In February 1966, Olney Community College officially filed a petition to be identified as one of the 33 Class I colleges in Illinois. A year later, OCC won approval as an area college from the Junior College Board, and in April 1967 received approval from the state Board of Higher Education. A referendum for Class I status was held on September 7, 1967 and was approved by a vote of 7,278 to 778. The first Class I Board of Trustees was selected on November 30, 1967 and included Dr. Wattleworth as its chairman. Purdy was named interim president and served in that capacity until May 1968. The real history of OCC is not the dates in its history, but the people who worked tirelessly to establish a community college in Olney and to ensure its continued success. Terry Bruce, Retired CEO Illinois Eastern Community Colleges
ABOVE: Olney Community College in the mid-1960s. The college was housed in the former Pure Oil Building. LEFT: During the 60th Anniversary Celebration, OCC students enjoyed refreshments and giveaways on the patio. The Olney Central College Foundation helped fund the event..
12 OCC Annual Report
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