Dr. Nick Neupauer, president of Butler County Community College, cuts a ribbon during the community grand opening of the 25,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art Victor K. Phillips Nursing and Allied Health Building on BC3’s main campus in Butler Township on Sept. 20, 2023. BC3 is celebration its 60th anniversary this year. Submitted photo

As the first students arrived for the debut of Butler County Community College, a TV show called “Star Trek” had just premiered.

BC3’s inaugural students — aptly dubbed Pioneers for attending the first Pennsylvania community college established west of Harrisburg — encountered drizzle and fog the Monday morning of Sept. 26, 1966, as they walked among the lodge-like buildings — some being finalized — on the college’s main campus in Butler Township.

“The first day of classes was unusual, to say the least,” faculty member Wayne Shaulis said in “From Oak Trees to Sheepskins: The First 25 Years of Butler County Community College.”

Saturday will mark the 60th anniversary of the first classes at the community college – and what the college recognizes as its Founders Day.

The BC3 Education Foundation will incorporate into its first large-scale fundraising campaign in a decade a 1966 Challenge inspired by the college’s first students and intended to enhance the experience of those of today and of tomorrow.

Contributions of $19.66 to the 1966 Challenge will help the foundation finance projects such as relocating the college’s Pioneer Pantry to a larger space to accommodate its growing patronage and renovating a lobby used by students between classes and by administrators to stage student activities and events.

Funds will also be used to support the creation of the sculpture of a BC3 logo near the admissions office in the Student Success Center where newly accepted students can take photographs and show their school spirit.

Financial contributions to support the student experience can be made at give.bc3.edu/challenge.

The 1966 Challenge will also support the renovation of the 900-square-foot lobby on the upper floor of the 17-year-old Student Success Center.

In addition to the student experience, BC3’s Future Fund prioritizes the community experience and workforce innovation, according to Mikayla Moretti, executive director of the BC3 Education Foundation and external relations. More information about the campaign can be found at give.bc3.edu.

The BC3 Future Fund has raised about half of its $6 million goal, Moretti said.

Bill Foley is coordinator of news and media content at Butler County Community College.