SR0112 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0112 LRB103 31226 ECR 58178 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate wish to extend their heartfelt congratulations to Highland Community College on the occasion of the college's 60th anniversary; and

WHEREAS, Highland Community College's main campus is located on 140 acres in Freeport, Illinois and is recognized by the Illinois Community College Board as an accredited institution of higher learning; and

WHEREAS, In 1961, a local referendum was passed by a three to one margin calling for the establishment of a comprehensive community college in the Freeport area; and

WHEREAS, In 1962, 229 students began attending evening classes held at the Freeport Senior High School, and in 1964, money was raised to purchase local farmland where the college now stands; and

WHEREAS, In 1968, voters approved a plan for the current campus; and

WHEREAS, Highland Community College's main campus in Freeport is an institution of exceptional quality and is an outstanding and affordable resource for those living in Northwest Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Highland Community College offers comprehensive academic programming with over 70 degrees and certificates, which include a wide variety of vocational degrees and certificates and general education courses designed to meet the individual educational goals of every student; and

WHEREAS, Highland Community College also offers adult education classes that include GED and ESL classes; and

WHEREAS, Highland Community College offers men's and women's athletics through 12 teams that proudly wear the Highland Cougar uniform; and

WHEREAS, Highland Community College offers an array of clubs and extracurricular activities for students; and

WHEREAS, The school's mission is built around meeting the needs of the greater northwest Illinois community through quality educational and cultural programs; and

WHEREAS, Highland Community College is a center of cultural opportunity with theater, arts, music, literature, and lecture series; and

WHEREAS, A primary focus of the educational programming at the school is preparing students to transfer to a baccalaureate or professional, degree-granting institution; and

WHEREAS, Highland Community College supports regional economic development through partnerships with businesses, industry, chambers of commerce, units of local government, and other educational institutions; and

WHEREAS, Highland Community College operates through core values of integrity, compassion, and respect; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Highland Community College on the celebration of the school's 60th anniversary; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Highland Community College as an expression of our appreciation and respect.