December 22, 2017 - The idea of 14 women that came to fruition in 1918, Santa Rosa Junior College is celebrating 100 years of excellence throughout 2018. From January 24, when the 100th Anniversary Opening Reception takes place, through December 2018, there will be celebrations, lectures, art exhibits, theatre performances, athletic events, fundraisers and more, hosted throughout the Sonoma County Junior College District (SRJCD).
With a theme of “Pride, Purpose and Progress,” the SRJC college community is looking back with pride at past accomplishments, focusing on its purpose of providing an excellent education to all, and its progress looking forward toward the future.
The 100th Anniversary Opening Reception takes place on Wednesday, January 24, 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, theatre and cheerleading performances by SRJC students, honored guests including Superintendent/President Dr. Frank Chong, Board of Trustees President Maggie Fishman, and Honorary 100th Anniversary Chair and former Board of Trustees President Rick Call, whose family has a long and deep history with the college. Guests will enjoy 100th Anniversary birthday cake, be invited to share their SRJC stories on a long scroll, and be welcomed to create memories at the photo booth as they add costume elements from our theatre department. The reception is free; parking on campus is free from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on that day. The closest parking lot is behind Emeritus Hall, accessed via Emeritus Circle.
SRJC extends a special invitation to attend the reception to current and past students and their parents, current and retired faculty and staff, donors, community partners, and prospective students of all ages.
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. A few notable exceptions are fundraisers including:
100th Anniversary Celebration Dinner, May 31, Santa Rosa Campus, sponsored by the SRJC Foundation
7th Annual Building Community Breakfast, June 7, Petaluma Campus, sponsored by the Friends of Petaluma Campus Trust
20th in History Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Dinner, April 7, Santa Rosa Campus, sponsored by the Bear Cub Athletic Trust.
Other notable events during the year include:
Jesse Peter Multicultural Museum History: From 1939 to Now. Reception includes live demonstrations, refreshments. Thursday, February 22, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Exhibit continues through April 12). Jesse Peter Multicultural Museum, 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 12 noon. Carole L. Ellis Auditorium, Petaluma Campus.
“History of Women at SRJC: By the Numbers,” a lecture by Dr. KC 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, 12:30-1:30, 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, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m., Lawrence A. Bertolini Student Center, Santa Rosa Campus. Co-sponsored by SRJC Arts & Lectures.
“100 Years: Countless Stories” Art Reception & Exhibit, featuring SRJC alumni and the stories they share about the life-changing impact of the College. mid-April, date and time to be announced, Herold Mahoney Library Gallery, Petaluma Campus. Co-sponsored by SRJC Arts & Lectures.
“Veritas” sculpture and time capsule, a collaboration between SRJC students, instructor Michael McGinnis, a world-renowned artist and inventor, and The Engineering Club (TEC). Master sculptor McGinnis and his students will fabricate “Veritas,” a sculpture that reflects our 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, afternoon time to be announced, The Quad (in front of the Frank P. Doyle Library), Santa Rosa Campus.
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, September 22, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 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.
Additional information is available on the website, srjc100.santarosa.edu, or by sending an email to srjc100@santarosa.edu. SRJC invites all to share their own SRJC stories at srjc100.santarosa.edu/blog and at the opening reception on January 24.
