Message from CLC President Dr. Lori Suddick

College of Lake County aspires to be a leader in providing innovative education and workforce solutions.

At CLC, we believe every student can succeed in the right environment with the right supports. We are ensuring holistic supports are available to help students succeed in and out of the classroom. After all, starting college is not the goal— finishing is!

Over the past year, we prioritized several key initiatives of the 2024 Strategic Plan to support improved outcomes for students. Efforts included a redesign of the onboarding and first-year experience, to ensure every student has the college-going knowledge to successfully navigate their first semester, and implementation of affordability initiatives, to reduce the time and cost needed to complete a degree. These initiatives benefit students in numerous ways, including an average annual savings of $1.5 million in textbooks and learning materials, increased access to emergency funds, more laptops and hotspots loaned at no cost and a freeze on tuition and fees for academic year 2021-2022.

Every CLC employee is focused on creating an environment where students feel supported, challenged and empowered to achieve their academic, personal and career goals so they can either transfer to the university of their choice or begin a rewarding, family-sustaining career.

In May, nearly 3,000 students completed their credential at CLC. Earning a degree during a pandemic took resilience and unwavering commitment. These graduates learned in new ways, managed change and adapted to the moment. Their pandemic-related skills are assets as they embark on the next stage of their life journey.

CLC is adapting and changing as well. Beyond the student success efforts of the 2024 Strategic Plan, the college is leveraging collaborative partnerships with community organizations, businesses from every sector and local government agencies to expand programming, resources and opportunities across the diverse communities of Lake County.

I hope you enjoy this first issue of CLC Connects. The stories highlight some of the amazing contributions of staff, faculty and students, as well as community and workforce partners, working together to move Lake County forward.