The Lincoln Land Community College Board of Trustees had reason to celebrate at its April meeting because The Higher Learning Commission has reaffirmed the accreditation of the college, and the Green Building Council has awarded the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver Award to the college’s Workforce Careers Center.

The next reaffirmation of accreditation will be in the 2020-21 academic year.

Prior to the board meeting, Board Chair Justin Reichert, accompanied by trustees, unveiled the LEED Silver plaque in the Workforce Careers Center. LEED certification identifies the building as “a showcase example of sustainable design.”

The Board honored retiring Student Trustee Garrett Belville of Springfield for his year of service. Belville represented the 17,000 individuals served yearly by LLCC and was active statewide in the Illinois Community College Student Leadership Conference and the Illinois Community College Board Student Advisory Committee.

Sworn in as his successor was Jefferson Gentry of Springfield, who will serve a year’s term as student trustee.

The trustees also extended their thanks and good wishes to Rich Vertrees for his work on behalf of the college as the longtime vice president of administrative services. Vertrees will retire April 30.