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.

Olney Central College Men’s Basketball will host Summer Youth Camps July 17-19 in the OCC Gym. The camps offer a unique opportunity for young basketball enthusiasts in Grades 2-8 to enhance their skills under the guidance of experienced OCC Men’s Basketball staff and players. The camps will provide campers with high-level instruction and training to develop their basketball abilities. The boys’ camp will meet from 8 a.m. to noon, with drop-off starting at 7:30 a.m. The girls’ camp will meet from 1 to 5 p.m., with drop-off starting at 12:30 p.m.

OLNEY, Ill. — Outstanding students at Olney Central College have received academic honors for the Spring 2023 Semester. Students named to the Chancellor’s List have attained a grade point average of 3.90 or higher, on a 4.0 scale. Those on the President’s List have achieved a grade point average between 3.75 and 3.89, while those students named to the Dean’s List have earned a grade point average between 3.50 and 3.74. Chancellor’s List: Albion: Addison Cowger and Diane Marie Ochate Bone Gap: Taylor Bogle

Olney Central College will host its Blue Knights Junior High Baseball Camp from 9 to 11:15 a.m. on Wednesday, June 19 at Dennis Conley Field. The camp is open to players in Grades 6-8. The cost is $50 payable the day of the event. Text 618-895-4315 to register.

Olney Central College held its 59th Commencement Ceremony on May 13, awarding more than 300 degrees and certificates. Graduates names are listed in the Commencement Program.

Olney Central College has added new Early Childhood Education classes for Fall 2023. ECD 1202 Childhood Teaching Techniques I will be offered from 9:30 to 10:50 a.m. on Wednesdays and 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays. ECD 1203 Health & Safety of Children will meet from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Wednesdays. ECD 1206 Developments in Early Childhood also will meet this fall, with dates and times to be determined. Instructors are Tina Staley and Kayla Reynolds.

Olney Central College’s 59th commencement exercises will begin at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 12 in the OCC Gymnasium. Friends and relatives of the graduates are invited to attend. OCC Interim President Roger Eddy will give the welcoming remarks and Dean of Instruction Dr.  Mike Conn will present candidates for degrees and certificates. Illinois Eastern Community Colleges Board of Trustees Member Brenda Culver will confer the more than 360 degrees and certificates being awarded this year. She also will give the “Charge to the Class.”

The Olney Central College combined Concert and Community Band will present its Spring Concert at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 5 in the Dr. John D. Stull Performing Arts Center. The evening will feature pieces the band worked on in preparation for its audition for the Percy Grainger Wind Band Festival. The Grainger compositions include Irish Tune from County Derry, Children’s March and Lincolnshire Posy.