LAREDO JUNIOR COLLEGE

1947-1993

LAREDO COMMUNITY COLLEGE

1993-PRESENT

History Contents

Fort McIntosh

     History

LCC Presidents

Significant moments in college history:

1946

Laredo Junior College is created on September 28 by the voting citizens of the Independent School District of Laredo.

1947-48

The first year of Laredo Junior College began on Tuesday, September 9, with an assembly at 9 a.m. in the college auditorium under the leadership of President W.J. Adkins. Representatives of the service clubs, members of the Board of Education and friends of the college were present with the students and faculty to begin the first year of school at the campus at Fort McIntosh.

Early accreditation of the new college was begun.

The first annual vocations day program was held.

The college ended the year with 13 junior college sophomores who completed work for the associate in arts diploma, May 25, 1948.

1948-49

Classes began on September 13, 1948.

New buildings put into use following repairs were the Music Building, the Corral, Student Union, and Library.

In March 1949, Laredo Junior College was recognized by The Association of Texas Colleges as being a "Junior College First Class."

The chief form of recreation during the summer session was swimming in the college pool.

1949-50

With most of the organizational matters settled, efforts were devoted mostly to many improvements. The Agriculture Department was extended by adding animal feeding projects and the subsequent showing of the animals at the San Angelo Live Stock Show.

Accreditation was secured for a course in organic chemistry and two new courses in elementary school education.

The Corral had the services of a new director with increased time devoted to this activity.

The old narrow entrance to Fort McIntosh was torn down and a new wider entrance was made which enabled two lanes of automobiles to pass through the gate at one time.

New presidential and finance offices, handsomely decorated and completely air-conditioned, were opened.

A new Homemaking Cottage done in ranch-style motif was completed with the result of greater enrollment in homemaking courses.

The Administration Building was remodeled. In line with the continued growth, new parking areas were designated and new traffic regulations were enacted.

The first annual Homecoming was held during this school year with a big homecoming parade and football game topped off with the crowning of a sports queen.

A new alumni association was born.

1950-51

A lively girls physical education and intramural program was launched.

The basic school, accelerated high school and evening school were combined under a director of Adult Education.

A new chorus, encouraged by 25 scholarships, made its debut to the public and student body.

The Agriculture Department fenced in more pasture and extended its feeding experiments as a greater service to the community.

External improvements took the form of extensive road repairs, a new street behind the Chuckwagon and a newly surfaced parking area in front of the gym.

A grounds beautification program was initiated. A new electric clock, purchased by the graduating Class of 1950, was installed in the library.

1951-52

LJC experienced an increase in enrollment in the liberal arts. There were 649 students enrolled in liberal arts, 361 of which were civilians. There were 839 military veterans in all divisions making a total of 1,210. The number of liberal arts graduates increased from 13 in 1948 to 58 in 1949, 76 in 1950 and 76 in 1951.

1952-53

Student life was buzzing with much activity. LJC was recognized as a member of the South Texas Conference, which sponsored intercollegiate competition in sports. The college boasted an athletic program to include intercollegiate competition in basketball, track and tennis.

Twelve student clubs were listed in the college bulletin, including the Student Council, Ex-Students Association, The Round-Up student newspaper, The Spur yearbook, Business Education Club, Engineering Club, The Art Club, Pan-American Club, The Mixed Chorus, Phi Theta Kappa, the Newman Club and the Civic Music Organization.

1954-55

A growing number of scholarship opportunities are made available to LJC students. Among the many opportunities, a scholarship given by the college for tuition to the honor graduate of any accredited high school in Texas.

The Fort McIntosh Memorial Library boasted a collection of 10,815 volumes and 98 periodicals.

1955-1956

The Texas Legislature passes Senate Bill 254 which requires that all students in any higher education institution supported or maintained by the State of Texas enroll in at least six semester hours of American/Texas History in order to receive an undergraduate degree.

1957

LJC receives full accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.

LJC celebrates its 10th year of providing a college education to the region.

The Spur yearbook recognizes the "Ten Year Club"-also known as The Trailbreakers and The '47-ers-those individuals who demonstrated a "sincere effort and unflagging interest for Laredo Junior College." They include: Mr. Rodolfo Peña, Mr. Sabino Salazar, Mr. W.J. Adkins, Mr. B.J. Leyendecker Jr., Miss Diana Lafon, Mrs. Mildred M. Austin, Miss Edith O. Toombs, Miss Ruth Green, Miss Lou Vena Siros, Miss Ann Farek, Miss Vivian V. Cobb, Miss Mary Jahnke, Mrs. Antonia S. Martinez and from the Board of Education, Mr. Joe C. Martin and Mr. C.L. Milton.

The LJC Palomino basketball team wins the second annual All-College Basketball Tournament by defeating the Laredo Club of the University of Texas 80-45.

1958

The Spur yearbook highlights the growing interest of evening courses on the LJC campus. It mentions how many of the students are Laredo Air Force Base personnel, proprietors, and employees of local businesses, residents of Nuevo Laredo and other nearby places.

Laredo ISD Board of Trustees adopts an operational budget of $294,746 for LJC. Funding is primarily targeted for instructional, including $122,968 for teachers' salaries. The rest is earmarked for general expenses, plant operation and maintenance, among other expenditures.

A state auditor's report shows a 3.75 percent increase in full-time student enrollment at LJC in 1957. Such growth was contrary to the general trend among Texas junior colleges. According to the audit of all junior colleges, growth was only .43 percent. A total of 143 degrees and certificates are awarded during the 11th annual commencement exercises.

1959

LJC is allocated $128,539 in state aid for each of the 1959-60 and 1960-61 fiscal years. The appropriation is an increase of about 11 percent over Governor Price Daniel's proposal.

LJC enrollment for the fall continues to grow by 3.4 percent, while the average among 32 junior colleges in the state showed a decrease of 1.56 percent.

1960

W.J. Adkins resigns as president of LJC. Dr. Ray A. Laird, dean at LJC for 11 years, is named by the school board as his successor.

LJC implements an entrance examination for all entering freshmen beginning in 1961. The exam, in accordance with action taken by the Association of Texas Colleges, is used as a method to sectionalize students according to ability.

LJC awards 78 associate in arts degrees and business education certificates during the 13th annual commencement exercises.

1965

The School Board approves a record $640,705 budget for Laredo Junior College for the 1965-66 school year. The budget shows an increase of $113,523 from the previous year's budget.

1966

The college surpasses the 1,000 student enrollment mark for the first time in its history with a record-breaking total of 1,110 students during the fall semester.

The voters of the Laredo Municipal Junior College District approve the issuance of $1,800,000 of bonds for construction of the first two of 10 new buildings planned for construction over a period of years.

LJC receives a $500,000 building grant from the Coordinating Board of Texas Colleges and Universities. The grant will help finance construction of a science-math building and a library.

1967

LJC develops its first campus master plan and building construction is initiated. Many Ft. McIntosh structures were still used by LJC.

LCC implements a two-year registered nurse program.

Spring enrollment hits a record high 1,124.

Groundbreaking is held for the construction of the Cigarroa Science Building and the Yeary Library.

1968

A total of 1,222 student register at LJC to set a new record for spring enrollment.

Construction of the Yeary Library and the Cigarroa Science Building is completed in late September.

1969

After the installation of carpeting and furniture, the Yeary Library opens its doors with enthusiastic approval from students and faculty.

The library and the Dr. Leonides Gonzalez Cigarroa Science Building are formally dedicated on April 26.

1970

LCC officially inaugurates the W.J. Adkins Building, J.C. Martin Sr. Building, the Dr. Ray A. Laird Hall and the Nursing Building on Jan. 10.

The student population continues to grow at LJC. Spring enrollment reaches another record high with 1,438 students. The LJC campus becomes the site of Texas A&I University at Laredo.

The LJC Yeary Library is designated a depository of U.S. government publications.

1972

LJC's new gymnasium is built. The LJC board named the facility after Cpl. Quintin Maravillo, the first Laredo college student to die in overseas military action when the Korean conflict erupted.

Construction begins on an $800,000 railroad overpass on Washington Street leading to the LJC campus.

LJC celebrates its 25th anniversary on Feb. 3 in a half-time homecoming ceremony held during an LJC Palomino basketball match with Concordia Lutheran.

1973

The Vocational Building opens in the spring.

 

LJC launches a coed tennis team.

LJC becomes a member of the Association of College Unions-International, recognized as one of the oldest intercollegiate associations in higher education.

1974

The joint Board of Trustees of Laredo Independent School District and Laredo Junior College vote to create separate Boards.

The Board of Trustees for Laredo Junior College is created on February 14 by the board which formerly governed both LJC and Laredo ISD.

The LJC student body gets a new home to congregate in between classes with the construction of the Kazen College Center.

Dr. Domingo Arechiga takes the helm as the third president of LJC after serving as president-elect for six months.

LJC launches instruction for hotel-motel management, import-export management, fire protection technology and medical office assistant.

The LJC Board of Trustees names the Nursing Building after Mary Alice Lopez, the first instructor of the LJC nursing program. It is the first building at LJC named for a woman.

1975

The LJC campus is entered in the National Register of Historic Places on June 25. It ensures the preservation of its historic structures for future generations.

The LJC Medical Laboratory Technology Program becomes one of only 26 nationally recognized programs in the country to receive accreditation from the American Medical Association.

LJC implements a two-year Radiologic Technology program.

1976

LJC launches a two-year Banking and Finance program in the fall semester.

1977

LJC celebrates its 30th anniversary.

LJC implements Saturday classes in the spring semester.

LJC launches a Child Care Development program designed to upgrade the skills of local child center employees and to train those wanting to enter the career field.

LJC receives $60,000 from the H.E. Butt Foundation to help finance the construction and lighting of tennis courts on the college campus. The Board of Trustees names the facilities after Howard E. Butt.

1978

LJC receives a reaffirmation of accreditation from the Commission of Colleges' Delegate Assembly of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

With assistance from federal grant monies, LJC builds the Lerma-Peña Learning Center.

LCC launches a women's volleyball program.

1979

LJC receives approval from the Texas Education Agency to offer associate degree programs in social work assistant, educational assistant and restaurant management.

1985

LJC opens the doors to the new $1.1 million Hachar Vocational-Technical building which houses computer labs, a machine shop and a welding shop.

LJC Board of Trustees authorize the awarding of a $768,000 construction bid for a six-building dormitory complex.

The college's fourth president, Dr. Roger L. Worsley, takes office.

1986

The Blanche Flores Leyendecker Memorial Scholarship is established for aspiring dancers, artists and musicians at LJC.

 

LJC implements new faculty advisement procedure for students to map out their degree plans.

1987

LJC, in cooperation with the Texas-Israeli Exchange Program, unveils a demonstration farm project designed to show local growers a profitable system of diversified crop production.

The LJC Harold R. Yeary Library acquires a collection of more than 600 titles of classic titles in Spanish and Latin American literature from the library of Beatriz Vasquez-Mueller of Hebbronville.

Fall enrollment posts an 8.9 percent increase, from 4,106 students in fall 1986 to 4,471 students in 1987.

Based on demand in outlying areas, LJC launches satellite or extension classes in Zapata and Hebbronville for approximately 100 students.

LJC celebrates its 40th anniversary with a Jamaica and alumni dance.

1988

LJC posts another significant increase in student enrollment during the spring semester. Enrollment totals 4,087, a 6.68 percent increase from spring 1987 to spring 1988.

The LCC Honors Program is established to give the region's gifted students the opportunity to excel in academics, community involvement, and to enhance their leadership potential.

1989

The Texas-Israel Exchange blueprint demonstration farm project on the LJC campus receives a grant for $184,910 from the Meadows Foundation of Dallas. The project receives additional funding, including a $108,000 grant from the Texas Department of Agriculture and a $20,000 grant from the Hitachi Foundation.

 

LJC implements an immigration amnesty education program, serving over 3,000 persons with English as a Second Language, U.S. History and Government classes.

Adult basic education classes are initiated for jail inmates and the homeless, with nearly 300 being served in one year. Additional adult education sites are established in Webb, Jim Hogg and Zapata counties.

The Commandant's Home, a historic Fort McIntosh structure on the LJC campus, is renovated.

 

The LJC campus security force is upgraded to licensed peace officers.

 

Construction highlights include a new baseball field and a parking lot with 500 spaces.

 

The LJC Job Placement Center is created to assist graduates in obtaining employment.

 

1990

The Eloy Garcia Electronics and Continuing Education Building opens its doors.

 

LJC and Laredo ISD sign an articulation agreement allowing high school students to earn college credit for specific applied business courses.

LJC receives a reaffirmation of its accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

LJC develops a new associate degree program in mid-management with an emphasis in retailing sales.

Laredo Junior College reaches a milestone by enrolling over 5,000 students for the first time in the college's history. LJC enrolls 5,127 students during the fall.

1991

The Administration Building, destroyed in a fire in the late 1980s, is rebuilt and renamed Arechiga Hall in memory of former President Arechiga.

1992

The LJC Continuing Education Department launches a food service worker certification course.

1993

The LCC Board of Trustees officially changes the name of Laredo Junior College to Laredo Community College.

LCC holds a dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Lopez Nursing and Allied Health Center facilities. The renovation of the facilities were made possible in part by an $800,000 grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration.

1995

Dr. Ramon H. Dovalina becomes the fifth president of LCC.

LCC implements a campus-wide recycling program.

LCC announces plans to develop the region's first distance learning program.

LCC launches its Kids and Teens College, a summer learning experience for area youth.

LCC unveils a new faculty advisement system.

LCC master plan unveiled to implement improvements for facilities, infrastructure and landscaping needs.

LCC launches a truck driver training program.

The LCC Yeary Library is extensively remodeled.

LCC breaks ground for the de la Garza Building.

The LCC Pony Express Shuttle begins to bring students from downtown's Jarvis Plaza to campus.

LCC develops The College Connection orientation program for new students.

1996

The new college bookstore opens on the south end of the Kazen Student Center, and the De la Garza Building is also dedicated.

The LCC Upward Bound program celebrates its 25th anniversary.

LCC hosts its largest graduation ceremony to date as some 235 students participate in the 49th annual Commencement Exercises. A total of 596 students who completed degree or certificate requirements during the 1995-96 academic year were eligible to participate in graduation ceremonies.

LCC hosts pinning ceremony for its first community health aide graduating class.

LCC enters an agreement with Mexico City's Instituto Politecnico Nacional.

LCC acquires University Hall after The Texas A&M University System deeds the building to the college.

LCC and Texas A&M Kingsville sign pact for a 2+2 engineering articulation agreement.

LCC fall enrollment reaches an all-time high with 7,208 students.

LCC unveils new computer-assisted math instruction.

LCC dedicates the Elpha Lee West Building and Annex. The facilities, which formerly housed the nursing program, now are utilized by the Regional Police Academy and Criminal Justice Program.

1997

LCC celebrates its 50th anniversary with a city-wide schedule of activities, including a golden gala to recognize its Top 50 Distinguished Alumni.

A new $700,000 automation system is implemented in the LCC Yeary Library.

LCC receives grant from Los Alamos National Labs to develop a web site for the college.

LCC establishes an associate degree program in Occupational Therapy Assistant.

1998

LCC receives $1 million grant from Texas Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund to establish the Discovery distance learning program.

LCC launches distance learning project to reach area high school students through interactive video conferencing.

LCC celebrates opening of the sports and recreation complex on the north side of the college campus.

LCC receives $150,000 grant from Ford Foundation to launch Familias Pueden Rural Community College Initiative.

LCC receives a $100,000 grant from the Lamar Bruni Vergara Trust for the rehabilitation of the former Israeli Experimental Farm into a science laboratory building.

1999

LCC launches distance learning in English, health, college algebra, medical terminology and psychology through video conferencing and Internet.

LCC implements a new nationally-funded River Curriculum which offers students an opportunity to take a combination of core courses in biology, math and English.

LCC dedicates the Lamar Bruni Vergara Environmental Science Center as a learning laboratory for college students and an extension of its eco-curriculum to local school children.

Phase III of campus infrastructure improvement projects is completed.

LCC and the Cigarroa family announce a $2.1 million federal grant (Title V) to expand the Cigarroa Science Building and establish an endowed scholarship program for science majors.

LCC signs articulation agreements with several major universities to facilitate a seamless transfer of college credits for the benefit of LCC students. This includes agreements with Midwestern State University, Texas Woman University, Southwest Texas State University, Texas A&M International University, University of Texas at San Antonio, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center of Dallas, Texas A&M University-Kingsville and Our Lady of the Lake University.

LCC establishes partnership with Virtual College of Texas to offer distance learning for the region.

LCC receives $100,000 from the D.D. Hachar Foundation for the college's early enrollment program for high school students.

LCC renovates the Corral into a high-tech Internet computer lab.

LCC receives full accreditation for its associate degree nursing program.

LCC Board of Trustees select site for LCC second campus in South Laredo.

LCC enters partnership with Texas State Technical College to offer high tech courses.

2000 

Laredo Community College launches Educational Cable Channel 55

LCC receives an endowment contribution of $2,500 from IBC–Zapata and $2,500 from IBC Laredo

LCC Launches newly organized alumni association

State Representative Henry Cuellar announces state appropriation of $250,000 in planning funds for the LCC Second Campus

LCC and the South Texas Workforce Development Board launch a new One Stop Service Center on the LCC campus

Voting citizens of the city of Laredo approve the issuance of $50 million in bonds to finance the land acquisition and construction of a second LCC campus in South Laredo.

LCC receives $5,000 Endowment gift from Mrs. Josephine Brand adding to the Joe Brand Memorial Scholarship

LCC receives $11,000 scholarship and endowment gift from Daniel B. Hastings, Jr.

LCC breaks ground for the construction of a new science laboratory building on the college campus

LCC receives first installment of $7,000 of a $15,000 scholarship endowment pledged by Wells Fargo Bank for LCC business students

Dr. Henry Cuellar contributes $10,000 endowment to LCC groups

Laredo Custom Brokers Association contribute $25,000 gift for scholarships and a new Scholarship Endowment

LCC signs a contract to purchase land from the Camilo Prada Family for the LCC Second Campus in South Laredo Community College

LCC and the Daybreak Rotary Club announce the creation of a $100,000 scholarship endowment for LCC students

LCC launches Texas Certification Program for technology educators during a press announcement and reception for local school officials

LCC Citizens Advisory Committee raises $50,000 during a successful fundraising dinner  and LCC Board inducts 10 new members to the LCC Distinguished Alumni

LCC announces two grants from the Texas Infrastructure Fund Board - $170,655 for equipment for the new teacher certification program and $137,576 for automation equipment at the Harold R. Yeary Library

LCC and the Women’s City Club of Laredo announce the creation of a nursing endowment with a $40,000 gift

LCC dedicates the new Joaquin G. Cigarroa Science Laboratory Building

LCC breaks ground for a new Fine Arts Center and announces a $100,000 gift from Guadalupe Martinez Family for its construction

            LCC breaks ground for second campus in South Laredo

2003

            Laredo Community College and Texas A&M International University sign a partnership agreement with the Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra to support music education and performance in Laredo. 

            The Laredo Community College Education Foundation is launched with a board consisting of community leaders who share a commitment to advancing educational opportunities for LCC students.

            The Guadalupe and Lilia Martinez Fine Arts Center opens with fanfare, featuring the Latin sounds of Enrique Chia and his orchestra.

            Grammy award winner and Tejano music artist Little Joe Hernandez opens the Fall 2003 academic year with a “back to school” concert in the newly constructed Martinez Fine Arts Center.

2004

March 1, 2004

            LCC South opens for students in Continuing Education and Protective Services programs

April 16, 2004

            The seven buildings and bell tower at LCC South are dedicated with a large community celebration highlighted by fireworks and mariachi music. Buildings include: the Senator Judith Zaffirini Library, the Camilo Prada Child Care Center, the Raquel Gonzalez Automotive Technology Center, the J.C. Trevino Fitness Center, the Protective Services Center, the Academic and Advanced Technology Center and the William N. “Billy” Hall Student Center which is connected with the Herman B. and Lilla May O’Keefe Tower.

LCC signs Tech-Prep agreement with Laredo Independent School District to accept high school credits towards an associate in applied science degree in banking and finance.

            LCC and UT-Pan American sign a dual admission agreement assisting students with the transferability of courses.

            LCC signs an agreement with Laredo Independent School District which allows high school students to receive college credit for welding courses taken before graduation

Laredo Community College renamed Music and Dance Building I, the Manuel F. Llaguno Memorial Building to honor a donor and friend of the college. Mr. Llaguno expressed an interest in the arts and endowed a scholarship account with $80,000 before his death.

            LCC achieves listing among the Top 50 Community Colleges awarding the most associate degrees to Hispanic students.

            Board members Leo Cigarroa and Cynthia Mares return to their seats on the LCC Board of Trustees

            Mercurio Martinez, former Webb County Judge, returns a position on the LCC  board of trustees

            LCC signs a partnership agreement with University of Texas at Arlington and Texas Southmost College/UT Brownsville which allows vocational technical students studying computer information systems to experience a seamless transition to a four-year degree program

            A family endowment honoring Ghern Johnson McGraw and Juanita Harvey McGraw was established with a gift of $12,500 to help LCC students who are in dire need of scholarship support.

            LCC Opens the Camilo Prada Child Care Center on the LCC South Campus with the aim of becoming the model center for the entire community.

            A $30,000 endowment gift from the Guadalupe and Lilia Martinez Foundation was received by the Laredo Musical Theater International group to assist students from local schools attend stage craft courses at Laredo Community College

            The two-campus district of Laredo Community College celebrates a record  enrollment of more than 9,000 students for Fall 2004

            Laredo Community College receives a $750,000 grant from the Department of Health and Human Services to train child care workers in a career ladder program from certificates towards bachelor’s degrees. The award was announced during a visit by U.S. Senator John Cronyn to the LCC South campus.

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