Manchester Community College Turns 50 Community College Trends

Dr Gena Glickman, MCC president and State Senator Steve Cassano appear with Host Jack Peak on Manchester Review in December to discuss MCC’s growth over the years and to celebrate its 50th anniversary. MCC has gone from a college without a campus in 1963 with an enrollment of 125 students to a 160 acre campus with 7600 students from all walks of life.  More than 23,000 students have graduated since its inception. It has become an economic catalyst for Manchester as well as a cultural and social center.  MCC On Main, its newest addition, brings the college to Main Street, offering classes, art shows and a community meeting place. Last year over 9000 people visited the center.  

Program offerings have multiplied- it has a huge Allied Health program, Engineering studies, Environmental Studies, Certificate programs for professional jobs as well as liberal arts courses preparing students to enroll in 4 year programs. Many courses are offered on line. It even has a High School on campus - Great Path Academy- providing a lab for education students. Last year Great Path had a 100% graduation rate and 100% went on to college.

According to Steve Cassano, two things that have not changed:  its close ties to the community and the fact that it remains an access point for post secondary education for hundreds of students every year. In fact, they used to call it “2nd Chance U.” Cassano, a State Senator, was an MCC student in the 60’s and taught at the college  for 28 years. 

Peak, Cassano and Glickman discuss trends in community colleges, the achievement gap,  the growth of technology at the college as well as the quality of the classes offered. Cassano and Glickman claim MCC professors have exceptional qualifications to prepare students for 4 year universities as well as for professional jobs. Although tuition costs have increased over the years, attendance is still a bargain- $1800 for 12 credits vs more than 8-9000 and more at most four year colleges.For information on programs visit the MCC website at: www.mcc.commnet.edu

“Manchester Community College Turns 50: Trends in Community College” can be seen on Cox PATV channel 15 Mondays at 9 PM in December and on YouTube at any time (Google: Manchester Community College Turns 50 Part I and Part II).