Ventura College is throwing a yearlong celebration for its 80th anniversary, with cake decorating scheduled for Oct. 29 and essay contests in early November, commemorating the history of the college and its development.
The cake-decorating contest, themed “Every Birthday Needs a Cake,” will be held at the Pacific View Mall on Saturday, Oct. 29, from 10 a.m. until noon. “My Ventura College,” the essay and poetry contest, will begin accepting submissions in early November.
Dr. Robin Calote, president of Ventura College, said she hopes the events will serve as a reminder of not only where the college has been, but also of where it is going.
“Ventura College has played an important role in the history of the county, and has served as the first college in what eventually grew to be a three college district,” she said. “Thousands of students have come to our doors and have gone on to be leaders in the community.”
The cake decorating and essay contests are the first two events to kick off the yearlong celebration. The festivities also include “80 Acts of Kindness,” a documentary of the college’s continuous efforts in promoting kindness within the community in November. Memorabilia of VC’s history will be collected for display, and a spring campus open house is also in the works.
Cake decorating contestants may compete in four categories: ages 10 and under, 11-19, 20 and over, and professional. The entry fee is $5, and each dessert must contain an “80” or “VC”.
The essay contest is an opportunity for all students in grades 3-5 to submit a story, essay, poem, or drawing. The winners will receive a certificate and be invited alongside their parents and teacher to join the VC president for a “kid lunch”. The submissions are due by Oct. 31 and will be judged by honors students, English and art faculty in early November.
According to Dr. Karen Gorback, a coordinator for community education, the essay contest will be a rare opportunity for the winner to interact with the college president at a young age.
“Its purpose is to invite children to learn about Ventura College and join us in our celebration,” she said.
For details and entry forms, contact Dr. Karen Gorback at 654-6459, or Alisa Moore at 654-6462.
