Missouri Community College Awareness Day was a significant event for the community college family in 2012. On Sept. 28, thousands 
of people across the state donned blue “I Belong” MCCA t-shirts to show their spirit. Colleges held rallies, cookouts, and other get-togethers to celebrate what it means to be part of the community college system. Elected officials got in the act as well, posing for photographs with MCCA Executive Director, Zora Mulligan. Gov. Nixon issued a proclamation, commending community colleges as essential partners in increasing the number of Missourians with postsecondary degrees. MCCA Presidents and Chancellors Council chair, Debbie Goodall highlighted community colleges’ common mission to provide quality, affordable education to all citizens. Director Mulligan praised staff for their hard work and results, saying, “Your stories are going to be the cornerstones of our continuing message as we fight to make sure community colleges get their fair share of state support.”
But the day was about celebration. As would be expected these days, it included a day-long exchange of festive–and frequently hilarious–postings on MCCA’s Twitter feed. The day culminated in the announcement of the winner of a $100 gift certificate. The special day was commemorated again at MCCA’s 2012 Convention, Oct. 31-Nov. 2 in Kansas City, with slideshows and anecdotes.
There are literally thousands of unsung heroes throughout Missouri’s Community College system who provide immeasurably valuable services for tens of thousands of people, day in and day out. They were honored on MCCA Day in 2012…and hopefully will be in future years.
