Owens celebrates 60th anniversary

FINDLAY — Owens Community College president Dione Somerville delivered the State of the College Address at the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses on Monday, with the 2025-26 academic year being the 60th anniversary of Owens providing education and training to Northwest Ohio. Having first opened in 1965 as part of Penta County Technical Institute with 200 students, Owens became Michael J. Owens Technical College in 1972 and Owens Community College in 1994. During her speech, Somerville credited the more than 500,000 students who attended Owens for its history. "Milestones like this are rare, and they give us the chance to reflect, honor and look ahead," Somerville said. "We've navigated challenges that have reshaped higher education, including an enrollment cliff, a global pandemic and challenging legislation. And yet, through it all, Owens has remained steadfast. We've never lost sight of who we are or why we exist: to provide life-changing education and build stronger communities." During her speech, Somerville recognized the winner of the Presidential Teach Award, Genesis Downey, professor of English and director of the Honors Program. Keynote speaker president and CEO of Regional Growth Partnership Northwest Ohio Dean Monske spoke on the importance of Owens training and educating the workforce in the region and its longstanding partnerships. Avi Zaffini, president and CEO of the Ohio Association of Community Colleges, also spoke during the event.