Taking time to be retrospective is a wonderful exercise. Months ago when we started preparing for TCC’s 50th Anniversary year we spent a lot of time looking back, from the foundation of the College to today, and who helped us along the way. The photos and documents we pulled from the archives, some of which dated back years before the doors even opened, were a wonderful reminder of our rich history and the significance of our institution.

With our anniversary year now well underway, everywhere I go there are people who have been impacted by TCC and express to me their heartfelt gratitude for the tremendous work we do. They ask, “Is Professor so-and-so still at the College?” or they tell me how much they loved a certain advisor or class. Some days it seems like most of our community either was a student, or knew a student, or hired a student. I can’t begin to tell you how rewarding it is that these remarkable people, some of which I work with on a regular basis, have such a positive impression of this institution.

It continued last Thursday evening when we honored 50 such alumni as part of our 50 for 50 – a profile series that celebrates each of their achievements since graduation. The excitement in the room as each of them received their recognition was palpable. There was so much pride in being a part of TCC at such a momentous time.

For one of the honorees, TCC was as much a part of their family history as they are a part of ours. David Chapman’s mother, Ruth, had served on our founding Advisory Board which organized the new College and would later become the District Board of Trustees. His father, Harold, was one of our celebrated early faculty and taught from 1967-79. David graduated in 1972 alongside his wife Diane and they were married the year after. A generation later, their two sons would attend here. They all take pride in TCC.

We could go on and on about the number of students we’ve served or the economic impact we’ve had on our community in 50 years, but this is what really matters – improving the fabric of our community, touching individual lives, being a part of the foundations of students’ success. That is why we’re here.

I can’t wait for what’s next. I hope all our faculty, staff, students and alumni will take the opportunity to join us for one of our many upcoming events.

On January 28, I will be hosting the Archive Gallery Exhibit Opening in the Fine and Performing Arts Center from 5:30 – 7 p.m. In addition to the many pieces of photography from 50 years of history that we will have on display, we will also be premiering the 50th Anniversary short film, “Celebrating a Legacy, Building a Future.”

We also have our first ribbon-cutting ceremony of the year on February 15 at the Wakulla Environmental Institute. More details on that to come.

Visit 50.tcc.fl.edu for more information.