McHenry County College (MCC) celebrated the opening of its new Engagement Hall on Thursday, August 13, marking the completion of a space designed to create more opportunities for students, employees, and partners of the College to come together on campus.
Located adjacent to the cafeteria and commons area, the 250-person capacity Engagement Hall provides a flexible, welcoming space for a wide range of events and experiences, including student activities, job fairs, donor celebrations, alumni events, special programs, performances, exhibits, banquets, and more.
“The Engagement Hall is more than an event space—it’s a place where people can gather to learn, connect, celebrate, and create,” said MCC President Dr. Clint Gabbard. “We’re excited to see this space come to life and see the many ways our students, employees, and partners will make it their own.”
The 5,200-square-foot hall can accommodate a variety of event sizes and configurations, offering a dedicated space to collaborate and engage without disrupting other key student spaces on campus. It features a dynamic video wall for high-tech presentations and immersive viewing, built-in sound and lighting, a portable stage, banquet tables and chairs, and a dedicated area for food and beverage service. The warm, modern design incorporates wood and other natural elements, while an adjoining outdoor patio provides additional space for events and gatherings.
The project also includes an updated entrance and corridor between Buildings B and C, creating a more welcoming entry point to campus for students and visitors.
The Engagement Hall was made possible in part through a generous gift from Tom Liebman, whose family has a longstanding connection to MCC.
“I’m thrilled to be a part of the College’s mission,” said Liebman. “We’re building for the future on this ground, serving both our county and purposes we may not even realize for years to come. It’s inspiring work, and I look forward to continuing it.”
“We are at our best when we engage with each other and collaborate to accomplish our goals,” said Gabbard. “Every time we fill up this space, whether for a large gathering or a small group, it will be a reflection of that commitment—to meaningfully engage with each other, our students, and our community."
