HCC Aging Optimistically As It Celebrates 50th Anniversary

TAMPA, FL -- Considered one of the most turbulent years in the 20th century, 1968 was marked by the assassinations of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy along with violent protests across college campuses, at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago and at the Summer Olympics in Mexico City.

But underlying the tragedies was trickle of hope as Americans sat glued to their black and white Zenith TVs on Christmas Eve, watching Apollo 8 astronauts -- Jim Lovell, Bill Anders and Frank Borman -- become the first humans to orbit the moon. After emerging from the dark side of the moon, Lovell delighted children around the world with his now-famous quote, "Houston, please be informed there is a Santa Claus."

It was with that sense of optimism that Hillsborough Community College first opened it doors to students, opening up educational opportunities to high school graduates who previously had no hope of obtaining a college degree.

Now, 50 years later, staff, alumni, students and supporters are celebrating support from the community that led to HCC becoming one of the top community colleges in Florida today.

HCC and the HCC Foundation will kick off the celebration Thursday, Sept. 13, with the 2018 Presidential Showcase at Armature Works in Tampa, 1910 N. Ola Ave.

The event starts at 5:30 p.m. with a VIP Sponsors Reception followed by a reception and silent auction at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7:15 p.m.

HCC President Dr. Ken Atwater and the Hillsborough Community College Foundation will celebrate five decades of innovation and inspiration during the event as they honor distinguished alumni and corporate and business partners as well as faculty members.

Nearly 400 community leaders and guests will enjoy an evening of gourmet cuisine and libations, performances by HCC students and faculty, interactive displays of HCC programs and a silent auction of one-of-a-kind sports, art, entertainment and other gift packages.

The proceeds from past Presidential Showcases, combined with a match from the state of Florida, have generated more than $2 million in student scholarships over the event’s history.

Click here for tickets and sponsorship opportunities.

During the golden anniversary celebration, each HCC campus will have its own month to shine. October will be the Ybor City campus, November the Plant City campus, January the SouthShore campus, February the Dale Mabry Highway campus and March will highlight the Brandon campus.

Then on Saturday, April 27, HCC will conclude this milestone year with a community celebration at Water Works Park in Tampa that will invite all Tampa Bay residents to see the impact of HCC -- past, present, and future.

The HCC Foundation will also help blaze a trail to the future, commemorating the anniversary through a comprehensive funding campaign: HCC Rising: Together We Lift Our Community.

Founded by the community to serve the community, HCC now has more than one million alumni. It offers 160 programs

Signature Campus Celebrations

Ybor City: Thursday, Oct. 11, all day throughout the Ybor City campus. It will feature an array of events celebrating the history of the Ybor campus and the historic district it calls home, highlighting talented faculty and students. Program displays and entertainment will take place throughout the day, and a variety-type show is scheduled for the evening with a reception.

Plant City: Thursday, Nov. 15, at the Trinkle Center, Plant City campus. There will be an evening recognition event for all of the donors and community members who have had a significant influence in the development and success of the Plant City campus, including retired faculty and staff and alumni.

SouthShore: Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2 to 5 p.m. at the SouthShore Campus Community Room. There will be an event to acknowledge members of the community who have contributed to the development of the campus and celebrate outstanding students, faculty and alumni. Food, entertainment, display tables and awards will be part of the event.

Dale Mabry: Tuesday through Saturday, Feb. 19-23, various times throughout the Dale Mabry campus.

Tuesday: Pep rally to kick off the celebration

Wednesday: Carnival sponsored by the Student Government Association

Thursday: Alumni-focused dinner "under the sails"

Friday: Complimentary guitar recital for the community

Saturday: Double-header basketball game against rival St. Petersburg College for the inaugural “Howard Frankland Cup”

Brandon: Friday, March 22, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Brandon Campus Conference Center. The Brandon campus will celebrate 50 women community leaders in a celebration that will include an inspiring keynote speaker, lively panel discussions and mentorship opportunities.

Images via HCC

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