Integral leader at Parkland retires
Updated: January 31, 2013
CHAMPAIGN -- Parkland College has gone through big changes over the years. Many say a lot of it is thanks to one man. After 16-years and millions of dollars raised, Foundation Chief Carl Meyer is retiring. WCIA-3's Megan Brilley introduces us to the man.
Meyer has really played a huge role in expanding the campus. He's helped raise more than $25-million for programs. Students and teachers say Meyer is going to be greatly missed, but his work will pave the way for hundreds yet to come.
"What's your favorite memory here at Parkland?"
"We're standing in it."
Carl Meyer grew up on a farm. So, when he came to Parkland 16-years ago, he knew he had to fight for agriculture.
"Agriculture is a major player in this county, and, for that matter, all over Central Illinois."
Meyer helped to get this Agriculture Technology Center off the ground. And, has remained humble through it all.
"A lot of people have been involved because you can't do it by yourself. It's a team effort."
Here, students learn how to repair ag and construction trucks. And, it's expanded over the years. Now, nearly 100-students are sent into the working world each year.
"All of our students are 100% placed. Our students are placed globally now."
Walking through, Meyer shows what he's most proud of. Seeing students become experts on what they love and gaining the promise of success.
"We were lucky because people believed in us and it happened."
A retirement celebration is planned for Meyer May 10, at the i-Hotel. Proceeds will go to a scholarship in his name.
His last day is June 30. He says he's going to travel with family and stay out of this weather.
Meyer has really played a huge role in expanding the campus. He's helped raise more than $25-million for programs. Students and teachers say Meyer is going to be greatly missed, but his work will pave the way for hundreds yet to come.
"What's your favorite memory here at Parkland?"
"We're standing in it."
Carl Meyer grew up on a farm. So, when he came to Parkland 16-years ago, he knew he had to fight for agriculture.
"Agriculture is a major player in this county, and, for that matter, all over Central Illinois."
Meyer helped to get this Agriculture Technology Center off the ground. And, has remained humble through it all.
"A lot of people have been involved because you can't do it by yourself. It's a team effort."
Here, students learn how to repair ag and construction trucks. And, it's expanded over the years. Now, nearly 100-students are sent into the working world each year.
"All of our students are 100% placed. Our students are placed globally now."
Walking through, Meyer shows what he's most proud of. Seeing students become experts on what they love and gaining the promise of success.
"We were lucky because people believed in us and it happened."
A retirement celebration is planned for Meyer May 10, at the i-Hotel. Proceeds will go to a scholarship in his name.
His last day is June 30. He says he's going to travel with family and stay out of this weather.
