Massasoit Community College - Yearbook (Brockton, MA)

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Dr. George E. Ayers,President The President's Message Since first visiting our Campus in November 1978, I have been privileged to experience your spirit of true mutual con- cern and respect that I believe represents the essence of Massasoit Community Col- lege. It has also been my genuine pleasure to Witness the verve and the desire that you have displayed in pursuing your educational and personal goals. May I express my confi- dence that these same qualities will mark your future endeavors. On behalf of the entire Massasoit commun- ity, I extend to you our most sincere con- gratulations and best Wishes with the hope that you will return to visit us often.

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College Y Ji S3 5 O U soit SSH H Then and ow The seed for Massasoit Community College was first planted in 1947 when a study of the needs for higher education was undertaken by the State Board of Education. One of the conclusions of that study was there existed a need for a low-cost state-supported system of junior colleges. ln 1965, seven years after the creation ofthe Massachusetts Regional Board of Community Colleges, a feasibility study conducted by the Brockton Area Chamber of Commerce and various associative committees resulted in a deci- sion to locate a community college in the Brockton area. Less than one year later Dr. John W. Musselman became the first president of Massasoit Community College. Operation ofthe new college began shortly thereafter in the Sprague School in Brockton. During the summer of 1966 more than 350 students registered for classes and 22 faculty members were hired to staff the college. The following September classes began at the Charles M. Frolio School in N. Abington. During its first year of operation, Massasoit gained full membership in the American Association of Junior Colleges and the New England Jr. College Council. Such recognition for a college in its infancy is highly unusual and this early recognition presented unexpected problems to the administrators of the college. Federal Financial Aid in the form of veterans benefits and work-study grants sent enrollment soaring and in 1968 the college established a second campus at the former Howard School for Girls in West Bridgewater. In March of 1967 the State legislature passed a law requiring all Mas- sachusetts school systems to institute public kindergartens no later than 1971. Abington needed the Frolio School facilities and President Musselman began his search for a new campus. His search ended at Camp Mirrimar, a missionary seminary in Duxbury. Massasoit began its sixth year with over 1200 students on two temporary campuses. 650 students attended the campus at West Bridge- water and 850 attended classes in South Duxbury at the former Mirrimar Seminary. After many financial, legislative and community problems were resolved, Massasoit Community College broke ground for Phase I of a new Brockton campus in October of 1969. Five structures were built, including three class- room buildings, a student union building and a maintenance building, and in the fall of 1972, Massasoit opened its permanent campus. One year later enroll- ment at the new college included over 1600 day students and over 1700 evening students. On January 1, 1979, Dr. George E. Ayers became the second president ofthe college. ln June, 1979, 659 graduates increased the number of alumni to 5961. The second phase of construction is now completed and in September of 1979, 2700 day students and over 3500 evening students will attend classes in five classroom buildings. They will enjoy the facilities of a new physical education building that holds an olympic-sized swimming pool, handball courts and a new gymnasium. A new Fine Arts Center will offer advanced culture and entertain- ment and their academic advantages will increase with the addition of numer- ous programs. The community college that began in a small Brockton elementary school has developed into a multi-million dollar institution of higher learning that is dedicated to meeting the academic and sociological needs of the community it serves. lt is a model of education. It is Massasoit Community College 1979.

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D E THE CLASS OF 1979 DEDICATES IT S YEARBOOK TO THE MAN WHO HAS D SUPPORTED, ENCOURAGED AND I CHEERFULLY GIVEN PATIENTLY I OF SELF AND TIME TO ALL OUR EN- DEAVORS. C WE TAKE PLEASURE IN DEDIOATIN G OUR BOOK TO EDWIN P. MONTEIRO, DIRECTOR OF STUDENT ACTIVITIES. MLOATHIN G PRE TENSE, HE DOES WITH CHEERFUL WILL, WHAT OTHERS TALK OF WHILE THEIR HANDS ARE STILL.'f O