Founding Otago Polytechnic council member Dawn Ibbotson (101) cuts the birthday cake as the polytechnic celebrates its 50-year anniversary on campus yesterday.
Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull and Labour MP David Clark attended the celebration, alongside polytechnic staff, former staff and alumni.
The Hub, which was unofficially unveiled last year, was formally opened by alumnus and local businessman Nigel Bamford.
Mr Bamford said he was a second-generation Otago Polytechnic graduate, and expected his children might create a three-generation legacy.
"The interesting thing that happens when you get to be 50 years old is you get to be intergenerational.''
He said the polytechnic was "critical to the city'' and that the formative years of his company were "intrinsically linked to the polytechnic''.
"I'm really looking forward to seeing another great 50 years,'' he said, before drawing open a small curtain on a plaque and declaring the Hub and Mason Centre complex "officially open''.
- Report: Carla Green, main photo: Peter McIntosh
