Middlesex College 60th Anniversary
60 Years of Brighter Futures
For 60 years, Middlesex College has served as a gateway to a better life: creating a glidepath to a four-year degree; training workers to enter lucrative, in-demand careers; helping immigrants improve their English; providing skilled workers to local employers so they can grow their businesses; providing childcare, early education and camps for children; offering lifelong learning programs that enrich our lives; and so much more.
In carrying out its mission to provide a “quality, affordable education” for all, it has transformed the lives of tens of thousands of graduates for the past 60 years.
And the best is yet to come.
The History of Middlesex College
When the State of New Jersey recognized the key role community colleges would have in a post-World-War-II environment, visionary leaders in Middlesex County, including George Otlowski Sr. and Frank Deiner, spearheaded efforts to establish Middlesex County College, securing an impressive 365 acres for its development. Their bold actions laid the foundation for a thriving educational institution that would benefit both the community and the local economy.
Explore Our PastHow We’re Celebrating
Academic Convocation
August 26, 2024
Board of Trustees Boardroom Dedication to Dorothy Power
October 25, 2024
Celebration Day
May 2025
Honoring Our Campus Icons
Ever wondered how Crabiel Hall got its name? Or who was Billy Johnson?
Delve into the rich history of the remarkable individuals whose names grace the buildings of our beautiful campus, embodying the very essence of our community’s legacy.
L’Hommedieu Hall
Previously the Heath Technologies building, L’Hommedieu Hall was named for Paige D. L’Hommedieu, founding chair of the Board of Middlesex College and former senior executive with Johnson and Johnson. He served as chair from 1964 until 1972.
Today, we honor Mr. L’Hommedieu’s legacy through this building and the Paige D. L’Hommedieu Award which is given every year to a member of the community that embodies the generosity of our first board chair.
Chambers Hall
Renamed from the Academic Services Building, Chambers Hall was named for the College’s founding president, Frank M. Chambers.
It was dedicated May 12, 1999.
Crabiel Hall
Crabiel Hall is named for the late David B. Crabiel, who served as a Middlesex County Freeholder for 27 years and Freeholder Director for 13 years. Dedicated to public service, Mr. Crabiel was also a councilman and mayor of Milltown. Crabiel Hall opened in January of 2011.
Billy Johnson Hall
Billy Johnson Hall was named for Willard T. C. Johnson, known as Billy, who passed away in 1975 at the age of 23. His will specified that his estate should be used to help those less fortune and to promote education, and the Willard T.C. Johnson Foundation has been extremely generous to the College, including funding the Veterans Services Center in 2011.
Formerly the Technical Services Center, Billy Johnson Hall was dedicated on September 23, 2011.
Johnson Learning Center
Dedicated to the late Keith Wold Johnson and the late Willard T.C. Johnson. The first floor is dedicated to Keith Wold Johnson and the second floor to Willard T.C. Johnson.
Telling Our Legacy Stories
From three generations of employees to couples that fell in love in class and their children went on to become alumni. From our first female college president breaking barriers to our college opening its doors to the community during times of crises. Middlesex College’s history is a tapestry of legacy stories.
Read our Stories