Hundreds celebrate CLC's anniversary at Community 50 Fest

Watching hundreds gather July 25 at the College of Lake County's Grayslake Campus to enjoy snacks, a live band, car show and more as part of the college's Community 50 Fest, Sylvia Landree, 83, reflected on CLC's five-decade role in enhancing Lake County's quality of life.

"The college always makes life better because it gives more opportunities for people of all income levels," said Landree, who earned an accounting certificate in the early '70s and advanced from bookkeeper to accounting positions for local construction companies.

She has also worked as tutor at the Lakeshore Campus in Waukegan. In her retirement, Landree said she "loves" the college's noncredit Discovery program, providing the 50-and-older age group with courses on diverse topics, from authors to current events.

Besides Landree, other attendees who came to celebrate CLC's golden anniversary included Martha Mena, a Round Lake resident who earned an A.A.S. in early childhood education in 2014. Now an assistant director at a preschool, Mena said the "short commute" and CLC's economical tuition attracted her.

"Having this event, with all these attractions for the family, plus fireworks, is a great way to celebrate CLC's 50th birthday," she said, smiling as she watched her nephew enjoy a bouncy house.

The Community 50 Fest also included a baggo tournament, face painting, raffles and tours of the Grayslake Campus. The Mojo Daddies, a live band, played five decades of tunes ranging from the Beatles to the Foo Fighters. The evening culminated with a spirited fireworks display that drew applause at the end.

Festivalgoers also brought about 50 bags of nonperishable food as well as toiletries and other items for the college's SHARE market, which helps economically disadvantaged students, said Tammy Burns, student services specialist in the college's Women's Center.

The market, located in Room B013 in the lower level on the Grayslake Campus, is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the summer.

The 50 Fest is part of more than 50 free events celebrating the college's 50th anniversary. For updates and information on other events, as well as 50th anniversary products and apparel, visit www.clcillinois.edu/50th. Join in the conversation with #CLC50th on social media.

Fall classes begin Aug. 19. For information about courses and how to apply and enroll, visit www.clcillinois.edu/fall.

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