OCC Director of Choral Activities Dr. Andrew Pittman and his students will present their 2021 Spring Concert at 7 p.m. April 30 in the Dr. John D. Stull Performing Arts   Center.   “I’m looking forward to the concert and I know the students are too,” said Pittman. “It’s a way for the students to show what they have been working on.” Pittman’s students last performed in December 2019, just prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Olney Central College student Stephanie Blake is the recipient of a $1,000 Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship from Eastern Illinois University. “I was very surprised,” Blake said of her selection. “It is a very competitive scholarship and I was very excited to receive it.” The scholarship is awarded to students transferring from a community college with an associate’s degree and a GPA of 3.75 or higher. Applicants also must demonstrate leadership skills and submit two letters of recommendation. While attending OCC,

The West Richland Center in Noble will host an Open House from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 21, showcasing the Olney Central College programs located at the site. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the many programs and services offered to the community at the facility, located at 320 E. North Ave. Faculty and advisors will be available to answer questions and provide information about the programs.

Online Registration Form Youth in Grades K-8 can now register for the Blue Knight Basketball Spring Clinics at Olney Central College.

The Olney Central College Theater is excited to announce additional tickets are now available for its production of ‘Smokey Joe’s Café.” Under updated Illinois Phase 4 guidelines released by Gov. JB Pritzker on Thursday, seating capacity has been increased for the state's theatrical venues. Additional tickets for all performances are now on sale and may be purchased online at www.iecc.edu/occtheater. Performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. March 19, 20, 25, 26 and 27 and 2 p.m. March 21 and 28.

Students in the Information Systems Technology Program can sharpen their troubleshooting and repair skills through the new Computer Repair Shop at Olney Central College. Operated by IST students for the sole purpose of practice and learning, the Computer Repair Shop offers a wide range of services to the public including virus and malware removal, data transfer, hard drive backup, cleaning, Windows 10 Installation and custom builds. All services are provided at no cost.

Zeb Holder wanted to stay connected with his music students when the COVID-19 pandemic forced school closures last spring. While he couldn’t be with his students in person, the Olney Central College alum began recording and sharing video lessons three days a week through YouTube and his Facebook page, Mr. Holder’s Music Room.

Summer and fall registration is now open at Olney Central College. Schedules for both are available at www.iecc.edu/occ. OCC offers transfer and technical programs in today’s top fields. Programs accepting students for fall include Automotive Service Technology, Collision Repair, Information Systems Technology and Cosmetology. Beginning Fall 2021, OCC will offer Unmanned Aerial Technology and a Welding and Fabrication Associate Degree.

David Abell will share his real-world business and marketing experience during Olney Central College’s eight-week Introduction to Business course.

The Olney Central College Theater was just a week away from presenting Mamma Mia last spring when the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown not only its performances, but shows across the country.   “I feel so sorry that our audience didn’t get to see all the hard work the Mamma Mia cast put in,” said OCC Theater Director Jon Wright. “That will be the first production we do once everything returns to normal and we are able to do our shows with a normal size cast.” In the meantime, Wright is excited to bring Smokey Joe’s Café to the Ruth Henry Stage.