(COLUMBIA, Tenn. - March 2, 2016) - - - In honor of the college's golden anniversary, Columbia State Community College invites the public to attend Proclamation Day: A 50^th Anniversary Celebration on March 15 from noon - 1 p.m. in the Cherry Theater.

"This is a special day for us," said Dr. Janet F. Smith. "We are celebrating the past, present and future of Columbia State. We are celebrating 50 years of progress and service. We are claiming this day for education and opportunity for all of those who have been here, those who are here, and for those who have yet to come."

The Proclamation Day event will include a recognition of past Columbia State presidents, a presentation of proclamations and resolutions by state government officials and service area mayors, and a recognition of alumni.

Following the celebration, there will be a special birthday reception following the event.

March 15, 1967 was proclaimed Columbia State Dedication Day by Mayor James Dowdy and County Judge John Stanton when President Lyndon B. Johnson, and First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson, visited Columbia to dedicate the college in front of more than 8,000 supporters.

When Lady Bird Johnson unveiled the dedication plaque, she declared that Columbia State represented the "new beat and rhythm of our land…" and that "when a Columbia Community College rises from a once empty field, the country expands not outward, but upward…"

For 50 years, Columbia State has remained committed to providing access to higher education and opening doors to opportunities throughout the region. The college has grown to five campuses and serves nearly 7,000 students annually.

To learn more about Columbia State's history and upcoming events visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/50Years. Alumni and community members are encouraged to share their favorite Columbia State memories by emailing 50Years@ColumbiaState.edu.

The Cherry Theater is in the Waymon L. Hickman Building on the Columbia Campus, located at 1665 Hampshire Pike.

Columbia State is a two-year college, serving a nine-county area in southern Middle Tennessee with locations in Columbia, Franklin, Lawrenceburg, Lewisburg and Clifton. As Tennessee's first community college, Columbia State is committed to increasing access and enhancing diversity at all five campuses. Columbia State is a member of the Tennessee Board of Regents, one of the largest higher education systems in the nation. For more information, please visit www.columbiastate.edu.

Tennessee's Community Colleges is a system of 13 colleges offering a high-quality, affordable, convenient and personal education to prepare students to achieve their educational and career goals in two years or less. We offer associate degree and certificate programs, workforce development programs and transfer pathways to four-year degrees. For more information, please visit us online at tncommunitycolleges.org.