On Oct. 7, 1972, voters overwhelmingly approved the creation of North Harris County College, which became Lone Star College. This year, LSC celebrates its 50th anniversary of serving students and the community by providing exceptional and affordable education close to home. 

LSC started with 613 students taking classes at Aldine High School and now welcomes 80,000 students each semester. The college shared its half-a-century story of incredible foresight, determination and commitment to student success at the LSC 50th Anniversary Dinner on Dec. 7 at The Woodlands Country Club. 

“Fifty years ago, forward-thinking citizens came together with the vision of creating a college for their community,” said Stephen C. Head, Ph.D., LSC Chancellor. “Now, we are celebrating 50 years of providing high-quality academic transfer and workforce training education.” 

LSC’s beginning includes the hard work, passion, and vision of community members such as John A. Winship, W.W. Thorne and Joe Airola. At the 50th Anniversary Dinner, LSC recognized Thorne’s children, Anita Stevens and William W. “Bill,” for their father’s contributions that have impacted two million students and countless families. 

“Supporting Lone Star College Foundation is a passion for us and allows us to partner with students, remove barriers and help them reach their full potential,” said James Harrison (pictured with wife Consuella), LSC Foundation Board Vice Chair and LSC Foundation Donors. “No other investment yields as great a return as the investment in education.” 

“The support that Lone Star College Foundation receives from donors such as the Harrisons allows  our students to develop the necessary skills needed to be competitive in today’s workforce,” said Linda Leto Head, Senior Associate Vice Chancellor, External and Employer Relations.

In 50 years, Lone Star College has opened eight campuses, two university centers and 13 satellite centers that serve 11 school districts. Additionally, the college system has helped more than two million students earn nearly 29 million credit hours since its inception.

“Although Lone Star College Foundation started 31 years ago, we are proud to do our part to support the incredible work of Lone Star College,” said Gennifer Kelly, MBA, LSC Foundation Chair. “We thank the past and current leaders of Lone Star College for their positive impact on our community.” 

Visit LoneStar.edu/50Years to learn more about Lone Star College’s remarkable story.