Parkland College will be kicking off their year-long 50th anniversary celebration on March 14th at 12:00 p.m in the Illini Union.
From their press release:
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Parkland College will kick off a yearlong commemoration of its golden anniversary this Monday at noon with a brief program for students, faculty, retirees, staff and donors in the Student Union.
A video highlighting memorable moments at Parkland, presentations from college trustees and administrators, and a declaration by the mayors of Champaign and Urbana will be included in the kickoff. Additionally, attendees will take a group photo in the Student Union atrium.
The kickoff is one of many occasions the college will take to recognize Parkland’s history, milestones, and benefits to District 505 communities. A website dedicated to its 50th anniversary will host a calendar of events as well as stories and perspectives from notable alumni and community residents.
“We have an exciting year of events planned that look back with appreciation at 50 years of student success and service in helping our communities grow and develop,” said Ellen Schmidt, executive director of the Parkland College Foundation, which is spearheading the celebration.
Parkland College was approved by voters in March 1966 and opened its doors to students in 1967. At the time, few would have foreseen the tremendous value the community college’s technical, career, and academic programs would hold for its district, according to college President Thomas Ramage.
For Parkland’s first fall enrollment of 1,338 students, classes were held in leased buildings in downtown Champaign. Today, 20,000+ students annually engage in a wide array of activities and events at its permanent campus on Bradley Avenue, which opened in 1973. Along with its satellite center on Mattis Avenue, Parkland’s 255-acre campus has expanded since 2009 to include over 210,000 square feet of additional facility space for its Student Services, Applied Technology, Fine and Applied Arts, fitness and recreation, Athletics, and maintenance units and for food-service, lounge, and meeting areas.
Over the 50-year span, more than 320,000 individuals have pursued their dream of a better life through higher education at Parkland. The college is also a major employer for its district, generating millions in local sales and over 1,200 jobs.
“Parkland’s half-century of dedication to student success and to offering accessible, affordable, and comprehensive education and workforce training is well worth celebrating,” Ramage said.
Other 50th-anniversary initiatives at Parkland include:
’66 Ford MustangParkland College Foundation 50th Anniversary Gala, August 20: A mint-condition 1966 Ford Mustang, donated by FORD City in Champaign, will be raffled off on this special evening. Tickets for the raffle are $50 and will be available beginning Monday online or by calling 217- 351-2464.
50th Scholarship Challenge, yearlong: The foundation will be asking alumni, community leaders, and friends to help provide 50 new scholarship opportunities to deserving students through named or endowed scholarships.
50 Notable Alumni Recognition, yearlong: The Parkland College Alumni Association will highlight 50 notable alumni to echo the celebration of 50 years of Parkland. Anyone who completed a degree, started an educational journey, or earned job skills through Parkland is considered an alum.
District 505 festivals, parades, and gatherings, yearlong: Parkland College will engage community members throughout the district to increase awareness of its programs, locate alumni and meet constituents.