25th Anniversary Year Draws to a Close at St. Charles Community College

Published: 06/21/2012

A tree planting ceremony was held on June 16, where college and community leaders marked the moment, celebrated the accomplishments of the college and provided a glimpse into plans for a successful future. The ceremony kicked off the college’s Living Green Expo, held that same day.

“This is a special time in the history of St. Charles Community College,” said Ron Chesbrough, Ph.D., SCC president. “It is a time to reflect on the magnificent success and steady growth of the college through its first 25 years, and it is a time to look ahead with hope and expectancy to the next 25 years.”

Eddie O’Neil, a recent 2012 SCC graduate and student leader, attended the ceremony. O’Neil plans to transfer to the University of Missouri-St. Louis in the fall to study political science and hopes to someday pursue a law degree. O’Neil’s story is similar to many who have attended SCC. People such as Tina Cox, Jason Portell, Rob Dixon and thousands of others have benefitted from an education at St. Charles Community College. A number of SCC success stories are available at www.stchas.edu/mystory.

SCC celebrated its 25th anniversary from April 2011-June 2012.

Voters approved the formation of the St. Charles Community College district on April 1, 1986, and the first SCC classes were held in June of 1987. The college operated out of several temporary locations for five years while planning for a permanent campus. Enrollment grew rapidly as the college developed educational programs and services in answer to community needs. For more on the college’s history, visit www.stchas.edu/25th.

Chesbrough became SCC’s third president in October 2011, succeeding retiring president John McGuire, Ph.D. SCC’s first president was Donald D. Shook, Ed.D.

Today, SCC serves nearly 12,000 credit students and has another 65,000 non-credit enrollments annually – a large segment of the county’s population. Approximately one out of every four St. Charles County high school graduates attend SCC. For more SCC facts, visit the college’s at-a-glance fact page.

Established in 1986, St. Charles Community College is celebrating 25 years as a public, comprehensive two-year community college with associate degrees and certificate programs in the arts, business, sciences and career-technical fields. SCC provides workforce training and community-based personal and professional development as well as cultural, recreational and entertainment opportunities. For more information, visit www.stchas.edu.