I am excited to help Lane Community College celebrate its 50th anniversary year.

I have been part of the Lane story for nearly 20 years. I have often marveled at the visionaries who got together in 1964 and said, this community needs its own college. Could they possibly have known what a truly amazing place they were creating? Not just the facilities, but the high quality academic programs and first rate occupational training available here. Today we are second to none.

It has been an honor getting to know a few of the hundreds of thousands of people who have achieved success here, and to work with a dedicated and caring faculty and staff.

As vice president and then president, I have enjoyed an immensely rewarding career at Lane. I have met students like Alex San Pedro who overcame a life on the streets for a career in art, as well as officials like President Barack Obama. Who would have guessed that a wee lassie from Scotland whose parents ran a bakery would have such opportunities?

Our 50th anniversary is a golden opportunity to share your personal connection to the college. Please join me by posting your story here and visiting this page throughout the year. Let's celebrate 50 years of student success!

Mary Spilde