FGC: Celebrating 75 Years

The Kids & You: Summer Activities

Florida Gateway College Celebrating 75 Years

By Hayli Zuccola

On June 30, Florida Gateway College will begin celebrating its 75th Anniversary since its foundation—paying homage to over seven decades of educating, training and preparing tens of thousands of students for their next chapter in life. Along with the student success stories, the decades included academic advancements, physical expansion, and a few name changes along the way. In the same spirit of continued improvement, the grand opening ceremony of FGC’s Quinn and Keith Leibfried Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) building will be held on June 30, 2022, 75 years to the day since the College was established in 1947.

This new two-story, 26,440 squarefoot structure will feature an all-new chemistry lab; microbiology lab; physics and earth science lab; and biology and botany lab all of which will contain new, state-of-the-art equipment as well as moveable lab workspaces. The facility, which overlooks the quad and o ers an abundance of natural light with the addition of large window panes, will also house four math classrooms, 12 faculty o ces and the o ce of the Vice President of Academic A airs in addition to several multipurpose and collaboration spaces for students. The building, which will o cially open to students this fall, is a substantial project on its own, but serves as just one of the countless aspects that have allowed Florida Gateway College to thrive for the last 75 years.

Florida Gateway College was established in 1947 as the Columbia Forestry School with just 16 hopeful students. A few years later, in 1950, the campus, which was now managed by the University of Florida, became known as the State Forestry School and in 1961, the Lake City Junior College formed on the grounds of the old forestry school with an enrollment of fewer than 400 students. In 1970, the Lake City Junior College became the Lake City Community College, and the most recent rebranding occurred in 2010 with the o ering of bachelor degrees and the creation of the Florida Gateway College namesake.

Today, the FGC campus has a district reach that serves ve North Central Florida counties: Baker, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist and Union. Its physical size now encompasses two campuses, the main campus in Lake City and Public Safety Training Center in Olustee, and an outreach center in Dixie County. FGC’s enrollment numbers hover around 5,000 students annually. The academic options have also expanded to include 2-year and 4-year degrees, as well as certi cate

programs and applied technology diplomas that range from one semester to one year.

Technology, innovation and academic excellence remain at the forefront of FGC’s vision. The Public Safety Training Center, where Law Enforcement, Corrections, Emergency Medical Services and Fire Academy students are trained, o ers real-life, hands-on experiences.

This is accomplished with advanced technological equipment like the MILO training system for virtual, interactive training scenarios and the Anatomage Table, which allows students to perform simulated operations on digital bodies. The training center also houses a burn building for re training, and a new driving and ring range.

The main campus has also been no stranger to notable upgrades and features, such as Nursing’s high delity simulation lab, virtual reality welding trainers, a cadaver lab and SynDaver Technology for Anatomy and Physiology instruction. Students also have access to the Wilson S. Rivers Library & Media Center, which contains well-over 30,000 books and 70 computers ideal for research and study sessions. The Levy Performing Arts Center provides entertainment with theatre productions and student art shows on select evenings and weekends. Students can live on campus in residence halls, enjoy meals at The Gateway Grille, and exercise in the tness center, with 24/7 security provided by the Sherri ’s department.

Students aiming to show their school spirit can cheer on the Timberwolves at the Howard Center, which welcomed the return of campus competitive sports in 2018.Beginning this fall, the FGC athletics department is set to oversee ve programs: men’s basketball, women’s cross country, Esports and its two latest additions of women’s ag football and women’s softball with ag football being one of the fastest-growing women’s sports in the state and FGC having organized the rst National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Esports program in Florida. The College o ers more than 15 student organizations and clubs, including a Bass Fishing Team that won back-to-back state titles. FGC continues to nd ways to serve its community and students with diverse opportunities.

With a mission of maintaining an overall focus on student success and planning for the future while honoring the past, FGC has planted a foundation and developed a legacy that will continue into the next 75 years. Its 75th year will be honored and commemorated with a series of events beginning with the grand opening of the Quinn and Keith Leibfried STEM building on June 30, 2022. Additional events include: Skins and Fins Golf and Fishing Tournament on August 12-13, 2022, Trivia Challenge on September 22, 2022, FGC’s Fun in the Park in downtown Lake City on October 15, 2022, Art and Music Festival on March 2, 2023, Harlem Globetrotters in April 2023 and the culminating 75th Anniversary Gala on May 20, 2023. ■