Des Plaines, Ill. (Jan. 21, 2025) — Oakton marked a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to student success with the official dedication of the new Learning Commons at its Des Plaines campus on Jan. 20. The contemporary, student-centered space brings together academic resources and support services into a single, dynamic hub designed to foster collaboration and academic achievement.
College leaders, employees, students and community partners gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the transformation of Oakton’s traditional library into a modern learning environment.
“Oakton is the community’s college,” said Oakton College President Joianne L. Smith, Ph.D. “The Learning Commons reflects our commitment to creating spaces that support how students learn today. This hub brings together essential resources in a welcoming, inclusive environment — supporting Oakton’s bold vision of building just and thriving communities.”
The Des Plaines Learning Commons integrates library services, tutoring, support for first-generation students, technology assistance and access to Oakton’s archives in one centralized location. The space also includes focus rooms, huddle rooms, pop-in pods, a library classroom, prayer and meditation rooms, sensory spaces, and a variety of general study areas to support both individual and group work.
The Des Plaines celebration follows the opening of a similar space at Oakton’s Ray Hartstein campus in Skokie in 2024. Both projects represent key components of the College’s $63 million Master Plan Update approved by the Board of Trustees in 2022.
“This intentional Learning Commons design meets students where they are,” said Oakton College Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Ileo Lott, Ed.D. “By bringing academic resources, expertise and peer support together in one accessible space, we make learning more navigable, more human and more engaging.”
As part of the dedication, Oakton honored the legacy of Professor Emerita Adele LeGere by rededicating the Adele LeGere Math Lab within the new Learning Commons. A beloved educator for nearly three decades, LeGere is remembered for her compassion and dedication to her students. Her legacy continues through the Mary and Paul LeGere Scholarship and the LeGere family's ongoing support.
Following the ribbon cutting, attendees toured the new space. For more information about Oakton College and the Learning Commons, visit www.oakton.edu.