junior college history and athletic information

CARL SANDBURG COLLEGE

Carl Sandburg College was named after Abraham Lincoln's biographer and poet Carl Sandburg, who was born and raised in Galesburg. Sandburg was the son of Swedish immigrant parents and was born on January 6, 1878, in a small cottage close to the rail yards where his father was employed. The cottage, on the south side of Galesburg, is preserved today as an Illinois historical site. 
Carl Sandburg College was built with authority authority of the Illinois Community College Act of 1965 and was approved by voters in a September 1966 referendum. One year later, in September 1967, classes started at various locations in Galesburg, including the former Brown's Business College and the Central Congregational Church. Enrollment was approximately Three hundred and fifty students.

From 1985-1990, a new physical plant facility, athletic fields, and the state Animal Disease Control Laboratory were added to the Galesburg campus. In Carthage, a new building was constructed for college programs on a lease agreement. This building was purchased by the College and changed from an extension center to The Branch Campus in 1994. The school opened The Extension Center in Bushnell, Illinois in the summer of 1995.
 

The college has recently revised its Talent Grant regulation. Beginning in the fall semester the school will award 31.5 extra Athletic Grants. the Institution has an ongoing commitment to recruit local athletes predominantly from within the school district and Arrowhead Athletic Conference.