WILMINGTON — On Thursday morning, Delaware Technical Community College officially inaugurated its fifth president, Dr. Mark Brainard, at the Chase Center on the Riverfront.

“I’ve been blessed to serve in many challenging and meaningful positions in my career,” Dr. Brainard said. “They have all been personally and professionally gratifying experiences but I’m especially proud to be here during this 50th anniversary celebration.”

Dr. Brainard was appointed president by the board of directors back in August of 2014 but the official event was pushed back so the inauguration would line up with Delaware Tech’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

His inauguration was preceded by an old-fashioned picnic in Georgetown on Monday and a legislative brunch in Dover on Tuesday.

“This week isn’t about me or my inauguration,” Dr. Brainard said. “It’s about celebrating the history of the college and looking forward to the future.”

Dr. Brainard added that the year will be full of events and activities to celebrate the college’s short but important history.

One of the goals Dr. Brainard has set for the college is to complete 50 community services projects before the end of the year –– one for every year Delaware Tech has been in operation.

The inaugural week will finish today with a reception at the Stanton Campus in Newark.