1961
Proposal
A state committee proposed 4 new “junior” (later known as community) colleges. They
included Colorado Springs as a location because of anticipated growth. They thought
the college should have exclusive entrance qualifications and exams.
1965
UCCS for transfer
Classes began at “Cragmor” (the original name of University of Colorado, Colorado
Springs). Planners thought a community college could provide it with transfer students.
1967-1969
Opening
El Paso County Community College was the original name, then EPCC. A founding administration
of the college included Robert O. Hatton (president), Donald Sieck (director of administrative
services), Frederick Struthers (director of general services/later dean of instruction),
Leonard Smith (director of vocational services), Frank Ross (director of student services),
Wilmer Newcomer (registrar), and Carol Van Lew (executive staff).
The nickname was “Safeway U” because one building was a former Safeway store at Robinson Street and 25th. This location was EPCC’s main site until 1976-8. The campus grew with new buildings there, named Colorado-style: Antero (old Safeway), Blanca (new classrooms); Culebra (new classrooms), Kenosha (new, auto repair), Raton (new, auto body/paint), Poncha (new, student union), Shavano (leased for administrative offices), Welding Laboratory (built for lease) Another campus was the Old Town Center at W. Colorado and 25th St.
Dedication/Graduation The dedication of the Administrative Offices (at 5 W. Las Vegas St.) was Wednesday, Nov. 20, 1968. Tuition was $60 per quarter full-time (10 hours) state residents and $250 per quarter for out of state. No student fees. Enrolled: 976 students. The first teacher was an automotive instructor. Stephen Redmond, the first president of the student government, was also the first commencement speaker. Graduation was in Bancroft Park: 17 associate’s degrees and 70 certificate students. Students were skeptical about spending money on a ceremony. Future Colorado Springs leaders Bill Hybl and John Suthers were among first instructors.
Mascot Selection
When the college proposed that EPCC have a mascot, sports teams, and school colors,
students scoffed because they were preoccupied with getting qualifications and jobs.
Therefore, they chose the aardvark (first in the dictionary), and black and blue (the
colors they thought they would earn in the sports fields).
1970-1975
Ft. Carson Land/Master Plan
Returning Vietnam War veterans brought heavy enrollments, especially in vocational
or occupational (now Career and Technical) programs: There were 928 general studies
majors to 2,218 occupational majors. In fall 1972, EPCC became a Servicemen's Opportunity
College. The EPCC Veteran's Association formed. Through 1973, EPCC negotiated for
Ft. Carson surplus land (that the college had been leasing), which Congress approved.
In 1974, EPCC got the grant. The new master plan would accommodate 15,000 students.
Programs/EPCC Enrollment
The Nursing Program began in fall 1970, was accredited by early 1972, and already
operated at capacity with a wait list. The Women's Center opened December 1971. In
1972, the Environmental Protection Agency granted $23,750 to EPCC to upgrade training
for “Spanish American” wastewater treatment employees in southern CO. EPCC reached
4500 enrolled for fall 1972; 70 percent were “occupational” students.
Radio/Auto Program
In 1973, George Shaiffer arrived from Ampex with a new open entry-exit program in
electronics. The radio station, KEPC 90.5, went on the air in 1973. It increased its
power in 1975, under Manager Jack Donahue and Chief Engineer George Shaiffer. In 1975,
the Auto Repair Program finally added foreign car repair to its repertoire.
Sports/Presidential Transition
Bob Henry (activities director) created EPCC’s first health fair. EPCC formed its
own basketball team (Aardvarks) coached by Ron Anderson, and its own cheerleading
squad. In 1974, President Hatton resigned. In 1975, President Donald McInnis replaced
him. The North Central Association accredited EPCC in 1975.
1975-1979
New Campus, Centennial
The architect of the new campus was Clifford Nakata, a Japanese American who had suffered
“relocation” with his family during World War II. He served in the Korean War and
became a noted architect for military bases.
Through 1975-1976, controversies threatened the new campus. This included water supply, soil quality, costs, road placement and the need for an overpass, parking, distance from town population, a crisis in veterans’ funding, and whether to keep the old campus and split the college across both.
The new campus received the name Centennial because of the U.S. Bicentennial and Colorado’s Centennial in 1976. The American Revolution Bicentennial Administration designated EPCC a Bicentennial College. The EPCC committee that campaigned for this included Lance Wedor (bookstore manager) and Helen Anderson (information officer).
Dedication/New Name, Pikes Peak Community College
The dedication ceremony for the Centennial Campus took place on August 18, 1976.
Pictured at the dedication with President McInnis were faculty and staff, including
Robert McMullen (Biology). On March 21, 1978, Gov. Richard Lamm signed the law changing
EPCC's name to Pikes Peak Community College. Moving to the Centennial Campus began June 1978. Gov. Lamm dedicated Centennial
Campus on October 22, 1978.
Developing an Identity: PPCC Struggled with Modernization
PPCC purchased its first computers: a “mini-computer” that cost $10,000 for the Math
and Science Department and a used IBM 360 to automate the library catalog. Student
Government purchased a 1972 Mercedes passenger bus for student activities. The press
lauded PPCC as an all-coal facility, using the least expensive power source. PPCC began
its first computerized registration—that was, students mailed in their forms and staff
entered the information—taking an average of four hours each!
PPCC Student Newspaper Began
The EPCC student newspaper Pikes Peak News began, in 1976, a long dispute with President
McInnis over his “censorship.” He wanted them to print more good news and less bad
about PPCC. Their instructor/advisor, Judith Olson, defended their freedom of press
and speech. PPCC administration withdrew financial support. The students printed an
alternative: the Pikes Peak Fuse. By 1979, the students sued. The Associate Collegiate
Press organization gave them its highest award. In 1982, the Rocky Mountain Collegiate
Press did the same. In 1988, the students lost their appeal but, by then, a new president
had better relations with the newspaper and it had become less controversial.
Athletics/Foreign Program
The Aardvarks basketball team, affiliated with the National Junior College Athletic
Association, played 28 games against colleges in Wyoming, Kansas, New Mexico, Montana,
and Colorado. By decade’s end, however, PPSC basketball fell to a budget cut. PPSC’s
“Foreign Program” did not do well, but French students successfully traveled with
their instructor James Hurley for many years.
Dwindling Veteran Enrollment/Faculty Pay
In 1977, declining veteran numbers decreased enrollments and led to threats of cutting
faculty. In the same year, one faculty member accused President McInnis of discrimination
and some sought collective bargaining. There was discussion of raising faculty pay
to meet the regional average.
PPCC 10th Anniversary Celebration
PPCC held its first formal graduation, at the Four Seasons Hotel, and later at the
Broadmoor International Center. Paul Pohl, an Army veteran and commercial art student,
won the contest for designing the best PPCC logo. The Commission on Higher Education
approved the Associate of General Studies degree. In 1978-9, PPSC celebrated its 10th
anniversary. President McInnis won a dispute in the statehouse that he could remove
the apostrophe from “Pike’s” as had already happened with the mountain and the street
so named.
1980-1985
Establishing Long Term Patterns
In 1980-1981, long-term funding developed with the creation of the PPCC Foundation,
a donation from the Holly Sugar Company, and an endowment from the George and Josephine
Lum Estate. The Colorado legislature also began funding the SBCCOE for distribution
to Colorado community colleges. PPSC approved graduation fees to offset the cost of
diplomas.
Tough Times
In 1980, a fired cosmetology instructor accused PPCC of racial discrimination. The
verdict was that, while there was not racial discrimination, there was a “pattern
of insensitivity to minority issues” at the college.
Technology Improvements/Relocation
A closed circuit TV system made it possible to produce TV programs for class use.
The Publications and Printing Office acquired the first word processing computer network
to serve the college. The technology rapidly improved. Soon PPCC was designated High
Tech Training Center for Microcomputers in Colorado. Military program offices moved
to Centennial Campus from off-site offices.
Leadership Change
In 1983-4, PPSC established the Curriculum and Instructional Practices (CIP) committee.
In 1984, declining enrollments threatened faculty salaries, and even staff cuts, again.
The PPCC Faculty Association opposed. President McInnis left his position for one
with the SBCCOES. Vice President Monique Amerman became acting president and thus
PPSC’s first woman president, temporarily.
1985-1986
New Systems for Growth
The Southern Colorado Educational Opportunity Center, designed to serve disadvantaged
students, opened at PPCC. The Miami-Yoder School District and the PPSC AVP department
initiated a unique program for high school seniors. They equipped a bus with a TV
and headsets to teach a PPSC communication class at a distance. In 1985, PPSC hired
a new president, Cecil Groves.
Downtown/Rampart Campus Utilization
In 1986, the Downtown Studio Campus opened for the Winter Quarter at 19 North Tejon.
Malcolm McCollum was assistant coordinator. PPCC began to use Rampart High School
evenings and weekends as a north campus, with Paul Doray (director of community services)
leading.
Network Improvement/Transfer Credits
In fall, 1986, PPCC began offering classes on a semester system. In 1986, PPCC raised
tuition to the highest of the 11 state community colleges. A new law required that
four-year colleges and universities facilitate the transfer of credits among state
institutions. This led to the “CORE” curriculum. Instructors began to record grades
and attendance via networked computers. A major scholarship endowment fund honored
of Amy Zlochower Smaldone, daughter of instructor Sol Zlochower.
1986-1989
Creation of a Police Academy
At the end of 1986, PPCC announced its new Pikes Peak Regional Law Enforcement Academy,
a training program created partly to fulfill a need expressed by El Paso County Sheriff
Bernard Barry. The program director was Al Bartok, Criminal Justice coordinator. Barry
was one of PPCC’s first graduates (1968-70), then its director of Public Safety until
1983 when he became sheriff. He founded the PPSC Alumni Association in 1987.
Diversity Issues
Patricia Traynor launched a project designed to increase the number of women in high
tech occupations. She received a $64,000 grant from federal vocational funds for the
project. In 1988, a Minorities Affairs Committee expressed discontent over employment
practices. Their survey report questioned progress in PPSC’s first 20 years.
The Twentieth Anniversary Festivities
PPCC’s 20th anniversary celebration included a Homecoming Dance, a dinner for new
employees, and special recognition during graduation.
Organizational Shift
In 1989, Cecil Groves left as president and Don Goodwin as vice president of instruction.
Dale Traylor was interim president. Marijane Paulsen became the first woman president
of PPCC. Thus, she became a local symbol of women in new positions of power. The North
Campus Task Force formed to make recommendations.
1990-1999
Technology
In April 1990, in an agreement with American Telecasting, Inc., PPCC acquired a satellite
link to Cheyenne Mountain, making it possible to broadcast on its own TV Channel.
In May 1991, PPCC began Instructional Television Fixed Services. Students could view
instruction at home through 13 receiving sites and talk to instructors through eight
telephones available at each site. PPCC developed accessibility. Its LRC (library)
established an Adaptive Computer-Assisted Lab equipped with IBM-Compatible computers,
speech synthesizers, talking books, and visual enlargement screens.
Addressment of Diversity
In 1993-1995, reports indicated a lag in PPCC minority graduates. In 1997, PPCC reported
some improvement. The president “demanded” a more responsive PPCC. During this period,
women “re-entry” students were conspicuously increasing and achieving.
Expansion of Campuses/Programs
In July 1993, PPCC began to lease St. Mary’s High School as the new Downtown Studio
Campus. In 1994-1995, PPCC offered classes at additional sites: Commerce Center Downtown
and Woodland Park. In 1996, a Danish Exchange Student Program brought international
business students. The Integrated Circuit Fabrication Institute began in 1996.In 1997-1998,
adjunct faculty organized to call attention to PPCC’s dependence upon them and inequities
they faced. In 1998, the Rampart Range Campus opened. In 1999, several new programs
began including Interior Design, Adventure Guides, and Weekend College.
2000-2003
Diversity/Downtown Campus
In 2000, Marijane Paulsen retired. The interim president was Jack Lundberg. In June
2001, Joseph A. Garcia became PPCC’s first president of color. In 2002, PPSC acquired
and renovated the Downtown Studio Campus property.
Grants
PPCC received a TRIO Grant of $760,000 for the Student Support Services Program. Intel
Corporation donated $22,500 to the IC Fab Program at PPCC.A new Paramedic Program
came to PPSC.PPCC created additional childcare services at its newer campuses in 2003.
2004-2008
Enrollment Growth
In 2004-2005, PPCC programs and enrollment growth caused community comment about its
value, calculated as $133.98 million for Colorado Springs. The Kane Family Scholarship
created new opportunities for UCCS transfer students in 2006.
Transition/Falcon Campus
In 2006, Joseph Garcia left for the presidency of Colorado State University—Pueblo.
The interim was Bob Rizzuto. The new president hired was Anthony Kinkel. PPCC created
a Falcon Campus to serve the semi-rural East from Falcon Middle School, from 2008
to 2015.
2008-2011
Rampart
In 2008, PPCC established a new relationship and brought new buildings to the Rampart
Range Campus, by introducing concurrent enrollment through The Classical Academy.
PPCC was still “military friendly” and appealing to “re-entry women,” but special
studies and programs began to address underrepresented minority males. Campus Life
director Colette Berge won the city’s Athena Award for helping women attend PPCC.
Presidential Transition
In 2010, Anthony Kinkel resigned. Vice president for instruction Edwin Ray became
interim president. In 2011, Lance Bolton became president.
2012-2016
Waldo Canyon/Black Forest Fires
The disastrous Waldo Canyon and Black Forest fires of 2012-2013 occasioned much community
involvement and affected many lives of the PPCC community.
Multicultural /Veteran center
In 2013, PPCC held its first Multicultural Awareness Conference for students to give
academic presentations. In 2014, PPCC presented a new veterans’ center and its Upward
Bound program was very successful. PPCC formed a Diversity Team and began online diversity
training in 2015
Creative Commons/Executive Director
In 2016, PPCC received the largest single monetary donation in its history, $1 million,
from the Marie Walsh Sharpe Foundation, to develop a Creative Commons for its art
students. In August of 2016, PPCC hired its first executive director of Diversity,
Equity, and Inclusion. That year also began the Global and Diversity Studies Program.
2017-2018
2017-2018 Achievements/Future
Highlights of 2017-2018 include a new Cybersecurity degree program; bus service returning
to Rampart Campus after years without; several major food distribution programs to
help those in need; and PPCC’s first Bachelor’s degree, a Bachelor of Applied Science
degree in Emergency Services Administration, with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing
to come