Cochise College will celebrate its 50th anniversary with activities and events at campuses and centers across Cochise County throughout the 2014-15 academic year to commemorate the legacy of economic mobility and opportunity established by the citizens, employees, students and community members who have supported the college.
The golden anniversary celebration kicks off Sept. 21-23, beginning with a Founder’s Dinner reuniting students, faculty, staff and board members who were connected to the college in the 1960s, as well as other special guests.
Festivities continue with “Twist & Shout: The Definitive Beatles Experience,” a free concert open to the community, at the Sierra Vista Campus on Sept. 22 and at the Douglas Campus on Sept. 23. Played by musicians with an inherent understanding of why The Beatles are the most beloved and respected rock band in history, Twist & Shout will take you through The Beatles metamorphosis and immerse you in the complete experience.
“1964 was a good year: The Beatles came to America, and Cochise College opened its doors,” said Cochise College president J.D. Rottweiler. “In September 1964, we welcomed 491 students, and 50 years later, we serve over 14,000 students annually. That shows the impact a local institution of higher education has on a community. It is, most definitely, a golden opportunity.”
At each location, Twist & Shout concerts begin at 7 p.m., following book signings by faculty authors beginning at 4 and campus ceremonies at 6.
Anniversary-themed brown bag lunch lectures, hosted by the Cochise College Center for Lifelong Learning, will be offered throughout the fall in Sierra Vista and Douglas, with presentations by the college’s library staff, Cochise alumni and from the perspective of presidents’ spouses.
The full schedule of events for this year’s 50th anniversary celebration is available at www.cochise.edu/50. New activities are continually added as details are finalized.
Additionally, the Cochise College Foundation is seeking college memorabilia to be considered for inclusion in an exhibit that will rotate to locations around Cochise County. For more information about submitting memorabilia, contact the foundation by emailing alumni@cochise.edu or calling (520) 417-4735.
The college is also working to establish a Hall of Fame to honor former students, faculty, staff and community leaders. For the inaugural class, nominations will be accepted through fall 2014 and the induction ceremony is slated for April 2015. For more information or to make a nomination, visit www.cochise.edu/alumni/hall-of-fame.
Information about 50th anniversary events, activities, hotel accommodations, memorabilia, the hall of fame, and more is available at www.cochise.edu/50 or by calling (520) 417-4735.