Photo Caption: Cover of the commemorative 50^th Anniversary book, titled "Opening Doors to Opportunities: Columbia State Community College, the First Fifty Years."

(COLUMBIA, Tenn. - Dec. 12, 2015) - - - In celebration of Columbia State Community College's 50th Anniversary, The Old Curiosity Book Shop is hosting a signing event on Saturday, Dec. 19 for the college's recently released book.

The commemorative book, titled "Opening Doors to Opportunities: Columbia State Community College, the First Fifty Years," chronicles the groundbreaking history of Tennessee's first community college; including the initial concept by visionary state and local leaders; dedication by first lady, Lady Bird Johnson; and present day to the college's continuing growth and outreach.

"Anyone who has fond memories of Columbia State will want a copy of this book," said Dr. Barry Gidcomb, co-author and professor of history at Columbia State. "In addition to a historical narrative of the college, readers will enjoy more than 300 photographs and images from the 1960s to present day."

The book was written by Columbia State faculty and staff, including Gidcomb, Brittany Hall, Beverly Mitchell, Anne Scott, Holly Tkaczyk and Bob Trybalski.

Authors of the book will be on hand to sign between noon and 2 p.m. Copies of the book are $30 each. The book shop will keep copies of the book in stock following the event.

The Old Curiosity Book Shop is located at 12 Public Square in Columbia.

To learn more about Columbia State's history and upcoming events visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/50Years. Alumni and community members are encouraged to share their favorite Columbia State memories by emailing 50Years@ColumbiaState.edu.

Columbia State is a two-year college, serving a nine-county area in southern Middle Tennessee with locations in Columbia, Franklin, Lawrenceburg, Lewisburg and Clifton. As Tennessee's first community college, Columbia State is committed to increasing access and enhancing diversity at all five campuses. Columbia State is a member of the Tennessee Board of Regents, one of the largest higher education systems in the nation. For more information, please visit www.columbiastate.edu.

Tennessee's Community Colleges is a system of 13 colleges offering a high-quality, affordable, convenient and personal education to prepare students to achieve their educational and career goals in two years or less. We offer associate degree and certificate programs, workforce development programs and transfer pathways to four-year degrees. For more information, please visit us online at tncommunitycolleges.org.