This year marks the 80th anniversary of Henry Ford College.
To celebrate this milestone, Culinary Arts students under the direction of Chef Kris Jablonski baked a cake that was presented at the State of the College Aug. 21. HFC President Russell Kavalhuna and his wife Courtney were the first to cut the cake, followed by members of the HFC Board of Trustees and the leaders of HFC’s collective bargaining units.
HFC’s Culinary Arts department baked a cake to celebrate 80 years.
Although HFC was founded in 1938 under the name Fordson Junior College (FJC), its legacy began in 1916 with the opening of Henry Ford Trade School (HFTS). Founded by auto tycoon Henry Ford, HFTS gave underprivileged men the opportunity to earn a living at Ford Motor Co. while learning a trade that could support themselves and their families.
In 1946, FJC was renamed Dearborn Junior College (DJC). In 1952, HFTS closed and liquidated its assets of $1.25 million, bequeathing them to DJC. That same year, DJC was renamed Henry Ford Community College (HFCC). It became Henry Ford College in 2014 with the implementation of its first bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts.
HFC’s tagline, Future Driven, reflects the value of student-centered, community-focused education that prepares graduates for the lives they aspire to lead. It is critical to keep education affordable, while preparing students for long-term success. HFC’s overall tuition rates are a fraction of other colleges and universities in Michigan. HFC has numerous partnerships with area businesses to respond to ever-changing workforce needs, ensuring mutual success.
“Our legacy now spans 80 years. I’m proud to lead this fine institution as it embarks upon its next 80 years,” said Kavalhuna, HFC’s sixth president who joined HFC in July. “We have our feet in the present and our mind toward the future, while tipping our hat toward the past that has led us, our community, and thousands of alumni to successful learning, careers, and lives.”