Santa Rosa Junior College turns 100

Don’t miss the opening night party on Jan. 24.|

Santa Rosa Junior College – the institution inspired by 14 women that came to fruition in 1918 – is celebrating its 100th anniversary throughout 2018. From Jan. 24, when the 100th anniversary opening reception takes place, through Dec. 2018, there will be celebrations, lectures, art exhibits, stage performances, athletic events, fundraisers and more.

The theme of the year is “Pride, Purpose and Progress.”

The Jan. 25 reception will run from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Lawrence A. Bertolini Student Center on the Santa Rosa Campus. The entire community is invited. The reception features music, theater and cheerleading performances by SRJC students, guests including Superintendent Frank Chong, Board of Trustees President Maggie Fishman and Honorary 100th Anniversary Chair and former Board of Trustees President Rick Call.

Guests will be served a 100th anniversary birthday cake, share their SRJC stories on a long scroll, and can dress in theater costumes for the photo booth. The reception is free; parking on campus is free from 4 to 7 p.m. on that day.

All current and past students and their parents, current and retired faculty and staff, donors, community partners, and prospective students of all ages are encouraged to attend.

Each year, around 60 percent of Sonoma Valley High School’s graduating seniors begin their higher education path at Santa Rosa Junior College.

General information on the 100th Anniversary is listed on the website at srjc100.santarosa.edu, with specific events listed at srjc100.santarosa.edu/events-activities-2018. Admission to most events is free of charge.

Other notable events during the year include:

“From 1939 to Now” at the Jesse Peter Multicultural Museum. Reception includes live demonstrations, refreshments. Thursday, Feb. 22, 1 to 5 p.m.; the exhibit continues through April 12. The museum is on the Santa Rosa Campus.

Three events sponsored in conjunction with SRJC Women’s History Month:

“The Challenges of Creating the National Women’s History Project,” Molly McGregor, founder, National Women’s History Month. Monday, March 5, 10 a.m. to noon. Carole L. Ellis Auditorium, Petaluma Campus.

“History of Women at SRJC: By the Numbers,” a lecture by K.C. Greaney, SRJC Director of Institutional Research, providing fascinating facts about women as students, instructors, administrators, trustees, and more for the past 100 years. Wednesday, March 14, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., Frank P. Doyle Library, Room 4245, Santa Rosa Campus.

“What If Women Built a Community College – and EVERYONE Came?”: a lecture by Gaye Le Baron, Sonoma County historian, columnist and long-time SRJC community member. Thursday, March 29, noon to 1 p.m., Lawrence A. Bertolini Student Center, Santa Rosa Campus. Co-sponsored by SRJC Arts & Lectures.

“100 Years: Countless Stories”: Art reception and exhibit, featuring SRJC alumni and the stories they share about the life-changing impact of the college. Herold Mahoney Library Gallery, mid-April, date and time to be announced. Co-sponsored by SRJC Arts & Lectures.

“Veritas” sculpture and time capsule, a collaboration between SRJC students, instructor Michael McGinnis, an artist and inventor, and The Engineering Club (TEC). McGinnis and his students will fabricate “Veritas,” a sculpture that reflects the “search for truth with its labyrinthian pathway of interconnected elements.” TEC students will build the time capsule and the base on which the sculpture will be placed. Wednesday, April 18, time to be announced, The Quad (in front of the Frank P. Doyle Library).

“The Spirit of SRJC Picnic,” an old-fashioned event with games, barbecue and birthday cake. Great for the entire family, and a chance to connect with staff, alumni, and old friends. Saturday, Sept. 22, 11 a.m. to p.m., Santa Rosa Campus.

“The History of Santa Rosa Junior College,” a new book of photos and images representing each decade of SRJC’s history. Release date, event and location to be announced.

SRJC invites all to share their SRJC stories at srjc100.santarosa.edu/blog and at the opening reception on Jan. 24.

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