LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Jefferson
Community College

WHEREAS, The State of New York is renowned for its centuries-old tradi-
tion of excellence and diversity in education and for the place of para-
mount importance which education holds for the people of the State; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend institutions of commitment and high achievement, such as Jeffer-
son Community College, whose purpose and endeavor are dedicated to the
pursuit of excellence in education and service to its community; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Jefferson Community College, Watertown, New York, upon the occasion of
the celebration of its 50th Anniversary; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of its gratitude and as an expression of great
respect and high regard, this Legislative Body is proud to commemorate
this auspicious milestone in the history of the college; and
WHEREAS, On November 7, 1961, the citizens of Jefferson County voted
by referendum to establish Jefferson Community College (JCC); on Septem-
ber 13, 1963, the college opened its doors at Watertown's former Lansing
School with an enrollment of 119 full-time students; on June 12, 1964,
construction began on Coffeen Street Hill for a permanent campus for the
college and, the next year the college was home to 580 full time
students; and
WHEREAS, By 1982, full time enrollment exceeded 1,000 students; in
1996, JCC awarded its 10,000th degree at Commencement; in 2010, a record
number of students registered for the fall semester and, today in 2011,
as it celebrates 50 years of learning and changing lives, JCC has nearly
19,000 alumni and more than 90,000 students who can say that Jefferson
Community College broadened their education, helped them with their
career, and enriched their life; and
WHEREAS, The colleges and universities of this State and nation
reflect the character and values of the society in which they exist; the
administration, faculty and students of Jefferson Community College may
take just pride in its history of quality leadership, teaching, achieve-
ment and community support, spanning 50 years of accomplishment, and
bequeathing a legacy of excellence and service for present and future
generations; and
WHEREAS, The success enjoyed by Jefferson Community College is in
direct correlation to the efforts of a skilled staff and administration
whose involvement is and has been characterized by an impressive commit-
ment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excel-
lence in all its endeavors on behalf of the college and the population
it serves; and
WHEREAS, Jefferson Community College recognizes that, in its 50th
year, it has reached an important milestone; in celebration of its
success and in appreciation of the support from which it has benefited,
the college plans many events throughout the year to mark this special
anniversary, a highlight of which will be a 50th Anniversary Celebration
on November 7, 2011, the 50th Anniversary of the referendum establishing
the college; and
WHEREAS, Jefferson Community College stands prepared to reach out in
earnest and enthusiastic quest of its mission, proudly aware of its
history and planning with vision and purpose to meet the challenges of
the future; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That it is with immense pride that this Legislative Body
pauses in its deliberations to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of

Jefferson Community College fully confident that its future will be as
distinguished as its past; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Jefferson Community College.