College History

Morton College, the second oldest community college in Illinois, was founded in 1924 to meet the educational demands in the growing communities of Berwyn, Cicero, Forest View, Lyons, McCook, Stickney and other near western suburbs which were a national hub of economic activity.

As the community grew, so did Morton College. Originally housed at Morton East High School, the College was governed by the Morton High School Board of Trustees from 1924 until district residents voted to form the independent, Community College District No. 527 in 1966.

Finding a home of its own became the greatest challenge for the new independent college. It took several years to find the right site in a built-up community. In the mean-time, the College leased classrooms at Morton East, storefronts and in community churches.

Construction began on the current Morton College campus at Pershing Road and Central Avenue in 1973. Twenty-one months later, the campus opened and quickly became the pride of the community. Long-term residents as well as aspiring young immigrants attended the school to realize their dreams.

Over the decades, Morton College’s university transfer program has become known state-wide for academic excellence. The College’s curriculum and mission also has expanded to include career, community, continuing and adult education programs.

Just as the College started in 1924 with 11 teachers and 76 students dedicated to a future-oriented philosophy, the College renews that commitment at the beginning of the 21st century with a series of renovations and upgrades to keep the College relevant long into the next century.

The renovated, award-winning Library opened in 2005 with triple the number of computers, wireless access, group study rooms and a cyber-café. Science and computer laboratories were upgraded to state-of-the-art facilities that rival any in the country.

A Student Success Center, which houses a number of important student services such as tutoring, placement testing and career assistance, opened in 2007. Students also are able to relax between classes in the Center, which is equipped with contemporary technology.

The College honors the community's rich industrial past through the 2007 opening of the Hawthorne Works Museum and Heritage Hall. It pays homage to the many individuals who worked and lived in the community.

Morton College is excited to expand possibilities in a new 15,778-square foot, two-story addition that opened in the Fall of 2016. It is the first new construction of any kind since the current campus opened in 1975.

The building will feature cutting-edge technology in 10 high-tech, LEED-certified classrooms as well as a student lounge and Teaching and Learning Center.

Morton College continues to move forward in welcoming new and future students wanting to find meaning in their lives and prosper through higher education.

About Morton College

Morton College is a public comprehensive community college recognized by the Illinois Community College Board as District 527. The College is governed by a locally elected Board of Trustees. Seven of the Trustees are elected to six year terms by the residents of District 527. A Student Trustee is elected by Morton College students to a one year term. District 527 serves the communities of Berwyn, Cicero, Forest View, Lyons, McCook and Stickney.

The College offers Associate in Arts and Associate in Science university transfer programs and Associate in Applied Science and Certificate programs for students who intend to pursue employment upon graduation. Customized workforce training programs for local employers are also available.

The Adult Education, Community Programming and Outreach division of the College offers a wide array of programs and courses in English Language Acquisition, High School Equivalency Certificate, Adult Literacy, and community education and enrichment programs.

Morton College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

College Mission and Goals

Mission

To enhance the quality of life of our diverse community through exemplary teaching and learning opportunities, community service, and life-long learning.

Goals

• Maximize the College's resources to support student learning.
• Conduct ongoing assessment of student learning to discover new ways to help students succeed.
• Develop responsive curricula and programs to serve community needs.
• Encourage community families to embrace the educational opportunities Morton College provides.

Misión Y Objetivos De Morton College

Misión

Enriquecer la calidad de vida de nuestra comunidad a través de modelos ejemplares de enseñanza y aprendizaje, servicios comunitarios y oportunidades de aprendizaje perdurables.

Objetivos

• Maximizar los recursos institucionales enfocados al aprendizaje de nuestros estudiantes.
• Evaluar contínuamente el proceso de aprendizaje de nuestros estudiantes con el objectivo de proporcionarles nuevas formas de apoyo para lograr el éxito.
• Desarrollar programas educativos que respondan y sirvan las necesidades de la comunidad.
• Motivar a las familas de nuestras comunidades a aprovechar las oportunidades que Morton College ofrece.

Core Values

Compassion, Fairness, Respect, Responsibility, Tolerance and Truth

Morton College, in support of these Core Values, is committed to the freedom of expression and the pursuit of truth in teaching and learning in an educational environment that is welcoming to all.

Diversity Statement

Diversity at Morton College is more than just a variety of people with different backgrounds. It is at the core of who we are as an educational culture and it supports our goals as an organization. Consistent with its mission of social responsibility and community involvement, Morton College continually works "to enhance the quality of life of our diverse community."

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Source: The Morton College Academic Plan for Excellence.

Frequently Called Numbers

Getting Started