilitation Department congratulated the administration, faculty, and staff on their work at bringing a college to the area. Robert Johnston was the master of ceremonies, while the formal dedications were given by Board Chairman Clem Phipps and President Virgil Judge.

NOV. 28, 1967– Lake Land College basketball team plays their first game: The first-ever Lake Land College sporting event was played at the Central Junior High School gym in Mattoon. The first game was a victory- HOORAY!- and the Lakers won 86-58 against Chanute AFB. Head Coach Jim Dudley, who also served as the school’s first Athletic Director, led the team to a 20-1 record during the first season, including an undefeated streak of 20 games and a game with a nearly 100-point margin of victory.

Video – Former basketball coach Jim Dudley

DEC. 2, 1967– District voters approve building referendum: Knowing that the provisions of the Community College Act required a junior college district generate 25% of the funds needed to pay for constructing permanent buildings, the board asked voters to approve a $3,910,000 bond issue. This figure reflected the college’s master plan, produced by two different architectural firms: John Shaver and Company from Salina, Kansas, and Philips, Swager, and Associates of Peoria, Illinois. Using projection figures to 1987, the firms’ plan determined 312,500 gross square feet would be required to adequately serve the educational needs of current and future Lake Land students.
Video – Building referendum approved

MAR. 28, 1968– North Central Association grants Correspondent Status on the school: After earning Class I junior college status by the state in July 1967 and receiving approval from the Office of the Superintendent in August of the same year, faculty, staff, and administrators initiated the important accreditation process. Key to securing state and federal funds for construction and classroom equipment, as well as satisfying standards at the six directional universities in the state, the Correspondent Status was imperative to beginning the four-year process towards full accreditation.

Video – Correspondent status granted

AUG. 18, 1968– First Commencement held at Mattoon’s First Baptist Church: Seventy-nine graduates, mostly in the practical nursing and associate of science areas, earned the first degrees bestowed by the college. Illinois Senator Paul Simon gave the commencement address, followed by a reception for graduates and their families immediately after the ceremony.

MAR. 23, 1969– Ground-breaking for First Phase of the Campus Master Plan: The ground-breaking ceremony formally marked the beginning of construction on four campus buildings: the Northwest and Northeast classrooms, the library, and the power house.

APR. 1, 1969- First Lake Land College baseball game played: Although the team lost a close game by the score of 3-2 to the Lynxes of Lincoln, it is important because of the “firsts” it included: the first base hit by a Laker (a single by right fielder Kerry Atwood from Decatur); the first strikeout by a Laker pitcher (Warren Schmidgall from Armington); and the first game coached by eventual hall-of-famer Gene Creek. The team won its second contest of the season 7-6, and finished the season a respectable 15-13.

Video – Coach Gene Creek

1970-1979

APR. 13, 1970– Tenure policy adopted by the LLC Board.: The policy governing tenure followed a year of committee work that examined how best to evaluate student performance. Using supervisory-, self-, and student-evaluations, the approach emphasized the value of reflection on teaching methods as a way to improve students retention of information.

Video – Tenure policy adopted

SEPT. 23, 1970– Lake Land College Foundation is organized: After receiving a certificate of incorporation from Illinois’s Secretary of State, 40 people from across the district met to elect foundation officers and establish an active organization. Mrs. James Honnold was elected the Foundation’s first president and the cabinet consisted of Tim Helton, Dean of Business Affairs, and Dr. Webb.

MAR. 11, 1971– Ribbon cutting ceremony for Phase I: There were nearly 100 people at the official opening of the permanent campus to students. The circular buildings, which Board Chairman Clem Phipps described as “an innovation in educational institutions,” would soon welcome over 350 individuals and groups excited to tour the new campus, most notably the Learning Resource Center.

MAR. 25, 1971– Lake Land College Alumni Association organized: The Alumni Association’s main objectives included maintaining connections to the faculty, staff, and administration after graduation. Lake Land College was one of the first community colleges in the state of Illinois to have an Alumni Association and the first president was Bob Logsdon of Mattoon.

SEPT. 12, 1971– Phase I building dedication in Virgil H. Judge’s honor: On a warm Sunday afternoon, almost 2,000 people attended a ceremony officially opening the college’s library. The Virgil H. Judge Learning Resource Center was named in honor of the then current president, who was instrumental in bringing a community college to the area. Those attending the event toured the new building, listened to a planned program by community leaders, and met members of the Lake Land College staff.

SEPT. 1, 1972– Virgil H. Judge formally retires and Dr. Robert Webb is named President-elect: After five years as Lake Land College’s first president, Virgil H. Judge retires. Judge’s leadership had been instrumental in the creation of the school and its focus on vocational education. At the time of appointment, Dr. Webb made it a priority to develop challenging academic programs, a master building plan, and careful preparation for an upcoming accreditation visit.

MAR. 30, 1973– College granted full accreditation status: In a decision that was described as “landmark” by college publications, the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools granted Lake Land College full accreditation status. Dr. Webb credited all members of the college for assisting the approval.

Video – Granted full accreditation status

APR. 9, 1973– Lake Land College declares “Perry Hines Day” at the school: Perry Hines was Lake Land College’s first basketball player ever to be named to the NJCAA’s All-American team. Hines held numerous records at Lake Land College, including the all-time scoring title of 1,534 points. Dr. Webb declared April 9 as “Perry Hines” day and presented a plaque to Hines during a ceremony at a regularly scheduled Board of Trustees meeting.

Video – Perry Hines Day

MAY 1, 1973– Nature trail being developed: Spearheaded by faculty members Denny Gathman and Dr. Donald Garren, a nature trail that surrounds the college is being planned. It begins with a plaque listing the names of people who donated resources, money, or time to the trail, which has various markers where visitors can stop to read about the different native trees and vegetation. Although never built, “a small rustic amphitheatre” was planned for the trail that faculty from all disciplines could use for their classes.

SEPT. 10, 1973– John Turner named first student trustee to the Lake Land College Board of Trustees: A Marshall, Illinois native, Turner won an election that included eight other candidates. Turner was also a member of the Student Senate and Ecology Club, as well as President of the Pre-Professional Club.

APR. 19, 1974– Clem Phipps retires from LLC Board: A special program was held in Phipps’ honor, which included speeches from President Webb and former President Judge, the ICCTA’s Executive Secretary L.H. Horton, Jr., and President of the LLCFA. After serving on the Board since its inception—most notably as a member of the EIASE’s steering committee—Phipps decided to step down. Phipps, who had been Chairman of the Board for five years, said that his service to LLC had “been the most interesting and rewarding experience” of his life.

SEPT. 7, 1974– Phase II building dedication: The dedication for the Phase II building began with the playing of the National Anthem, was highlighted by a keynote address by Illinois Governor Daniel Walker, and concluded with a benediction by Father W. Spriggs. The college officially opened three new buildings including the Health and Activity Center (aka, the Field House), the Vocational Technical Building, and the Northwest Classroom Building.

MAR. 18, 1975– Lake Land College men’s basketball team wins first-ever Illinois state title: In a win over Belleville junior college at the State Regional tournament, the Lakers secured their first state title. The Lakers finished the season with an impressive 30-3 record.

Video – Basketball team wins 1st ever Illinois state title

APR. 12, 1975– Mary Hill Dobbs, first woman Board Member, is elected to first term: A longtime resident of Cumberland County, social worker, and graduate of Eastern Illinois University, Dobbs was an outspoken and well-respected member of the Board. She served as Chairperson of the school’s Board and of the Illinois Community College Trustees Association.

Video – Mary Hills Dobbs was elected the first female board member

July 1, 1976-Leland Glazebrook named to first term on Board of Trustees (July 1, 1976): A Sullivan resident who was known in the area for his ties to education (he first served on the school board for the Fisher School system) and his farm radio programs (first with WLBH and eventually the Illinois Corn-Soybean Network, which he helped organize), Glazebrook would eventually serve on the LLC Board for over three decades. In that time, he has served as its Secretary and Chairman, as well as received countless awards at the state level.

JULY 26, 1976– Leland Glazebrook named to first term on Board of Trustees: Glazebrook was a Sullivan resident who was known in the area for his ties to education and his farm radio programs. Glazebrook would eventually serve on the Lake Land College Board for over three decades. and in that time, he served as its Secretary and Chairman.

SEPT. 8, 1976– Twenty-five thousandth student enrolls at Lake Land College: An Effingham High School graduate with a medical technology major, Julie Barton became Lake Land College’s 25,000th student to enroll at the school. President Dr. Webb presented her with a plaque while she was in the registration line. The college enrolled 3,980 students this semester with the most notable increase of classes in the vocational-technical programs.

SEPT. 28, 1976– Two college referendum proposals turned down by voters: By a nearly 2 to 1 margin, voters in the district defeated two propositions meant to increase funds for classroom construction and vocational-technical equipment among other things. The reasons for the bond issue and tax increases were based on inflation and a 16% drop in funding from the state, according to then Board of Trustees chairman Thomas Donnell from Mattoon.

NOV. 13, 1977– New college center dedication: Lake Land College adds 28,000 square feet to Lake Land College’s campus. The new College Center included a theater, cafeteria, student union, and offices for administrators.

DEC. 4, 1977– Virgil H. Judge, LLC’s first president, died: A few months after the 10th anniversary of the college’s opening, its first president died unexpectedly. Judge’s educational career spanned nearly five decades. Condolences and tributes came from numerous sources: The Journal Gazette, for instance, praised him for guiding “the college through [its] difficult formative years,” while Board of Trustee member Bob Johnston believed “[h]is hand on the helm of the ship of Lake Land College meant strength and courage to us all . . .”

SEPT. 7, 1978– Honors program established at Lake Land College: The new program, supervised by chemistry instructor Joe Hanley, initially accepted about 20 students. The college worked strategically to set aside scholarship opportunities for future honors students who were in the top ten percent of their graduating class or earned a certain score on the ACT test as well.

DEC. 15, 1979– Referendum passes: A special election called by the Board of Trustees resulted in a 15.5 cent tax rate that went into the school’s general educational fund. The election came after a recommendation was made by a Board-appointed task force made up of faculty, administrators, students, and staff. The college was facing a financial crisis, a major concern that had been earlier outlined by a North Central Association report, which stated that “current and projected incomes of the college” were “endangered unless additional income is uncovered.” The referendum passed with 4,339 “yes” votes and only 1,255 “no” votes.

1980-1989

JAN. 14, 1980– Lake Land College Center for Business and Industry is established through funding from the college and local businesses.

DEC. 12, 1980– Dunker Duck, Lake Land College’s unofficial mascot, makes his debut: At the beginning of that year’s Laker Classic Basketball Tournament, Dunker Duck (a.k.a. Tim Zahrn, a Civil Engineering student), sprang from a cardboard box adorned with Christmas decorations at half court, thus introducing the College’s new mascot to fans. Dunker Duck, who was voted on by students in a survey organized by cheerleader sponsor Melinda Gill, beat out a “Popeye-like” sailor, and was designed by an art student who donated his illustrations to the school. The “dunk” part of his name was coined by Wally Taylor, Division Chairperson of the English Department, since all the players on the men’s team were able to easily dunk the ball during games. During the season, Dunker Duck was used in a variety of ways, including as a goodwill ambassador who visited local schools and nursing homes. The name behind the costume was a secret throughout the entire basketball season, however, until that year’s annual athletic banquet, when his true identity was unveiled.

NOV. 29, 1981– Founders’ Day celebrates the college’s 15 years of service.

NOV. 18, 1982– The Laker men’s basketball team welcomes a new coach, Wayne Lockett, who became affectionately known as “Digger.” Lockett served the longest term of any coach before him.

MAY 23, 1983– LLC tennis team places 11^th at NJCAA Men’s National Tennis Tournament: The team’s average GPA was 3.65, and many of the student’s course work was in the sciences.

NOV. 14, 1983– Dr. Robert Webb informs BOT of his intent to retire: After 12 years as LLC’s 2nd president, Dr. Webb announced his resignation to not only take advantage of the school system’s early retirement program, but also pursue other personal and professional interests, including a run as the Democratic nominee for State Representative in the 106th District. August 31, 1984 was his official date of resignation, but he planned to leave before that by using accumulated sick leave and vacation days, as well as making a smoother transition for the incoming president, who was yet to be named. Before coming to Lake Land, Dr. Webb was superintendent of Shelbyville schools, during which time he served on various citizens committees during the College’s formative years. Presiding over the Illinois community college with the lowest operating tax budget despite successful/unsuccessful referendums attempts, Dr. Webb focused on increasing student enrollment and identifying public services and State grant opportunities.

JULY 1, 1984– David Schultz becomes Lake Land College’s 3rd President. Before coming to Lake Land College, Schultz had served as the vice president at Lincoln Land College, the assistant to the president at Muskegan Community College (Michigan), and a high ranking administrator for both Central Michigan University and Michigan State.

AUG. 27, 1984– College changes from quarters to semesters: This improved transferability to four-year universities for students, and streamlined financial aid distribution.

SEPT. 15, 1984– Consolidated Communications’s holds the 1^st Special Olympics Family Festival (SOFF) on College grounds: More than 225 Special Olympians joined over 750 volunteers on this day.

NOV. 15, 1984– Partners in Adult Literacy (PAL) program begins: Lake Land College worked with Mattoon Area Adult Education Center on the new academic initiative.

NOV. 5, 1985– Tax referendums fail: Citing “one of the lowest total operating rates” in Illinois—LLC ranked 30th out of 39 community colleges—a decreased tax revenue base, and a tax rate that had remained the same since 1979, school officials aggressively sought voter approval for a 12 cent tax increase. The College’s attempt to generate money for its Education Fund and its Operations, Building and Maintenance Fund failed badly: The education fund referendum failed by a vote of 15,358 “against” the increase and 5,137 for it, while the building fund referendum lost with a vote of 15,920 “against” and 4,303 “for.” The College insisted the increases were necessary to prevent limiting enrollment to certain programs, the continued use of obsolete technologies, and the deterioration of outdated buildings.

AUG. 22, 1986– New College Fitness Center opens: Described as a “super-circuit physical fitness center,” the Field House’s newest edition included two “aerobicycles” and more than 20 pieces of Universal cross-training equipment.

SEPT. 22, 1986– Lake Land College Faculty Association and Lake Land College Secretarial Association go on strike: For the first time in the school’s history, a work stoppage occurred at Lake Land, effecting about 3,400 students. On campus classes were cancelled; classes taught by adjuncts at extension centers continued, although efforts by the LLCFA to persuade part-timers to honor the picket lines generally worked. Faculty asserted that the College’s increased student enrollment, as well as its rank of 32 out of the 39 community colleges in the state regarding salaries, required due compensation. The administration’s chief negotiator, Goble Jessup, however, countered that earlier offers (e.g., July) were in line with projected salary increases made by the Board. Contracts for both Associations were ratified on October 23rd, a joint decision made by both unions as a sign of solidarity.

MAY 17, 1987– Lake Land College celebrates 20^th Anniversary. Hooray!

JUNE 30, 1987– David Schultz’s nearly three-year term as president officially comes to an end: Announced earlier that year at a Board of Trustees meeting—July 13, 1987—President Schultz said the chance to take advantage of the State’s early retirement program was an important factor in his decision to resign, as was his sense that it was “time for a change” for both Lake Land and himself. During his tenure, the College enjoyed consecutive years of student enrollment growth, a reduction in its deficit, and new, innovative marketing approaches. Bill Rich, Vice President of Academic Services, served as the College’s interim president after Schultz’s departure.

OCT 13, 1987– New “No Smoking” Policy Takes Effect: Although the policy—which would allow smoking in designated locations in all campus buildings but prevent it in bathrooms and classrooms—would take some time to fully implement, it was still an attempt by the College to reflect a growing national trend. The decision to implement the change was based on the recommendation of a 14-person task force assigned to investigate the issue and then report its findings to the Board; the committee’s chairperson was Mike Nauta, a full-time instructor from the Social Science Division.

JULY 1, 1988– Dr. Robert K. Luther is named Lake Land College’s 4th President: Dr. Luther left a long-lasting legacy at Lake Land College that students will feel for decades to come.

JULY 11, 1988– Child Care Lab groundbreaking: Although it was designed to offer students real world experiences in their study of choice—similar to those afforded students in the dental and cosmetology programs—the Child Care Lab was not fully supported by all BOT members. Leland Glazebrook, the Lab’s most vocal opponent, for example, worried that the program was not self-sustainable. On the other hand, Mary Hill Dobbs believed it was an academic program worth the investment, and felt it could be “cost effective” if enough children were enrolled. Construction cost for the building was estimated to be $138,000; a formal dedication ceremony for the Lab occurred later that year (October 10), with its doors officially opening a week later on October 17th.

JAN. 12, 1989– The new Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Program is introduced: The program was coordinated and directed by Marilyn Thompson, and possessed more rigorous admission standards than other college curriculum.

FEB. 14, 1989– The Strategic Planning Committee is formed: Although “Master Plans” that examined future issues of concern to the College—like facility, site, and staffing challenges—had been produced since the College’s inception, the Strategic Planning Committee formalized this process by establishing a standing college committee. Designed by Dr. Luther as a means “to move forward in the establishment of priorities for the college,” the committee, ideally, met this mission by hearing ideas and suggestions from all community and college constituents, like the need to reeducate and retrain citizens in the district, which was one of the committee’s first main objectives.

APR. 10, 1989– Lake Land College welcomes first men’s basketball coach, Jim Dudley, back to coach the team. Go Lakers!

1990-1999

SEPT. 21, 1990– Paris Nursing Education Center opens: The Paris Nursing Center had been in three different buildings at one point, and the new center allowed students to earn their Associates Degree in Nursing in one singular place.

APR. 2, 1991– Tax referendum fails: The College asked voters to approve a 17 cent tax rate increase (12.5 cents for the Educational Purposes Fund and 4.5 cents for the Operation and Maintenance of Facilities Purposes Fund). The proposed increase would not have actually increased a person’s tax rate, however, because 18.66 cents of the then current tax levy was set to end in 1991, a fact the College underscored when the issue was raised by concerned voters. The campaign’s unrelenting efforts—which included flyers, mailings, phone banks, newspaper ads, informational speeches, and a “Referendum Review” newsletter paid for by Citizens for Lake Land College Tax Transfer Referendum Committee, all of which were designed by Public Relation’s 100-plus page manual titled Tax Referendum Action Plan—ultimately failed by a 5-3 margin due to a grass roots movement organized only a few weeks before the election.

NOV. 5, 1991– Tax referendum fails: The late fall tax referendum that requested a 12.5 cent increase to the College’s Educational Purposes Fund was soundly defeated. Like the tax referendum that was defeated earlier that year in April, a continued dislike for any type of tax increase by people in the LLC district made it clear to school officials that other revenue sources and budget cuts would have to be identified, despite the vocal support of local educators, LLC students, and newspaper editors who favored the increase.

SEPT. 6, 1992– Lake Land College celebrates 25^th Anniversary.

FEB. 16, 1993– John Deere and Lake Land College form a partnership: Lake Land began offering an Ag. Tech. Program meant to prepare graduates to become future John Deere dealership technicians, as well as retrain current dealership employees.

OCT. 26, 1993– Lake Land College Kluthe Center ground-breaking: The Kluthe Center was the school’s first permanent extension center, and the ground-breaking ceremony was an exciting event for the entire Effingham community. The building included ten classrooms, several distance learning labs, and three computer labs.

APR. 20, 1994– Illinois Prairie Higher Education Consortium (IPHEC) dedication and ceremony: The creation of the IPHEC was a response to a report completed in 1992 by the Illinois Community College Board’s Task Force on Telecommunication, which examined the need and feasibility of interactive distance learning systems. However, it required the funding and support of many groups, like State officials in Springfield, local K-12 superintendents, community college and four-year university presidents, and area businesses, like Consolidated Communications, which donated $440,000 to the initiative in July of 1993. The idea behind distance learning was simple: accessibility to education for various community constituents. At the dedication ceremony formally unveiling the new network, which took place simultaneously at three other locations (Charleston, Effingham, and Springfield), Dr. Luther, LLC President, served as the Master of Ceremonies, with Ken Beno, TV/Radio Instructor and Distance Learning Coordinator, offering a demonstration to the various honored guests. At the time of the ceremony, LLC was already offering 14 distance learning classes in a variety of disciplines.