SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. (March 6, 2024) – Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) is proud to officially kick off its 18-month campaign to celebrate the institution’s 50th anniversary. On March 5, community members, students, esteemed partners, dedicated employees, retirees, and local elected officials came together to collectively celebrate LTCC’s remarkable journey during a special celebration event at LTCC’s student center. LTCC President Jeff DeFranco gave an address on this momentous occasion, as well as unveiled the college’s new 50th anniversary logo and campaign.
“As we mark 50 years of Lake Tahoe Community College, we celebrate our rich history and our continued growth and evolution,” said Jeff DeFranco, LTCC President. “This milestone is an opportunity to look back on our humble beginnings in a converted motel and our current standing as a soon-to-be residential institution serving the South Shore of Lake Tahoe and our region.”
During last night’s event, LTCC announced a new campaign to recognize Fifty Awesome Alumni and the Fifty Faces of LTCC. This alumni initiative will be a collaborative effort to identify those who attended LTCC and are now making an impact in their respective communities. The Faces of LTCC initiative will seek to identify those individuals who made a lasting impact on the institution as employees, supporters, or other stakeholders. Nominations are now open. Those who are interested in nominating can visit ltcc.edu/50 and complete either of the forms. Those who qualify can also nominate themselves via the website form.
“Lake Tahoe Community College is a cornerstone of education in our region,” said Joe Irvin, City Manager and LTCC Alumni. “We Celebrate 50 years of dedication to equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in diverse career paths that support our community and region.”
In 1965, South Lake Tahoe parents sought to establish a local college to eliminate the need for students to travel for education. Initially rejected by the state board in 1965, the community’s proposal gained traction in 1967 when the state formed the Board of Governors and the Chancellor’s office, advocating for community colleges in every region. The El Dorado County Committee on School District Organization determined the district in 1974, opting for independence over affiliations with neighboring community college districts such as Los Rios or Sierra. To overcome obstacles, the state senator introduced special legislation in that same year, electing a four-person board.
Since LTCC’s inception on March 5, 1974, the college has evolved and improved its offerings and now serves a diverse community of more than 8000 students annually on its modernized campus. From modest origins to an ever-promising future, LTCC has undergone a transformative journey resulting in 50 years of enriched student experience.
To learn more about Lake Tahoe Community College, please visit ltcc.edu.
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About Lake Tahoe Community College
Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) is an evolving, dynamic California Community College located in the heart of South Lake Tahoe. The waters and surrounding forests of Lake Tahoe are a national treasure, and LTCC’s campus is a microcosm of the entire region’s natural beauty. Located at 6,229 feet above sea level, LTCC is Northern California’s highest-elevation college. This enthusiastic and friendly college community serves students from the bi-state, multi-jurisdictional Tahoe watershed area and includes many students from neighboring Nevada communities, other states in the country, and from around the world through LTCC’s International Student Program. Lake Tahoe Community College is a federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution, and currently serves more than 8,000 students annually, helping them to earn terminal degrees, preparing them for transfer to four-year institutions, and readying them for successful careers. As an open-door institution, LTCC strives to minimize barriers to college participation for all those who seek it. Ensuring access to higher education is central to the core mission of LTCC.
