Widmer Family Plaza unveiled at Heartland Community College

Posted on October 20, 2022
Former Heartland Community College President Rob Widmer (third from left) and his family members cut the ribbon to open Widmer Family plaza. (Photo courtesy Heartland Community College)

By Neil Doyle

NORMAL – Heartland Community College opened a new plaza dedicated to former president Rob Widmer and his family.

The college held a ceremony Wednesday in front of the Community Commons Building at the main campus in Normal where the plaza is located.

It honors former HCC President Rob Widmer’s tenure with the organization. Widmer served 22 years of his 40-year career in higher education at Heartland and served as HCC president for five years.

“Rob Widmer is a passionate advocate for education and for over two decades at Heartland Community College he was dedicated to our mission of providing accessible, equitable learning experiences that enrich individuals and our community,” said Heartland Community College President Keith Cornille. “This addition to our campus honors Rob and also his family, who have had strong ties to the agriculture community in the northern part of our college district. Through the generosity of the donors who helped make the Widmer Family Plaza possible, we now have a vibrant, warm, and inviting outdoor space that reflects the welcoming environment Rob fostered during his time at Heartland.”

During his time, Widmer was instrumental in the development and planning of the current Main Campus in Normal including several buildings and Heartland’s 1.65 mega-watt wind turbine.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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