Jacksonville – MacMurray College was one of 48 employers from central Illinois recognized by the Ill. Dept. of Human Services, Division of Rehabilitation Services, for having demonstrated leadership in promoting awareness of the needs of those with disabilities.

     The College was invited to attend the Fifth Annual Employer Workshop and Recognition Breakfast held Wednesday, October 05, 2005, at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield.

     MacMurray was nominated for the Ongoing Support Award and received an Employer Recognition Award for its support of disabled employees and the considerable work and effort to accommodate them.

     The College was represented at the ceremony by Bob Tobin, Director of Public Relations, and Rev. Randy Myers, Coordinator of Disability Support Services.

     A proclamation from Ill. Gov. Rod Blagojevich was read at the breakfast declaring the month of October, 2005, as National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Most of those with disabilities in Illinois live in poverty at a rate roughly three times the state average. Also, Illinoisans with disabilities have an unemployment rate of nearly 70%.

     In 1945, National Employ the Handicapped Week was instituted by President Harry Truman to promote employment for those with disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week and renamed it National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

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     Located in Jacksonville, Ill., MacMurray College is a private, four-year, liberal arts, coeducational college, founded in 1846, and affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Its friendly, informal environment stresses academic excellence, personal attention, career experience, and well-rounded development of each individual.