Selden - Since its founding in 1959, Suffolk County Community College has grown to become the largest community college in the State University of New York (SUNY) system, enrolling approximately 25,000 students at its three campuses in Selden, Brentwood and Riverhead. The College will mark its 50th Anniversary during the 2009-2010 academic year (September 2009 through August 2010).

In preparation for the events that will take place throughout the year, special 50th Anniversary banners have been installed on roadway and walkway light poles around each campus. The banners feature the 50th Anniversary College logo and include both the first and the current academic years that the College has been in existence. These banners will remain on display until after commencement on May 23, 2010.

Additionally, an oral history documentary videotape capturing the College's first 50 years of history will serve as a centerpiece for the celebration. The documentary includes recorded memories from 75 of the College's faculty, administrators, employees, graduates and retirees. Copies of the documentary are available for purchase by calling 631-451-4630.

To celebrate this anniversary milestone, a yearlong calendar of events has been scheduled.

50th Anniversary Celebration 2009-2010 Calendar Highlights
Multicultural Tile Wall Unveiling - The College's multicultural tile wall displays the compilation of 500 student sculptural relief tiles created over the past 10 years collected by Michaelann Tostanoski, professor of visual arts. The College unveiled this newly installed wall outside Gallery West in the Captree Commons Building on the Michael J. Grant Campus in Brentwood with a public event on September 30. The wall celebrates the individuality that distinguishes us, the drive that unites us and the spirit that guides us to forge a more beautiful community.

October
 • Suffolk County Community College Alumni Weekend Events: Alumni Fashion Show - Thursday, October 29 - The Suffolk Community College Foundation will host its annual Alumni Fashion Show. Cheer on SCCC alumni, faculty and staff as they work the runway and feature fashions from the past five decades. Tickets are $40 per person. The event will be held at Villa Lombardi's in Holbrook from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets are available by calling 631-451-4630.

 • Music of the Craig Boyd Band - Friday, October 30 - Join in for a concert featuring the music of Craig Boyd, SCCC alumnus and College Coordinator of Music. Come hear smooth jazz renditions including material from his upcoming album, "Being With You." The free concert is open to the general public and will begin at 7 p.m. at the Shea Theatre in the Islip Arts Building on the Ammerman Campus in Selden.

 • Halloween Festival - Saturday, October 31 - Open to the general public, the Halloween Festival will take place at Veterans Plaza on the Ammerman Campus in Selden from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring the kids to this free event which includes Halloween games, contests and trick-or-treating.

November
 • "Once Upon A Mattress" - November 20, 21, 27, 28 and December 4 and 5, 8 p.m. and November 22, 29, and December 6 at 2 p.m. The theaters at Suffolk County Community College present a Tony-nominated musical from 1959, the year SCCC first opened its doors. For tickets and information call 631-451-4163.

 • 50 Years of Astronomy - Friday, November 13 - 7:30 p.m. - Dr. Michael Inglis, Professor of Astronomy, will hold a public lecture in Room 209 of the Smithtown Science Building on the Ammerman Campus in Selden. Dr. Inglis will discuss how the past 50 years have been unprecedented in our understanding of the Universe.

March
 • Salute to Excellence Gala - Friday, March 6, 2010 - The Suffolk Community College Foundation will hold its annual Salute to Excellence Gala at the Hyatt Regency Long Island in Hauppauge featuring 50th Anniversary themes. Join in for a 6:30 p.m. cocktail hour with dinner to follow.

May
 • 2010 Commencement - Sunday, May 23, 2010 - To celebrate the 50th anniversary, alumni representatives from each graduating class will participate in the ceremony.

Additional activities will also take place throughout the year. Departments across the College are taking this opportunity to showcase faculty and student accomplishments that enable them to best celebrate the anniversary on a departmental level. For more information go to www.sunysuffolk.edu for updates to the 50th Anniversary calendar and visit our 50th Anniversary blog at www.sccc50.wordpress.com.

Suffolk County Community College (SCCC) is the largest community college in the State University of New York (SUNY) system, enrolling approximately 25,000 students at its three campuses in Selden, Brentwood and Riverhead. SCCC offers the Associate in Arts (A.A.), Associate in Science (A.S.), and Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees, as well as a variety of certificate programs. Offering the lowest college tuition on Long Island, a highly respected Honors program, extensive extracurricular activities, championship athletic teams, and numerous unified transfer programs, SCCC is a first-choice college for Long Island students.