By Joan Westlake
On Sept. 13, Phoenix College kicks off a celebration heralding 90 years as the state’s pioneer in community college education. The festivities include a variety show, an exhibit of a rarely seen photograph collection, a commemorative “90” photo shoot and a Flick on the Bricks outdoor movie night viewing of Phoenix-related “Psycho.” All activities are free and open to the public.
The festivities begin at 1 p.m., Monday, Sept. 13 in the Bulpitt Auditorium in the heart of the campus. Anna Solley, president of Phoenix College, extends the official welcome followed by the reading of proclamations and brief introductions of dignitaries.
Then, the variety show begins filled with nostalgic glimpses of nine decades through music, drama and snippets of America life of each era. Phoenix College alumni and KEZ Marty Manning will emcee the program featuring live performances by the PC Jazz Band, choir, faculty, staff, alumni and students. Enjoy an entertaining peek at 90 years of Phoenix College, the state and nation. Hear about the college’s crucial role during World War II and learn of Marshall Trimble’s cool moves on campus in the ’50s.
After decades of silence, the restored 1921 Rialto Theatre pipe organ debuts, thank in large part to the Valley of the Sun Chapter of the American Theatre Organ Society.
Immediately following the show, attendees are invited to put on a commemorative T-shirt and take part in the group aerial photo forming the numeral 90 on the Ed and Verma Pastor Plaza in front of Bulpitt Auditorium.
Encanto Park has always been an integral part of Phoenix College life. Wednesday morning, Sept. 15, students, staff and the public are invited to give back with a park clean-up event.
From 6:30-8:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 17, the retired faculty and staff host “Celebrating Photography at Phoenix College: A Retrospective View” in the Fannin Library. Guests will see photos not usually available for public view.
The celebration continues at Flicks on the Bricks starting at 7 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs for the outdoor screening of Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho,” sponsored by the Office of Student Life and Leadership.
Phoenix College iis located at 15th Avenue and Thomas Road. For a complete list of Phoenix College 90th Anniversary celebrations, go to www.phoenixcollege.edu/90.
