RCC Kicks Off Yearlong 60th Anniversary Celebration
Nov 2, 2026
For 60 years, Rockingham Community College has helped students find their direction and build brighter futures. On Thursday, the college officially launched a yearlong celebration of that legacy with the dedication of its new astrolabe sculpture, followed by music, food, games, and fellowship that brought together students, employees, alumni, and community members.
The celebration centered around the dedication of the college’s newest landmark, a towering astrolabe created by renowned sculptor Jim Gallucci. Located in the traffic circle near the Center for Workforce Development, the sculpture symbolizes guidance, exploration, and the educational journey of RCC students.
Welcoming guests to the event, RCC President Dr. Sylvia Cox reflected on the vision of the community leaders who established the college six decades ago.
“Sixty years ago, the people in this community decided that education was important and that there needed to be a place for everyone,” Cox said. “No matter where you come from, no matter what your GPA is, no matter what your background is, this community college is a place that you can call home.”
Cox noted that RCC opened in 1966 with four unfinished buildings and students walking across wooden planks laid over red mud. Today, the college has grown to 21 buildings and serves more than 5,000 students annually.
“This is the first in a series of activities and events because we’re going to celebrate our birthday all year long,” Cox told the crowd.
The astrolabe was selected by RCC’s Board of Trustees after Gallucci presented multiple concepts. The ancient navigational instrument traditionally helped astronomers and sailors determine their position by the stars. RCC leaders embraced the design as a representation of the college’s mission to help students discover their direction and purpose.
During the dedication, Gallucci shared a personal story about struggling academically as a college freshman before discovering sculpture through an instructor who changed the course of his life. He said art became his own “astrolabe,” helping him navigate challenges and find his future.
“That astrolabe of art always gave me a direction,” Gallucci said. “And that’s what education is about. It’s your astrolabe that will help you make those decisions in life.”
Following the ribbon cutting, guests gathered behind the Whitcomb Student Center to continue the celebration with music by Too Much Sylvia, food, games, and anniversary festivities. The event welcomed alumni, students, faculty, staff, trustees, Foundation board members, and community members as RCC began honoring six decades of service to Rockingham County while looking ahead to the future.
“The legacy that we stand on,” Cox said, “is one of tenacity, resilience, and dreams.”
