(COLUMBIA, Tenn. - May 18, 2016) - - - On Friday, May 13, Columbia State Community College closed out the 50^th Anniversary Celebration with the gala event, "Flip Flops, Formals and Funky Ties." The event also marked the beginning of the next 50 years, and the college surprised guests by unveiling new logos for the college and athletic teams.

"The gala was our biggest event of the year," said Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president. "We had a lot of fun and are glad so many people turned out for this capstone event. To see everyone celebrating with us showed tremendous community support for the college."

The gala, hosted by the Columbia State Foundation, was attended by community members, alumni, faculty and staff from all areas that the college serves.

The newly unveiled logos convey strength, quality, community and growth, all cornerstones of a community college. The updated brand identity builds on the college's history while moving the branding forward with a more contemporary design.

"The design of our new branding reflects the growth and change that is occurring at Columbia State," Smith said. "It visually addresses heritage as well as the hallmarks of knowledge and student success."

Entertainment was provided by Atlanta-based variety band, Mo' Sol. The high-energy group combines a rock solid rhythm section and some of Atlanta's finest horn players, covering a wide range of Motown, funk and soul and other styles and songs. Mo' Sol's diverse repertoire had something for everyone.

The gold title sponsors for the event included Farm Bureau and Smelter Services. Green level sponsors included Alpha Graphics, Axis Security, Middle Tennessee Electric Corp., SoftSpace and The Grog Shoppe Wine & Spirits.

White level sponsors included Atmos Energy, Columbia Fire Equipment, Faye McEwen, First Farmers and Merchants Bank, Ken McKee, Lewisburg Printing, Listerhill Credit Union, Lowe's Home Improvement, Maury County Chamber and Economic Alliance, Puckett's Grocery and Restaurant and Southern Athletic Fields.

Photo Caption: Columbia State Community College's new logo. The addition of the year 1966 is a reflection of Columbia State being established as Tennessee's first community college.

Photo Caption: Columbia State Community College's new athletic logo.

Photo Caption: Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president, ready to attend the "Flip Flops, Formals and Funky Ties" gala event.

Photo Caption: Tom Grosko, Smelter Service Corporation, and wife Marla.

Photo Caption: Andy and Connie Hardin and Phil and Suzie Comstock. Comstock is the managing office broker for David Jent Realty and Auction Company and a member of the Columbia State Foundation.

Photo Caption: Spring Hill Mayor Rick Graham and wife Alicia.

Photo Caption: Pictured, left to right: Clint Evers, Cameron Hoffmeyer, Jonathon Edwards, Cissy Holt, Columbia State dean of extended campuses, Aaron Story, Darryl Watson, Ben Boston, Shane Hughes and Ethan Hadley.

Photo Caption: Alan Watson, Maury Regional Health Systems CEO and Columbia State Foundation, and wife Michele.

Photo Caption: Judge George and Elizabeth Lovell, Columbia State Foundation.

Photo Caption: Dan Ryan, Ryan Search and Consulting, and wife Gena, Columbia State Williamson Campus Teaching and Learning Center coordinator.

Photo Caption: Michele and Anthony Kimbrough, Tennessee Rural Health CEO and Columbia State Foundation.

Photo Caption: Angela and Kenny Hay, Atmos Energy and Columbia State Foundation.

Photo Caption: Patrick Gilbert, Columbia State Foundation chair, and wife Maria.

Photo Caption: Cherry and Barry White, Columbia State Foundation and general counsel for First Farmers and Merchants Bank.

Photo Caption: Re and Kirk Kelso, Lewisburg Printing and Columbia State Foundation.

Photo Caption: Pictured, left to right: Judge George Lovell, Judge Claudia Jack, Jerry Battles, Liz Lovell, Columbia State Foundation, and Linda and Dr. Ken Moore, Franklin mayor.

Photo Caption: Atlanta-based variety band, Mo' Sol.

Photo Caption: Dr. Shanna Jackson, associate vice president of the Columbia State Williamson Campus, and Ralph Walker, Williamson Campus director of student and facility services.

Photo Caption: Left to right: Dr. Chris Marczack, Maury County director of schools; Dr. Kae Fleming, Columbia State dean of health sciences and professor of radiologic technology; and Dr. Amit Keswani.

Photo Caption: Waymon L. Hickman, Columbia State Foundation, and Alan Watson, Maury Regional Health System CEO and Columbia State Foundation.

Photo Caption: Dr. Ken Moore, Franklin mayor, and wife Linda.

Photo Caption: Patrick Gilbert, Columbia State Foundation chair, and Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president, cut the 50^th Anniversary cake.

Photo Caption: Dr. Ken Moore, Franklin mayor; Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president; and Chaz Molder, Columbia State Foundation.

Photo Caption: Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president, dances to the tunes of Atlanta-based variety band, Mo' Sol.

Photo Caption: Dr. Kae Fleming, Columbia State dean of health sciences and professor of radiologic technology; and Dr. B.I. Naddy, retired Columbia State professor of chemistry.

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.