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Your support means everything

Support HCC!
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What is the Legacy Campaign?

Highland Community College has always been a place of connections, thanks to the persistent effort and support of the entire College community.

The Legacy Campaign is committed to raising $4 million to fund high-priority efforts to expand HCC’s reach, and to ensure that, now and in the future, “It’s all here” at Highland. Help us stay on the cutting edge!

It’s all here… and it’s all up to you. Your support helps HCC…

• Continue to provide a confident, versatile, and exceptional student experience.

• Fund efforts to enhance student engagement.

• Explore and expand workforce opportunities by connecting with business and community partners.

• Bolster the experience for student-athletes and increase participation.

• Evolve essential academic programs and partnerships.

"Highland will always be home."

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Elizabeth Priller

As an ambitious high school student with dreams of becoming a nurse and educator, Elizabeth Priller was always thinking ahead. And Highland Community College always had her back.

Now an instructor in Highland’s nursing department, Priller’s journey from high school to healthcare heroism is complete. Today, she’s proud to be nurturing the next generation of nurses in some of the same classrooms she inhabited as a student.
“I felt like I was really exploring what is my place. What is my unique gift and how I can give back to my community?” reflects Priller, who credits the support she received from Upward Bound and other Foundation-funded programs for her success. “We can pass the torch and feed into the next generation.”

Highland provided Priller a home when she needed it, and she’s determined to pay it forward, sharing the power of an HCC education: “Highland offers everything that you would need to pursue… You really set the foundation for the rest of your life.”

"Giving is a part of living"

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Marjorie Phillips

For the past 55 years, Marjorie Phillips has been supporting Highland students since she and her late husband, Spencer, funded Highland’s first scholarship back in 1966. A proud member of the Freeport community and the Highland Community College Foundation, Phillips is leaving a lasting legacy by helping students succeed.

“I love the college. I love Freeport. I will do just about anything I can to promote both.” says Phillips, whose scholarship is awarded to two top students each year. “It’s just a community filled with wonderful things and wonderful people.”

The generous philanthropist was honored with the Delbert Scheider Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021. Phillips has seen the college and community grow over the years, and she’s dedicated to giving back and supporting the future of the college. “How else can you say? It’s all here!”

"The Bakers bank on Highland"

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Amy Baker

Stephenson County native Amy Baker built her Highland Community College foundation into a boundless business career. Little did she know, her triumph would turn into a tradition.

Now President & CEO of Citizens State Bank, the Orangeville High School and HCC alum credits her community college experience for giving her the confidence to pursue her goals. So, when her daughter began looking to launch a nursing career, Baker knew just the place.

“Highland was really a great experience for me,” recalls the proud mom. “She and I were a lot alike in our personality styles and thought that would be really good for her. She had a great experience there as well.”

From banking bosses to healthcare heroes, Highland Community College continues to strengthen our regional workforce by producing prepared professionals. Having experienced the power of Highland firsthand, Baker is confident that, with local support, the college will continue to provide education for generations.

Highland higher.

The Highland Community College Foundation supports students through scholarships, direct services, classroom development and upkeep, and special projects. Click to find out how you can connect, get involved, make a donation… and become a part of the Foundation family.

Support HCC!
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Highland College Foundation Campus Image.Freeport first.

Established in 1962, the HCC Foundation was the first college foundation in Illinois… and just the second nationwide. Next year, the pioneering Foundation will celebrate its 60th birthday!

Highland College Foundation Campus Image.Access is everything.

Since its inception, the HCC Foundation has awarded more than $8 million in scholarships to Highland students.

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“There are so many great things going on here… It’s just a lot of fun to be involved in that.”

Amy Baker

President & CEO, Citizens State Bank; Highland Community College graduate

Highland College Foundation Campus Image.

“It’s just a community filled with wonderful things and wonderful people… How else can you say? It is all here!”

Marjorie Phillips

HCC Foundation board member; Recipient, Delbert Scheider Lifetime Achievement Award

Highland College Foundation Campus Image.

“Because of the generosity of other people, I was able to fulfill my dreams, [and] then in turn, feed into others.”

Elizabeth Priller

Nursing instructor, Highland Community College graduate

We’re counting on our community.

Make a mark… leave a legacy… and uplift a community. The Highland Community College Foundation depends on your donations.

Support the Legacy Campaign today!