The Aspen Institute has named Olney Central College as one of the 150 institutions eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation's signature recognition of high achievement and performance among two-year colleges. The institutions selected for this honor stand out among more than 1,000 community colleges nationwide as having high and improving levels of student success as well as equitable outcomes for Black and Hispanic students and those from lower-income backgrounds.

Olney Central College will host its annual Meet the Knights event at 6 p.m. on Monday, October 23. Fans are encouraged to come out and support the Blue and Lady Knights as they prepare to kick off the 2023-2024 basketball season. The evening includes player introductions and court time for both the Blue and Lady Knights. An autograph session with the players will follow. Admission will be a Gatorade, Powerade, or any sports drink.

Spring registration is now open at Olney Central College. Call 618-395-7777 to schedule an appointment with an advisor. New students can apply online for free at www.iecc.edu/apply. The Spring 2024 schedule is available at www.iecc.edu/schedules.

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.