A Time For Celebration

(NOTE: The reference to “Junior College” preceded the use of “Community College” and is reflective of the historical period of the following information)

Once the referendum determined the formation of Junior College District 528, it was time for a victory gathering, a celebration by and for those who worked on the successful referendum.

Each participant paid the $3 cost for the simple dinner gathering at a former Woodstock restaurant, located at the intersection of Routes 47 and 14. It was a way of recording all the known individuals, businesses and groups responsible for the successful referendum and an opportunity to celebrate the victory with toasts for and by everyone involved.

It also was the official disbanding of the Junior College Association of the McHenry County Area with further duties delegated to the McHenry County Educational Foundation, a not-for-profit organization already in operation.

Association committees gathered information for a new Board of Trustees, whose members would be decided in a future election. Committees included: Salary Survey, Curriculum, Finances, Office Facilities, Site location, and Historical, for the recording of the junior college beginnings. Much of the work of getting the college started depended on the trustees and the committees felt information already obtained could assist the new board with the gigantean task ahead. The group hoped classes would begin by September 1967.

Next Step

The next step in this historic process was another election. The election of a seven-member board of trustees was required within 60 days following the successful referendum. The McHenry County Superintendent of Schools set May 27 as the election date. Interested candidates filed their petitions with the Superintendent’s office between April 24 and May 5. Prospective candidates then had four days to change their minds and withdraw their petitions.

Candidates were required to be McHenry County residents, and the future board had to include two members from unincorporated areas of the district.

A number of candidates wanted to be first on the ballot list and one spent the night in front of the Courthouse Annex from 9 p.m. April 23 until the opening of the school superintendent’s office on April 24. William Banker’s name was at the top of the list of 21 candidates. Other candidates were listed on the ballots according to their filing sequence.

Among the candidates were some who worked on the referendum. Incorporated areas were represented by 13 candidates, with eight from unincorporated areas. Crystal Lake High School District was represented by nine candidates followed by Marengo with three and Richmond, McHenry and Harvard with two candidates each. One candidate was from the Hebron High School District.

Voters could elect seven candidates, including two from unincorporated areas.

Who was elected to MCC’s first Board of Trustees? Read the next posting to find out. Meanwhile, consider these plans for a celebration.

A Reason for Celebration Now
Mark your calendar for Sunday, April 15, 2007 when MCC will kick off a year-long celebration commemorating the founding of the college. Watch this site for event details, as well as for information on festivities planned in July and September.

Post Your Memories
Your MCC memories are valuable! If you attended classes or one of the numerous events offered by the college or you were employed at MCC, please post your recollections on this site! We’d also appreciate your help identifying people in our archival photos.

Call toll-free 1-866-788-9911 or send an email with contact information to 40years@mchenry.edu and join the celebration!

Iris Bryan