Oct. 12, 2016 – Massasoit Community College marked the start of a year-long celebration to commemorate its “Golden Anniversary” with special kick-off events during the month of September. Faculty, staff, and students gathered at the Brockton, Canton, and Middleborough locations for food, music, and commemorative 50th anniversary photos. Participants at the three locations donated more than $2,500 toward the Massasoit food pantry. 

As part of its 50th anniversary, the college has planned a year filled with extraordinary events. “We are excited to mark this occasion,” said Dr. Charles Wall, president of Massasoit Community College. “Our institution has a five-decade legacy of providing quality educational options to students in their communities, and we take great pride in the ways we have contributed to student and community success over the past fifty years. We look forward to celebrating our rich history over the coming months.”

 Since its start, the college has grown exponentially. In 1966, the college consisted of only 358 students and 22 faculty, and held its first classes at the Charles M. Frolio School in Abington. The college continued to grow, soon offering classes at the Sprague School in Brockton, Miramar in Duxbury, and the Howard School in West Bridgewater. In 1968, the college graduated its first class of 137 students. In 1969, the college broke ground on what is now the main campus in Brockton; the campus officially opened in 1972. Later, in 1985, the college acquired what was then the Blue Hills Technical Institute, which became the Canton campus. The most recent college location is in Middleborough at the former Lincoln D. Lynch School; the educational site which opened in 2010. Today, Massasoit Community College serves nearly 8,000 students each year, and offers more than 60 degree and certificate programs. 

Some of the upcoming events throughout the year include:

50th Anniversary Portraits of Success Gala
October 22, 2016
The Conference Center at Massasoit

Annual Food Bowl Food Drive
The food drive will culminate with a Thanksgiving celebration luncheon in the cafeteria on the Brockton campus
November 14, 2016

Holiday Party Reunion
Open to faculty and staff, past and present
December 14, 2016

In the spring, we will honor our regional heritage with the temporary installation of “Our Story: 400 Years of Wampanoag History,” a traveling exhibit. We will also host the Massasoit Messenger 5k, the annual Foundation Golf Tournament, the return of the classic Radio Classics Live for one last show, and more! 

“These events represent just some of the memorable occasions we have lined up for the year,” Wall added. “The Massasoit community is excited to celebrate this important milestone, and we invite the community to celebrate along with us.”