When Emerson McCourt passed away in 2006, he left behind an extensive tool collection, meticulous instructions and a commitment to Great Bay Community College (GBCC) students that continues today. The Emerson and Ruth McCourt Charitable Trust provides tuition assistance to students attending GBCC and Keene State College, the two institutions that played a significant role in his life as well as that of his wife, Ruth.
Although the McCourts never had children, they could be considered the founding parents of GBCC. In 1945, the State of New Hampshire passed legislation establishing a vocational training institution in Portsmouth. The goal was to teach new skills to veterans and adults returning to the workforce after World War II. Emerson was appointed the first principal of the State Trade School of Portsmouth, housed at the Morley Button Factory. He oversaw the inaugural class of 130 veterans. Under his leadership, the State Trade School of Portsmouth expanded its programs and became known as New Hampshire Vocational Technical Institute – Portsmouth. In 1967, the N.H. Board of Education authorized the institute to grant an associate degree in Applied Science. Emerson was named the first director of what was now officially a college that later became GBCC.
Emerson graduated from Portsmouth High School in 1928 and met Ruth when they both attended Keene State College. He and Ruth spent their life together in a house he built on land his parents owned in their beloved Portsmouth. He dedicated his professional life to ensuring that Seacoast-area students had opportunities to improve their lives through vocational education.
The McCourts’ legacy lives on through the charitable trust they established to support GBCC and Keene State students. Their entire estate passed into this trust to provide tuition assistance in perpetuity. Portsmouth attorney Alec McEachern worked with Emerson toward the end of his life and recalls his commitment to community college. “Emerson and Ruth were ordinary people who had opportunities through education to build a good life. They chose to give back to others like themselves,” he said.
As GBCC celebrates its 80th anniversary, we are honored to highlight Emerson and Ruth McCourt’s lasting contributions, both in shaping what the college is today and supporting students for generations to come.
“The McCourts’ investment elimates financial barriers for our students and moving them forward on their chosen pathways to meaningful careers,” said Cheryl Lesser, GBCC president.
GBCC will be celebrating this milestone anniversary on April 22 at the college. Tickets are available here.
