Delaware Tech celebrates 50th birthday
Delaware Technical Community College kicked off its 50th anniversary year with a party held Jan. 27 in the Jason Technology Center gymnasium.
The auditorium and hallways filled up fast as everyone crowded in to see a 50th anniversary video, browse tables showcasing the student clubs on campus, enjoy free refreshments, and meet with heads of campus.
Delaware Tech President Dr. Mark T. Brainard discussed some of the history of the Owens campus and how Delaware Tech has been an integral part of the Delaware community.
“Our mission is to provide a high-quality workforce for the local business and industry,” Brainard said.
“Eighty-five percent of [Delaware Tech] graduates stay in Delaware,” according to the 50th anniversary video. Because such a large percentage of students continue to work in Delaware after graduation, Delaware Tech has set a standard in excellence for the Delaware workforce.
“The college has not only kept up with technology, but has been ahead of the curve in order to prepare the current and future workforce,” Dr. Brainard said.
Helping to promote the success of Delaware Tech during its 50th year is Christine Gillan, director of communication and planning. Gillan sits on a six-member committee that oversees the collection of alumni success stories, billboard and television advertising campaigns and community service projects.
The community service projects are a major focus for the planning team, and according to Gillan, the goal is to complete 50 projects and post the photos on the 50th anniversary website. The school will also be handing out t-shirts with the 50th logo on them for people to wear while volunteering. Anyone who wishes to participate in a project can fill out this form.
In honor of Delaware Tech’s 50th year, the second week of June will be reserved as the inauguration week of President Dr. Mark Brainard. A campus wide picnic will be held June 6th and the installation ceremony will be June 9th. Dr. Brainard has been president since August 2014, but his inauguration was postponed to coincide with Delaware Tech’s 50th anniversary.
From left to right: Scott Green, chairman of the board of trustees; Ileana Smith, campus director; Patti Grimes, board of trustees member; and Mark T. Brainard, president. Photo by G. Hiller
