Jovana Teodorovic
In August 1961, the first community college in Washington opened its doors in the South King County area (Gordon). This year we commemorate forty years of Highline Community College’s existence. Now is a time of reflection, of looking back at what the college has accomplished in the past and the milestones it passed. One of those occasions was the celebration and marking of the twenty-fifth anniversary. The affair included a daylong party consisting of music, cake cutting, campus tours, an open house, speeches and guest appearances, even a regatta was held.
By the time it marked a quarter of a century of its existence, Highline was the fourth-largest of the twenty-seven community colleges in the state. Enrollment went from about 400 in 1961 to almost 9,000 students, with staff to accommodate the growing student body, in 1986. In that year’s class schedule, Dr. Shirley B. Gordon, who was the president of the college at the time, told students “1985-1986 will be a special year. There will be celebrating.” Highline was proud of itself and was going to chronicle this occasion with an elaborate celebration.
The college went all out for this occasion. The day’s classes were cancelled from noon to 1 p.m. and the night classes were cancelled from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., so that everyone could enjoy the festivities planned. The celebration was kicked off at 10:30 a.m. with a VIP brunch at the cafeteria, which lasted until noon. Meanwhile in the library plaza, entertainment was provided by the Highline College Jazz Quartet, and comments were made by Dr. Gordon. After the speeches, cake and refreshments were served, Klaus Lendzian, a contemporary guitarist, took over the entertainment. Later, the Jazz Band performed under the direction of Mark Minear. The sixteen-piece Percy Bronson Orchestra also got to show off its skills that evening. The final cake cutting and comments by Dr. Gordon were completed during this performance. Campus tours were also given, and an open house was held, which included visual displays (Schedule of Events).
One of the 25th Anniversary Committee members, Terry McLafferty, expressed his expectations of the open house and tour of the college in an interview in the October 1986 issue of the Thunderword. He said, “It will also be a great time for alumni to visit and see how much the campus has changed.” The article also pointed out that “The celebration will be an excellent opportunity for the area people who have never visited HCC to find out all of the programs and classes offered here.”(Reed) The tour was a well-planned affair, consisting of the upper campus tour, one hour in length, and the lower campus tour, which was forty-five minutes in length. The tour included detailed exploration of all buildings on campus including the library, pool, courtroom, and classrooms. It also informed participants of some of the programs at the college such as the Transportation Program and the Hotel/Restaurant Program. Both tours ended at the canopy area, near the library, and gave future students a glimpse of what was to come (Upper Campus Tour). The event also attracted some important guests such as John Terrey from the State Board for Community College Education, and author Ann Rule who had an autograph party in the HCC Bookstore (Reed). As the photographs found in the Public Information Office collection show, there were a lot of interested people who came to celebrate along with many HCC students and faculty. The festivity also reached outside campus.
In addition to the on-campus activities, “An open sailboat regatta [was] held off the Des Moines Marina breakwater Sunday, October 27, to commemorate Highline Community College’s 25th anniversary” (Sailboat Regatta). A post race awards banquet was then held at Anthony’s banquet room. Everyone was invited to both events.
An elaborate event such as the regatta would certainly put a large dent in Highline’s 25th Anniversary budget. Costs such as renting tents, hiring musicians and photographers helped bring the final amount due to $19,508.01. But the 25th Anniversary Committee spared no expense. They had anniversary stickers and banners made, hired many helping hands, and sent memos about the regatta along with invitations to the formal dinner-dance, scheduled for February 15th, 1986, at the Marriott Hotel. All former faculty, staff, and students were invited. No doubt much planning went into this affair, and the Committee had its hands full.
It is fair to say that the marking of Highline Community College’s 25th anniversary was an elaborate function, attracting many people, as documented in the photographs found in the Public Information Office. It included all of the ingredients for a great party: live music, cake, and some local celebrities. It was a complete success in celebrating a landmark in Highline’s history.
Works Cited
25th Anniversary Account Expenditures. 13 Aug. 1986 Highline Community College Information Office, box 25.
Gordon, Shirley B. “Highline Community College: 25 Years of Excellence”. 1985. HCC Fall 1985 Schedule. Highline Community College Information Office, box 25.
“Lower Campus Tour” 5 Oct. 1985: Highline Community College Information Office, box 25.
Reed, Anne. “Happy Anniversary Highline” Thunderword 10 October 1986: 1,6
“Sailboat Regatta” 15 Oct. 1985: Highline Community College Information Office, box 20.
“Schedule of Events” 10 Oct. 1985: Highline Community College Information Office, box 25.
“Upper Campus Tour” 5 Oct. 1985: Highline Community College Information Office, box 25.
Works Cited
Community College District 9. Background Information. February 6, 1973.
“Highline History: A Quick Review.” Thunderword. May 19, 1972, Page 6.
Gordon, Shirley. Highline: 1962, 1972, 1982.” Thunderword. May 19, 1972, Page 5.
“Highline College Began Four Years Ago with 15 Instructors.” Thunderword. January 27, 1965, Page 2.
State Board for Community and Technical Colleges website. <www.sbctc.ctc.edu>.