Highland Community College ("HCC" or Highland) is a public two-year community college. Its main campus is located in Freeport, Illinois. The college is recognized by the Illinois Community College Board, and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and a member of the North Central Association. Highland was first established in 1962 on the land purchased from the Taft family. The Highland Community college foundation was the first community college foundation established in the State of Illinois and only the second in the nation. The foundation was established by Dr. Howard D. Sims, president of Highland Community College from 1975 to 1980. Highland is located in Freeport, Illinois on 140 acres (or 346 ha). There are seven buildings on the campus, which are mainly used for classes. The college's sports complex is also the local YMCA, to which Highland's students carrying more than six credit hours per semester receive a free membership. Highland Community College has a campus in Elizabeth, Illinois. On Route 20, Highland West offers a great opportunity to residents of Jo Daviess county to easily commute to classes. Several classes can also be taken in Savanna, Illinois.