DCC founded by, and for, citizenry

By Joan Andrek
For the Poughkeepsie Journal

During the mid-1950s, the citizens of Dutchess County began to express their desire to establish a local college designed to educate county residents. A group of concerned parents, teachers and civic leaders in 1955 began to circulate an opinion survey among county residents to determine whether the county would support the creation of a community college. Their work produced a report to the Dutchess County Board of Supervisors that convinced these lawmakers to officially charter Dutchess Community College in 1957.

Bowne Memorial Hospital, a former tuberculosis sanitarium on Creek Road in the Town of Poughkeepsie, was chosen as the site for the new college. The three buildings of the hospital were designated as Dutchess Community College in February 1957.

Dr. James F. Hall was appointed president of the college in December 1957, and the school welcomed its first freshman class of 252 full-time students and 412 part-time students in September 1958. Then, Dutchess offered nine academic programs taught by 12 faculty in eight science laboratories and 10 classrooms in Bowne Hall. By 1965, Dutchess had an enrollment of 3,164 students and 96 faculty members.

At the start of the 21st century, Dutchess Community College offers more than 50 associate degree and certificate programs. Enrollment exceeds 6,400 students. The main campus has eight instructional buildings. Four extension centers are located throughout Dutchess County and northern Putnam County. And the college is undergoing another expansion: the first new building with classrooms in more than 10 years.

Joan Andrek is director of community relations at Dutchess Community College.