Students in classes scheduled between 9 a.m. and noon will be allowed to leave their lectures in order to witness a processional from the courtyard and attend the collegewide convocation, officials said.

To help celebrate the occasion, NLC is welcoming its three former presidents, Dr. Donald Newport, Dr. James Horton and Dr. David England to share their stories and experiences of leading the college's early evolution.

"In hearing the stories, you hear the college grow and develop," said Patricia Corbett, administrative assistant to the college president.

Newport, who served as president of NLC from 1976-1982, provided the "dream and vision" as the college's founding father, Corbett said. His story is the story of North Lake's construction and early development, she said.

Horton presided over the campus from 1982-1996. His piece of North Lake's story, Corbett said, revolves around the beneficial relationships he established on behalf of the college with the area's business community.

England was North Lake's president from 1996-2001. His legacy to North Lake includes lasting relationships he built with the public school districts surrounding the college, Corbett said.

Dr. Herlinda Glasscock, North Lake's current president and keynote speaker, will bring the story of North Lake College to the present and share her vision for the future, according to Corbett.

Glasscock said she is eager to finally meet all three former presidents in person. In her position, she said, "You see the impact they've had on the college, but you don't get to know them as individuals."

In addition to providing the story of NLC, the assembly also will serve as backdrop for introduction of a new award - the North Lake College medal. Corbett said she doesn't expect the college to award the medal often because of a desire to have it become a "special recognition award for people who have contributed greatly to the college or their field of expertise."

Members of the current North Lake family would be welcome participants in a big part of the celebration, Corbett added.

She said students and staff who are interested in performing with the convocation choir are invited to attend open rehearsals in P-249 on Aug. 22 from 2:30-4 p.m.