Illinois Eastern Community Colleges (IECC) will host its inaugural Day of Giving tomorrow (Tuesday), inviting alumni, businesses, and community members to help drive student success across its four campuses.
This 24-hour fundraising effort will be led by the foundations of Frontier Community College, Lincoln Trail College, Olney Central College, and Wabash Valley College. Each campus is focusing on raising funds for scholarships, programs, and initiatives designed to benefit students and enhance academic opportunities.
IECC Vice Chancellor of Institutional Outreach Tona Ambrose said the Day of Giving grew out of the district’s recent reorganization and a renewed focus on alumni engagement. “IECC has wanted to establish an alumni community for years, and with the collaborative reorganization of our district two years ago, it seemed like the perfect time to create our first Day of Giving,” Ambrose said. “This event gives each of our college foundations an intentional opportunity to grow partnerships with alumni, businesses, and community supporters who care deeply about student success.”
Since its founding in 1971, the Olney Central College Foundation has played a key role in supporting student and campus initiatives. OCC President Chris Simpson highlighted the foundation’s importance, saying, “They are great partners, whether we’re looking at things to do in classrooms or working with faculty on providing financial support for innovative practices that they want to bring forward into their classrooms.”
OCC Foundation Executive Director Beth Miller emphasized the impact of community support during events like the Day of Giving. “When individuals and organizations give back, they are investing in local students and the future of the community. That partnership helps the college continue expanding opportunities and preparing graduates to contribute to the local economy and community life,” Miller said.
While raising scholarship funds remains a major focus, the OCC Foundation also supports classroom equipment, program improvements, and campus projects. Recent accomplishments include more than $150,000 pledged for the Health Professions Center and $125,660 in donations toward that facility last year. In 2026, the foundation is backing a $2 million renovation of four science labs at Dr. Kent L. Wattleworth Hall, providing state-of-the-art equipment for physics, chemistry, and biology classes.
“It’s a really difficult time in higher education, particularly in community colleges with funding,” Simpson noted. “There are a number of shortfalls that we’re facing and without having outside support, then I think we would be unable to meet some of the needs of our students and be able to provide them exactly what it is they’re looking for with their post-secondary experience.”
Simpson added, “If you are giving, then know that that money is going to directly impact the students’ experience while they’re attending Olney Central College. We wouldn’t be able to do it without our generous community.”
To participate in OCC’s Day of Giving, visit www.iecc.edu/occ-day-giving.