Middlesex College Kicks Off Yearlong Celebration for 60th Anniversary
The start of the 2024–25 academic term marks the 60th anniversary of the founding of Middlesex College, and the College is dedicating the year to a celebration of its history, accomplishments, and future plans.
Fall Convocation, which welcomed students to campus on August 26, was the first in a series of events that will highlight the College community and the meaningful ways it has transformed lives of Middlesex County residents since 1964.
The theme of the 60th Anniversary is “Building a Better Future.”
“For six decades, Middlesex College has served as a center for educational excellence and personal development for students of all ages and backgrounds,” said Middlesex College President Mark McCormick. “As we celebrate this landmark anniversary, Middlesex College is at a critical juncture in our history with a significant investment of resources that will position the College to continue to build on our proud tradition of offering quality, affordable education and lean even more into our mission of serving our community.”
On October 17, the community is invited to campus for the annual HarvestFest to enjoy a celebration of the season with hayrides, music, inflatable games, food trucks, a classic car show, and a pick-your-own pumpkin patch. Guests will also be able to explore the college’s offerings, including credit and noncredit degree and certificate programs, as well student clubs.
The biennial Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held in spring 2025 to honor Middlesex College student-athletes and administrators who have contributed to the success of the program, which is affiliated with the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).
This year’s inductees include former baseball coach Mike Lepore Sr. and alumni Wooldy LaPointe (soccer), Angela Bradley (basketball), Steve Bonsall (wrestling), and Melissa Gromek (basketball, softball, and tennis). In addition, the 1981 Middlesex College Softball Team will become the first team inducted into the Hall of Fame, cited for their 25–3 record and spot in the NJCAA National Tournament.
Other celebratory events in 2025 include Casino Night, an annual fundraiser sponsored by the Middlesex College Foundation to increase resources for student scholarships and other forms of student aid, and Celebration Day, which recognizes outstanding employees of the College and their contributions to the campus and beyond.
Throughout the year, the College will continue to highlight current and future projects that reimagine its role as a center for community health, workforce development, and recreation.
At the center of these projects is the ongoing Community, Innovation, and Opportunity (CIO) Strategic Investment Plan, a partnership between Middlesex College, Middlesex County, Middlesex County Magnet Schools, Middlesex County Improvement Authority, and the State of New Jersey, which aims to make the College a regional destination.
The CIO Plan introduces cutting-edge teaching and learning spaces on the Middlesex College campus in Edison, including an Academic Workforce Conference Center and new Student Center, as well as sustainable initiatives for existing and new infrastructure.
The plan also focuses on resources for Middlesex County residents, with initiatives including an open-air Multi-Purpose Community Venue for concerts, cultural events, and sports; a new park featuring an educational children’s amenity; a new Middlesex County Magnet School; and an athletic complex in Thomas Edison Park featuring 14 multi-sport synthetic fields; 16 tennis courts and a 500-foot state-of-the-art recreational cricket field; and much more.
The College will continue to highlight notable moments from its founding and early years, including historic photos, as well as memories from graduates, faculty, and staff, on its website.
