Coconino Community College staff, supporters and students get together to celebrate 30 years of service to our communities. Courtesy photo.
COCONINO COUNTY — Cupcakes. Ice cream. Laughter and shared memories of service to students.
On Aug. 24, 26 and 27, friends, staff, faculty and students celebrated Coconino Community College’s 30th anniversary with parties across the county. Each birthday bash – at CCC’s two locations in Flagstaff and at the location in Page – featured comments from CCC staff, supporters and community leaders.
“This is so we can celebrate all things CCC and the community that supports us so much,” said CCC President Colleen A. Smith.
Gail Lowe, Flagstaff accountant, member of the CCC Foundation Board of Directors, and CCC Champion, said, “Volunteers showed up to serve students, faculty, staff and community members and to reminisce on CCC’s 30 years and contributions to our communities. Thank you to all for supporting CCC and helping celebrate this important milestone birthday.”
Nat White, chair of the CCC District Governing Board, said, “I think one of the most important things when celebrating an anniversary is to ask, ‘What comes next?’”
He added that the future for CCC, with dedicated staff and programs designed to meet the needs of the students, looks good. It is a sentiment that was echoed by Coconino County Supervisor Patrice Horstman and Coconino County Manager Steve Peru, both who consider themselves “champions” of the college. Flagstaff City Councilmember Regina Salas stressed how integral the community college will be for the city’s workforce development needs.
Up in Page alongside President Smith and DGB Member Joseph Smith, Mayor Bill Diak, who is an alum of CCC, also shared thoughts on how important the community college is for the continued vitality of the area.
Lisa Blank, Dean of Career and Technical Education at CCC, summed up the community college’s relevance to many of the students who begin their educational journey at CCC.
“We build hope,” she said.
Events to celebrate CCC’s 30th anniversary will take place throughout the year. For a photo essay of the celebrations at CCC’s locations throughout the county, visit https://flic.kr/s/aHsmWtJeEb