CANTON -- SUNY Canton officially began celebrating the golden jubilee anniversary of the hill campus.

College President Zvi Szafran announced the "50 Years on the Hill" campaign Aug. 23 during his state of the campus address. Additionally, the college unveiled a special new logo to be used through 2018, marking its official anniversary.

"SUNY Canton's modern identity has been defined by our growth and development during our 50 years on top of this hill," Szafran said. "In 1967 we offered a handful of two-year programs for around 1,500 students. Today, we have 25 bachelor's degrees, 21 associate degrees, and 5 certificate programs for more than 3,200 students. We are so proud to look at how far we've come, and we can't wait to see what happens next."

To announce the celebration, the college has released a new video incorporating found footage and images from the college's history. The minute-and-a-half film features two of SUNY Canton's past presidents, and SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher presenting Szafran with his ceremonial medallion. The video is live on the college's YouTube channel and is accessible by visiting the college's webpage, or its Facebook page.

"SUNY Canton has such a strong presence in the community and continues to make great strides in growing its academic offerings to help students get jobs," Zimpher said. "My congratulations to the SUNY Canton community. There is truly much to celebrate."

The college purchased new commemorative flags for display in downtown Canton. Travis G. Smith, director of public relations and web designer, created a responsive website detailing key moments in the college's history and describing the new logo.

The college is orchestrating a special 50-year aerial photo and video at noon on Friday, Aug. 25, in front of French Hall.

Other upcoming events will include special athletic games, an expanded homecoming weekend celebration, an Alumni Weekend celebrating the class of 1968, and a campaign to recruit 1,968 donors in the next year. The college will also be highlighting fun facts from its half-century on the hill.

The college was originally chartered in 1906 as New York's first State School of Agriculture at St. Lawrence University. It began to move to its current location and created its own identity in 1966 with the new name of Canton Agricultural and Technical College. College officials held a grand opening ceremony on the new campus in September 1968.