On September 15, 1961, Northern Essex Community College opened its doors for the first time, welcoming 181 students, most of whom were recent high school graduates. At that time, classes were taught at the former Greenleaf Elementary School in Bradford.

This September, Northern Essex will begin celebrating the college’s 50 years with a year-long calendar of events that will include a gala, cultural and community activities, and the inauguration of Lane Glenn as president of the college.

The theme of the 50th celebration is “Making a Difference for 50 Years” and the anniversary celebration will recognize the many contribu¬tions the college has made to the community over the years, illustrating how the college has and will continue to “make a difference” in the lives of those who live and work in the Merrimack Valley.

A committee of volunteers with representa¬tion from all areas of the college has been meeting to plan events and this summer a website and Facebook page will be launched in celebration of the 50th.

College faculty and staff are encouraged to in¬corporate the 50th anniversary into their plans for this coming year. Professor Susan Sanders has selected A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum—a production that opened on Broadway in 1962— for the fall musical, for example.

If you have ideas for the 50th or would like to get involved, please contact Ernie Greenslade, director of public relations, at 978 556-3862 or egreenslade@necc.mass.edu.