Foundation to Host Calhoun 60th Anniversary Gala

During the past year, Calhoun has conducted several events in celebration of the College’s 60th birthday. Throughout the past 60 years, Calhoun has provided quality educational and training opportunities to the north Alabama region. Carrying the original moniker, the Tennessee Valley State Technical (TVST) School, the College was created as the result of the consolidation of TVST and John C. Calhoun State Technical Junior College. The College's present designation as a community college was formalized through a resolution passed in 1973 by the Alabama State Board of Education.

In the first 60 years of its existence, Calhoun has witnessed a number of significant milestones. Since its founding, the College has been led by four outstanding presidents: Dr. Carlton Kelley, who served the institution for over 34 years; Dr. James Chasten; Dr. Richard Carpenter; and current President Dr. Marilyn Beck, the College's fourth and first woman president. During the fall of 2007, the College reached a record enrollment of over 9200 students.

The year-long celebration of Calhoun's 60 anniversary began last fall with an out-door concert featuring American Idol Ruben Studdard, continued into the academic year with the official dedication of the College’s Health Sciences Center, and will culminate on April 19, 2008, when the College and the Calhoun Foundation host the 60th Anniversary Gala.

The event is scheduled to be held in the area in front of the College’s new Math and Science building. The elegant evening of celebration will honor retired physician, long-time community supporter and one of Calhoun’s greatest advocates, community leader, retired physician, humanitarian, philanthropist and visionary, Dr. George Hansberry. Funds raised from the event will go toward new scholarships. According to Terri Bryson, Calhoun’s director of development., the event will feature dinner and dancing, with entertainment by the world-famous Doo-Wop group, Herb Reed and The Platters. The evening will begin with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and official dedication of the college’s Math and Science building. A live auction will also take place during the evening and will feature a number of high-ticket items for competitive bidding.

For invitations and more information, contact the Calhoun Foundatiion office at 256/306-2579.