PITTSFIELD – When Charles B. Kennedy graduated from Maine Central Institute in 1870, he struck out for the West and new adventures. He founded a school, became a state legislator and watched as the country became linked by railroads.

If Kennedy were to board a train today and get off in Pittsfield to visit MCI, he might be surprised. Technology, cultural diversity and even the dress code are vastly different than when he graduated.

But the one constant that Kennedy would be sure to recognize is the school’s 140-year-old commitment to a high-quality education. MCI’s 140th anniversary will be celebrated today with special historical presentations in Wright’s Gymnasium beginning at 2:20 p.m. The public is invited, Dean of Students Winn Price said Tuesday.

Price said Kennedy also might be surprised that 75 percent of all MCI students go on to postsecondary education, well above the state’s 64 percent average.

MCI was founded in 1866 as a feeder school for Bates College by the Rev. Oren B. Cheney on 20 acres donated by a local horse breeder.

Today, the school consists of 12 buildings in a campuslike setting and provides secondary education to 400 SAD 53 students from Pittsfield, Detroit and Burnham, as well as 105 international boarding students from 19 different countries.

Students and staff gathered Tuesday to talk about MCI, its tradition, history and diversity.

First-year science teacher Kate Gluckman said she was attracted to the school because it afforded her a residential experience, as well as the opportunity to coach basketball.

“I really like the dormitory relationship,” she said. “We get to meet many different students and extend our relationship with them beyond just the classroom.”

Jessamyn Schmidt first came to MCI as a student in the Bossov Ballet Theater summer program in 1996. She is now teaching modern and jazz dance in the BBT program and also is the school’s instructor of English as a second language.

“Coming back here to teach was the next logical step,” she said.

Students at MCI also brag about its beautiful campus, which senior Amanda Glidden called “a source of pride to everyone,” and the challenging academic program.

“I think I have a better chance at succeeding in college having attended MCI,” Glidden said.

Junior Jenna McCarthy said it’s MCI’s sense of history and tradition that makes it special.

“I also love the campus atmosphere and that MCI is a melting pot,” she said. “I go to school with students from all over the world and all over the country.”

Anne Miller, school librarian, has a veteran perspective, having worked at MCI for 21 years.

“We have a real strong sense of community here,” she said. “That is both on campus, among the students and staff, but also as a long-standing part of the larger community, which has really embraced MCI.”

The librarian said the diversity of the campus also is key to students’ success.

As MCI looks to the next 140 years, continuing to build its boarding population will be important, Price said. The school currently is raising funds to expand its cafeteria, which will allow for more admissions.

“Once we can increase boarding revenues, we can enhance the compensation for faculty and staff,” the school official said. “We are going to make sure that not only do we have increased numbers of students, but that we are going to do it well.”

As residential numbers increase, Price said the school will look forward to constructing a performing arts center, which is a long-term goal.