College of Lake County

The College of Lake County (CLC) began its journey in 1969, blossoming from a generous donation of 181 acres of land in Grayslake by A. Harold Anderson and Paul W. Brandel. From its humble beginnings with 2,360 students taking 224 courses at just $7 per semester hour in a prefabricated complex, CLC quickly demonstrated its commitment to growth and community service. Dr. Richard G. Erzen led as the first president, overseeing the foundational years that established CLC as a vital educational hub.

CLC's history is marked by continuous expansion and dedication to providing comprehensive facilities. Following a successful referendum in 1969, a permanent campus began to take shape. Major developments include the completion of the A and B wings in 1974, the opening of the Learning Resource Center in 1980, and the addition of the C and D wings in the subsequent years. These expansions created a robust learning environment, culminating in the technologically advanced T Wing, which houses modern classrooms and a functional automotive lab, underscoring CLC's focus on career-ready skills.

The student experience at CLC is enriched by its diverse campuses and state-of-the-art amenities. The iconic James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts, dedicated in 1997 and renamed in 2003, offers a vibrant cultural hub with a 600-seat Mainstage Theatre and a 250-seat Studio Theatre, fostering creativity and engagement. Beyond the Grayslake main campus, CLC expanded its reach with the Lakeshore campus in Waukegan (opened 1981) and the Southlake campus in Vernon Hills (new building in 2007), ensuring accessible education across Lake County. With a technology campus for high school students and a university center both opening in 2005, CLC continues to innovate and serve a broad spectrum of educational needs.