St. Clair County Community College (SC4) is celebrating its 100th anniversary year-round in 2023, but its official 100th birthday is June 11, 2023. The College—as Michigan’s second oldest community college—was founded as Port Huron Junior College on June 11, 1923, and has now contributed to southeast Michigan’s academic, economic and social advancement for a century.
Students attending the College during the 1923-24 academic year studied engineering, pre-med, pre-law, pre-dental, business administration and general studies—and could enroll in any of the 13 courses offered, which included zoology, biology, history, chemistry, French, rhetoric and mathematics.
Today, approximately 350 unique courses are offered to about 4,000 students annually and its alumni are living, leading and serving our communities and beyond in health care, education, engineering, manufacturing, hospitality, government, public safety, design and more.
“The College is intrinsically tied to its community and is driven by a commitment to student growth and success,” said SC4 President Dr. Deborah A. Snyder. “We have been fortunate to have the advocacy and commitment of our community throughout our institution’s history.”
SC4 continuously has adapted to better serve students. For instance, it acquired the North Building in 1963 and celebrated the openings of the Clara E. Mackenzie Building and A.J. Theisen Building in the 1960s, the College Center and Fine Arts Buildings in the 1970s, the Applied Technology Center in the early 1980s, and the Health Sciences Building, College Housing, SC4 Fieldhouse, Experience Center and Challenger Learning Center in the 2010s.
It also has strengthened offerings for students through the Blue Water Middle College, the Career and Technical Middle College, dual enrollment, scholarships and grants, on-campus and online course options, enhanced support services like a basic needs pantry and 24/7 counseling, new athletics opportunities such as soccer, Esports, dance and wheelchair basketball—and much more.
“It’s important that we anticipate the evolving needs and interests of our students and community,” Dr. Snyder said. “Our world is changing rapidly, but I am confident in this College’s ability to offer a supportive and transformative experience for its students for many years to come.”
SC4 also brings to campus community residents and visitors of all ages for athletic games and tournaments, concerts, field trips, corporate outings and professional development, tours, events, exhibits and more.
For 100 years, SC4 has made a significant impact on the region, and it continues to be a key destination where students can achieve their educational goals, and community members can explore passions and interests.
Students interested in earning affordable credits toward a degree or transfer pathway, as well as those community members interested in learning more about a particular topic or passion, can now apply and register to secure summer fast-path or fall semester classes, which begin Aug. 21. For more information, contact the SC4 Admissions team at (810) 989-5571 or starthere@sc4.edu.
