The celebration of Rowan-Cabarrus Community College’s 50th anniversary will kick off Monday as the college breaks ground on a new building.

Students, alumni, faculty and members of the community are invited to be part of an aerial photograph forming the number 50.

“We want it to be the kind of photo that people look at and try to find themselves in,” college spokeswoman Paula Dibley said.

College officials will break ground on the fire and emergency training facility at 3 p.m. in front of Building 200. A reception will follow in the Paradowski boardroom at 3:20 p.m.

The project, funded with a portion of a $12 million bond approved by taxpayers in November 2010, is set to be complete later this year with a grand opening Sept. 30.

The anniversary celebration will begin at 1:30 p.m. near Building 400. Attendees will receive a free long-sleeve T-shirt with the college’s new logo, which will be unveiled Monday.

“It’s going to be a really exciting event,” Dibley said.

Dibley said the event is geared toward students and will feature a DJ. Members of the Student Government Association also plan to teach several dances.

“We want to keep people entertained while they are waiting to take the photo,” Dibley said. “It’s going to be a fun event.”

Members of the community are also encouraged to take part in the festivities.

“We are trying to reinvigorate our relationship with people in the community, so people know that we’re here and feel like they can come on our campus and there is a place for them,” Dibley said.

A photographer will climb the ladder of a fire truck to take the aerial photo at 2:13 p.m.

“Then it will be time to eat,” Dibley said. “Arby’s is providing the food. People will have a choice between a roast beef or turkey sandwich.”

Dibley said the college will roll out its new branding effort during Monday’s celebration.

“We wanted to be sure our logo and images we were putting out into the community match who we were because the college has gone through a lot of changes over the years,” she said.

College officials solicited feedback from students, faculty, perspective students, parents and others when deciding on a revamped logo and slogan.

“They wanted to see something fresh,” she said. “They primarily told us the college is the place where they could find their way, the place that put them on the path to the right direction, the new brand really reflects that.”

Events will be held throughout the year to celebrate the college’s milestone anniversary.

“Some of them happen every year, but this year they will have special touches,” Dibley said. “Others are completely new, and we’re calling those signature events.”

Signature events include a vintage prom and the grand opening of the fire and emergency training ground.

Contact Sarah Campbell at 704-797-7683.

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