Historic Buildings and InstitutionsThe Pulse of Our Lives
Historic Buildings and Institutions
The Pulse of Our Lives
Mike Tussey
The Ashland Beacon
Throughout our lives there have been places, people and events that we cherish and will never forget. Then, there are those that have little or no impact.
My high school years were simply blasé to be honest. For me, I was what you could term a “mouse”. You know, seen - but never heard. I had little confidence that I could excel or even successfully finish anything I began. I was an average student with just a few friends at tiny Ashland Holy Family High.
Before I knew it, May 30,1956 dawned on the horizon and brought with it graduation day. In essence, that day closed the last 12 years of my life forever.
The summer of ’56 brought about a summer job and the thought of possibly going to college in the fall. However, I knew full well, I couldn’t afford to go to a major college such as Kentucky or even Marshall a few miles away over in West Virginia.
Then, my grandmother and two aunts came up with a super idea! I could enroll at Ashland Junior College where students could finish their first two years at or near home and even find a part-time job to assist with expenses.
In fact, AJC was just two blocks away from my home’s front door. So,70 years ago this week, the calendar reminds me that I began my collegiate years at a small hometown college which in time, I would come to love and cherish the small campus.
It seems we all have so many great memories of those wonderful times of our youth which led to many lifetime friendships.
Today, I share a few memories of a small junior college in northeast Kentucky many, many years ago.
So, let’s raise the curtain and salute the history of historic - ASHLAND JUNIOR COLLEGE!
Ironically, AJC was founded the same year I was born -1938. The city of Ashland became the first and only municipality to take advantage of the1936 expansion of Kentucky State tax legislature. This action allowed 2nd class cities to levy a local school tax to support a junior college.
It was then that the Ashland Junior College Corporation formed by the school board in1937, purchased church property at 15th and Central Avenue for $39,000.
Classes began on September14,1938 with Dr, Herbert Hazel as the first Dean. The purpose was to offer associate degrees while completing the first two years of a bachelor’s degree alongside vocational and technical training.
By the fall of 1957, Ashland school board members had inspected the new science building which was built adjacent to the main building.
Next up - a trip Lexington to meet the University of Kentucky trustees who in turn signed an agreement for UK operation of the junior college.
At that time, the small junior college became - THE ASHLAND CENTER UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY!
In essence, students could enroll at “ACUK” and finish their first two years and subsequently transfer their grades and hours to the main campus.
Five years later in1962, UK was authorized to create a community college system and thus, AJC became - Ashland Community College.
In 1970, the college relocated to the College Drive Campus in Mid Ashland. Truly, a beautiful campus.
Today, through all the many years, what was historically AJC, is now known as -Ashland Community & Technical College!
So, the “mouse” of Ashland Holy Family became a student at AJC 70 years ago this week - September 1956.
During my first few days on campus, I quickly detected an incredible difference in atmosphere from the high school environment to the very social and friendly halls of AJC.
I remember well our dean - Clyde Lewis and our registrar, Martha Tate. My professors were - William Melvin - Sociology, JB Sowards - Biology and Speech, Mary Brookover - Algebra, William Wheeler - Economics and Goldie Wilson - Accounting.
To be sure, the student body was a composite of at least 10 different high schools located in the tri-state area giving Ashland Junior College - an enrollment of nearly 350 students.
The social aspect of the small college caught on quickly with the Student Union Lounge becoming the epicenter of it all.
Without any doubt, this is where the meeting of new friends occurred with an accent on college life punctuated with dances and campus events.
So, suddenly I had a new and exciting feeling of confidence which brought about new friends, so much so, I even went out for the basketball team!
I was cut, but no real surprise to me since I elected not to play in high school for personal reasons. However, the experience of the try outs was well worth it.
In the classroom, I eventually met the one person on the planet that provided me with a new level of confidence while developing new skills that I never knew I possessed.
He was my biology professor - the legendary, J.B.Sowards.
In fact, JB was my instructor for Speech and Oral Interpretation classes which basically turned my personality into what it is today!
Eventually, before Christmas, he became my mentor and confidant. Aside from the classroom, JB assumed other campus responsibilities such as producing and directing the student plays for the college.
A few of my friends became involved with JB's plays and had won participating roles and invited me to attend play practice just for fun.
Midway through the first semester, JB talked me into trying out for a part in “Arsenic and Old Lace”. I didn’t have any lines – just a walk on and walk off part.
Instantly, I accepted and sensed that acting was indeed a lot of fun, but it did require some skill.
My freshman year came to a close that May of '57, but I had gained so much confidence, skills and several new friends. In fact, I was doing fine academically and just felt great!
You're right! I was looking forward to my sophomore year and almost counting the days till classes began.
September,1957 brought about a new and exciting semester that would bring with it with certain new challenges.
One of those huge challenges arrived in late September when Professor JB Sowards called me into his office and quickly explained that he had a certain idea that involved me.
He wasted no time in explaining that he wanted me to try out for a role his latest play – “MR. ROBERTS” – a story of naval officers of WWII.
The role was that of Ensign Frank Pulver which was played by Jack Lemon in the 1955 movie. Initially, I was proud to have been selected and to read for the new role.
After a week of tryouts, JB proclaimed that I won the role and while giving me script with a huge smile said – “Mike you ARE Ensign Pulver!”
Later when I got home, I began reviewing the script and counted 387 lines for Ensign Pulver!
I couldn't believe it, the role was in fact, the co-lead in the play!
The next day, I told JB I could not remember almost 400 lines and carry 16 hours as well. He replied – “Mike, you can do this!”
Along with the lines came a major requirement of acting while producing moods, humor, crying and being serious at times.
As practice got underway, JB began giving me advice and confidence so much so, I somehow knew - I could play the key role without any doubt and even ad - lib!
We proudly gave four (4) performances of “Mr. Roberts” that November of ’57. After the performances, the cast moved to a very nice reception in the Student Union with nice crowds and the media. I could readily see why and how so many pursued acting careers.
One weekend in December, 1957 JB invited me to come to the radio station while he was broadcasting his show.
He was working as a DJ at WCMI playing the hits and hosting his own show. I was amazed how he used his beautiful baritone voice and how he sounded so smooth. He then said something very prophetic: “Mike, you should give radio a shot! You have the personality and the voice!”
Be that as it may, I never gave broadcasting a thought during my college years. Little did JB know that in April 1961, I would enter a 61-year career in broadcasting.
I bet he is looking down today with a huge smile while saying: “Mike, I told you so!”
My college years were the highlight of my life during those wonderful times at AJC. So many lifetime friends that I will never forget.
Today, there is a newly renovated “JB SOWARDS THEATER” on the campus of Ashland Community & Technical College which is now open.
Years ago, after the theater opened in1970, I visited the theater and on the wall near the entrance, I located huge cast photos of those that performed for JB in various plays during the mid 1950’s. Indeed, I quickly found the photo of the cast of "Mr. Roberts". I must have stared at it for five minutes.
I proudly remembered that I had performed in three of his plays and the experiences had changed my life forever! Thanks, JB, for the rich history of AJC!
So, in remembrance of the Hallowed Halls of Ashland Junior College and the greatest lifetime friends I will never forget – an AJC photo will be posted daily on Facebook with commentary through the remainder of September!
Today where AJC once stood, is a vacant lot. I spoke to Ashland Mayor - Chuck Charles in regard to any future plans for the location, his reply - "not at this time".
Nevertheless, the strong legacy and spirit of AJC will remain for all of us who proudly walked the halls with lifetime friendships, accomplishments and dreams. For me, I can close my eyes and remember. Every time I do, I find a smile.
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