CLC celebrates Advanced Technology Center Progress, $2M donation

College of Lake County (CLC) leaders were joined by project partners, community leaders, donors and business partners at the new Advanced Technology Center (ATC) for a beam signing ceremony Nov. 30 to celebrate the progress in the construction.

CLC President Dr. Lori Suddick said, "We strive each day to achieve the CLC mission and the imperative outcomes that support our community. Ensuring accessible educational attainment for all Lake County residents and a sufficient, diverse skilled talent pipeline for local workforce needs are critical priorities."

John and Kathy Schreiber were honored at the event for their $2 million contribution to the project, in addition to $1.63 million in donations for other initiatives within the college. They received a plaque designed by CLC students in honor of the naming of the John and Kathleen Schreiber Industrial Technology Area.

"In our philanthropic efforts, we have been pursuing changing people's lives through education," John Schreiber said. "What we've learned about community college is it's a very cost-effective way for some students to approach and reach a four-year college degree. It's also part of the American dream. Students who aren't going to go to a four-year college, can't afford to go or aren't academically oriented to do so, can still get trained in specific skills that lead to a life-changing participation in America."

UCC Environmental President Dr. Andrew Harrington said, "Manufacturing is the biggest employment segment in Lake County. The Advanced Technology Center will help us get the qualified people those businesses need. One hundred years from now, the community can reflect on the 1,000s of people who got trained here and the resulting 1,000s of careers and opportunities."

The target date for completion of the ATC, located at 7735 Grand Ave., Gurnee, is May 2022, with classes being offered as soon as summer. For more information, visit the ATC page on the CLC website.