Contact: Ann Hatch
214-378-1819;
ahatch@dcccd.edu
For immediate release — Aug. 24, 2015
(DALLAS) — Student success. Business partnerships. Economic development. Workforce training. Community service. Employee success.
For 50 years, the Dallas County Community College District has served as a leader in the community and in higher education, reaching more than 3 million students through seven colleges and, more recently, five community campuses — making a difference in students’ lives, the community and the economy.
On Friday, Aug. 28, former and current members of the DCCCD family — especially faculty, professional support staff and administrators — will celebrate the district’s golden anniversary. They are remembering the past — honoring early leadership, marking five decades of progress, acknowledging the contributions of employees throughout the years — and looking toward the future.
The all-day event, scheduled at the Mesquite Convention Center and Exhibit Hall, will bring several thousand employees together for activities and community-wide congratulations from elected officials and friends as well as a look at the past 50 years and next 50 years by Dr. Joe May, DCCCD’s chancellor — from the founders to the future.
Special guests will include members of the DCCCD board of trustees and dignitaries: County Judge Clay Jenkins, State Sen. Robert “Bob” Hall, State Reps. Linda Koop and Cindy Burkett, Mesquite Mayor Stan Pickett and Garland Mayor Douglas Athas. Several other elected officials will provide videotaped greetings: Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings, Dallas Mayor Pro Tem Monica Alonzo, State Sen. Don Huffines and State Reps. Rafael Anchia, Yvonne Davis and Helen Giddings. County Commissioner Theresa Daniel is submitting a resolution/commemoration.
“During our golden anniversary, we are celebrating 50 years of community leadership in Dallas County, as well as 50 years of inspiring individuals to achieve, helping business prosper, supporting our community and improving the quality of life for every person in North Texas,” said May. “That’s the DCCCD Way.”
Forty-one employees have worked for the district since her or his college or location opened. El Centro College opened in 1966, and two of its original faculty members started their teaching careers at the first college almost 50 years ago and have taught at Richland College since 1972. El Centro will begin its celebration next year.
Afternoon activities range from watching 50 years of DCCCD magic (a real magic show) to sharing DCCCD memories on video to special topic roundtables to DCCCD bingo, line dancing and even a lip sync contest.
Each college or location has gathered items for time capsules that will be on display throughout the event for everyone to view and share memories. The time capsules will be buried at a later date.
For more information, contact Ann Hatch in the DCCCD office of public and governmental affairs at 214-378-1819 or by email at
ahatch@dcccd.edu.
# # #