The 20-year history of Monroe County Community College (MCCC) is traced in this publication. After an introduction to the methods employed in developing the portrait of the college, chapter 1 discusses MCCC's beginnings. This chapter reviews the background to the expansion of community college education across the nation, the state and local factors involved in the expanding two-year college movement, and the pattern of events leading to the vote from the citizens of Monroe County in 1964 to establish a college. Chapter 2 highlights the role played by the local community in developing a study of the possibilities for creating a community college and in marshalling an effective campaign to gain voter approval for the project. Chapter 3 addresses the problems involved in building the campus, including applying for government aid, formulating a budget, levying taxes, obtaining a site for the campus, and selecting a president. Drawing from a survey of MCCC employees conducted to gain a sense of major trends, chapter 4 discusses the principle issues faced in the creation of the college and the changes in the college's clientele and priorities. Chapter 5 outlines the process by which the first and only president of MCCC was selected and emphasizes the critical importance of leadership in building a college. (HB)