Olney Central College is ready for the startup of its new Welding and Fabrication Associate’s Degree next fall with the completion of a new state-of-the-art lab and classroom at the West Richland Center in Noble. The renovations are part of a Title III Grant initiative, which includes revamping OCC’s welding program to establish an Associate in Applied Science Degree. Work on the former high school welding shop began in June and wrapped up in August.

Lincoln Trail College’s Alpha Iota Epsilon Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society inducted its newest members at a ceremony on October 15. Phi Theta Kappa recognizes and encourages scholarship among two-year college students. An invitation for membership is extended to full-time students achieving at least a 3.5 grade point average. 

Olney Central College alumnus Mary Correll, of Wakefield, was recently named a Nurse of the Year by Deaconess Health System, receiving the Florence Nightingale Award for Deaconess Midtown Hospital. As stated in the award, “Florence Nightingale set the example of compassion, commitment to patient care and diligent hospital administration. This award is given in recognition of meritorious service of the nursing profession and is characterized by devotion, sincerity, dedication and compassion.“

Olney Central College is excited to announce it will offer an evening Welding and Cutting Certificate starting in Spring 2021. “This is such a great opportunity,” said Welding Specialist Maverick Fisher. “It’s a chance for high school seniors to get a jump on college. And, it’s especially helpful for someone who is working full-time and would like to pursue a career in welding, but can’t afford to give up their day job to come to college.”

Lincoln Trail College Academic Success Center Director Rena Gower will be visiting local libraries to talk about the College’s High School Equivalency Program, which is known as the GED Program.  Gower will be answering questions people may have about the program and to evaluate if there is enough interest to start classes away from Lincoln Trail College. “I’m also inviting people to share any obstacles they may have that are keeping them from taking the HSE class, “says Gower. “We want to try to meet the needs of our community and this type of information will be helpful.”

Lincoln Trail College Theater will present the two-person show by A R. Gurney, “Love Letters” October 23-25.

Lincoln Trail College will offer a Self-Defense for Women Class October. 21 from 6-7 PM. Instructor Andy Bradbury will teach three-to-four techniques that can be used to protect yourself from danger. The cost of the class is $10 and it is free for full-time Lincoln Trail College students. People can register for the class by calling 618-544-6857.

Tara Gallion has announced the cast list for Lincoln Trail College’s 2020 Fall production, “A Delightful Quarantine.” Mark Dunn’s 2006 comedy asks the question of what it would be like to be confined with people you don’t really know after strange visitors leave behind a deadly disease that leaves seven separate households unexpectedly quarantined. 

Olney Central College is offering several fall mid-semester classes starting Oct. 16. Mid-semester courses are ideal for students who may have dropped a class this fall or for those who want to complete a course in just 8 weeks. Students looking to earn a humanities credit will have the opportunity to enroll in ART 1141 Cinema Appreciation with Instructor Heather Sandy. This is the first time the course has been offered in an 8-week format.

Illinois Eastern Community Colleges Chancellor Dr. Ryan Gower is encouraging prospective students to apply to Frontier Community College, Lincoln Trail College, Olney Central College, or Wabash Valley College before October 30. Students that apply before the priority deadline will be first in line for scholarships offered by each of the four colleges.