1950 - 1951

The 50s

Enrollment doubles 

Enrollment increases to 971 students by the second Fall semester in 1950.

School traditions

Student body president Bill O’Neill gives the school its Gold Rush theme and adopts brown and gold as the school colors.

Student Isabel Patterson, who later taught at the college, decrees the school nickname the 49ers.

Nugget the Mascot

Nugget the mule becomes LBSC's first mascot. 

Nugget the mule, LBSC's first mascot

First Graduate program

The first Graduate Program is introduced into the California State Colleges by legislative authority. At LBSC, the Master of Arts degree is designed for those in or about to enter the teaching profession.

Classes continue on temporary buildings

Spring 1951 continues with classes taught on temporary locations while plans are finished to include enough buildings to accommodate 2,200 students for the college's new home site.

49er Day becomes a Spring Tradition

The second 49er Day is an all-school event taking place during the spring semester, sponsored by Women Students Organized for Service (WSOS).

49er day activities

Alumni Association Founded

The Alumni Association is founded to sponsor and coordinate activities of interest to the graduates of the college. Eugene Amsberry serves as the first president.

Sport comes to campus

Men's Basketball is the first sport to debut on campus. Later in the year the first golf team is formed.

first men's basketball team

1951 First Men's Basketball Team with Coach Herman Schwartzkopf.

First Master's degree recipients

Eleven candidates are the first to receive their Master of Arts degree from LBSC.

Construction begins on the permanent campus 

Summer 1951 signals the start of construction on the permanent campus, while temporary buildings are still being formed to accommodate students for the upcoming Fall semester.