Orange Coast College opened in 1947 to serve a growing population, but by 1961, the growth was so rapid, it was apparent that a second community college campus was needed.

A year later, the board of trustees of the Orange Coast College District -– now known as the Coast Community College District—bought 122 acres of farm land in Huntington Beach from Wilford B. Lewis, owner of Golden West Farms.The price: $1.8 million.

Architect William L. Pereira, who designed much of the University of California, Irvine (UCI) campus, was hired to design the new college, with change and growth factored into the design.

The first day of instruction at the new Golden West College was Sept. 12, 1966.

Just prior to opening, the college laid a cornerstone at the base of the flagpole near the admissions building.A number of items of historic interest were placed within the cornerstone in a metal time capsule, scheduled to open in 50 years. Members of the Masonic Lodge built and installed the cornerstone and conducted the ceremony.

Twenty-five years later, a marker with a second time capsule, was installed as a tribute to Judith Valles, president of Golden West from 1988-1993.The time capsule was also scheduled to open at the college’s 50 th anniversary.

That day has come. Exactly 50 years after GWC’s opening day, the college will celebrate its Golden Anniversary on Monday, Sept. 12, 2016.

The community is invited to attend a ceremony in front of the cornerstone, where both time capsules will be opened. Members of Masonic Lodge No. 380 of Huntington Beach will open the capsules.

After the ceremony, everyone attending will be invited to participate in an aerial photo in the central quad, while standing in the shape of a 50.A reception in the President’s courtyard will follow.

Right: Golden West College founding President R. Dudley Boyce, left, stands on the 50-yard line of the school’s football field – then a thriving cauliflower field – to sign a contract with a Grossmont College official for the opening game.

Left: The plaque is ready to be installed on the cornerstone to seal in a time capsule, scheduled to be opened at the 50th anniversary of the college.

Below: President R. Dudley Boyce addresses the students on the first day of school. The 25-year marker and time capsule are seen alongside a photo of the 1966 cornerstone and time capsule.