Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute has wrapped up a year of celebration commemorating its 60thAnniversary with a special Sunset Celebration on the college’s Watauga Campus in Boone. The event was originally scheduled for October 2024 but was postponed due to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
Community leaders, along with local school and government officials and CCC&TI donors, trustees, and Foundation board members gathered on the college’s mountain-top campus in Boone for a special sunset celebration featuring hors d’oeuvres prepared by the J.E. Broyhill Catering Group, special music from the college’s music faculty and staff and remarks from college and community leaders to commemorate the institution’s 60th birthday and its many years of service in both Caldwell and Watauga Counties.
Jerry Church, Chairman of the CCC&TI’s Board of Trustees and proud graduate of CCC&TI, opened the event, welcoming all those in attendance and recognizing the college’s board members and Foundation board members and leadership. “Welcome to this Sunset Celebration as we mark the 60th year, Diamond Anniversary of Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute. What makes CCC&TI so special isn’t just the programs and degrees, it’s the people. From the faculty, staff and administration who give so much and care so deeply, to the students who work hard often juggling jobs and families as they strive for a better tomorrow,” said Church. “Over our 60-year history, CCC&TI has awarded over 700,000 credentials serving close to 300,000 students. But tonight isn’t just about how far we’ve come, it’s also about recognizing all the people who have made all of this possible; our founders, our faculty and staff, our students and alumni and most importantly, you,” said Church.
Church also recognized event sponsors Appalachian Mountain Brewery, Associated Brands, Bernhardt Furniture, Blue Ridge Energy, Caldwell-UNC Health Care, Data Imaging, Duke Energy, LifeStore Bank and Insurance, Mast General Store, McCreary Modern and SkyLine/SkyBest.
Congresswoman Virginia Foxx was unable to attend the event but sent a special video message for all those in attendance, wishing the college a happy birthday and expressing her support of the institution. “Congratulations to Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute on it 60th Anniversary. This is a significant milestone and one that deserves the utmost praise. For six decades… your work has left a positive, indelible mark upon the community,” said Fox. “Thank you for your commitment to advancing the educational endeavors of students, as well as workforce development within our part of the state. Here’s to another 60 wonderful years. May God continue to bless you in your work.”
David Jackson, President and CEO of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce spoke at the event expressing his appreciation for the college and the partnerships it facilitates to ensure that future generations have a pathway to high-paying jobs in a variety of fields including trades, and skilled labor which are more important than ever as recovery efforts continue throughout the region following Hurricane Helene.
“Caldwell has ways to make our community stronger, whether that’s educating people, giving businesses the opportunity to skill and upskill their workers, or giving that person who’s in the mood for a career change the ability to make a fresh start – and to be able to do all that in our county with a state-of-the art facility that will only further enhance the educational opportunities here. We couldn’t ask for more.” said Jackson. “These partnerships make this county one of the absolute best places in North Carolina to learn. We can be the best community in the state for education from birth to doctoral and Caldwell Community College is a huge part of that.”
CCC&TI President, Dr. Mark Poarch also spoke at the event expressing his appreciation to the community for their continued support of the college. Poarch shared that the occupational training facility expansion currently underway on the college’s Watauga Campus will be completed in the coming months and will allow for additional training opportunities this fall in a variety of fields including nursing, HVAC, electrical and plumbing which will help meet local demand for skilled workers in these sectors as the community continues to rebuild in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
“Our history isn’t so much about the buildings as it is about the thousands of students that we’ve been able to serve in our history here at this institution, the lives that have been changed and the students who have been able to make this place home and make life better for themselves and their families,” said Poarch. “We are very proud of our past and we are very hopeful and excited for our future. We could not do any of this without you, our partners who are in this work with us,” said Poarch. “We’ve been here for 60 years, and we plan on being here for another 60 and then some to continue our work to meet the needs of this community. Thank you for your partnership and for being here tonight to celebrate!”