January 27, 2020 Melissa Lamar

This item was published more than 1 year ago. For a current list of press releases, visit News Archives .

Tunxis Community College will commemorate its 50th anniversary of education and service in its communities with a year-long celebration during the 2020 academic year.

Events during the celebration, which are open to the public, include a kick-off “Cheers to Tunxis” Blues & Brews beer tasting on Feb. 27, panel discussions, a theatrical production, a “Toast to Tunxis” wine tasting on April 23, Spring Fling community celebration and cookout on May 6, an outdoor movie night, festivities marking the 20th anniversary of satellite facility Tunxis@Bristol, as well as community celebrations later this fall. The college will share upcoming events and updates throughout the year with additional details.

Those who are interested in viewing the entire list of 50th anniversary events scheduled to date and information on the history of Tunxis can visit tunxis.edu/50. Alumni and individuals are invited to connect by visiting tunxis.edu/alumniupdate.

Shots of Tunxis then and now. Black and white photo from the 1970s shows the campus with a parking lot in what later became the college’s courtyard. Color photo taken in fall 2019 includes the college’s 700 Building, part of the most recent expansions completed in 2008.

“As we celebrate the college’s 50th anniversary this year, it’s important to acknowledge the college’s rich history, as well as the support of our faculty, staff and students who have served the college during that period,” said Dr. Darryl Reome, Tunxis CEO. “I’m also looking forward to recognizing and collaborating with the numerous stakeholders, including our alumni, Foundation, and community partners, who have committed themselves to supporting the institution for the next 50 years.”

Located in Farmington,Tunxis was chartered on October 1, 1969, and the college’s official opening and convocation took place on September 28, 1970. Tunxis first opened for classes in October 1970 with 494 students, and today approximately 6,000 students enroll each semester in more than 70 credit and continuing education programs as they prepare for transfer to bachelor’s degree programs and employment in areas with industry need.

Through the decades, the college has expanded several times to accommodate its growing student population and community needs, with current campus square footage of approximately 292,000, and additional square footage of 10,903 adjacent to campus and in Bristol. Tunxis@Bristol, located at 430 North Main Street in Bristol, first opened its doors in 2000 as a result of collaboration among the college, city of Bristol, Bristol Chamber of Commerce, and businesses which enabled Tunxis to expand educational and training opportunities and serve the community in new ways.

Since the first graduation in 1972, more than 14,083 credit graduates have been awarded 17,335 degrees and certificates from Tunxis Community College.