Montgomery County Community College Celebrates 50 Years

By: Jake Brams

BLUE BELL, PA--This year, Montgomery County Community College is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary.  The college will be commemorating the occasion with special events taking place at both the Pottstown and Blue Bell campuses as well as online.  Many of these events will recognize veterans as well as helping out the homeless.  Montco administrators are encouraging everyone, but especially students and the surrounding community to attend all events.
 

    As Montgomery County Commissioner Josh Shapiro said at the Blue Bell campus in January, “This [community college] is a driving force for our economy, for education and most importantly [to provide an] opportunity to so many who might not otherwise have the opportunity.”
 

    Among many of the events are the nominations taking place online for the college's “Fabulous 50.”  The “Fabulous 50” is a list of influential and inspiring alumni that have helped the college bloom during its long journey.  On the webpage anyone can write in any of the alumni they wish to be included in the list.  The college will hold a special event in November to recognize those that make the list.
 

    Students of Montco are well underway in their attempt to tackle fifty different acts of community service in 2014.  Students and alumni have been encouraged to participate in a music contest for a college song, in which the winning composer will receive a 300 dollar prize.
 

    First among many of the items commemorating the anniversary is a hardcover book entitled “50 Years of Thinking Bigger”.  At 128 pages, the commemorative book chronicles every decade of Montco’s history with dozens of photographs and can be ordered through the college's website at www.mc3.edu/campus-life/50th-anniversary/8372.  Handcrafted wooden dolls are also available with sales of many commemorative items going to charity through the Montgomery County Community College Foundation.
 

    The “50 Points of Pride and History Highlight” webpages illustrate the many aspects in which Montco takes pride.  Among these points, Montco recognizes its achievements as an institution as well as the achievements of its leadership, faculty and the ever-increasing support it provides to its students.
 

    Since 2000, Montco has added online courses.  These help students gain a better understanding of what knowledge they can gain from the internet in an age where it can be hard to know what source is legitimate.
 

    With the various celebratory and informative events Montgomery County Community College is offering everyone can jump in on the fun.  Even the busiest students are helping to make this anniversary one for the ages.  Fifty years is a huge milestone for Montco, so it is only natural for it to be celebrated in a grand fashion.