Manchester Community College at 80

One of the best institutions in New Hampshire turns 80 this year.

Manchester Community College, the oldest of the community colleges in New Hampshire, is familiar to most of us, but how many of us really “know” MCC and its many programs?

Founded as a trade school for veterans returning from World War II, the college opened in 1945 at a former shoe factory in the Cohas Building on Willow Street. Two years later, it moved to the former Webster Street School building across Pine Street from Bunny’s Superette, where it operated for the next 20 years.

In October 1966, it moved to Front Street, visible from Route 293 just north of the Amoskeag traffic circle. In recognition of its date of relocation, the college’s address is 1066 Front St.

MCC now is part of the Community College System of New Hampshire, the administrative center of which is housed at New Hampshire Technical Institute in Concord. The system is supported by its charitable support arm, the Community College System of New Hampshire Foundation.

Originally, MCC provided training in basic skills, such as sign painting, and more sophisticated training in welding, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, automotive repair and the like. With the evolution of the kind of jobs available and skills needed in the state, it evolved from a trade school to a two-year college.

MCC, like other community colleges nationwide, added courses in basic math, English and other general studies, making its graduates both job ready and prepared to transfer to four-year institutions if they so chose.

Today, under articulation agreements, MCC grads are admitted to the institutions of the University System of New Hampshire, as well as many private institutions, where they can complete their bachelor’s degrees.

In 1983, MCC added a successful nursing program, which features state-of-the-art clinical laboratories and touts its licensure pass rate as one of the highest in the state. A graphic design program now celebrating its 20th anniversary traces its roots to the original sign painting course. A business program evolved from accounting courses began in 1994.

Two notable additions to the curriculum are the automated manufacturing and life science programs, which are part of the larger effort known as the ReGen Valley Common Campus, an effort of many educational institutions including UNH Manchester, to support the Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute’s efforts in the Manchester Millyard, working on regenerating human organs. This is a far cry from MCC’s original low-tech training programs.

The computer science program offers sophisticated training, and a cybersecurity degree started in 2013, and AI and XR degrees were added in 2024. With all this modern evolution, those wishing to do so can still get training in welding, HVAC and other trades that were the backbone of the college and are still needed, producing graduates who get high-paying jobs in these needed trades.

A visit to the MCC of today is eye-opening.

Several new buildings added over the years, along with renovations to the core facilities, have produced an impressive campus. Driving up the hill from Front Street, one passes the “living/learning” Advanced Technology Building for HVAC and electrical technologies, as well as other classes. The main building is fascinating for its variety of educational and campus facilities.

The entry leads to the learning center (library) on one side, and the student lounge, recreation, athletics and activities center on the other. Beyond that are academic classrooms and SIMS labs for nursing, 3D printing, cybersecurity, life sciences and general studies. In the lower level, the welding department is a fascinating study of computerization and automation of a formerly manual skill.

On the upper level of the main academic building is one of the big surprises: a charter school for high school students wishing to transition into the training available at MCC. Spark Academy draws students from the region interested in this course of study and appears to be a really innovative option.

MCC’s president Paul Beaudin, who assumed the helm in January, is an enthusiastic cheerleader. Following him around the campus is an impressive tour, striking as he pauses to greet each student, usually by name or with an anecdote specific to the student. Beaudin, who traces his roots to Manchester, has had a varied career in education, and states his vision for the college well.

MCC will celebrate its 80th birthday on Nov. 12, with a gala event on campus from 5:30 to 8 p.m. In honor of the year of its founding, the cost of the event is $19.45. It will be an opportunity for the public and alumni of the college to see how far it has come, and to recognize the accomplishments of the thousands of New Hampshire residents who have had their successful careers launched at Manchester Community College.

For more information, visit www.mccnh.edu/80anniversary.

Brad Cook is a Manchester attorney. The views expressed in this column are his own. He can be reached at bradfordcook01@gmail.com.