Tacoma Community College: The Community’s College Since 1965
After years of advocacy to bring accessible and affordable public college education to Tacoma, the Tacoma Community College (TCC) taught its first classes on September 27, 1965. Sixty years later, TCC continues be an open door to learning and growth for the Tacoma and Puget Sound community.
How TCC was Founded
While junior colleges existed in Washington state prior to TCC’s opening in 1965, legislation prevented their expansion into areas already served by a four-year college. Although Pierce County was home to two such institutions, both were private, making their cost inaccessible to many local residents. The growth of the U.S. population attending colleges – in large part thanks to the G.I. Bill funding tuition for veterans of World War II – prompted the need for change in how the higher educational system was supported. After a federal commission appointed by U.S. President Harry Truman reported the need for expansion of higher educational opportunities, the states began to take action to increase their junior colleges.1
As the Washington legislature discussed changes to the state’s higher education system, the Tacoma School District, led by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Angelo Giaudrone, immediately began drafting an application for a community college in Tacoma. In 1961, Washington state removed the restriction on community colleges in counties with four-year colleges, and applications from local jurisdictions poured in. Only two campuses were authorized to start, and the applicants selected would become Highline Community College and Big Bend Community College. Nevertheless, the state appointed an advisory committee to explore Pierce County’s community college needs, which affirmed the urgency of Tacoma’s bid.2 In 1962, voters overwhelmingly approved a bond issue to help fund construction, and the Metropolitan Park District granted the initial land.3 The state at last approved a Tacoma community college in 1963.4
Support from the greater Tacoma community was instrumental in the success of this bid, including bond voters, articles and editorials from the Tacoma News Tribune, and letters of support from the AFL-CIO, American Legion, Citizens' Committee for School Support, Kiwanis Club, neighborhood improvement clubs, Soroptimist Club, South Tacoma Business Group, Tacoma and Fircrest mayors, Tacoma Real Estate Board, Tacoma Parent Teacher Association, U.S. Naval and Marine Corps Reserve Training Center, Veterans Advisory Council.5 This support was rewarded with the opening of the community’s college in Fall 1965.
In 1962, Tacoma voters showed their support for a community college by approving a bond issue allocating funds for a site purchase and construction of the college's first buildings.
Our Mission, Vision and Values Guide Us
Over the last 60 years, TCC has evolved to meet the changing needs of a growing community. TCC provides multiple entry points for community members, from dual-credit options for high school students to Adult Basic Education and high school completion options for adults, Workforce options for people who need to train for new careers, and non-credit options for lifelong learners. We currently offer more than 100 certificates, Associate degrees, and Bachelor’s degrees. As we’ve grown, we’ve codified a Mission, Vision, and Values to represent our promise to our students and community.
Mission
As the community’s college, we create meaningful learning, advance equity, and strengthen student and community success.
Vision
We are a premier community college where all students, faculty, staff, and community members are welcomed, appreciated, and valued.
We engage students where they are, leading to equitable opportunities for success in learning, life and work.
We foster vibrant, productive partnerships that benefit our students and strengthen our community.
Values
Community
Responsibility
Integrity
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Agility
Excellence
Strategic Plan & Core Themes
Since the college was founded, there have always been students, employees, and community members who have pushed the college to be the best possible version of itself. Their aspirations inform our Strategic Plan, which ensures that our decisions are directed by our Mission, Vision and Values. TCC’s current Strategic Plan has four Core Themes:
- Advancing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
- Cultivating Exceptional Learning
- Strengthening Community Partnerships
- Enhancing Institutional Vitality
These Core Themes will help us evaluate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for TCC, and meet them in accordance with our values. In this exhibition, you’ll see how we have been living our Core Themes – and how they continue to inspire us.
60 Years of History in the TCC Archives
Drawing on the rich historical materials preserved in the TCC Archives, this exhibit invites you to explore more on our 60th anniversary exhibit website—accessible via the QR code.
Do you have questions, comments, or TCC history to share with the archives? Contact the archivist at archives@tacomacc.edu.
Credits
This exhibit was researched and written by TCC Archivist AJ Demeter in partnership with TCC Marketing & Communications, using the Tacoma Community College’s archives and building on the indispensable research and writing done by Dale Coleman in his book marking the college’s 50th anniversary, The Open Door: A History of Tacoma Community College.
Visual design of the physical exhibit and supporting marketing materials is by Paulo Bandua of Étali Design.