Parkland College continues to move ahead with an innovative and diversified curriculum while laying valuable groundwork for future success in the neighboring high school classrooms by providing the option of dual credit programs. In 1963, the boards of education for both the cities of Champaign and Urbana, Illinois, began discussing the development of a technical institute. Educators and community leaders came together to form the East Central Illinois Steering Committee that worked diligently with local residents, businesses and industry to bring their dream to fruition. By 1966, the area voters approved the "junior college District 505" and Parkland College opened its doors in September 1967 with a total enrollment of 1,338 students. Today, enrollment at Parkland College far exceeds that original number with well over 11,000 credit and noncredit students. This article describes numerous historical changes for Parkland College that have occurred over the years. The following sections are included: Zooming In On Dual Credit Programs; The Learning Curve, Teacher's Pet, Late Assignment; and A Look Forward.