Fresno City College concluded its centennial celebrations with a convocation ceremony at Ratcliffe Stadium on Sept. 10.
Dr. Cynthia Azari, president of the college, presided over the event during which Charles McClane, the founder of FCC, as well as past presidents of the college were honored.
The FCC Concert Band warmed up the crowd and provided the music for the procession of the 100 stars, VIPS, including specially invited guests, presidents and chancellors to the stage. Marshall Don Larson led the procession, holding the Ram’s head staff high. President Azari, Dr. Deborah Blue, chancellor of SCCCD, and Dr. Jack Scott, state chancellor, members of the SCCCD Board of Trustees, and past presidents of FCC constituted the platform party.
Faculty and staff members followed, wearing red as a symbol of spirit and pride.
The FCC ROTC color guard marched the flags down the center aisle and the FCC City Singers sang a nice a cappella version of the Star Spangled Banner.
“Happy Birthday Fresno City College,” Azari said as she kicked off her celebratory speech. The morning continued with Dr. Blue offering her memories of working with the past presidents. She introduced the great granddaughter of C.L.McLane, founder of FCC. Vice President of Instruction, Mr. Tony Cantu introduced the past presidents, including Dr. Ned Doffoney, 2002-2008; Dr. Brice Harris, 1991-1996; Dr. Ted Leach, 1987-1991, and the longest reigning president, Dr. Clyde McCully, 1967-1987, who is also being honored as one of the 100 stars for 100 years.
Dr. Jack Scott, the state chancellor, spoke about a new legislative bill, SB1440, a seamless transfer proposal for community college students. It sits on the Governor’s desk and he is expected to sign it upon his return from China. As an AMTRAK train blew its horn in the background, Scott concluded, “Community colleges are the unique American invention of education.”
Next, politicians presented citations to FCC, starting with Fresno City Councilman, Blong Xiong, who presented Azari with a plaque commemorating the 100 years. Then came Fresno County Supervisor Phil Larson. Congressman Jim Costa who was next, said, “When we reflect on the crown jewels of California’s Community College system, nobody does it better.” Dr. Francisco Rodriguez, president of Mira Costa College in San Diego, offered his compliments in Spanish. “Feliz Cumpleanos, Fresno City College,” he said.
Fresno City Mayor Ashley Swearingen gave a passionate speech, commending all the educators for their efforts in changing the lives of thousands of people who came through the doors of FCC. “We have seen sweeping cultural and economical changes over the last 100 years,” she said. “But as things change, some things remain the same. FCC has always been committed to making a positive impact on young peoples’ lives. Today we strive to match the skills of our workers with the jobs that exist in our community.”
President of the Board of Trustees, Mr. Pat Patterson gave the closing remarks, reminding the crowd that FCC was the first community college to offer full technology programs.
He said, “FCC has survived two World Wars, the Great Depression, and we are now in a recession, but we will still be here for another 100 years.”
The City Singers led the crowd in a rendition of the Alma Mater, created in 1951.
Beneath the high Sierras,
Here arched by the blue above,
Hail to thee ,our Alma mater.
Memory may we always love,
The years may pass, we’ll not forget.
The Red and White ne’er fail,
Fresno City may it still prevail.
Hail!, Hail!, Hail!
