T-L Photo/ ROBERT A. DEFRANK Belmont College President Paul Gasparro celebrates the college’s 50th year Friday.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Belmont College is celebrating 50 years of educating the people of Belmont College for the changing challenges of the world.

Faculty, students, alumni and state and local leaders gathered Friday to commemorate the college’s rich history and look to the future.

Ed Mowrer, operations manager for the Energy Institute, served as master of ceremonies and gave a history of Belmont College, from its founding as a post-secondary technical institute in 1971 with a state charter May 21, and later evolution to offering more options, training people in business, engineering and management.

“The first classes were taught in temporary facilities while this main building was being constructed,” he said. “The opportunity to attend a college practically right in your own backyard was an exciting enticement for students. Suddenly, higher education was not only affordable, but attainable.”

He recalled that in 2012 Belmont Technical College changed its name to Belmont College.

College President Paul Gasparro, who has led the college since 2014, also spoke, saying the college has expanded to offer 45 degrees and certifications in a variety of fields.

“We started this past year at a moment that was truly historic during the global pandemic,” he said, adding it was enjoyable to be able to once again gather without masks. He invited all to celebrate the past and anticipate the future.

“This promises to be a very special year at Belmont,” he said.

Elizabeth Gates, who has been chairwoman of the board of trustees for more than 20 years, said she appreciated the historic event.

“I know how important these milestones are and how important it is to celebrate them,” she said. “Each milestone offers an opportunity to reflect on our past accomplishments, our present needs and our future direction.”

She said Belmont College has changed to fit changing needs. Following the decline of manufacturing jobs post World War II, the college addressed the “skills gap” to put more degreed and certified people in the workforce.

U.S. Rep Bill Johnson, R-Ohio, spoke at the presentation, commending the college’s emphasis on retaining tradition and values while reinventing itself to meet the needs of the area.

“I’d like to add to the invocation my prayers for continued success of Belmont College, because you guys play a critical role in the economy, in workforce development, and the quality of life of the people,” he said.

“Our residents who may be looking to change careers, gain more knowledge or earn part of a bachelor’s degree know where to turn,” Johnson said. “We are fortunate to have the people, facilities and other resources of Belmont College, right here in Eastern Ohio.”

Also present were Ohio Sen. Frank Hoagland, R-Mingo Junction, and Ohio Rep. Don Jones, R-Freeport. A proclamation from Gov. Mike DeWine was read.

Local leaders including St. Clairsville Mayor Kathryn Thalman and Belmont County Commissioners Jerry Echemann, J.P. Dutton and Josh Meyer also participated and read proclamations.

Preston Zink, the 2021 valedictorian who earned an associate of applied science in civil engineering technology and an engineering application certificate in natural resources, led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Melissa Rataiczak, director of Workforce and Advancement, presented a time capsule which will be placed in a podium container designed and built by 2021 welding graduates Trent Rice, Shane Kob and Nathan Keenan. The time capsule will house class schedules, student essays, souvenirs and other memorabilia.

The time capsule podium will remain in place and be opened on the college’s 75th anniversary.

“Building that helped us get a real good, hands-on experience,” Kob said afterward.

“I’m really proud of what we accomplished. I think we have a great course. I think we learned a lot,” Keenan said.

“It’s an honor to be a part of it,” Rice added.

“I’m extremely proud of these young men,” Dirk DeCoy, director of Industrial Trades, said. “I gave them a project. They brainstormed it, sketched it out, made prototypes and then built it. It’s going to be here a long time. It’s going to stand out in the elements for 25 years.”

Upcoming events to celebrate the college’s 50th year include a family movie night Aug. 6, a college birthday celebration Sept. 1, a family fun day Sept. 18, and a gala to be held in April.