McLean County Times

Sen. Sally Turner wants to recognize Lincoln College and also help its existing students settle down in new institutions.

Turner wants to stand beside the students facing trouble while seeking transfer from the historic Lincoln College, which recently decided to shut its doors.

"I’m bringing this on behalf of Rep. Tim Butler and myself and the citizens of Lincoln, Illinois and Logan County. As many of you may know on Mar. 30, Lincoln College notified the board of higher education in The Higher Learning Commission of its permanent closure effective May 13, 2022 — 44 days after its announcement. There are some of you that may not know, on Feb. 6, 1865, the Illinois General Assembly granted the charter that established Lincoln College. It was the first institution name for Abraham Lincoln and the only one named during his lifetime, of which was a fact that he learned shortly before his untimely death. Of the 1,234 students attending Lincoln College, 844 are map eligible 769 were pell eligible, indicating the clear majority of these students attending college demonstrate the need for financial assistance. In addition, a total of 60% of Lincoln College are in a minority group, which are traditionally underrepresented in higher education institutions within the state. We just wanted to recognize Lincoln College and urge public universities and private universities and community colleges to waive application fees and any other fees for transfer for these students and to accept these students and their financial award letters including scholarships and our students from Lincoln College," said Turner.

House Joint Resolution 92 urges different universities, including public and private and community colleges in Illinois, to extend the application deadlines for all the students who had been enrolled in Lincoln College ever since the college announced closing its doors. “Lincoln College has survived many difficult and challenging times—the economic crisis of 1887, a major campus fire in 1912, the Spanish flu of 1918, the Great Depression, World War II, the 2008 global financial crisis, and more, but this is different,” said a statement from the college.

“Unfortunately, the coronavirus pandemic dramatically impacted recruitment and fundraising efforts, sporting events, and all campus life activities,” said the college. House Joint Resolution 92 was filed on Apr. 4 and was adopted by the House on Apr. 8 and by the Senate on Apr. 9.

The bill was sponsored by Butler in the House and Turner in the Senate. David Gerlach, the school's president, said, “Lincoln College has been serving students from across the globe for more than 157 years. The loss of history, careers, and a community of students and alumni is immense.” “Though we are experiencing undeniable grief and sadness, we find comfort in knowing Lincoln College has served generations of alumni who have undoubtedly impacted our world,” said Gerlach.