Recognizing the 100th Anniversary of Gadsden State Community College

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th anniversary of Gadsden State Community College. Gadsden State is currently under the leadership of President Alan Smith.

One of the initial founding institutions of Gadsden State is the Alabama School of Trades. It was established in 1925 as the first state-operated trade school in Alabama and the entire southern United States.

Classes began on September 16, 1925, with 42 students enrolled in the inaugural class. Four courses were available: printing, electricity, bricklaying and cabinetmaking. All students lived in the newly constructed dormitory equipped with modern conveniences such as steam heat and plumbing that featured hot and cold running water. Students helped government workmen lay bricks to build the school's first permanent two-story buildings.

The Alabama School of Trades continued to thrive as a training center for the area's technical industry with increasing student enrollment and course offerings. In 1942, courses were converted to War Training. At the close of World War II, new courses were added to help veterans re-enter the workforce such as: Radio, TV, Auto Mechanics, Machine Shop, Refrigeration, Drafting, Photography, Upholstery, Auto Body, Barbering, General Farm Dairy, Poultry and Heavy Equipment.

In 1973, the school's name was changed to the Alabama Technical College and began offering associate in applied technology degrees. In 1985, the Alabama Technical College merged with Gadsden State Community College and is now known as the East Broad Campus. It is home to many of Gadsden State's workforce development programs such as Precision Machining, Mechanical Design, Industrial Automation, Welding, Electrical, Electronic Technology, Salon/Spa, Court Reporting, Truck Driving, Skid Steer Training, Certified Nursing Assistant, Phlebotomy and Civil Engineering.

As a result of mergers and expansion of services, Gadsden State is now a sprawling Community College with five campuses including East Broad, Wallace Drive, Valley Street (HBCU), Ayers and Cherokee. Gadsden State serves Etowah, Calhoun, Cleburne, Cherokee and St. Clair counties in northeast Alabama. There are 70 programs of study offered to over 5,000 students.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in wishing Gadsden State Community College a happy 100th anniversary.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source