[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 139 (Monday, September 9, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S5876]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF MACOMB COMMUNITY COLLEGE

 Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 70th 
anniversary of Macomb Community College. Over the last 70 years, Macomb 
Community College (MCC) has become a significant partner for local 
industry, providing high-quality, accessible, and affordable education 
opportunities to the residents of Macomb County and Southeast Michigan. 
It is an honor to recognize Macomb Community College's 70th anniversary 
on September 13, 2024.
  Founded in 1954, Macomb Community College was created in response to 
the Macomb community's growing need for advanced educational 
opportunities and skilled labor for the growing workforce. A passionate 
group of educators from the Van Dyke School District came together to 
form the ``South Macomb Community College,'' which would later be 
changed to ``Macomb Community College.'' The first classes were held 
after hours in Van Dyke School District's Lincoln High School for just 
84 students.
  By 1962, the number of enrolled students at MCC had grown to 3,000, 
prompting Macomb County to advance a millage with voters and create the 
Community College District of Macomb. Since then, the college has kept 
pace with the growing needs of Macomb County and currently operates the 
Center and East Campus locations in Clinton Township, as well as the 
South Campus and Michigan Technical Education Center (M-TEC) locations 
in the city of Warren.
  Today, MCC serves over 28,000 students annually. The programs and 
courses at Macomb Community College aim to empower students and prepare 
them for future careers and continued education. With more than 170 
degree and certificate programs, in addition to workforce and 
continuing education (WCE) courses and diverse apprenticeship 
opportunities, MCC helps prepare its students for a variety of careers 
and futures. MCC's nationally acclaimed University Center, opened in 
1991, was among the first of its kind in the U.S. and, through 
partnerships with Michigan colleges, offers students the opportunity to 
attend classes locally and work towards completing a bachelor's, 
master's, or doctoral degree from the partner school. Graduates from 
MCC's academic and workforce programs go onto to support Macomb 
County's workforce in critical areas such as healthcare, public safety, 
education, and more.
  MCC continues to be a key partner in the region that delivers on 
workforce development needs through continual innovation and investment 
in their students' success. They further enrich the cultural fabric of 
the Macomb community by fostering a diverse and inclusive environment 
across their campuses, supporting the Macomb Center for the Performing 
Arts and the Lorenzo Cultural Center, and by demonstrating a steadfast 
philanthropic spirit by hosting annual campaigns and events, such as 
the annual MCC Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. Alma mater to 
current leaders in Macomb, including Macomb County Drain Commissioner 
Candice Miller and Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel, and future 
leaders of tomorrow, MCC continues to deliver on its mission to 
transform lives and communities through the power of education, 
enrichment, and economic development.
  Macomb Community College has greatly and positively impacted the 
lives of generations of students and has helped to shape Macomb County 
and Southeast Michigan as we know it. I ask you to join me in 
recognizing Macomb Community College as they celebrate their 70th 
anniversary.

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