Pasco-Hernando State College will celebrate 50 years of service to the district with free community celebrations, a speaker series featuring notable presenters, and many other unique events and initiatives. The college’s golden anniversary year officially begins this month and will conclude June 30, 2023.
The first of five campus-based community anniversary celebrations will be presented at the East Campus on Saturday, September 17 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m., located at 36727 Blanton Road, Dade City. The event, held during Hispanic Heritage Month, will feature the flavors and sounds of Latin culture and guest speakers will explore local history and Hispanic culture. Free entertainment, family activities, food, campus tours and demonstrations will be included and application fees to PHSC will be waived for prospective students attending the event. Similar, uniquely themed campus celebrations will be hosted at the Brooksville, New Port Richey, Spring Hill locations and the Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch throughout the anniversary year.
PHSC’s popular #ItTakesUs speaker series returns this fall in a special anniversary year series of high-powered presenters exploring topics related to social justice, black history, women’s history, recidivism, social media, and mental health. The series, free and open to all, will feature presentations both in-person and online throughout the anniversary year. Details on speakers will be announced in August.
The anniversary year Be The Key initiative collects anecdotes, photos and memorabilia from alumni, employees, and community members. Submit humorous, heartwarming, or poignant PHSC experiences in 400 words or fewer to 50thAnniversary@PHSC.edu. Contributors will receive a gold-tone key and 50th Anniversary charm as a gift of appreciation from the 50th Anniversary Committee. Submissions may appear in future PHSC publications or post on social media. Be the Key contributions will also be included in a time capsule to be opened at PHSC’s 75th Anniversary in 2047. PHSC, the final link in Florida College System’s great 28 state and community colleges, grew from humble beginning—hosting classes in empty storefronts, church halls and libraries—to a thriving institution with six convenient locations in Hernando and Pasco counties. Once called The College without Walls, PHSC now serves more than 14,000 students annually and has conferred approximately 57,000 degrees and certificates. With more than 600 employees, PHSC is among the district’s larger employers and contributes an estimated $450 million to the regional economy annually.
More details on anniversary year events and activities will be posted soon at phsc.edu/history.
For more information, contact 50th Anniversary co-chairs Sonia Thorn, Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs, Marketing and Communications, and Lucy Miller, Special Assistant to the President and Liaison to the District Board of Trustees at 50thanniversary@phsc.edu.
Pasco-Hernando State College, a comprehensive, learning-centered institution, serves its community by providing affordable, accessible, and diverse educational experiences that empower students to achieve academic success, personal enrichment, and socio-economic advancement.