1960-1969
During the 1960s, the Chicago area underwent a complex transformation characterized by social and political activism and significant racial tensions, reflecting the era's broader cultural shifts and challenges.
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Shooting hoops
Members of Elgin Community College's 1960 basketball team are featured in this image. From left to right: Kent Duesing, Don Martin, and Bill Kappler.
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1960 - The Resources Center
ECC opened its library called The Resources Center. The library's opening within this facility indicated the college's commitment to expanding its resources for students, faculty, and the community, marking a crucial milestone for its growth and academic resources.
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1961 - Grad Numbers Reach 52
As ECC students succeeded, they inspired additional community members to pursue higher education, and ECC developed seven summer credit classes. Graduation celebrates 52 graduates from ECC. Trustee Robert Hoffer passes out the diplomas.
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1962 - Accreditation Application
The college applies for accreditation by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
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1963
Elgin Watch Company donates planetarium to ECC. This contribution to ECC exemplifies the spirit of philanthropy and community support, which has a lasting impact on the educational and cultural enrichment of the region. Tuition is $4 a semester hour.
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1963 - ECC Planetarium
The Elgin Watch Company generously donates a planetarium to ECC, showcasing a remarkable display of philanthropy and community support. This contribution not only enhances the educational and cultural enrichment of the region but also leaves a lasting impact. Tuition at ECC stands at $4 per semester hour. It's noteworthy that ECC granted its inaugural Associate Degree the following year, in 1964.
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1965 - Illinois Statewide System
The number of full-time faculty at ECC increased from fifteen to twenty. Mr. Renner played a role in establishing the Illinois Community College System (ICCS) in 1965 through the Illinois Public Community College Act. Enacted by the Illinois General Assembly, the Junior College Act created Class II Junior Colleges, primarily emphasizing vocational and technical education and prioritizing workforce preparation.
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1965 - Nursing at ECC starts
ECC Nursing Program, which is a state-approved two-year program, begins with Bethel Olson as the first Director of the Nursing Program. Before such programs, nursing education often involved diploma programs offered by hospitals.
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ECC nurses on assignment
In the 1960s, ECC nurses gathered at the hospital for clinical assignments, jointly reviewing patient records. Nowadays, patient records are managed through an electronic medical records (EMR) program.
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1965
Margaret Gabler, the esteemed Nursing Director at Elgin Community College (ECC), is captured in a photograph alongside two dedicated nursing students, Pam Benningfield and Laurie Benson. This memorable snapshot is part of the Illinois Digital Archives, offering a glimpse into the rich history of ECC's nursing program.
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1965
The inaugural class of the Nursing Program in 1965 is depicted during the fitting and ordering of student uniforms. In 1965, the first Nursing Program class was shown getting fitted. From left to right: Donna Kumeta (student), Donna Nichols (Junior Service Board), and Margaret Gabler (Nursing Program Director).
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1966 - A New Board Is Born
The First District 509 Board election occurred with the election of seven trustees: Robert Hoffer, chair; John Eshelman, secretary; Harry Blizzard; Paul Bolger; Richard Gromer; Joseph McCarthy; and Frieda Simon.
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1966 - Comprehensive Offerings
The U-46 Board of Education votes to divest itself of Elgin Community College control. The state Board of Higher Education approves ECC's Class I Junior College designation, which is a more comprehensive community colleges that offer a wide range of academic and vocational programs, including transfer programs for students looking to pursue a bachelor's degree.
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1967 - A Campus Is Purchased
Junior College District 509 purchases a 100-acre Spartan Drive site from the city of Elgin for $51,050.10 to use for the new college campus. School District 300 (Dundee, Carpentersville, Algonquin, Hampshire) votes to annex Elgin Junior College District 509 effective July 1, 1967, more than doubling the original district boundaries.
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1968
North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools accredits the college. Illinois Board of Higher Education approves building projects for the new campus with a groundbreaking for Phase I.
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Aerial view of ECC campus
This photo is among the earliest records of the land destined to become the Spartan Drive campus. Spartan Drive is not yet under construction, and Second Street concludes at Fleetwood. The Highway 20 Bypass runs diagonally in the upper right corner, meeting McLean Boulevard at a right angle.
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Aerial view of ECC campus 2
This photo is among the earliest records of the land destined to become the Spartan Drive campus. Spartan Drive is not yet under construction, and Second Street concludes at Fleetwood. The Highway 20 Bypass runs diagonally in the upper right corner, meeting McLean Boulevard at a right angle.
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1969 - Illinois Skyway Conference
Elgin Community College became a charter member of the new athletic Skyway Conference, which consists of eight community colleges in Chicago's suburbs. The conference provides a competitive platform for student-athletes from these colleges to participate in various sports and athletic competitions.