Explore 100 Years of PCC

1911

Land for campus construction is identified

The original 18-acre property is bounded on the north by Colorado Boulevard, the east by Sierra Bonita Avenue, the south by Blanche Street (later Del Mar) and the west by Hill Avenue. The new educational facility, which was originally designated to be a new campus for Pasadena High School, begins to take shape in 1912.

As we reflect on our history, we acknowledge the original stewards of the land on which we gather. Pasadena City College is a learning community within the indigenous homelands of people who have been known as the Gabrielieño Band of Mission Indians of the Sisitcanongna Village and Kizh Nation. Learn more

1913

Pasadena High School is opened

Campus construction is complete. Costing $632,000 to build, Pasadena High School is opened in 1913 with an enrollment of 1,700 students.

1924

Pasadena Junior College is established

In response to the community’s need for higher education facilities, Pasadena Junior College is established on the Pasadena High School campus. It was one of the earliest junior colleges in the Southwest United States. William Ewing is named the first president (then called "principal") of the college.

Opening Day Lawn Party

1928

Pasadena High School and Pasadena Junior College merge

Pasadena’s Board of Education moves to a 6-­4-­4 system, with six years of elementary school and four years of secondary school feeding into a four-­year plan at the Colorado campus — grades eleven through fourteen. Under the restructuring, the facility changes its name from Pasadena High School to Pasadena Junior College and the old Pirate mascot changes to a Bulldog.

1931

The PJC Bulldog band becomes the official Western College Band for the Tournament of Roses

The band begins to lead the Rose Parade as well as play during the Rose Bowl football game. By 1939, it is officially known as the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Band.

1931 

Albert Einstein visits Pasadena Junior College

Albert Einstein is enthusiastically welcomed by some 8,000 people, including students from the city schools and the PJC, when he visits to dedicate the college's astronomy and observatory in February 1931. He is joined at the cemetery by Edwin Hubble, namesake of NASA's Hubble Space Telescope.

Nobel Laureate Albert Einstein (above) poses with PJC students at the opening of the new observatory building on February 26, 1931

1934

Campus' three main buildings are demolished

Following the 1933 Long Beach Earthquake, the young college's three main buildings are demolished and rebuilt. Fifty steam­-heated tents are erected to house the classes formerly held in the C Building (now known as the Jack Scott Building). Classes would be conducted in "Tent City" for the next three years, during which time both students and teachers experienced many hardships. The new structures are renamed the C, D, and E buildings.

1936 

Mack & Jackie Robinson compete as PJC Bulldogs

From 1936 to 19­38, Pasadena's Robinson brothers thrill the junior-college sports world — and beyond — with incredible feats and nationally recognized performances.

Jackie Robinson (left) in PCC uniform; Mack Robinson (right) in the 1936 Olympics in Munich, Germany

 1947

PCC goes on the airwaves

The college's new radio studio opens doors to creative expression and learning in media arts, while providing an additional means for showcasing the school and its activities to the community. The station would go on to become KPCC-FM, now known as LAist, a national leader in public radio.

1948

1948: From "Junior" to "City"

In a reflection of its expanding services and changing course offerings, in September PJC became PCC – Pasadena City College.

1949

New library building establishes educational leadership

The dedicated library, now known as the L Building, opens on October 30 with two large reading rooms, an entry hall, a room for listening to phonograph records, and a movie previewing room. By 1971, the library collection had grown to full capacity. This overcrowded situation was not relieved until 1993, with the opening of Shatford Library at the northeast corner of campus. Today the L Building is home to PCC's Student Services areas.

1953

Registered Nursing program begins

The program is one of only five pilot programs in the nation to address the need for qualified nurses — a need that continues today.

1954

Pasadena City College becomes a two-year college

Pasadena High School continues to share space with the college until the new high school campus in east Pasadena opens in 1960.

The PCC campus, 1959

1957

The Lancer is born

During football season, a new mascot, the Lancer, takes the field for the first time. The bulldogs can now be found at Pasadena High School.

For a short time, the Lancer took the form of a medieval knight on horseback

1966

Pasadena Area Community College District is formed

Approved by voters on April 26, the newly formed district encompasses the school districts of Pasadena, Arcadia, La Cañada, San Marino,Temple City and South Pasadena. This changed welcomed the first seven-trustee governing board, along with an additional title for the college president. With duties now encompassing an entire community college district, the chief executive is known as the Superintendent/President. 

The first PACCD Board of Trustees in 1966, along with Superintendent/President Armen Sarafian (seated, second from right).

1973 

Extension of the PCC campus

Sierra Bonita Avenue is closed south of Colorado Blvd., and Bonnie Avenue is widened, providing more space for the college to grow.

1979

The PCC Foundation is established

The PCC Foundation is founded as a non-profit auxiliary corporation for the benefit of PCC's students, faculty, and programs. Today, the Foundation continues to raise money for student programs, faculty grants, equipment and technology, and more than $600,000 annually in student scholarships.

1985

PCC's College Coordinating Council begins era of shared governance

A result of the Community College Reform Act of 1985, the College Coordinating Council is created to provide a forum to which any individual or group from the college community can bring a college­-related issue for official consideration and resolution.

1987

Major campus rebuilding begins

The administration, faculty, staff, and local community formulate a vision that anticipates college facilities requirements into the 21st century. The cost of these improvements ultimately exceeds $100 million.

Superintendent­/President Jack Scott with the plans for the new library

1992

Designated as an HSI

1992: PCC is federally designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), with over 25% of its full-time undergraduate students identifying as Hispanic/Latine since 1990, marking its commitment to serving diverse and historically underserved communities.

1993

Shatford Library opens

The Shatford Library, a three-story building that allocated 50,000 square feet to library functions, becomes the first new major building completed on campus in 20 years. 

Dedication ceremony of the Shatford Library on October 27, 1993. Walter Shatford II, speaks (left); The library fountain (right)

1996

The Community Education Center opens

First established in 1979 as a community skills center, the Community Education Center is renamed and given a permanent location on Foothill Blvd. in east Pasadena. Its doors open in August.

1997

Shared governance is written into official policy

After consultation with faculty, students, staff, and managers, the Board of Trustees approved a shared governance policy that encourages consultation, collegiality, and transparency among the college constituency groups.

1999

Hutto-Patterson Gymnasium opens

The old gymnasium is replaced by the two-story, 65,000 square foot Hutto-Patterson Gymnasium. Included in the facility is the Sports Hall of Fame, honoring outstanding athletes and coaches of PHS, PJC, and PCC.

The new Hutto­-Patterson Gymnasium and Robinson Field

2007

"Boots to Books" course aids veterans

A new package of coursework and services expands services to U.S. military servicemembers, easing their transition to civilian life. The college will go on to be recognized as a top school for veterans for more than a decade.

2013 

Rosemead Campus opens

PCC at Rosemead, a full service educational center, gives greater access to higher education for diverse communities within the district. The site would operate for a decade, and the college is now pursuing a permanent home for the satellite campus.

2014 

The Center for the Arts opens

Funded by 2002's Measure P facilities bond, the Center for the Arts is an 87,000-square-foot artistic oasis with 14 classrooms and 3 performance spaces: the Westerbeck Recital Hall, the Boone Family Art Gallery, and the Center for the Arts Theatre.

2014

Student Equity becomes a key focus

From 2012 to 2014, the college developed a new Educational Master Plan that includes race-conscious language. Equitable outcomes for all students are positioned as a first priority of the college.

2017

PCC earns Top-Ten designation

In March, the college is recognized in a Washington, D.C., ceremony as one of ten finalists for the 2017 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s premier recognition of high achievement and performance in America’s community colleges. PCC would go on to earn the distinction for six consecutive years.

2018

Fourth satellite campus serves Northwest Pasadena

When a block of classrooms becomes available at John Muir High School, the college establishes its fourth satellite campus, known as PCC Northwest. The site brings high-quality programs and services to a neighborhood that has traditionally felt left behind by educational opportunities in the city.

2018

Becoming a minority-serving institution

In the 2010s and early 2020s, the college emerged as a leader in its service to minorities. In 2018, PCC for the first time was ranked first in California in degrees or certificates awarded to Asian American students, Latine students, and minority students overall.

2020

Groundbreaking advances in science education

With backing from the National Science Foundation, California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, and the W.M. Keck Foundation, PCC's programs in nanotechnology and biotechnology are among the nation's leading resources for research and practice in cutting-edge science.

2021

Transforming two-year education

In June, PCC announced the receipt of a $30 million donation, the largest in its history and one of the largest ever to a community college. The landmark investment from author and philanthropist Mackenzie Scott continues to inspire faculty, staff, and students to explore new forms of student instruction and success. 

2021

New Sarafian Building takes shape

In the fall, a transformative campus facilities strategic plan gets a jump start with the construction of a new Sarafian Building on the east side of the Colorado campus. The facility will house natural sciences and health sciences.

2023

Moving to a sustainable future

Driven by an imperative to take proactive steps against climate change, the college launches a comprehensive series of sustainability investments, ranging from low-emission vehicles and equipment, building and facility improvements, and exploration of alternative energy sources.

AGZA Green Zone Certification Ceremony

2024

PCC's Centennial Kickoff

Pasadena City College celebrated 100 years of excellence! The milestone brought together students, alumni, staff, faculty, and the San Gabriel Valley community to honor a century of history and achievements.