Halifax Community College hosted its 52nd annual Founder’s Day celebration on Thursday, September 12. 

Participants celebrated the impact of HCC in the community, and paid tribute to its founding president, the late Dr. Phillip Taylor.

After serving lunch, the HCC administration and the HCC Foundation collaborated to present an engaging program that used the past to envision the future. 

The guest speaker this year was Wynne Taylor, the son of the late Dr. Phillip Taylor. 

Taylor spoke of his father’s commitment to HCC, and the incredible vision he held for the institution. “I remember my dad driving me out to a rundown hotel on 301 when I was home from college,” Taylor said. “I wasn’t sure it becoming anything, but he never doubted.”

Taylor shared stories of his father’s leadership and vision, as well as the changes that he witnessed during his father’s tenure. He recalled when the HCC Board of Trustees closed on the land that is now the HCC campus. He said that was when he started to see his father’s vision.

Dr. Taylor passed away in May of this year at the age of 94.

In addition to Taylor’s stories from the past, Dr. Michael Elam, president of HCC, gave a State of the College address. 

In his presentation, Elam discussed the major improvements that took place during the last fiscal year, including the expansion of the nursing department, the re-accreditation of the Medical Laboratory Technology and Dental Hygiene departments, a visit by the CAF Red Tails exhibit, the creation of the Progressive Community Awards dinner, and the highly successful Men-to-Men Summit.

Enviva Northampton, Oscar’s Restaurant and WestRock sponsored the event.

Halifax Community College’s Mission

Halifax Community College strives to meet the diverse needs of our community by providing high-quality, accessible and affordable education and services for a rapidly changing and globally competitive marketplace.