Lakeland Community College celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2017-18. Our goals for the celebration, as identified by the campus community, were:
- Focus on the future for Lakeland and our community.
- Increase participation in, and support for, the college and its programs.
- Increase public awareness of Lakeland's role in strengthening our community.
Lakeland faculty, staff, administrators and students gave back to the community by participating in 50 volunteer community service projects throughout the year - one for every year of the college's existence. The intention was to complete projects of the size and scope that have a long-term or lasting impact on our community.
Lakeland kicked off its 50th anniversary week with a bang Monday, Sept. 25, with a slate of activities including fireworks!
Lakeland's Birthday Party
The 50th anniversary kick-off ceremony welcomed former Lakeland President Morris W. Beverage Jr. unveiling a giant birthday hat on the college's Mind Ladders sculpture, which was created for Lakeland's 25th anniversary. Local legislators and city officials presented resolutions honoring Lakeland on its 50 years of service to Lake County.
Campus Cookout
Students, employees, and retirees were invited to a complimentary campus cookout at Breakers on the first floor and patio area, serving hundreds of guests.
Aerial Drone Photo – Lakeland 50!
Students, employees and community members made Lakeland history with a 50th anniversary birthday photo from an aerial drone! Over 200 participants stood to form the number 50 in the field behind the tennis courts, wearing blue to show their appreciation for Lakeland.
Click here to download a printable version of this special photo! (Optimal print size: 7.74"x4.36")
Fireworks!
A professionally choreographed fireworks display was set off from the soccer field and viewed from all over campus. With food trucks serving dinner and snacks, hundreds of community members enjoyed the birthday celebration.
Lakeland's 50th anniversary week celebration continued Tuesday, Sept. 26.
Lakeland Veterans Memorial Dedication Ceremony
Lakeland held a dedication ceremony for a new Veterans Memorial outside the Athletic & Fitness Center. The memorial, initiated by Lakeland's students' veterans program, features a flag display and a helmet, rifle and boots forming a battle cross. The ceremony include a 21-gun salute and guests from the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. National Guard.
Birthday Cupcakes
Students and employees were invited to enjoy complimentary 50th birthday cupcakes in the Student Center Atrium.
Terminal Tower Beams Blue for Lakeland Community College
The Terminal Tower in downtown Cleveland was lighted up in blue in celebration of Lakeland's 50th anniversary.
Lakeland's 50th annual commencement ceremony was held May 13, 2017. The keynote speaker was the college's founding president, Dr. Wayne L. Rodehorst. Members of the inaugural graduating class, faculty, staff, administration and trustees also took part in the ceremony.