Fifty years ago on September 24, 1966, the Lake Land College Referendum Vote passed, creating the school’s district.
Marking one of many significant dates for Lake Land College, the passing of the Referendum played a crucial role in the creation of the Junior College. After the approval of the Public Junior College Act by the Illinois General Assembly in July of 1965, the idea for a junior college in the East Central Illinois area was born. The idea of Lake Land College became a reality, stemming from the votes of confidence from the Junior College Steering Committee, and a year of intense planning from area educators, business owners, and residents. Residents in 13 school districts voted to approve the creation of the school, agreeing to pay 12.5 cents per every $100 of assessed home value for the school.
Lake Land College currently serves the second largest community college district in Illinois, with a population of 189,869 people. Lake Land College serves the counties of Christian, Clark, Clay, Coles, Crawford, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Effingham, Fayette, Jasper, Macon, Montgomery, Moultrie, and Shelby.