DC3 Celebrates 90 Years with Week of Activities

Published September 19, 2025

Founded in September 1935, Dodge City Community College (DC3) turns 90 years old this month. Marking the anniversary, a week of special events from Tuesday, Sept. 23, through Saturday, Sept. 27, will commemorate the milestone. From a historical exhibit to several fun public events, the anniversary celebration will offer something for everyone—students, alumni, and community members alike.

Tuesday, Sept. 23: Time Capsule Ceremony
The celebration kicks off on Tuesday at 4 p.m., with a ceremony on the college quad where DC3 students and employees will bury a time capsule. Containing photos, letters, memorabilia, and a 2025 Golden Shield yearbook, the time capsule is set to be reopened in 2035 when DC3 celebrates its 100th anniversary. (The granite time capsule marker is courtesy of Kitchens Inc.)

Wednesday, Sept. 24: Ribbon Cutting and Volleyball Game
On Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., DC3 will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly renamed Skinner Student Activity Center (commonly known as the Dome), in partnership with the Dodge City Area Chamber of Commerce. Following the ceremony, the community is invited to a reception upstairs in the Western State Bank Conq Lounge, featuring free pizza from Dodge City Brewing and commemorative anniversary cupcakes. Then, at 6:30 p.m., with free admission, attendees can cheer on the Conq volleyball team as they take on Cloud County Community College.

Thursday, Sept. 25: K-State Partnership Announcement
Looking toward the future, DC3 will sign a new memorandum of understanding with Kansas State University at 10 a.m. on Thursday, in the Student Union Board Room, to expand cooperation in agriculture and education programs. Featured speakers include DC3 President Dr. Harold Nolte, Board of Trustees Member Bill Turley, K-State President Dr. Richard Linton, and K-State Provost Jesse Perez Mendez. Light refreshments will follow the signing ceremony.

Friday, Sept. 26: Final Friday DC3 History Exhibit and Art Show
On Friday evening, from 4 to 6 p.m., the Office of Marketing and Public Relations will host a Final Friday history celebration entitled “DC3 Through the Years” in the Communications Center (formerly the Allied Health building). Featuring 33 brand-new historical photo collages covering the years 1997 to 2025—an addition to the existing wall of history from 1937 to 1996—the event will also include hors d’oeuvres, giveaways, and live music by Them Spicy Boys. Also happening from 4 to 6 p.m., the Fine Arts Department will host an art exhibition in the Little Theatre Gallery, showcasing pieces from the college’s permanent art collection.

Saturday, Sept. 27: Pilot Meet and Greet
On Saturday, the final day of the 90th anniversary celebration, a full day of events begins with the DC3 Pilot Meet and Greet, from 8 to 9 a.m. at the Dodge City Regional Airport. This family-friendly event will feature aircraft from the college’s Arizona-based flight program, including both helicopters and fixed-wing planes. Visitors can tour the aircraft, chat with pilots, and enjoy free coffee, donuts, juice, and special giveaways for the kids.

Saturday, Sept. 27: Tailgate Party and Football Game
Following the airport meet-and-greet, the celebration continues at 11 a.m. with a free community tailgate party at Memorial Stadium, leading up to the Conq football game against Highland Community College. Attendees can enjoy free hamburgers courtesy of National Beef, hot dogs and fixings courtesy of Central Station, drinks courtesy of Heartland Coca-Cola, along with chips, ice cream, and fun inflatables for the kids. Area K–12 students can attend the game for free with special game passes distributed in advance by the college to local schools within the service area. Just before the 1 p.m. kickoff, a DC3 helicopter will deliver the official game ball to the field, and at halftime, fans can enjoy a special performance by the DC3 cheerleaders.

Saturday, Sept. 27: Wine and Cheese Fundraiser
The week concludes with the return of Books, Bottles, and Brie, a wine and cheese fundraiser, in the DC3 Library, from 7 to 9 p.m. Guests will enjoy wine, cheese, and the chance to win prizes through cash games and raffles. The evening will also showcase the work of the late Mary Spurgeon, a member of DC3’s Class of 1938, with her sculptures and artwork on display. Tickets are $40 per person or $70 per couple, and they can be purchased at the door or online at www.auctria.events/dc3Library. Proceeds will go toward the preservation and display of Spurgeon’s artwork on the DC3 campus. (A portion of the night’s featured cheeses is courtesy of Hilmar Cheese Dodge City.)

By Lance Ziesch
DC3 Director of Marketing and Public Relations