1960-1969

During the 1960s, the Chicago area underwent a complex transformation characterized by social and political activism and significant racial tensions, reflecting the era's broader cultural shifts and challenges.

Three basketball players pose for the camera while dribbling basketballs. — Members of Elgin Community College's 1960 basketball team are featured in this image. From left to right: Kent Duesing, Don Martin, and Bill Kappler.

Four students studying at a table in Renner hall library. — ECC opened its library called The Resources Center. The library's opening within this facility indicated the college's commitment to expanding its resources for students, faculty, and the community, marking a crucial milestone for its growth and academic resources.

Student shakes hands with Trustee Robert Hoffer at a graduation ceremony. — As ECC students succeeded, they inspired additional community members to pursue higher education, and ECC developed seven summer credit classes. Graduation celebrates 52 graduates from ECC. Trustee Robert Hoffer passes out the diplomas.

Four student graduates pose at graduation with a diploma stack. — The college applies for accreditation by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Interior photo of an ECC Building — Elgin Watch Company donates planetarium to ECC. This contribution to ECC exemplifies the spirit of philanthropy and community support, which has a lasting impact on the educational and cultural enrichment of the region. Tuition is $4 a semester hour.

Students in a classroom look at a globe — The Elgin Watch Company generously donates a planetarium to ECC, showcasing a remarkable display of philanthropy and community support. This contribution not only enhances the educational and cultural enrichment of the region but also leaves a lasting impact. Tuition at ECC stands at $4 per semester hour. It's noteworthy that ECC granted its inaugural Associate Degree the following year, in 1964.

1965 - Illinois Statewide System

The number of full-time faculty at ECC increased from fifteen to twenty. Mr. Renner played a role in establishing the Illinois Community College System (ICCS) in 1965 through the Illinois Public Community College Act. Enacted by the Illinois General Assembly, the Junior College Act created Class II Junior Colleges, primarily emphasizing vocational and technical education and prioritizing workforce preparation.

Eight uniformed ECC nurses take a group photo with a man in a suit in the middle. — ECC Nursing Program, which is a state-approved two-year program, begins with Bethel Olson as the first Director of the Nursing Program. Before such programs, nursing education often involved diploma programs offered by hospitals.

Two uniformed ECC nurses and a man in a tux look over a patient — In the 1960s, ECC nurses gathered at the hospital for clinical assignments, jointly reviewing patient records. Nowadays, patient records are managed through an electronic medical records (EMR) program.

Nursing director adjusts the collar of a student — Margaret Gabler, the esteemed Nursing Director at Elgin Community College (ECC), is captured in a photograph alongside two dedicated nursing students, Pam Benningfield and Laurie Benson. This memorable snapshot is part of the Illinois Digital Archives, offering a glimpse into the rich history of ECC's nursing program.

A student receives a uniform from a junior service board member. Two others are also seated in the room. — The inaugural class of the Nursing Program in 1965 is depicted during the fitting and ordering of student uniforms. In 1965, the first Nursing Program class was shown getting fitted. From left to right: Donna Kumeta (student), Donna Nichols (Junior Service Board), and Margaret Gabler (Nursing Program Director).

Seven District 509 Board members sit around a table and look towards the camera. — The First District 509 Board election occurred with the election of seven trustees: Robert Hoffer, chair; John Eshelman, secretary; Harry Blizzard; Paul Bolger; Richard Gromer; Joseph McCarthy; and Frieda Simon.

Two students look at an aerial shot of the campus. — The U-46 Board of Education votes to divest itself of Elgin Community College control. The state Board of Higher Education approves ECC's Class I Junior College designation, which is a more comprehensive community colleges that offer a wide range of academic and vocational programs, including transfer programs for students looking to pursue a bachelor's degree.

Renner on the construction site of Spartan Drive campus looks over plans with two architects and a vice president. — Junior College District 509 purchases a 100-acre Spartan Drive site from the city of Elgin for $51,050.10 to use for the new college campus. School District 300 (Dundee, Carpentersville, Algonquin, Hampshire) votes to annex Elgin Junior College District 509 effective July 1, 1967, more than doubling the original district boundaries.

Aerial view of Spartan Drive construction taken from a distance to the east. — North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools accredits the college. Illinois Board of Higher Education approves building projects for the new campus with a groundbreaking for Phase I.

Aerial view of the plot of land that will become the Spartan Drive campus. Photo shot from the southeast. — This photo is among the earliest records of the land destined to become the Spartan Drive campus. Spartan Drive is not yet under construction, and Second Street concludes at Fleetwood. The Highway 20 Bypass runs diagonally in the upper right corner, meeting McLean Boulevard at a right angle.

Closeup aerial view of Spartan Drive construction taken from the east. — This photo is among the earliest records of the land destined to become the Spartan Drive campus. Spartan Drive is not yet under construction, and Second Street concludes at Fleetwood. The Highway 20 Bypass runs diagonally in the upper right corner, meeting McLean Boulevard at a right angle.

Two basketball players on opposing teams jump with a basketball towards the hoop. — Elgin Community College became a charter member of the new athletic Skyway Conference, which consists of eight community colleges in Chicago's suburbs. The conference provides a competitive platform for student-athletes from these colleges to participate in various sports and athletic competitions.

Then and Now

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