What's behind our Name?
Ironwood Junior College, now GCC, was initially established in 1932 and operated as part of the Ironwood Public School System. Housed on the third floor of the L.L. Wright High School, it opened its doors that September to approximately 188 students.
In 1938, the name was changed to Gogebic Junior College in recognition of annual financial support from the Gogebic County Board of Supervisors. And then in 1953, in accordance with Michigan statute that changed all "junior" colleges in the State to "community" colleges, the name was changed to Gogebic Community College.
After several years of intensive study and review, the proposition of reorganizing to a county-operated college was placed on the May 10, 1965 ballot. As a result, the College became an independent entity, apart from the Ironwood Public School system and became "The Gogebic Community College District of Gogebic County" with an elected Board of Trustees, with the control date established being July 1, 1966.
Building our Campus
Mt. Zion Location
Rutger Erickson Liberal Arts Center - 1969
- Offices of the President and Dean of Business
- Gogebic Community College Foundation
- Alumni Services and Institutional Development
- Academic classrooms and laboratories
- Lecture Center and Academic offices
- Library/Learning Resource Center
David Anderson Chalet, Mt. Zion Ski Area - 1970
- Ski Area Management Laboratory
- Day Chalet for Community Skiers
Carl Kleimola Technical Center - 1973
- Office of the Dean of Student Services
- Student Services
- College Bookstore
- Occupational Programs
Student Housing Facility - 1973
- 48-unit student housing facility in existence until 1996
Jacob Solin Center for Business Education - 1991
- Office of the Dean of Instruction
- Gogebic County Economic Development Office
- Continuing Education
- Computer Labs
- Business Department
- Conference Rooms
David G. Lindquist Student Center - 1993
- Swimming pool and gymnasium
- Walking track, weight room and aerobics area
- Student lounge and game room
- Cafeteria and meeting rooms
Campus Suites - 2006
- 24-unit student housing facility
Leadership over the Years
| 1932-52 | Superintendent of Ironwood City Schools, Arthur E. Erickson |
| 1952-66 | Superintendent of Ironwood City Schools, Reginald Ernest Dear |
| 1932-48 | College Dean, Reginald Ernest Dear |
| 1948-52 | College Dean. R.D. Chadwick |
| 1952-66 | College Director, Jacob Solin |
| 1966-67 | President, Dr. James Lehman |
| 1967-76 | President, Dr. James Perry |
| 1976-83 | President, Dr. Rawdon Ernest Dear |
| 1983-86 | President, Dr. Robert Bennett |
| 1987 | Acting President, Janet Blanchard |
| 1987-94 | President, Dr. James Grote |
| 1994-95 | Acting President Thomas Cvengros |
| 1995-2005 | President, Dr. Donald Foster |
| 2005-2007 | President, Dr. Gary S. Wheeler |
| 2008-present | President, James Lorenson |
Enrollment and Tuition - Then and Now
1932 - 188 students; Tuition $25.00 per semester
(First graduating class - 1934 with 74 students)
Today - 1400 students; Tuition $79 per semester hour
See also More History.