In recognition of the twenty-first anniversary of the Virginia Community College System (VCCS), this essay reflects on the history and accomplishments of the system and considers its future as a mature component of Virginia's culture. First, the early years of the VCCS are examined, highlighting initial efforts to deal with the increasing demand for higher education; and the VCCS's rapid, but well-planned growth from its establishment in 1966 until the onset of a period of retrenchment in 1979-80, which lasted until 1986-87. Next, the paper discusses changes in Virginia's economy and society, contrasting the situation of the mid-1960s with that of the mid-1980s. The VCCS's responses to these changes are reviewed next, including: (1) the initiation of such new programs as the Career Studies Certificate programs, other vehicles for working with business and industry, and technology transfer efforts; (2) activities to keep existing programs up to date, including a comprehensive curriculum study, a semester conversion project, the development of articulation agreements with local high schools, and the creation of 2 + 2 programs; (3) the development of an adult literacy delivery system; (4) the reduction of tuition charges to help maintain access to the system; (5) the development of marketing and retention programs, including workshops focusing on community needs, access to education, student success, and other marketing/retention topics, early continuous alert systems, outreach efforts, catalog revisions, and enhanced contacts with business and industry; (6) the provision of professional development opportunities for faculty and staff (e.g., Leadership Seminars, Instructional Leadership Seminars, Chancellor's Fellowships, Development Programs for Deans and Presidents, and state board workshops); and (7) ongoing efforts to keep in touch with the Virginia General Assembly. (EJV)