Aims Community College: A History of Growth, Community, and Aiming High
Aims Community College, a public institution serving northern Colorado, boasts a rich history rooted in community needs and a vision for accessible education. From its humble beginnings in 1967 to its current status as a multi-campus college offering over 200 degree and certificate programs, Aims has consistently evolved to meet the changing demands of its diverse student population.
The Genesis of Aims: A Community Vision
The seeds of Aims Community College were sown in 1965 when Kirby Hart of Greeley championed the idea of establishing a two-year college in Northern Colorado. This suggestion sparked the formation of a feasibility committee comprised of school district representatives, who diligently assessed the community's interest and needs. Their findings affirmed the viability of such an institution, leading to the approval of the Community College District by voters in 11 of Weld County's 12 public school districts on January 24, with a resounding 4-1 margin.
In March, the first governing committee was elected, entrusted with the crucial task of setting up the college. This committee played a pivotal role in shaping the institution's identity, ultimately selecting the name "Aims Community College" to reflect the college's vision of aiming for high and worthy goals. Dr. Ed Beaty was appointed as the first president, providing the leadership and direction needed to bring the college to life. Adding a touch of whimsy, an aardvark was chosen as the school’s mascot.
Early Years and Expansion: Building a Foundation
On September 27, 1967, Aims Community College officially opened its doors, holding its first classes in the leased Lincoln Elementary School building. A total of 949 students enrolled, marking the beginning of a new chapter in higher education for the region. The following May, the first graduating class received their degrees, a significant milestone in the college's history.
As the college grew, so did its facilities. Several buildings were added to accommodate the increasing student population and expanding academic programs:
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- September: The Office Occupations Building was opened, providing 17,260 square feet of classroom space.
- September: The Skills Center (now Emergency Services Academy) was completed.
- September: The Welding Technology Complex was opened.
- September: The Westview General Classroom Building opened for fall classes.
- Fall: The Monfort Early Childhood Education Center opened.
These additions demonstrated Aims' commitment to providing students with state-of-the-art learning environments and resources.
Multi-Campus Growth: Reaching Diverse Communities
Aims Community College recognized the importance of accessibility and expanded its reach by establishing multiple campuses throughout Northern Colorado.
- 1981: Aims opened the Southern District Center Office in Fort Lupton, marking the beginning of the college's second campus.
- 1984: The Fort Lupton (South) Campus held classes for the first time.
- 1987: The third campus made a temporary home in downtown Loveland.
- 1990: The Loveland campus moved to a permanent location at the White Building.
This multi-campus approach allowed Aims to serve a wider range of students and communities, bringing educational opportunities closer to home.
Milestones and Modernization: Adapting to the Future
Throughout its history, Aims Community College has celebrated numerous milestones and embraced advancements to enhance the student experience.
- Spring 1987: Marked 100,000 students taught at Aims since opening 20 years earlier.
- Spring 1992: Aims celebrated its 25th anniversary with a groundbreaking for the College Center (now known as Student Commons) on Greeley Campus.
- September 1993: College Center at Greeley Campus opens.
- January 1994: West Campus remodeled.
- Spring 1995: Aims College Flight Training Center purchased.
- Fall 1995: Monfort Early Childhood Education Center opens.
- June 1997: Aims College Corporate Education Center dedicated.
- June 1998: Library renamed to Jerry A. Kiefer Library.
- August 31, 2004: Aims transitioned to the semester system, replacing the quarter system.
- September 2005: Open House for Mildred S.
- September 2010: The TRIO Student Support Services grant is renewed for another 5-year term.
- September 2010: TRIO Student Support Services awards a STEM grant to provide intensive academic support to 120 low-income, first-generation students in science, technology, engineering and math programs.
- June 2012: Center for the First-Year Experience (FYE) opens to help students transition socially and academically into the college community.
- September 2013: Center for Opportunity and Resilience in Education (CORE) opens, expanding the TRIO model to serve historically underrepresented students.
- January 2014: Catalyst launches as a leadership and career readiness program.
- August 2015: The Early College High School program is created with students from Greeley/Evans District 6 and Windsor Charter Academy. The program offers a structured blend of high school and college curriculum, allowing students the opportunity to complete their high school diploma and earn an associate of arts degree simultaneously.
- 2017: Aims celebrated its 50th anniversary with community events and special programs throughout the year.
- 2017: Aims joins the Open Textbook Network, allowing students to use free textbooks when possible and save hundreds of dollars on books each semester.
- 2018: Arty’s Pantry opens to address student hunger and basic needs. Aims is designated a Hunger-Free Campus in 2022.
- 2019: Aims and the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) announce the Aims2UNC partnership.
These advancements reflect Aims' dedication to providing a comprehensive and supportive learning environment for its students.
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Leadership and Accreditation: Ensuring Quality and Stability
Aims Community College has been guided by a series of dedicated leaders who have played a crucial role in shaping its direction and success. The presidents of Aims Community College have included:
- Dr. Ed Beaty: 1967 - 1975
- Dr. Richard A. Laughlin: 1975 - 1979
- Dr. Jerry A. Kiefer (acting): 1979
- Dr. George R. Conger: 1979 - 1997
- Dr. Jerry A. Kiefer (interim): 1997 - 1998
- Dr. Paul N. Thompson: 1998 - 2001
- Russ DeVriendt (acting): 2001
- Brenda Beckman (interim): 2001
- Dr. Paul Gianini (interim): 2002
- Dr. Leah Bornstein: 2015 - Present
Furthermore, Aims Community College has consistently maintained its accreditation, demonstrating its commitment to meeting rigorous standards of quality and academic excellence. The college received reaffirmation of accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission. Aims was also named one of the top 10 Digital Community Colleges by the Center for Digital Education and the American Association of Community Colleges.
Aims Today: A Hub for Learning and Economic Impact
Today, Aims Community College stands as a vital resource for Northern Colorado, offering more than 200 degrees and certificates across a wide range of fields. The college's commitment to providing accessible and affordable education has made it a popular choice for students seeking to advance their careers and improve their lives.
Aims also plays a significant role in the region's economy. A report found that Northern Colorado Public Colleges and Universities (NoCoPCU), including Aims, added billions in income to the economies of Larimer and Weld counties.
Embracing the Future: A New Welcome Center
To further enhance the student experience and create a welcoming environment, Aims Community College has invested in a new welcome center. The design package elements, such as a 3-story custom wall graphic, serve as a bold backgrounds to enhance their brand for “instagramable” moments and is carried through in the custom floor stain. The Aims Experience uses a combination of technology and built out interactive elements to create an experience to inspire all those entering the campus. HCM enhanced the visibility when first entering the campus with a 16’ tall exterior sign, along with lively entrance signs to acknowledge main entrances and provide a ‘sense of place’. Upon walking into the main entrance, the focal point takes you to the “Aims Experience”, a 200-foot-long wall that captures the essence of Aims. The wall art was designed with flexibility in mind to grow with Aims into the future.
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