Timeline
A groundbreaking ceremony for the college was held during the week of June 22. The Clark Library Hall was the campus’s first building, which housed the classrooms, science labs, administrative offices, library, bookstore and vending machines.1969
Alfred J. Smith was appointed as the first president of HCC.1969
Howard Community College opened on Monday, October 12. The enrollment that fall was 594 students. There were ten full time teaching faculty, one librarian, and fourteen part time faculty.1970
The second building to be constructed on campus, the Nursing Education building, was opened.1976
At HCC’s first commencement on Sunday, June 4, 36 degrees were awarded.1972
The campus continued to grow. The Communication Arts/Administration Building (now McCuan Hall) the Smith Theatre, the Physical Education Center and the athletic fields were completed.1977
THE HCC EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION IS A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION THAT PROVIDES FUNDS TO SUPPORT SCHOLARSHIPS AND PROGRAMS THAT BENEFIT STUDENTS AT HOWARD COMMUNITY COLLEGE. ESTABLISHED IN 1978, THE HCCEF'S MISSION IS TO IMPROVE LIVES AND CREATE OPPORTUNITIES BY FUNDING PATHWAYS TO STUDENT SUCCESS.
In May Dr. Dwight A. Burrill was appointed the second president of HCC.1981
The first Grand Prix was hosted at HCC. This annual showjumping fundraiser was held from 1988-2015 and raised in total over $3 million to support students and programs at HCC.1988
The Continuing Education Division launched “Serendipity”, later known as “Kids on Campus”. Kids on Campus program provides enrichment education for youth ages 6 to 17.1986
The Galleria, Student Activites Center, and the Science and Technology Building (now the Academic Commons) were completed.1989
Rep Stage, an Actors' Equity Theatre in residence, opened. HCC remains the only community college in the nation to boast an equity theatre.1993
THE JAMES W. ROUSE SCHOLAR PROGRAM WAS ESTABLISHED. THIS PROGRAM, DESIGNED FOR GRADUATION HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS, EMPHASIZES ACADEMIC RESEARCH, CIVIC AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT.
Dr. Mary Ellen Duncan was appointed as the third president of HCC.1998
The Silas Craft Collegians Program was launched. This learning community, named after Howard County educator and civil rights leader Silas Craft, provides a comprehensive academic program leading to an associate degree.2000
Laurel College Center opened, in partnership with Prince George's Community College.2001
The Frederick K. Schoenbrodt Honors Program enrolled its first students. This program provides a flexible honors experience for both full and part time students.2005
The Rouse Company Foundation Student Services Hall opened. HCC also launched its StepUP program, pairing students with a faculty or staff coach who provides one-on-one support for managing the challenges of college and life.2007
Dr. Kathleen Hetherington was appointed as the fourth president of HCC.2007
HCC launched a $4 million capital campaign which raised over $4 million by 2010.2008
HCC revisited its mission, vision and values statements. The new statements explain the college’s purpose, what the college wants to become, and how to “get there from here.”2008
First Silas Craft Collegians dinner, hosted by Hunan Manor Restaurant, to raise funds for the new Silas Craft Collegians program.2000
HCC launched a $12 million capital campaign which raised $14 million by 2007.2001
The Instructional Laboratory Building was completed (now Duncan Hall), a new home for English, Languages and Business2003
The Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center opened. The arts center explores an annual theme through multiple perspectives and media.2006
The first Vino Scholastico event was held to raise funds for student scholarships.2007
HCC wins its first Great Colleges to Work For Award. The college has gone on to win this award for 12 consecutive years, one of only two community colleges nationwide to be honored every year that community colleges have been eligible.2008
The Howard P.R.I.D.E. (Purpose. Respect. Initiative. Determination. Excellence.) program was launched, providing mentorship and support for Black male students.2011
Health Sciences added four new allied health programs: diagnostic medical sonography, dental hygiene, medical laboratory technology, and the physical therapist assistant program.2013
The Ambiciones program was launched, to provide community building and networking opportunities among Hispanic/Latino students.2015
First Lady Michelle Obama visited HCC as part of her Reach Higher education initiative, which had the goal of encouraging students to pursue their education beyond high school.2015
HCC launched its first ever apprenticeship program in HVAC. Apprenticeship programs have expanded to include IT, construction management, and biomedical engineering technology apprenticeships.2018
Academic Commons and Howard Hall were completed. Extensive renovations of the original Nursing and ST buildings provided flexible classrooms and research labs for Social Sciences and Teacher Education, an honors commons, and expanded culinary facilities including a student operated restaurant.2019
The college continued to grow with the completion of the new Health Science building, home for nursing and allied health disciplines and housing state of the art simulation labs, a full sized ambulance and 3G high-fidelity simulated patients, intensive care unit laboratory, and dental clinic. The new building received LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification.2013
The first HCC 5K Challenge Race was held to raise funds for student scholarships.2014
Ribbon cutting for the new 145,300-square foot Science, Engineering and Technology Building, housing an engineering build room, cyber lab, drop zone and state of the art laboratory spaces and roof top telescope observation area. The new building received LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification.2017
HCC won the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award in the category of education. The Baldrige Award is the nation's only Presidential award for performance and excellence.2019
In the face of the global coronavirus pandemic, HCC shifted all classes and services to remote (online) formats to ensure health, safety, and continuity of learning.2020