LANSING, Mich. (June 15, 2021) – Lansing Community College’s founding President, Dr. Philip J. Gannon has passed. The college administration is committed to continuing his legacy and honoring his contributions to the City of Lansing and higher education through our continued service to the Lansing community. Plans are underway to commemorate and celebrate his life. Specific information will be provided at a later date and time.
Lansing Community College is one of the largest community colleges in Michigan, serving more than 23,000 students each year. It offers more than 200 associate degree and certificate programs in addition to career and workforce development and personal enrichment options. The college was founded in 1957 and has since grown from its flagship campus in downtown Lansing to include locations in Delta Township, East Lansing, Mason and Livingston County. LCC is consistently named one of Michigan’s best community colleges.
When reflecting on Dr. Gannon, LCC’s current President Dr. Steve Robinson said “Dr. Gannon was a visionary who made an indelible mark on Lansing and Mid-Michigan. The creation of Lansing Community College has transformed generations of lives and careers.” Upon learning of his passing, Dr. Robinson shared an important memory: “Shortly after arriving at LCC, I had a long telephone conversation with Dr. Gannon about the founding and history of Lansing Community College. Not only was he sharp and insightful about the college, he was incredibly funny and engaged. He will be missed by the college community that meant so much to him.”
Dr. Gannon graduated from Detroit Northern High School, and earned a B.A. degree from Albion College and a M.S. and Ph.D. from Michigan State University. He received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Albion College in 1971 and the Distinguished Alumni Award from Michigan State University in 1990. His involvement in the Lansing community included: Economic Development Board, Human Relations Committee, Chairman United Way/General Campaign, Vice President of Chamber of Commerce of Greater Lansing, Lansing General Hospital President of Board of Directors, Greater Lansing Urban League, and Commissioner Higher Education Facilities/Authority. In 2016, Dr. Gannon was presented with a key to the City of Lansing by Mayor Virg Bernero.
Dr. Gannon was a Commissioner and examiner for the North Central Commission on Colleges and Universities, 1965-1987, and was appointed by the White House to the National Advisory Board of International Education and the National Advisory committee on Accreditation and Institutional Eligibility. He served as a technical education consultant to Belize, China, Hungary, Japan, Korea, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam. Dr. Gannon was U.S. Navy pilot during World War II and served in the Ready Reserves, retiring as Captain, U.S.N.R.
Dr. Gannon and his wife were married for over 65 years. They have three children, all honor graduates of Lansing Community College.
Today, we remember and honor Dr. Philip Gannon (1922 – 2021).
About Lansing Community College
Lansing Community College is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and equal education for all persons regardless of race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, creed, ancestry, height, weight, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, familial status, marital status, military status, veteran’s status, or other status as protected by law, or genetic information that is unrelated to the person’s ability to perform the duties of a particular job or position or that is unrelated to the person’s ability to participate in educational programs, courses, services or activities offered by the college.
The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: Equal Opportunity Officer, Washington Court Place, 309 N. Washington Square Lansing, MI 48933, 517-483-1730; Employee Coordinator 504/ADA, Administration Building, 610 N. Capitol Ave. Lansing, MI 48933, 517-483-1875; Student Coordinator 504/ADA, Gannon Building, 411 N. Grand Ave. Lansing, MI 48933, 517-483-1885; Sarah Velez, Human Resource Manager/Title IX Coordinator, Administration Building, 610 N. Capitol Ave. Lansing, MI 48933, 517-483-1874; Christine Thompson, Student Title IX Coordinator, Gannon Building, 411 N. Grand Ave. Lansing, MI 48933, 517-483-1261.
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