Tacoma Community College founding documents collection

Tacoma Community College founding timeline: 1959 - Tacoma Public School District Superintendent Angelo Guiadrone begins planning for a community college in Tacoma. 1961 - The Washington State Legislature passes Senate Bill 296, which creates conditions under which a community college can finally be established in Pierce County. The school district almost immediately applies to the state to create a new community college after the bill's passing. The application is not approved but instead a Pierce County Advisory Committee on Community Colleges is formed to begin planning three colleges for the county. 1962 - Voters approve bond funds for a Tacoma community college. Later that year, the school district secures the Sunset Park site from the Metropolitan Park District. 1963 - The school district forms a new Advisory Committee from community stakeholders and submits a new application. The state authorizes a community college for Tacoma on July 9, 1963, but requires an opening delay to 1965. 1964 - Voters approve a levy for construction funds (after two failed votes). Tacoma architect Lyle Swedberg is hired to design the campus. Dean of Instruction John Terrey begins faculty recruitment and designs the college's instructional program. 1965 - Tacoma Community College opens on September 13, 1965, with classes beginning September 27.

Source: Dale Coleman, The Open Door: A History of Tacoma Community College. Retrieved from: https://www.tacomacc.edu/_attachments/about/open-door/TCC_HISTORY_MASTER_FINAL_DRAFT.pdf