Ventura College is Turning 100!
Honoring the past. Celebrating today. Imagining the future.
Join us as we mark a century of learning, community, and Pirate pride. From time-capsule treasures and new campus art to music, sports, and special events, our centennial year is filled with moments to honor the past and embrace the future. Come be part of the celebration—it’s a milestone you won’t want to miss!
Public Events
Celebration of Artistic Excellence
Thursday, August 28 | 5–8 p.m. | Ventura College Galleries
Honoring 100 years of artistic excellence with the Roots Art Show opening reception, unveiling of the 100th Anniversary Mural by VC alum Andrew Rodriguez, live music, dancing, and refreshments. Free admission and parking.
100th Anniversary Football Game
Saturday, September 6 | Kickoff 6 p.m. | VC Sportsplex
Celebrate a century of Pirate football! Enjoy tailgating, free rally towels (while supplies last), and cheer on the team in orange and black. Free entry for students with I.D. Make sure to wear all black to the game for the “black-out”. Fans can also gear up for the 100th Game by visiting the VC Athletics Department 100-Year Store. All proceeds from the store benefit Ventura College Athletics!
1925
In 1925, a junior college was established at Ventura Union High School.
The remodeled auditorium served as classrooms, library, and student spaces.
1927
In 1927, a new science building, library, and 1600-seat auditorium were constructed.
A rented house served as a space for student activities.
1928
In 1928, the campus was expanded.
14.3 acres were purchased on Main Street (Hill Estate).
1929
In 1929 a shared campus with Ventura High School was constructed to house
administration, labs, classrooms, and student areas.
1932
In 1932, the Union Building was constructed
and used for classrooms and shops.
1933
In 1933 a wooden 'barn' was built for events, indoor games, and storage.
1934
In 1934 the 17-acre McGlinchey Farm and nearby residential
lots were purchased to accommodate the college’s expansion.
1940
In 1940 a 5,000-seat football stadium, 1,600-seat auditorium,
gymnasium, Trade & Industry building, and locker rooms were added.
1946
In 1946, the Fine Arts Building, women’s gym, new library,
shop building, and a swimming pool were added to the campus.
1952
In 1952 Ventura Junior College was renamed Ventura College, officially separating
from the high school. Temporary buildings were constructed on former tennis courts,
and 113 acres were purchased on Telegraph Road for a new campus.
1952
In 1952 Ventura College was officially recognized as a two-year institution.
Construction of the new campus on Telegraph Road was completed,
including a library, campus center, academic buildings, arboretum, and gymnasium.
1955
In 1955, Ventura College officially moved to its present
location at 4667 Telegraph Road.
1956
In 1956, the college underwent major expansion, reflecting its rapid growth.
New construction included music, speech, and arts buildings plus a
small theater, the administration building, and the main gymnasium.
1962
In 1962, voters established the Ventura County Community College District,
including Ventura, Moorpark, and Oxnard Colleges.
That year, Frank Salazar began his 30-year leadership
of the Ventura County Symphony. Meanwhile, the nursing program expanded,
leading to the remodeling of the child care center.
1963
In 1963, Edith Conn, activist and trailblazing faculty member, introduced dance at VC.
1963-1965
From 1963 to 1965, enrollment doubled to over 10,000 students.
1969
In fall 1969, Ventura College submitted the state grant proposal to
establish the Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS).
1970
In the spring of 1970, EOPS was officially launched, providing
academic and financial support to historically underserved
and economically disadvantaged students.
1974
The campus swimming pool opened in 1974, establishing a
strong foundation for the college’s well-regarded swimming program.
1983
In 1983, Ventura College's 58-year tradition of tuition-free
education ended as tuition was mandated for community colleges.
1983
That same year, the Women's Cross Country Team won the State Championship.
1985
In 1985, VC marked its 60th anniversary by reflecting on its past,
present, and future, renewing its mission and goals to better serve a changing community.
1991
In 1991, a satellite campus opened in Santa Paula. VC East Campus
expanded access to education for students in the Santa Clara River Valley.
1992
In 1992 students marched in support of Rudy Acuña, a pioneering
figure in Chicano Studies and advocate for educational equity.
1994
In 1994, Ventura College achieved federal
designation as a Hispanic Serving institution (HSI).
1995
marking its 4th state championship win in men's basketball.
1996
1998
Resource Center. Construction began in 2002.
2000
2002
In 2002, voters passed $356M Measure S Bond; $125M was allocated to Ventura College.
2005
The Library and Learning Resources Center opened in 2005
and Ventura College celebrated its 80th anniversary.
2008
In 2008, more construction was completed with the addition
of the student services center and the VC Sportsplex,
providing expanded space and improved facilities.
2011
2011 saw the addition of the health sciences center, MCE, and MCW buildings.
2012
The Performing Arts Complex opened in 2012,
providing state-of-the-art facilities for music, theater, and dance.
2015
The applied science center and maintenance & operations
phase I were completed in 2015.
2015
In 2015, VC hosted its inaugural Diversity in Culture Festival,
celebrating global traditions through music, dance, art, and community engagement.
2020
In 2020, we celebrated our 95th Anniversary and transitioned
to online instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic.
2022
In 2022, Ventura College received $63M for on-campus, affordable student housing.
2023
A project and construction team was hired in 2023 and the student housing project got underway.
2025
In 2025, Ventura College celebrates its 100-Year Anniversary.
