50 Year Timeline
1960s | 1970s | 1980s | 1990s | 2000s
1957
- On July 5, bill signed by Governor Goodwin J. Knight authorizing the establishment of Stanislaus State College in Stanislaus County, the 15th in the state college system.
1959
- On December 9, a Turlock site for the college at Monte Vista Avenue and Geer Road unanimously approved by the State Public Works Board.
1960
- J. Burton Vasché, Ed.D., appointed President of Stanislaus State College.
- Instruction began at Stanislaus County Fairgrounds in Turlock on September 19 after opening ceremony. Student body numbers 756.
- Dick Brown is elected first student body president after Associated Students organized. Warriors selected as mascot.
1961
- First commencement held at Turlock High School Auditorium on January 28 after completion of fall semester. Twenty-five students receive degrees at mid-year ceremony from President Vasché.
1962
- First Warrior Day held in May. Student body and faculty celebrated the selection of the Warrior mascot by arriving at the fairgrounds dressed in Native American attire.
- Stanislaus State College Foundation incorporated as an auxiliary non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and assisting the educational services of the college.
- President Vasché died. Gerard Crowley, Executive Dean, became acting president.
1963
- First accreditation visit conducted by WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges). Two-year accreditation granted.
- Dr. Alexander Capurso assumed presidency on June 1.
1964
- Construction began on permanent new campus.
- Ground broken for Yosemite Hall residential complex on Geer Road.
1965
- Campus construction project on 220-acre site completed. Freshmen accepted for first time. Classes begin in September at new campus, which consists of the Library, Classroom Building, boiler plant facility, and Corporation Yard.
- Open house held for six-county service area. An estimated 13,000 people visit campus.
- Mid-year Commencement held for the first time in the Library on the new campus and then in open field where Amphitheatre later located.
1966
- College campus dedication and accompanying activities on April 11.
- College offered full four-year degree and graduate program for the first time.
1967
- First sophomore class matriculated.
1968
- Full-time student enrollment surpassed 1,000.
1969
- President Capurso resigned. Dr. Carl Gatlin appointed President. Enrollment reached new high of 2,100.
- Equal Opportunity Program established, providing enrollment opportunities for minority students from under-represented backgrounds.
1960s | 1970s | 1980s | 1990s | 2000s
1970
- Performing Arts Complex including Art, Music, and Theatre buildings completed.
1971
- College’s 10th anniversary celebrated.
- First play at Mainstage Theatre - Shakespeare’s "Twelfth Night."
1972
- $2.4 million Science Building completed and dedicated.
- Name of college changed from Stanislaus State College to California State College, Stanislaus.
1973
- Cal State Associates established to provide a vehicle for research by faculty and students to benefit business and industry in six-county service area.
- Winter Term 4-1-4 academic schedule added to academic calendar.
1974
- First classes held in Stockton.
1975
- President Gatlin resigned. President A. Walter Olson assumed presidency on June 15.
- New Dining Hall completed.
- Campus radio station KCSS began broadcasting.
- Arts Guild organized as a community support group pledged to excellence in the arts.
1976
- Coached by Jim Bowen, the University's baseball team claimed the first of back-to-back NCAA Division III national titles.
- Coach Jim Hanny's golf team wins the first of 12 straight NCAA Division III national titles.
1977
- New gymnasium completed. Renamed Warrior Arena in 1999.
- First “Turkey Tech Grand Prix” featuring jockeys racing turkeys and a festival drew 5,000 to campus.
- National charter received for first campus sorority Sigma Kappa.
1978
- Student Union complex opened.
- Child Development Center established.
1979
- Library dedicated in honor of the University's first President, Dr. J. Burton Vasché.
- National charter received for Theta Chi, first fraternity on campus.
1960s | 1970s | 1980s | 1990s | 2000s
1980
- College Amphitheatre and stage completed. Commencement ceremonies moved to that site.
1981
- Student Health Center completed.
- First television courses transmitted to Tracy and Stockton via interactive microwave transmission.
1982
- Academic area reorganized into a three-school model: Arts, Letters and Sciences; Business Administration; and Education.
- Warrior men's basketball team advances to NCAA Division III Final Four at Calvin College in Michigan, losing a semi-final game to Wabash College of Indiana.
1983
- New all-weather track, supported by $100,000 donation from the Arrowhead Club, dedicated by Athletics.
1984
- 10,000th student graduated at annual commencement ceremonies.
1985
- President Olson retired. John W. Moore became new president on August 1.
- College celebrated its 25th anniversary with festival.
- College earned university status and officially became “California State University, Stanislaus.”
1987
- Shirley Chisholm, first African-American woman elected to Congress, spoke at the University on March 27.
1989
- University's athletic program moved up from NCAA Division III to Division II.
- Warrior women's basketball team advances to NCAA Division III Final Four championship game, dropping a 66-65 thriller to Elizabethtown of Pennsylvania.
1960s | 1970s | 1980s | 1990s | 2000s
1991
- Fountain Plaza on the southeast corner of the campus dedicated. Bicycle path extending from Geer Road entrance to Monte Vista Avenue and Crowell Road included with gift from the Bright family.
- University received a maximum 10-year re-accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
1992
- CSU Stanislaus-Stockton Center opened in a modular building on the San Joaquin Delta College campus. Seven baccalaureate degrees and two credential programs offered.
- President Moore resigned to accept the presidency of Indiana State University. Dr. Lee Kerschner became Interim President.
- 1,418 students received diplomas at Commencement.
- The Transitional Learning Center in Stockton, founded earlier in the year by Teacher Education Professor Sara Garfield for homeless school children, recognized by President Bush as a 734th Point of Light for the Nation.
1993
- First phase of on-campus Residential Life Village opened. Yosemite Hall closed down.
1994
- Dr. Marvalene Hughes became sixth President in August.
1995
- New athletics booster organization, The Warrior Association, founded.
- President Bill Clinton presented a Service Award to Teacher Education Professor Sara Garfield during a ceremony in Washington D.C., for her work with homeless school children in Stockton.
1996
- Former Middle East hostage Terry Anderson was the University's 35th Anniversary speaker in February.
- Graduating class composed of 1,550 students.
- Second phase of Residential Life Village opened.
1997
- Talent scholarship program established for student athletes and fine arts scholars.
- CSU Trustees approved proposal to establish University Multi-Campus Regional Center at former Stockton Development Center.
- University athletic program accepted into the California Collegiate Athletic Conference, opening the way for athletic scholarships.
- U.S. Secretary of Education Richard Riley spoke to 1,700 graduates at commencement.
1998
- CSU Stanislaus-Stockton opened in September with 700 students at the former Stockton Development Center. Cynthia Morgan named Dean.
- Center for Public Policy opened under direction of Professor Steven Hughes.
- General Colin Powell spoke to capacity audience at CSU Stanislaus Leadership Forum.
- First Distinguished Entrepreneur Symposium honored Bob Piccinini, founder of SaveMart Supermarkets.
- Professional Schools building dedicated as Demergasso-Bava Hall. Former White House Chief of Staff and Congressman Leon Panetta was keynote speaker.
- University partnered with Merced College and UC Merced to establish instructional television classes at the Tri-College Center on the Merced College campus.
- University received highest evaluation and 10-year renewal from WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges).
- Entertainer Bill Cosby performed in concert and delivered keynote address at Commencement for 1,800 graduates.
- Country music legend Willie Nelson performed at Summer Arts Festival Concert in Amphitheatre.
1999
- CSU Stanislaus Chapter of Phi Kappa Phi academic honor society founded.
- Construction began on Mary Stuart Rogers Educational Services Gateway Building.
- Construction started on Flora and Bernell Snider Music Recital Hall.
- Landscaped storm drain lakes (Sequoia, Village, Warrior, and Willow), waterfalls, and streams added to campus; bridge spanning Warrior Lake completed.
- Singers Vince Gill and Boz Skaggs entertained during Summer Arts Festival concerts in July and August.
1960s | 1970s | 1980s | 1990s | 2000s
2000
- School of Fine and Performing Arts and a new Bachelor of Music degree program established.
- Singer Ray Charles performed at special concert on eve of Commencement.
- Journalists Steve and Cokie Roberts spoke to more than 1,700 graduates at Commencement.
- New television learning site opened at the Tuolumne County Office of Education in Sonora.
- BB King, guitarist Buddy Guy, The Tommy Castro Band, and singer/guitarist Susan Tedeschi performed at the BB King Blues Festival in the Amphitheatre.
- Olympic medal winner Jackie Joyner-Kersee spoke at the University Lecture Series program.
2001
- Domed instructional facility completed at Bio-Ag Center next to Willow Lake.
- Former U.S. Secretary of State James Baker spoke at University Leadership Forum in Warrior Arena.
- Naming of future John Stuart Rogers Faculty Development Center approved by CSU Board of Trustees.
- Country music legend Merle Haggard and longtime singing great and radio-television empire builder Chester Smith performed at concert in Amphitheatre.
2002
- Mary Stuart Rogers Educational Services Gateway Building completed, allowing administrative offices and student services to be consolidated into one building.
- Bernell and Flora Snider Recital Hall dedicated in March with inaugural concert by famed pianist Van Cliburn.
- Retired Army General H. Norman Schwarzkopf spoke at Leadership Forum.
- Grupe Commercial Company took over operation and development of the 102-acre University Park facility in Stockton, home of the University's Stockton Center.
- First cohort of pre-licensure Bachelor of Science Nursing Degree students admitted to University.
- Dan Cartwright is named a Student Member of the CSU Board of Trustees, a first for CSU Stanislaus.
- San Francisco 49ers Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young spoke at the Leadership Forum.
2003
- John Stuart Rogers Faculty Development Center opened.
- W.M. Keck Foundation awarded grant for new language and music laboratories in the Vasché Library Building.
- College of Business Administration received full accreditation for the first time in its history from AACSB International - the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Only 100 business schools across the country have earned AACSB status.
2004
- President Marvalene Hughes announced her retirement, effective 2005.
- Classroom Building dedicated as Dorothy and Bill Bizzini Hall in honor of the long-time University supporters.
- Entertainer Carol Channing received an Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts Degree at Commencement. Classic rock star Kenny Loggins performed in sold-out concert next to Village Lake the night before.
- Phase III expansion project at the Residential Life Village completed, more than doubling capacity to 670. Project included a dining hall and second swimming pool, sand volleyball court, and basketball courts.
2005
- President Marvalene Hughes completed her 11-year term after accepting the presidency of Dillard University in New Orleans.
- Dr. Hamid Shirvani named the University's eighth President and assumed post in July.
- Major University donors John and June Rogers of Hughson received honorary Doctor of Humane Letters (L.H.D.) degrees at Commencement.
- First cohort of 26 graduates of the pre-licensure Bachelor of Science Nursing Degree program received degrees.
- New Warrior mascot made debut at Warrior Day.
- Former First Lady Barbara Bush spoke at Leadership Forum.
- University named one of 12 campuses cited in a national study by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) for its student academic success and graduation rates.
2006
- The University reorganized by dividing its three colleges into six -- Arts, Business Administration, Education, Human and Health Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences.
- Students overwhelmingly approved a referendum to fund construction of a student recreation and sports complex that opened in fall 2009.
- Dr. William Covino named new Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs.
- University's proposal for reaccreditation cited as exemplary by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
- Andrew LaFlamme became second CSU Stanislaus student named CSU Student Trustee.
- CSU Stanislaus student team won National Human Resources Games title in Washington D.C.
- First Annual Shakespeare Festival in July featured "Taming of the Shrew" performances in the Amphitheatre and a children's production in the Theatre.
- New Master's degree in Ecology and Sustainability program accepted its first students.
- The new science facility was named the Nora & Hashem Naraghi Hall of Science in tribute to the late couple who made significant contributions to agriculture, entrepreneurship, and real estate in the region. The Hashem Naraghi Trust donated $2 million to the University.
- For the first time in the program's history, the women's soccer team hosted the California Collegiate Athletic Association Western Regional playoffs.
2007
- The Princeton Review included the University in its prestigious "America's Best 366 Colleges" publication.
- Two separate Commencement ceremonies held for the first time on June 1 and 2. Nearly 2,000 students received degrees.
- Nora & Hashem Naraghi Hall of Science completed for start of Fall classes.
- Enrollment increased to an all-time high of 8,824 students. Freshmen ranks increased by 69 percent over past six years.
- Women's softball team hosted the NCAA Division II Western Regional Tournament for the first time ever and won it to advance to the National Tournament in Ohio. Finished fifth.
- Executive Master's of Business Administration Degree program established, with startup session in Tracy.
- Turlock City Council adopts “University Way” as an honorary, secondary name to be added to Monte Vista Avenue throughout the city limits. CSU Stanislaus address changes to One University Circle.
- Sebastian Paul Musco, industrial leader and philanthropist, awarded honorary doctorate.
2008
- Alumni population surpasses 40,000.
- Four-year Pre-Licensure Nursing program expanded to meet need for trained nurses.
- Dr. Ruth Fassinger named new Dean of the College of Education.
- The inaugural Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership degree program started in the fall, the first doctorate degree program offered at the University.
- Harry J. Pappas, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Pappas Telecasting Companies, awarded honorary doctorate at May 31 Commencement.
- New University Bookstore building opens for Fall semester.
- Actor Gary Sinise and his “Lieutenant Dan Band” perform October 25 concert and $225,000 is raised for CSU Stanislaus at a dinner gala. Sinise receives an honorary doctorate.
- First cohort of Executive Master of Business Administration completes degrees in December.
2009
- President Hamid Shirvani named President of the Year by the California State Student Association for the second time in three years.
- Masters of Science in Nursing program debuts in Spring semester. Online Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree program opens in October.
- More than 1,600 students receive degrees during two days of Commencement.
- New $16.1 million Student Recreation Complex, including Fitness Center and lighted stadium, makes its debut in September. University hosts conference championship soccer tournaments in November.
- State budget cuts force enrollment reductions, faculty and staff furloughs, part-time faculty and staff cutbacks, and class section cutbacks. Fall 2010 application deadlines moved up to Feb. 1.
- Groundbreaking held for next phase of California Pathway project on southeast side of campus.
- President Shirvani announces that Winter Term, established in 1973, will be discontinued beginning in the 2010-11 academic year and replaced with a self-support intersession and two 15-week semesters.
Historical Photos
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