Throughout the 2011-12 academic year Schoolcraft College will host a variety of events and sponsor a number of activities in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the college’s founding, October 24, 1961.

On Saturday, October 22 the celebration will begin in earnest with The Golden Gala event. A Welcome Reception featuring sumptuous hors d’oeuvres sponsored by the college’s renowned Culinary Arts program will start the festivities at 6 p.m.

Following the reception Opening Ceremonies will commence at 7 p.m. “Look Ever Upward,” the Schoolcraft College Hymn will be performed; the 25th Anniversary Time Capsule will be opened and the 50th Anniversary Time Capsule will be sealed; and artwork specially commissioned for the anniversary will be presented.

At 8 p.m. guests will experience a delicious strolling dinner and international coffee bar presented by the college’s Culinary Arts program and Food Services. Following dinner Fifty Amp Fuse and the Schoolcraft College Jazz Ensemble will provide entertainment and the opportunity for dancing until midnight.

The famous Bell Tower will be rung and lit in a special ceremony that will include the Schoolcraft Synthesizer Ensemble performing a musical lightshow at the base of the tower at 10 p.m.

Throughout the evening guests can visit the special 50th Anniversary Historical Displays that have been created. In addition to the Golden Gala event, which begins at 6 p.m. and requires a ticket for entry, the public and gala guests can participate in tours of the campus from 4:15 – 5:45 p.m.

Tickets for The Golden Gala event are very limited. Call 734-462-4490 or email development@schoolcraft.edu for ticket availability and pricing information.

A complete listing of all the events and activities celebrating Schoolcraft College’s 50th Anniversary throughout the entire 2011-12 academic year can be found at www.schoolcraft.edu/50.