Central Oregon Community College will host an event to celebrate the college’s 75th anniversary 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. May 2 at the Bend campus. The event is open to everyone.

Speakers and presenters will include artist MOsley WOtta, Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler and Oregon Poet Laureate Ellen Waterston. The Cascade Chorale Singing Group will also perform. Refreshments and cake will be served.

Several college programs, such as nursing and aviation, will be featured, as well as historical photos and memorabilia. Training technology and vehicles for various programs will be on display. There will also be a photo booth for those who want to memorialize the event.

“We are here today at this significant milestone because the leaders and communities of Central Oregon prioritized higher education 75 years ago, with a focus on access and affordability, and we’re proud to have been a part of so many individual lives ever since,” said President Laurie Chesley in a press release.

COCC was founded in 1949 as the state’s first community college. It opened at Bend High School’s campus and has grown to include four campuses throughout Central Oregon and serve thousands of students.