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M a i n e — A P h oto P o rt r A i t o f t h e P i n e t r ee S tAt e P r o f i l e s i n e x c e l l e n c e 134 T he smallest of Maine's seven community colleges, Washington County Community College (WCCC) is located in Calais, on the border with New Brunswick, Canada. The Maine Legislature created the college in 1969 as Wash- ington County Vocational Technical Institute, with the first classes held in the Calais Armory. The following year, the college moved to its present location in Calais on 400 acres overlooking the St. Croix River. In 1986, the Maine Vocational Technical Institute System was established by the Legislature, and three years later the name of the college was changed to Washington County Technical College. A major turning point in the college's history oc- curred in 1993 when the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, through the Commission of Technical and Career Institutions, extended the accred- itation status of the college from a non-degree-granting institution to an associate's degree-granting institution. That same year, St. Croix Hall, which houses a gym- nasium, small auditorium and the Culinary Arts pro- gram, was completed. In 1999, the college was authorized by the Maine Technical College Board to offer the Associate in Arts in Liberal Studies, thereby expanding its mission to pre- pare students for transfer to baccalaureate programs. In 2003, by act of the 121st Legislature, the Maine Techni- cal College System became the Maine Community Col- lege System and WCTC was renamed the Washington County Community College. WCCC has been recognized in 2011 and 2012 by the prestigious Aspen Institute for being in the top 120 com- munity colleges in the nation. The college is grounded in a sound philosophy of student success and uses this strength to build a capable work force for Washington County and Maine. Over the years the campus has seen numerous improvements, including the recent comple- tion of a new student center and library, and renova- tions to a number of existing classrooms. The college offers 24 associate degrees, diplomas and certificates in various technical and career fields from medical assisting and welding to automotive technology and education. WCCC has a number of pro- gram transfer agreements with four-year institutions throughout Maine to assist students with transfer upon meeting the necessary course requirements. A wide range of credit and non-credit courses are also offered in the evening, during the summer term, and through the internet. Programs are designed to provide the technical knowledge and skills as well as the essential general education with which to pursue a career after graduation. The Liberal Studies program Washington County Community College helps people to discover choices and create success. Paula Cleaves from Perry, a Business Management graduate, at WCCC's 2012 graduation ceremony. Washington County Community College P h o t o s c o u r t e s y o f W a s h i n G t o n c o u n t y c o M M u n i t y c o l l e G e

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