By Hope Sandusky/editor-in-chief
Students, faculty and staff joined on Panther Island Aug. 1 to celebrate TCC’s 50th anniversary.
Organizations and groups from all five campuses set up booths with information and chances to win prizes. A timeline showed the major points of TCC’s history, and people could take their picture in a photo booth to place into a time capsule.
Photos by Hope Sandusky/The Collegian
“When you think about it, we’re learning about the history of TCC while making history by being a part of this celebration,” NW student Alphonso Beltran said. “I never knew about all the stuff for the other campuses since they’re so spread out, but it’s cool to see.”
TCC mascot Toro as well as the Texas Rangers mascot Captain were on-site for photos. KISS-FM provided music for the event.
Administrators and faculty served burgers and hot dogs for guests to eat.
Chancellor Erma Johnson Hadley as well as former chancellors Joe B. Rushing, C.A. Roberson and Leonardo de la Garza also spoke about their memories and the success of TCC.
“It’s a wonderful day to celebrate a wonderful 50 years,” Hadley said.
Other speakers included Fort Worth mayor Betsy Price and Texas Reps. Nicole Collier and Chris Turner as well as TCC board president Louise Appleman.
The event was also marked by the burning of TCC’s last bond, making the school debt-free since the bonds were issued in 1966. TCC becoming debt-free was due in part to policies started by de la Garza.
“This event and all the events to come are about making good memories,” de la Garza said. “What better memory to make today than to establish TCC as completely debt-free.”
Students from each campus then performed, representing a different decade for all five decades that TCC has been open.
“It was fun hearing the songs and seeing the dances from each decade,” attendee Robert Palmer said. “I can remember jamming out to those when I was in college.”
