California State University, Long Beach 60th Anniversary

1949-1950

A new public college opens for Los Angeles and Orange counties.

1949 →1959 On September 28, 1949, Los Angeles-Orange County State College began its first day of classes. One hundred and sixty students were enrolled for the first semester with thirteen full-time faculty. Classes convened in a converted apartment building at 5381 E. Anaheim where the foundation of our pride and traditions all began.

Noted architect Edward Killingsworth and landscape architect Edward Lovell created innovative master plans for the new college that led to the campus being considered one of the most beautiful in the Cal State system.

Moreover, community residents joined the "Peach Corps" to pay for flowering peach trees that continue to grace the campus with their colorful pink blooms each spring.

Long Beach State begins its first master's degree program.

The permanent campus is inaugurated.

Enrollment jumps to more than 2,500 students at the newly-accredited college.

First freshmen and sophomores enroll, and baseball and track and field become the first sports.

The first permanent buildings open.

Enrollment reaches 5,700 students.

The first freshmen graduate, and football joins the 49er athletics teams.

New freshman orientation begins and women's sports teams start competing.

First dormitories open. Engineering becomes a major and new college divisions form.