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Collin College's 40th Anniversary

 

Happy 40th Collin College!

Collin College 40th anniversary logo

Collin College is celebrating 40 years of student success! View our upcoming events and engagement opportunities for ways you can celebrate with us.

 

Collin Through The Years

Journey through the rich history of Collin College and explore four decades of growth, achievement, and transformation.

 

Then and Now by the Numbers

Graduates

From 13 to 61,272. Collin College has had over 60,000 students walk the stage since its first graduating class in 1987!
 

College Footprint

From 0 to 3,039,952. Collin College's first classes were held in five area high schools in 1985. The college's footprint now expands an area of over three million square feet.

Degrees, Certificates, and Pathways

From 25 to 200+. By 1987, Collin College offered 25 degrees, certificates, and pathways. Current students now have over 200 to choose from.
 

Alumni: Where are they now?

Aaron Sims

Welder at Dynacraft - Collin College, Associate of Applied Science in Welding, 2023

 “It was a good experience at Collin, and I got to learn a lot of welding skills and techniques that are essential for my career. All the professors were very educated and knowledgeable about the welding industry and gave me tips to succeed, not only as a welder, but also in life.”

Alexa Acosta

Marketing Director, Clarity Benefit Solutions - Collin College, Associate of Arts, 2014

 “Attending Collin College was a transformative experience for me as a first-generation Latina graduate. Returning to the states after years abroad, I had no real guidance before enrolling at Collin. There, I mastered English, learned to communicate effectively, and gained essential leadership skills that I still practice today. Collin provided the perfect environment for self-discovery, helping me clarify my career path and prepare for a four-year university. The exceptional education and unwavering support were crucial to my success. I am forever indebted to Collin College for its profound impact on my life and career, and I highly recommend it to anyone.”

Guillermo Ameer, Ph. D.

Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Surgery, Northwestern University - Collin College, Associate of Science, Magna Cum Laude, 1990

 “Collin College serves the community. It is an excellent school. I felt prepared to go on to a university. All of my professors were exceptional. Attending Collin College worked for me. The price I paid for my education could have been 30 times as expensive.”
 
“I had so many great times at Collin College. I remember working as a lab assistant in the brand-new computer lab and playing basketball in the new gym at the Plano Campus. I organized the first international student organization. It was fun meeting people with different backgrounds. My chemistry, physics, and math professors made essential contributions in my academic journey.”

 

 

 

Join the Celebration

Help us honor Collin College on its 40th anniversary milestone! Attend events, share your memories, and help us continue our mission of making students' dreams come true.

 

Share Your Story

You are part of Collin's history. Keep the legacy going by sharing your memories of Collin College at alumni@collin.edu.

 

Collin Completion Excellence Fund

For four decades, we’ve been shaping futures, building communities, and empowering students to reach their full potential. In honor of this special 40th anniversary, we invite you to make a $40 donation to the Collin Completion Excellence Fund. Your support will sustain our programs, scholarships, and opportunities, ensuring continued success for students for the next 40 years and beyond.

Make a Donation

 

40th Anniversary Graphics

Faculty and Staff, feel free to adorn your email signature or  Zoom background with a 40th anniversary graphic! Log into CougarWeb to get yours today.

View 40th Anniversary graphics

 

 

Upcoming Events

 

View the events below to see what community events are happening near you. To keep up with what's going on at Collin College, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.


Join the Collin College community in celebrating our 40th Anniversary with a special concert featuring Pat Green!
This is more than a concert; it's a celebration of our shared legacy and the impact we've made over the past four decades. Come together for an evening of music and memories as we honor our founding and look forward to the future.

Friday, April 4
6 p.m. Doors Open
7 p.m. The Jared Stout Band
8:30 p.m. Pat Green Acoustic Quartet

 

UPDATE | NEW LOCATION
Collin College Plano Campus Main Atrium
2800 E. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano, TX 75074
Enter through the main entrance facing Spring Creek Parkway, marked by the three flagpoles at the front of the building.

  • Food trucks will be located outside the main entrance.
  • Due to the indoor location, seating will be available.

 

Tickets are limited. This special concert is only available to Collin College students, alumni, and employees. Reserve up to two tickets by using the following links:

 

Can't Make It? Return Your Tickets!

If you are unable to attend, return your tickets using the process below so others can enjoy the concert:

 


40th Anniversary Reception

Words of reflections from our leadership, plus cake and punch.

April 7, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

North Lobby Atrium

 

Celina Campus Carnival*

Celebrate with our Celina Campus Signature Event. The carnival features free food, rides, and giveaways. Open to the community.

April 9, 4 p.m.-7 p.m.

Celina Campus
*If there is inclement weather, the carnival will be rescheduled.


40th Anniversary Reception

Words of reflections from our leadership, plus cake and punch.

April 7, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Atrium

 

40th Birthday Party 80s Selfie Station

Join this totally rad party with free food, crafts, games, and more!

April 10, Noon-2 p.m.

Atrium


40th Anniversary Reception

Words of reflections from our leadership, plus cake and punch.

April 7, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Cougar Den

 

Fast Action Trivia

WIN CASH! General trivia and Collin College history.

April 8, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Cougar Den

 

40th Birthday Party featuring Fun Fotos to Go

Join this totally rad party with free food, crafts, games, and more!

April 9, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Cougar Den

 


Where It All Began Music Festival 

A fun-for-all-ages tribute to Collin College’s original campus, the Where It All Began Music Festival will feature six musical acts performing in a variety of styles, along with food trucks, inflatables, lawn games, and giveaways. Open to the community.

April 5, 1-7 p.m., entrances open at 12:30 p.m. 
Location Change: McKinney Campus Conference Center, 2400 Community Ave. in McKinney

 

40th Anniversary Reception

Words of reflections from our leadership, plus cake and punch.

April 7, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Andrea-Mennen Welcome Center

 

40th Birthday Party featuring Fun Fotos to Go

Join this totally rad party with free food, crafts, games, and more!

April 8, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Student Engagement Center

 

40th Anniversary Photo - Be Part of History!
Join us as we celebrate Collin College's anniversary with a special 40th photo! Faculty and staff—wear your Collin blue and help us bring this historic moment to life.

April 8, Arrive by 12:15 p.m.
McKinney Campus Courtyard

 

Fast Action Trivia

WIN CASH! General trivia and Collin College history.

April 10, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Student Engagement Center


40th Anniversary Reception  featuring Fun Fotos to Go

Words of reflections from our leadership, plus cake and punch.

April 7, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Back Cafeteria

 

Fast Action Trivia

WIN CASH! General trivia and Collin College history.

April 7, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Back Cafeteria

 

40th Birthday Party

Join this totally rad party with free food, crafts, games, and more!

April 8, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Back Cafeteria


40th Anniversary Reception

Words of reflections from our leadership, plus cake and punch.

April 7, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

The Cafe

 

40th Birthday Party 80s Selfie Station

Join this totally rad party with free food, crafts, games, and more!

April 9, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

The Cafe

 

Technical Campus Open House and Car Meet

The open house will feature high-performance and exotic cars, a special appearance of a robotic dog, and other robotic demonstrations.
Come and learn about the many programs the comprehensive campus has to offer.
Saturday, April 12, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Technical Campus


40th Anniversary Reception

Words of reflections from our leadership, plus cake and punch.

April 7, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Student Center Atrium

 

Fast Action Trivia

WIN CASH! General trivia and Collin College history.

April 9, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Student Center Atrium

 

40th Birthday Party featuring Fun Fotos to Go

Join this totally rad party with free food, crafts, games, and more!

April 10, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Student Center Atrium