Come Celebrate Matanuska-Susitna College’s 60th Anniversary!



College Director Talis Colberg and Assistant Suzan Labby display two historic signs with past names of the college, with the current name on the wall behind them. The first name, Palmer Community College, is featured on the small sign held by Colber…

College Director Talis Colberg and Assistant Suzan Labby display two historic signs with past names of the college, with the current name on the wall behind them. The first name, Palmer Community College, is featured on the small sign held by Colberg. The second name on the sign held by Colberg and Ms. Labby, Matanuska Susitna Community College, was eventually changed in 1988 to the current name on the wall behind them. In the background is The Glenn Massay Theater where the free public celebration of the 60th anniversary of the college will occur on Thursday, October 4th. 

Contributed by Talis J. Colberg, J.D., Ph.D.

Matanuska-Susitna College’s 60th Anniversary Celebration
10/4/2018 – 6PM
Matanuska-Susitna College
The Glenn Massay Theater
8295 E College Dr. Palmer
FREE Event

The Matanuska-Susitna College is 60 years old. On Thursday, October 4th, there will be a free public reception at 6:00pm and then at 7:00pm a free concert in The Glenn Massay Theater to celebrate the anniversary of the college. The Mat-Su Community Chorus will be performing. The highlights of the college history will be remembered, and there will be a special show of historic photos. 

The institution was founded during the territorial period of Alaska history and originally operated by the then named, Palmer School District. After statehood and the founding of the borough, the college was eventually turned over to the University of Alaska and renamed, the Matanuska-Susitna Community College. In 1972, it was moved from rented space in downtown Palmer to the current campus on Trunk Road. The campus now includes 951 acres and 7 major buildings. In 1988, the college was merged into the University of Alaska Anchorage and renamed the Matanuska-Susitna College/UAA, the name that it currently retains. With over 200 part-time and full-time employees, a student body that ranges between 1,500 and 1,900 students and a beautiful campus, the college has come a long way since first offering 10 evening classes in 1958.  

Everyone is welcome to join the free reception and celebration in The Glenn Massay Theater on Thursday, October 4, 2018.