GREENFIELD — Greenfield Community College (GCC) is kicking off its 60th anniversary celebrations this year with the inaugural GCC Day.
The event, which welcomes the wider community to the campus on Thursday, June 2, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., will feature local food trucks, Hitchcock Brewing Co. and music from WHAI/Bear Country, according to organizers. Children’s activities will be organized by Franklin County’s YMCA and Resilient Community Arts.
“We want to give a family-friendly atmosphere, a time where people can bring their families and enjoy a little bit of community,” said Dan Desrochers, director of communications and marketing for GCC. “We’re looking beyond GCC. We’re looking to try to bring in the entire community, so people can enjoy a little bit of what Greenfield is.”
Alexis Page, executive director of the GCC Foundation, said opening up the celebration to the wider community is an effort to recognize the support the college receives from local business leaders and organizations.
“The strength of GCC has always come from a deep investment in the community,” she said. “GCC wouldn’t exist without the surrounding communities.”
Page said GCC is also celebrating the 60th anniversary with a push of its spring fundraising campaign, “One Community, Many Futures.” Money raised will support scholarships and programs to keep GCC affordable.
“It’s really our biggest fundraiser of the year,” Page said. “The gifts we raise will go toward GCC scholarships, which are incredibly important, especially during the pandemic. That fund really helps alleviate barriers.”
The celebration on June 2 will coincide with a practice commencement for GCC students, Desrochers added.
“This is a celebration of them,” he said.
Other events planned in recognition of the 60th anniversary include a drive-in movie night and a trip to a Red Sox Game. The celebrations will culminate with a 60th anniversary alumni mixer on Sept. 23 followed by a reunion celebration on Sept. 24.
“We’re trying to show the community GCC is here, we’re alive and well and doing great,” Desrochers said.
After two years in a pandemic, he said organizers are excited for an opportunity to bring people together again.
“This is us trying to usher in a little frivolity,” he said.
Reporter Mary Byrne can be reached at mbyrne@recorder.com or 413-930-4429. Twitter: @MaryEByrne