At the first President’s Leadership Appreciation Lunch, held March 31, attendees were put to work.
Washtenaw Community College President Dr. Rose B. Bellanca asked the gathering of Washtenaw county business and community leaders to fill out specially printed cards that would be placed in a time capsule that will be buried next fall, closing out the college’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
The lunch itself was part of the 50th anniversary observance. “It is most fitting that we are collectively celebrating our 50th anniversary, said Dr. Bellanca. “For you see, our story is your story. Each of you has helped to shape the essence of this college with your own unique footprint. You have supported us with your time, your talents, your business expertise and your financial support. And for that we are grateful.”
On display at the lunch was a time capsule that was buried 25 years ago by then WCC President Gunder Myran and other college officials. Contents of the time capsule were on display for all to see.
The time capsule will be buried again on Free College Day, September 24 – to be opened in September 2040.
Dr. Bellanca asked all in attendance to participate in contributing to the contents of the time capsule. She asked attendees to fill out cards answering three questions:
- What impact does WCC have on the community?
- What will WCC look like in 25 years?
- And then a fun question, what will you wear at the 75th year celebration in 2040?
Each response will be put in the time capsule. They were heartfelt, genuine and provided valuable insight to how WCC is appreciated and respected in the Washtenaw community.
A sampling of responses to a questionnaire (above) passed out to local to leaders at WCC’s first President’s Leadership Appreciation Lunch. The responses will be placed in a time capsule this fall:
What impact does WCC have on the community?
- Raising the bar of education levels for our residents.
- Offering great learning experiences at an affordable price
- WCC provides people of all backgrounds and ages a welcoming place in which to grow and blossom with academics and specialized areas of study.
- WCC makes getting a quality education affordable – that’s so important!
- I think it provides hope and options for the citizens for Washtenaw County who would otherwise not have other opportunities to learn.
- WCC does not just provide education – it also provides first chances, second chances and eye opening, life changing opportunities.
- WCC is far more than just a community learning space – it is a staple for our county.
- I love the fact that WCC makes education affordable to everyone in our community
- Enormous! There’s no other school educating high school students through retirees
- You bring hope to those who didn’t think college was for them.
- It is the backbone of economic development. WCC provides the workforce that supports the community
What will WCC look like in 25 years (2040)?
- The Advanced Transportation Center will probably have a major contribution to the workforce in the areas of automotive technology, including computer technology.
- The same but with more sustainable energy sources
- WCC will continue to grow and stay a place where students feel safe and comfortable to express themselves and learn
- Automation everywhere!
- The instructors will be robots, there will be an underground monorail and electric cars in the parking lot.
- It will have adapted to the times, continuing a tradition of educating its students for the future
- Thriving and relevant
- It will have morphed and changed to reflect shifting industry trends and workforce trends/needs
- More online classes
- Less walls, holographic students and teachers
- Access to education without limits
What will you wear at the 75th year celebration?
- I’d ride my solar powered bike to the celebration wearing my solar powered, air conditioned suit.
- Smart tech fiber clothing that burns calories while I’m eating.
- Most likely a green and white shirt with a fur collar and diamonds – while riding around campus in a motorized scooter.
- Pajamas because I will be happily retired.
- A suit and a tie – but they will light up!
By Susan Ferraro, APR
Director of Media Relations