A Comprehensive Look at Independence Community College: History, Academics, and Community Impact
Independence Community College (ICC) is a cornerstone of education and culture in Independence, Kansas. From its humble beginnings as part of the local school system to its current status as a comprehensive two-year institution, ICC has played a vital role in shaping the lives of its students and the surrounding community. This article delves into the history, academic offerings, campus life, and cultural contributions of Independence Community College.
The Genesis of Independence: From "Uncle Sam" to a Thriving Town
The story of Independence, Kansas, is intertwined with the vision of a prosperous community. In 1837, Gaston Raoul established the Southern Car Company, a manufacturer of railroad rolling stock, which led to the initial settlement known as "Uncle Sam." Although the car works later moved, the New Orleans and Nashville Railroad Company recognized the potential of the area and envisioned a thriving future, complete with a college, theatre, market, and churches. While initial hopes for dairy farming didn't fully materialize, the slightly acidic soil proved ideal for strawberry cultivation, marking an early success for the local economy.
Despite these developments, Independence lacked official recognition as a town. State Representative Harry D. Wilson, affectionately known as "Uncle Harry" or "Mr. Harry," championed the area's cause. Through persistent advocacy and correspondence with Governor William Wright Heard, Independence was finally chartered as a town in 1912, a testament to Wilson's dedication and vision.
A Cultural Melting Pot: The Italian-American Influence
Independence is known for its diverse ethnicities, particularly its significant Italian-American population. Italian and Sicilian immigrants began settling in the town in the 19th century, contributing to its rapid growth. These hardworking settlers initially sustained themselves through small vegetable gardens, chickens, goats, homemade bread, and pasta. Despite facing discrimination, they persevered as sharecroppers and eventually became landowners.
Today, Independence boasts a thriving Italian-American community, with second and third-generation descendants working as doctors, nurses, pharmacists, bankers, businesspeople, principals, teachers, and successful politicians. The Italian presence has significantly impacted Tangipahoa Parish, earning Independence the nickname "Little Italy." The Independence Italian-American Cultural Association, formed with the help of State Representative Frank L. Anzalone, celebrates this heritage. The old Mater Delarosa Catholic Church, built in 1908, now houses the Independence Italian Cultural Museum, offering Sicilian language classes and insights into the region's rich Italian heritage. The annual Little Italy Festival, first held in 1961, is a testament to the community's vibrant cultural identity. As of a recent census, the estimated current population is 1,888 people.
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The Independence Historical Museum & Art Center: Preserving the Past
The Independence Historical Museum & Art Center (IHMAC) showcases the evolution of Independence from its early days as "Hay Town" to the bustling city it is today. The museum's permanent exhibits, housed in 25 rooms, tell the stories of early settlers, the history of the oil industry, and various historical artifacts. Visitors can explore displays of sculptures, antique china, crystal, and other rare collections. The museum also features a large military display, a furnished 1869 Log Cabin, an 1884 School Classroom, an Old General Store, a Doctor's Office, and various other period rooms, offering a glimpse into the past.
The IHMAC Gallery hosts various activities throughout the year, including a quilt fair, arts and craft fairs, the Verdigris Valley Art Exhibit, and numerous musical and museum social events. The museum also houses a collection of William Inge memorabilia, activities, and awards in the ICC West lobby as part of the Kansas Celebrity Hall of Fame. This collection enhances the annual Inge Festival sponsored by Independence Community College. Memorabilia from other local celebrities, including Bill Kurtis, Vivian Vance, Jim Halsey, Osa Johnson, and Ossie Tranbarger, are also on display.
The Independence Historical Museum was initially owned and operated by the Ladies Library and Art Association, chartered in 1904, which evolved from the Ladies Library Association organized in 1882. After the completion of the Carnegie Library in 1907, the Association donated its 3,500 volumes to the city and focused on building an art collection. In 1963, the Association purchased the Old Post Office/Federal Building as a cultural center, art repository, and museum. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places and the Kansas Register in 1988. In January 2000, the Independence Museum acquired the Montgomery County Historical Society collection and changed its name to The Independence Historical Museum.
Independence Community College: A Hub of Education and Culture
Independence Community College has a rich history. Established in 1925 as grades 13 and 14 of the Independence public school system, it legally separated in 1967. Construction of a new campus on a 68-acre site, formerly the Independence Country Club, began in 1969, with classes commencing in September 1970.
Today, the ICC campus includes the Academic Building, Fine Arts Building, Student Union, Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Field House, Administration Building, William Inge Center for the Arts, fitness center, athletic practice fields, a disc golf course, a 96-bed multi-structure living complex, a 200-bed residence hall, and a 135-bed suite-style residence hall. In 2010, a former retail space was donated and renovated into the West Campus, housing Allied Health, Cosmetology, Veterinary Technology, and Culinary programs.
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ICC offers 35 associate degrees and 11 certificates across its two campuses in southeast Kansas. The college's theater arts program is particularly noteworthy, providing students with extensive interaction with guest artists. ICC is also home to the William Inge Center for the Arts, which hosts the annual William Inge Theater Festival.
The William Inge Center for the Arts: Celebrating a Literary Legacy
The William Inge Center for the Arts, founded in 1982, celebrates the life and work of Pulitzer Prize and Academy Award-winning playwright William Inge, an Independence native and ICC graduate. The annual William Inge Theater Festival has attracted some of the world's most prestigious playwrights, including Arthur Miller, Wendy Wasserstein, August Wilson, Neil Simon, Paula Vogel, and Stephen Sondheim.
In addition to the festival, the Inge Center offers year-round programs, including a Playwrights-in-Residence program. This program provides working playwrights with time and resources to develop new projects, including a week-long new play development process involving directors, actors, and other artists. Resident playwrights also participate in the Playwrights-in-the-Schools program, teaching playwriting and mentoring students in area rural schools. The Inge Center also hosts the 24 Hour Plays in partnership with the 24 Hour Company in New York City and periodic arts events featuring visiting guest artists. The William Inge Collection, comprising Inge's manuscripts and personal items, is housed in the campus library and is accessible to students and scholars.
Campus Life and Activities: A Vibrant Community
Independence Community College offers a variety of activities for students outside of academics and sports. The college fields athletic teams called the Pirates, with the official team colors being Navy Blue and Vegas Gold. ICC is affiliated with the National Junior College Athletic Association and is a member of the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference.
Other activities include a book club, the student-run newspaper "The Buccaneer," Open Mic Nights, a multi-cultural student organization (MSO), and Phi Theta Kappa, an honor society for junior colleges. In 2014, Fab Lab ICC was established, providing tools for digital fabrication, small business development, graphic design, computer-aided manufacturing, and rapid prototyping.
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Academics and Affordability: Accessibility and Value
ICC is a not-for-profit, coed institution that considers an applicantâs financial situation during the admissions process.
Key academic statistics include:
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 16:1
- Academic calendar: Semester
The college offers online classes, online undergraduate degrees, and summer sessions. Some programs require co-ops or internships.
In terms of affordability:
- In-state tuition: \$4,740
- Out-of-state tuition: \$4,950
- Room and board: \$7,200
- Books and supplies: \$816
Notable Alumni: Pirates Making a Difference
Independence Community College has a number of notable alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields, including:
- William Inge: Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright
- Jermaine Johnson: Football player
- Antwoine Sanders: Football player
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