The Olney Central College Music Department’s Jazz and Concert bands will present their fall concert at 7 p.m. on Oct. 25 in the Dr. John D. Stull Performing Arts Center. The bands are under the direction of OCC Director of Bands Wade Baker. The Concert Band will perform pieces by renowned composers Richard Saucedo, Frank Ticheli and Brian Balmages while the Jazz Band will dazzle the audience with selections from the legendary Duke Ellington.

Olney Central College will host its first Fine Arts Day from noon to 2 p.m. on Oct. 27.

Olney Central College’s Summer 2023 LPN graduates achieved a perfect 100-percent pass rate on the NCLEX examination. “The pass rate for 2023 LPNs at Olney Central College is reflective of the hard work and dedication of our nursing faculty and students,” said IECC Dean of Health Professions Dr. Alani Frederick. “With an emphasis on clinical judgment and the application of nursing knowledge, the faculty at Olney Central are preparing students to work in a modern and complex healthcare environment.”

Register Now! Olney Central College invites high school seniors to learn more about OCC’s academic programs and college life during the annual Blue Preview on September 29. “This is a great opportunity for high school seniors to talk with faculty and current students one on one about their experience at OCC and everything our college has to offer,” said College Admission Representative Curtis Miller.

Registration Form Olney Central College Men’s Basketball will host its annual Blue Knight Golf Classic on Saturday, October 14 at the Richland Country Club in Olney. Registration and lunch will begin at 11:45 a.m. with tee-off set for 1 p.m.

Learn life-changing money management strategies with financial expert Dr. Linda Simpson during a lunch and learn event on Sept. 25 at Olney Central College. Simpson’s presentation Creating a New Money Mindset promotes financial goal setting, mindful and emotional spending and teaches individuals how to assess their own current financial situation. The goal is to assist individuals in understanding the reasons behind their money management behaviors and to help them build a solid, sustainable financial plan.

Olney Central College Director of Choral Activities Dr. Andrew Pittman is excited to announce that the OCC Community Choir will start its 13th season with rehearsals at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 12. After a fantastic performance of Vivaldi’s Gloria last year with orchestra, the OCC Community Choir will return with some lighter fare of Holiday Pop tunes and traditional favorites.

Olney Central College will host its 60th Anniversary Celebration from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, September 6 on the Student Union Patio. Guest speakers will include OCC’s newly installed President and Vice Chancellor for Business Operations Chris Simpson, Illinois Eastern Community Colleges Retired CEO Terry Bruce and Olney Mayor Mark Lambird.

Longtime Richland County educator and administrator Chris A. Simpson has been named Olney Central College President and Vice Chancellor of Business Operations for Illinois Eastern Community Colleges. Prior to joining OCC, Simpson served as the Superintendent of Schools for Richland County Community Unit 1, where he led the school district from 2019 until his retirement in June. In all, he spent nearly 25 years with the district including four years as assistant superintendent.

On June 30, an era will come to an end as Olney Central College Baseball Coach Dennis Conley retires after 43 years with the Blue Knights. When Conley started his coaching career at OCC, he was only a couple of years older than his players. In the intervening years, the Charleston native has devoted countless hours into building the college’s athletic programs and developing top-notch players both on the field and in the classroom.