Genesee Community College lands at Number 19 in the Holland Land Office Museum's countdown of "The Twenty-Five Things That Made Genesee County Famous." Museum Director Pat Weissend tells us that when the county first imagined building a community college — back in the early 1960s — county leaders had little hope that it would ever be a success. In fact, explains Weissend, the Board of Supervisors at the time didn't think enrollment would ever exceed 75 students!
Along came the Batavia Area Jaycees, who were a little dubious of the results, and they put together a survey of their own. Here's what they found out:
1. A community desire for a two year college
2. The need for a community college
3. The financial ability to support the college
4. Favorable economic growth in the region
5. Population Increase
6. A sufficient student population for a college
When the first classrooms opened in September, 1967, the first class numbered 378 full-time and 243 part-time students. Today, there are about 6,500 students enrolled at the institution that now offers nearly 60 degrees and certifcates.
Visit the Holland Land Office Museum Web site for more information on Genesee Community College and the other things that made Genesee County Famous.
