Twist & Shout performs in 2013. (Contributed photo)
In 1964, Beatlemania took the U.S. — and the world — by storm. The English rock band performed on the Ed Sullivan Show in February that year and the Fab Four’s legacy in popular culture lives on today.
Seven months after that iconic performance, history was made in Cochise County with the opening of its very own community college. The Douglas Campus held Cochise College’s first classes on Sept. 21, 1964.
This academic year, 50 years later, Cochise College will commemorate its golden anniversary with ongoing activities and events at each of its campuses and centers, kicking off in late September with a free concert for the community that celebrates each of these landmark events from 1964.
The Beatles tribute band “Twist & Shout” takes the stage at the Sierra Vista Campus on Sept. 22 and the Douglas Campus on Sept. 23, beginning at 7 p.m. each night after book signings by faculty authors beginning at 4 and campus ceremonies at 6.
“Historical documentation of the opening of the college vividly portrays the excitement of local residents about the opportunity that newly opened door represented in rural Cochise County,” said Denise Hoyos, Executive Director of the Cochise College Foundation. “Today, Cochise College alumni live and work locally and in locations across the globe. We’re thrilled to invite them back to celebrate their roots in fitting style.”
Played by musicians with an inherent understanding of why The Beatles are the most beloved and respected rock band in history, “Twist & Shout: The Definitive Beatles Experience” takes listeners through The Beatles’ metamorphosis and immerses audiences in the complete experience.
“Widespread enthusiasm is the common thread between the popularity of The Beatles and the opening of Cochise College in 1964,” said Cochise College President J.D. Rottweiler. “The college’s golden anniversary is a golden opportunity to commemorate the legacy of economic mobility and opportunity established by the citizens, employees, students and community members who have supported the college.”
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 college’s 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.