There are lots of things you can learn in higher ed—and based on our latest batch of materials from Montgomery Community College, MCC is a great place to explore some of those niche interests. In this latest batch of materials, we’ve got scrapbooks from 1968-1983 and catalogs and student handbooks from 1967-2020. These materials document some of the ways that Montgomery students have been able to explore their passions and find success in surprising areas.

From the 1989-1990 scrapbook

One interesting article from the 1989-1990 scrapbook tells of seven MCC students and two instructors who competed in a taxidermy competition in Apex, N.C. 

“The pride in their achievement was evident as they returned home with a total of 27 awards,” the article says.

Much of the team’s success should probably be credited to instructor Mike Gillis, who received the highest state award as well as several category awards in the professional division that year.

 A plate from the collection of pottery instructor Mike Ferree

Another art form that Montgomery CC students excelled in was ceramics. In this article from the 1989-1990 scrapbook, pottery instructor Mike Ferree describes the way that Seagrove (in neighboring Randolph County) has become known for its ceramic arts.

“Pottery started in Moore and Montgomery counties because of the good clay,” he explained.

In the Spring 2020 catalog (one of the most recent available), the pottery program is going strong; students can choose from studio pottery, beginner handbuilding, beginner wheel throwing, beginner Raku, glass and salt pottery, and beginner pottery design.

All of the scrapbooks in this batch are available here; all of the student handbooks and course catalogs from this batch can be found here. To see more from Montgomery Community College, you can visit their partner page or check out their website.