Renowned author, storyteller, museum consultant and naturalist Brian “Fox” Ellis will present a special program as John James Audubon at Olney Central College. The event, hosted by the Ridgeway Chapter of the Illinois Audubon Society, will be held at 1 p.m. on Sept. 26 in Dr. Kent Wattleworth Hall, Room 203. The program is free and open to the public, including OCC students, faculty and staff.

The Olney Central College Cosmetology and Nail Technology programs are excited to announce fall openings for client services.

Olney Central College alum Robert Wray engaged in cutting-edge research this sum-mer as an intern with the prestigious Genes, Ecosystems and Organisms REU at Harvard University. Wray, a senior zoology major at Southern Illinois University, was one of just 25 students selected — from more than 550 applicants nationwide — to participate in the Research Experience for Undergraduates.

Olney Central College Director of Choral Activities Dr. Andrew Pittman is excited to announce that the OCC Community Choir will start its 14th season with rehearsals at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 10. “Our holiday pop pieces were such a success last year,” Pittman said. “The choir really enjoyed them, and it was such fun. This year we will again feature a lighter fare.”

Illinois Eastern Community Colleges Nursing Program wishes to announce that it will host a site visit for continuing accreditation of its associate degree nursing program by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). You are invited to meet with the site visit team and share your comments about the program in person at a meeting scheduled at Olney Central College on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, from 4 to 5 p.m. in Dr. Kent Wattleworth Hall, Room 213 located at 305 N. West St, Olney, IL 62450.

Illinois Eastern Community Colleges is excited to announce FAFSA Fridays in August. Every Friday during the month, students may visit the Financial Aid Offices at Frontier Community, Lincoln Trail, Olney Central or Wabash Valley colleges to receive assistance filling out their FAFSA. The 2024-2025 FAFSA process has been even more challenging with the FAFSA Simplification Act, and these days are designed to make the process a little bit easier.

The Olney Central College Music Department is the recipient of an $18,000 Johnsie Fiock Fildes Foundation grant, which will benefit its new recording studio. “Because of the grant, we will be able to obtain higher end microphones and cables, all the stuff you would expect to be in a professional recording studio,” said OCC Director of Bands Wade Baker. “We’re excited and grateful to be selected to receive these funds.”

Olney Central College has been honored by University HQ in its ranking of the Top 25 Best Associate Degree Programs in Illinois. OCC secured the No. 9 spot in the 2024 ratings by the prominent independent online education organization. “Olney Central College is pleased to receive this No. 9 ranking from University HQ,” said OCC President and Vice Chancellor for Business Chris Simpson. “It is a testament to the high-quality educational experience we provide to our students and the commitment and dedication of the OCC faculty and staff.”

OLNEY, Ill. — Outstanding students at Olney Central College have received academic honors for the Spring 2024 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: Emma Gill and Isabel Shepherd Bellmont: Greta Claywell

Olney Central College student Landyn Piercefield was among the top finishers in the Southern Indiana Career and Technical Center Welding Competition in Evansville. The OCC sophomore captured second place in the Apprentice Category, which is open to those ages 18-22. “I really enjoyed the competition,” Piercefield said. “It shows you where you stand in comparison to other welders your age. I like seeing where I stand and trying to improve my skills.”