Generations History

Generations College possesses a robust, defined history, including many dates of distinction that mark the College’s progression and solidify its place as a competitive, private, not-for-profit, two-year College. The rich history of Generations draws many students, in combination with its exemplary program offerings.

1904: Generations College opens its doors in Hyde Park, Illinois, under the leadership and vision of Dr.Morton MacCormac, its founding president.

1912: Generations leads the nation by becoming the first institution of higher learning to offer a Court Reporting degree.

1973: Again with an eye toward innovation, Generations establishes the first Paralegal Studies program in the state of Illinois.

1976: To better serve Chicagoland’s western suburban marketplace, Generations expands to open a campus in Berkeley, Illinois.

1979: The Higher Learning Commission, a commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, accredits Generations College, ensuring that the College meets or exceeds the learning, educational, and professional standards set forth by the commission.

1983: Generations’s Berkeley campus moves to larger, more modern quarters in Elmhurst, Illinois.

2000: Leaving its roots in the Hyde Park community, Generations relocates its headquarters to the historically significant Heyworth Building located in the heart of downtown Chicago.

2004: Generations celebrates its 100th anniversary of growth and excellence in preparing students for productive careers in the business world.

2005: Generations is reaccredited for another 10 years by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

2010: Generations receives the Independent Colleges Capital Program grant, for use on campus expansion and upgrades designed to further enhance the student learning experience.

2011: The day and night Court Reporting program at Generations is approved by the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) for five years, showing an outstanding education in Court Reporting at the College.

2011: Generations’s first endowment fund is established, a significant legacy achievement that strengthens the College’s foundation for the future.

2012: The Court Reporting program celebrates 100 years of preparing students for service excellence in the legal profession.

2012: Generations launches new associate degree programs in Criminal Justice and Entrepreneurial Studies.

2013: Generation’s Paralegal Studies program is approved by the American Bar Association.

2013: Generations unveils Learn 2 Laugh, its first institution-wide fundraiser and a productive evening of mirth, merry-making, and awareness building.

2013: Utilizing opportunities made available by technology, Generations offers its first online courses.

2014: The unparalleled and first-of-its-kind Center for Academic Personal and Professional Excellence (CAPPE) opens on campus as a student-centered learning center.

2015: Generations is reaccredited for another 10 years by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

2015: Generations opens a new office of Institutional Research, Assessment, and Analysis (IRAA) on campus.

2016: Generations launches its new website.

2018: Generations College offers its first fully Online Business Administration Program.

2019: Generations College offers its first fully Online Criminal Justice and Online Court Reporting Programs.

2022: The college officially changes its name to Generations College.

2024: Generations College celebrates its 120th anniversary.

2024: Generations launches new associate degree program in Church Administration.