Milestones - myLakeland

ABOUT LAKELAND

1964	Twenty-two people meet at Garfield Park (then, Mentor Recreation Park) to discuss the idea of a community college for Lake County. County Commissioners appoint a committee to study the feasibility of establishing a community college.
1965	The citizens of Lake County vote in favor of creating a community college district.
1966	First board of trustees is appointed. The Ohio Board of Regents grants charter to the board of trustees.
1967	Voters approve a five-year levy to open and operate the college. Dr. Wayne Rodehorst selected as the college's first president. On September 25, Lakeland opens its doors to 1,073 students in various Painesville buildings on September 25.
1968	The college purchases 400 acres at the intersection of SR 306 and I-90 from Margaret Moore for $600,000. First Commencement Ceremony is held at St. James Episcopal Church; 55 students receive their degrees, having transferred from former Chandler Tech. Ceremony held dedicating the campus at Kirtland.
1969	Groundbreaking on the Kirtland site. Construction of campus facilities occurs in three phases.
1970	Lakeland becomes first two-year institution in Ohio to initiate telecourses for credit.
1971	Construction of Phase I is complete. General classrooms, laboratories, Library, student services, faculty, and service areas are ready for fall quarter.
1972	Phase II, providing facilities to support technical education programs, is completed.
1973	College is granted official accreditation by North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
1974	Lakeland Gym is built.
1975	Phase III, providing for studios and laboratories for the fine arts, a Performing arts center and an art gallery, is completed.
1976	Construction of the nursing wing is completed.
1977	Additions to the gym, racquetball courts, wrestling rooms, auxiliary gym, and saunas in the locker rooms are completed; the Lakeland Gym is renamed the Athletic and Fitness Center.
1978	Annex to the Athletic and Fitness Center is complete.
1981	Dr. James Cantanzaro appointed college president.
1982	Cleveland Browns make their pre-season training camp on Lakeland's campus.
1983	Engineering building completed.
1988	Dr. Ralph Doty appointed college president. T Building built.
1989	Center for Business & Industry created to reach out to local business to provide on-site or campus-based training.
1990	Lakeland receives North Central Accreditation.
1993	Groundbreaking for Health Technologies building held.
2001	Dr. Morris W. Beverage, Jr. appointed college president.
2002	Nuclear Engineering Technology Program with FirstEnergy started.
2005	United States President George W. Bush holds a roundtable discussion on Lakeland's campus.
2006	Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools approves online degree programs at Lakeland.
2006	Lakeland Alumni Hall of Fame established.
2007	Lakeland celebrates 40th anniversary
2010	1.7 mill replacement levy passed by Lake County voters.
2011	Lakeland's Holden University Center opens, offering bachelor and graduate degrees from a variety of four-year partner institutions.
2011	1.5 mill property tax levy renewed by Lake County voters.
2013	Dr. Wayne L. Rodehorst Performing Arts Center dedicated.
2013	C-Building renovation completed.
2015	Lakeland's 0.4 mill bond issue to expand and renovate the Health Technologies (H-Building) approved.
2017	Lakeland celebrates 50th anniversary.
2018	Health Technologies (H-Building) expansion and renovation completed.
2018	HIVE makerspace opens.
2019	Lakers mascot Crash named.
2020	Coronavirus pandemic forces transition to remote learning.
2021	Laketran's Frank J. Polivka Transit Center at Lakeland Community College opens .
2021	Lakeland receives reaffirmation of accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission.
2021	WonderStruck outdoor music festival premieres on Lakeland's campus.
2021	1.5 mill property tax levy renewed by Lake County voters.