Rowan Cabarrus Community College - Spectrum Yearbook (Salisbury, NC)

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PRESIDENT rams! 4 Iflli cQ FROM THE -- 2- Rowan Tech is people. People enroll because they want something they do not have. This something may be used to develop a new skill, a chance to prepare for a rewarding occupation, or to sat- isfy a thirst for knowledge. Whatever the reason for being here, each and every individual is important to the development of the Institute. Rowan Tech's major goal is to assist people to become effective as Wage earners . The staff and faculty will continue to give a high measure of importance to activities which permit students to work together for common goals. The Torch is a part of Rowan Tech's written record, a record written by and for students. This Annual will be referred to many, many times during the coming years as each one keeps and re- news friendships. As the years come and go, this volume will serve as one of your most cherished memoirs. The staff is to be complimented for continuing the fine tradition of excellence which has been characteristic ofthe Torch. As Rowan Technical Institute continues to grow, to seek new areas of ser- vice to people, the Torch becomes increasingly important as a record and also as an avenue of expression for the Annual Staff. To those who are to graduate this year, we offer congratulations. You are a part of Rowan Techg indeed, Rowan Tech is a part of you! Sincerely, C. Merrill Hamilton President 21 1

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HISTORY Rowan Tech's history is relatively a short one. The first graduation was held five years ago on August 22, 196-l. lt consisted of thirteen full-time students. Rowan Tech was in the planning stages in 1960, when Salisbury and Rowan community leaders went before the State Board of Educa- tion requesting that an Industrial Education Center be built in Rowan County. A 95500, 000 bond issue was favor- ably voted on to purchase land and erect the first building. This building was designed with vocational-technical edu- cation equipment installed. Rowan Tech opened its doors on September 3,1963 with its first group of full-time stu- dents. ln March of 196-i, the school's name was designated as Rowan Technical lnstitute. Rowan Tech has grown in five short years from thirteen graduating students in 196-l to ll7 in 1969. With the number of students growing, the number of buildings have also grown. From the one little building, a second build- ing was built for Fire and Safety Engineering Technology. Only this year was the third building added to our campus. The offices of the President, Mr. C. Merrill Hamilton and the Administrative Assistant Mr. Kenneth L. Payne are located here as is the new and expanded library, general office, labs for Fire and Safety Engineering Technology, Electrical Technology, a Secretarial Science lab, Business Machines lab, and Practical Nursing classrooms and labs. Yes, Rowan Tech is growing and will continue to grow with students like those enrolled now, plus the instructors, administration and assistants. lf 23