Hello, this is Iris Bryan with another moment in the history of McHenry County College.
After a successful referendum formed Junior College District 528, twenty-one McHenry County citizens sought participation in its seven-member board of education.
They presented qualifications and ideas to voters at candidate forums, including one held in a public building’s basement during a tornado warning.
Election day was conveniently set for Saturday, May 27th. The seven successful candidates included the required two from unincorporated McHenry County. In fact, three elected board members represented this area. Four of the seven high school districts were represented –Marengo, Woodstock, Crystal Lake and Richmond. Districts not represented on the board included Harvard, Hebron, and McHenry.
The first meeting of the newly elected board took place on June 1, 1967. The Associate Secretary of the Illinois Junior College Board, Dr. Albert H. Martin, met with board members and provided necessary information. The board hoped to offer classes in the fall. However, Dr. Martin did not think it possible. Still, some board members were sure vocational and adult non-credit courses could be offered if an administrator, teachers and students could be found.
A celebration of these historic events begins Sunday, April 15. Join us for an afternoon program, followed by a ceremonial tree planting, college open house, reception with refreshments, and a performance by the MCC Concert Band and Choir. More event details are found at www.mchenry.edu, where you also can share your McHenry County College memories.
This is Iris Bryan, the voice of McHenry County College History.
3/23/07