Previous Clackamas Print staff gather around the tables during production. Along with the college, The Clackamas Print, previously known as the Cougar Print, is celebrating 50 years of coverage at the college.

Clackamas Community College is celebrating its 50th birthday, and you’re invited to the party.

The college has a lot to celebrate. In 1966, when Clackamas first opened its doors, 693 students were enrolled. Today, there are close to 30,000 students who attend the college, according to Justin Montgomery, the senior marketing and communications specialist. In honor of 50 years of growth and education, CCC is throwing an epic party.

The celebration will take place at the Oregon City campus from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 21. It will feature live music, tours of outdoor art pieces, food, face painting and more. All are welcome.

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Home Orchard Society Open House

Home Orchard Society Arboretum

Start the day off by exploring the orchard, which bears the usual fruits such as apples, pears, and plums but also an exciting and extensive mix of other species. Taste test some delicious fruit, discover the classes they offer, and walk away with ideas about pruning and planning your own orchard.

10 – 11 a.m. Newell Creek Headwaters Restoration Project Ceremony

Environmental Learning Center

Even though it’s CCC’s birthday, the college is giving the presents. Lori Hall, CCC’s public information officer, said, that this restoration is “our birthday gift to the community.” She explained that the Newell Creek Headwaters dates back to the 1970s when the art department first saw its potential. “It was gross and neglected and they saw an opportunity to create an oasis out there.” Guests are invited to enjoy the results.

11 a.m. Outdoor Sculpture Invitational Campus Walk

Clemans Sculpture Garden

Nineteen artists were invited to display their art work around campus. As Hall described the pieces she said, “Some of them interact with the environments. Some of them were inspired by the environments that they were placed in.” The walk will end near the Niemeyer Center where the dance group Pendulum will perform.

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Environmental Learning Center Guided Tours

Environmental Learning Center

Following the restoration project ceremony, guests are invited to tour the newly restored area, while learning about the history, flora and fauna. Free shuttle buses will run every 15 minutes between the transit area and the environmental learning center.

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Family & Community Festival

Gregory Forum

Families will be flocking to Gregory Forum, aka the Birthday Palace. “The 50th Anniversary festival of activities will be a special kind of entertainment that can be enjoyed by children and adults,” said Janet Wells, bookstore coordinator, who’s hosting the event with Barbara Simington, administrative assistant. Gregory Forum will be decorated and will boast games, balloon twisting, a unicycle rider, face painting and tattoos.

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. College & Alumni Showcase

Niemeyer Center

The showcase is an open house for alumni and retirees to connect and celebrate the college’s history. Five out of the six time capsules will be on display in the Anderson room.

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Geocache Kickoff

For information visit the info booth in Gregory Forum Geocaching is an outdoor treasure hunt using GPS on smart phones. The college has created five geocaches and party guests are invited to participate in the kickoff. Prizes will be awarded to those who find the hidden geocaches.

Noon to 1 p.m. Mainstream Performance

Gregory Forum

Mainstream, the college’s award-winning vocal jazz ensemble, will be performing contemporary pieces including songs from Stevie Wonder as well as an original. The director of vocal music, Kathleen Hollingsworth, said, “I thought it would be a nice opening act for the alumni big band.”

1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Alumni Jazz Ensemble Performance

Gregory Forum

Alumni of all ages will come together to form the oneday-only jazz ensemble. Clackamas alumnus and Emmy and Grammy nominated Hollywood composer Ron Jones of Family Guy and Star Trek fame will be a part of the ensemble. The band will play some of his pieces, along with a piece by alumnus and Hollywood composer Chris Hardin.

1:30 p.m. Pendulum Performance

Niemeyer Center Lobby

The performance troupe Pendulum will perform an interpretive dance, which will be their response to the art sculptures on campus.

3 – 3:30 p.m. Time Capsule Opening

Oregon City Campus Quad
Twenty-five years ago, one time capsule was divided and buried under six benches on campus. The capsules included boxes from all of the departments at the college. Five of the capsules will be on display in the Niemeyer Center, but party guests are invited to be a part of the opening of the sixth and final time capsule.