IT’LL BE PARKLAND COLLEGE!

Before Parkland College was Parkland College, it went briefly by the name, District 505, East Central Illinois Junior College. That was a bit of a mouthful, so in March 1967, the News Gazette sponsored a contest to find a real name for the college. In an editorial from the January 18, 1967, News Gazette, Carol Hamilton offered some advice for name suggestions. “The case, if any, for leaving it at “East Central Illinois Junior College” seems rather weak compared to the confusion one more name containing geographical directions would create.”

The Parkland Archives has in its collection a list of 55 suggested names along with 19 typed and handwritten letters and post cards submitted by local officials and community members.  Despite Ms. Hamilton’s advice, a number of suggestions indicate a preference for geographical names, but others took a more creative route: 

• COLLITECH – “to fuse a meaning of college [and] vocational training”
• Pilot Junior College – “Pilot means guide, lead, suggests to me… a wheel. A pilot sits in the driver’s seat (hub) – the college itself – and moves the wheel.”
• The “GOAL” Junior College – “It’s been our goal to have a college here.”

As far as notable individuals, Abraham Lincoln seems an obvious choice, but Everett Dirksen, then U.S. Senator for Illinois, tied for number of nominations.  Several chose their personal heroes, like Charles Lindbergh, Jonas Salk, and Douglas MacArthur.  Perhaps the most obscure suggestion was, “Mira Villa Junior College.”  Written on an index card, there was no room for an explanation.  

For all the names submitted, “Parkland” was not among them. It appears that the name was suggested from within.  Dean Donald Swank was inspired by Champaign Park District’s proposed park to the east of the college. The name parkland avoided “emphasizing the efforts of any one community or person in the District (Parkland Works, 2001).

Donald Swank, Dean at Parkland, 1967-1987, is credited with naming the college. 

And here’s a bit of a curiosity: the News Gazette’s announcement came on July 8, 1967, by way of a headline which read, “It’ll be Parkland College!” However, the name wasn’t made official until the July 11, 1967, Board of Trustee’s meeting, and even then they weren’t decided on the exact name:

It was Moved by Mr. [C.W.] Barnes that the college be named Parkland Community College. A discussion was held and Mr. Barns withdrew his original motion and presented a new motion namely that the college be named Parkland College.

After due consideration all members present voted Aye. Whereupon the [Board of Trustees] President [William Froom] declared the motion carried.

There are no documents supporting how the name was “leaked.”  Has anyone heard any stories? We’d love to hear from you!

***

A postscript pertaining to last week’s post: The flag was located and was generously donated to our collection of Parkland artifacts.  

If you have a question you’d like to see featured in Wayback Wednesday, let us know at archives@parkland.edu.