Highlights from 50 years, hundreds of professors and 90,000 students fill the pages of College of the Mainland’s new 50th anniversary book telling the stories of the people, events and community that created the college.

The 130-page, photo-filled book features faculty, staff and students’ achievements, including the graduate that then-president Ronald Reagan called to congratulate and the professor and student featured in the Guinness Book of World Records for a car-flipping stunt.

It traces the first whispers of COM’s inception in 1935 through its record-breaking 2016 graduation numbers. Plus, it highlights community events, student life and college firsts. (COM made history as the first in the nation to offer a process technology degree.)

The book is $40, which includes shipping, and is available online at www.com.edu/50th. All proceeds support COM scholarships.

Many staff, faculty and alumni assisted in compiling the book, including Tillie Henson, COM's archivist and member of COM's first graduating class.

Since 1967, COM has served more than 100,000 students. It offers degree and certificate programs in health care, process technology, general studies, business, technology and public service careers. Lifelong learners can take advantage of hundreds of continuing education and 50 Plus Program classes.