Motlow marks 40th year with family fun event

When Motlow State Community College first opened its doors to students in the fall of 1969, only 550 were registered to attend. Forty years later, the school is expecting more than 4,300 students for its fall 2009 semester.

The college is celebrating its 40th anniversary Saturday with a day of fun and free entertainment.

"We want the community around Motlow State to know this is their community college," said Brenda Cannon, director of community relations at the school. "We also want to recognize all the non-traditional students who come to Motlow and make this a day for families."

One of the many different aspects of the day is the Kids' Zone, which will feature crafts, games and storytelling and will be open from 3 to 5 p.m.

"We want students, their children, their mothers, grandmothers, faculty and staff to come out for the event," Cannon said. "We also want to let everyone know it is being paid for and hosted by the Motlow College Foundation, meaning we aren't using any taxpayers' money."

The Motlow Bucks will play a scrimmage game, and the 2009 Lady Bucks softball team will be recognized at 5:30 p.m., by Motlow president MaryLou Apple and the school's trustees.

Retired Motlow professor Dr. Michael Bradley will share his love and knowledge of the Civil War period with storytelling events at 3, 3:45 and 4:30 p.m. Not only is he a former professor, he is also a noted historian and author of several Civil War books.

A classic car cruise-in will be held on campus from 2 to 5 p.m. The public is invited to bring their vehicles.

Motlow drama students will be presenting "mini-theatres" from 3 to 5 p.m.

Anyone wanting to see the campus, whether it's their first time, as a former student or a new student this fall, is invited to take part in tours at 3, 4 and 5 p.m.

The band Utopia will perform music from the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s from 3:30 to 5:15 p.m. and the Tennessee Fiddle Orchestra, under the direction of Jim Wood of the Flat Creek community, will perform from 6 to 7 p.m.

"All of the events are free," Cannon said. "We just want to thank everyone for supporting the college."

Refreshments and food vendors will also be available all afternoon.

Motlow was recently recognized as one of the fast growing community colleges in the country. Registration will continue until Sept. 4, which is the last day to register or add classes. Classes begin Aug. 31.

"Motlow has been a very important part of this community and this area," Cannon said. "Nearly everywhere you go, you can find someone who graduated from here or who took classes here. We want to recognize that and those people with this celebration."

For more information about the anniversary celebration, call (931) 393-1548 or visit the Web site at www.mscc.edu.