Fullerton College, founded in 1913, is more than just California’s oldest community college—it’s a living legacy of transformation, innovation, and resilience. From orange groves to global engagement, here are ten pivotal moments that helped shape this remarkable institution:
1. Founding in 1913: California’s Bold New Experiment
Fullerton Junior College began as an extension of Fullerton Union High School, becoming one of California’s first junior colleges. Visionary leadership saw a need to prepare local students for both academic and vocational futures—a mission that still drives the college today.
2. The Great Depression & WPA Construction
During the 1930s, Fullerton College expanded its campus with support from the Work Projects Administration (WPA), resulting in the iconic Spanish-style buildings that remain a cornerstone of campus identity.
3. Women’s Suffrage Movement & Early Activism
In 1911, California women won the right to vote—thanks in part to activists in Orange County. Fullerton College aligned with these early movements, later becoming a home for civic engagement and social justice initiatives that continue today.
4. WWII & The G.I. Bill Transformation
The college’s role shifted dramatically during and after World War II. With the introduction of the G.I. Bill in 1944, returning veterans flooded the campus, transforming the college into a launching pad for a new American middle class.
5. Japanese American Internment and Honorary Degrees
During WWII, Japanese American students were forced out of school due to Executive Order 9066. In 2010, Fullerton College awarded honorary degrees to students like Stella Asawa Yano and Mitsuko Funakoshi, recognizing their interrupted educational journeys and resilience.
6. The Rise of the Student Press
The Torch and Hornet newspapers have served as platforms for student voice since the 1920s. Under visionary advisors like Richard Borst, Larry Taylor, and Jay Seidel, the campus press evolved into an award-winning and socially engaged institution of its own.
7. The 1938 Flood & Natural Disasters
Five days of heavy rain devastated Orange County, including Fullerton. Students and faculty supported each other through crisis—a theme that has continued through earthquakes, fires, and pandemics.
8. Civil Rights & Campus Cultural Shifts
From anti-war protests in the Vietnam era to modern-day diversity festivals like Worldfest, Fullerton College has always reflected—and responded to—the evolving cultural landscape of Southern California.
9. The Centennial Celebration & Campus Transformation
In 2013, Fullerton College celebrated 100 years with fanfare, reflection, and a wave of new infrastructure projects—from state-of-the-art STEM buildings to performing arts facilities. These developments blended modern needs with historic charm.
10. Once a Hornet, Always a Hornet
Coach Hal Sherbeck’s famous phrase from 1965 became more than a motto—it became a unifying belief for students, alumni, and staff. The enduring spirit of the “Hornet Family” is woven throughout every classroom, hallway, and memory made on campus.
Don’t Miss Your Chance to Own This Legacy
These stories—and so many more—come to life in Legends and Legacies: Over 100 Years of Fullerton College, a beautifully designed 156-page hardcover book that honors the triumphs, trials, and transformative people who made this institution what it is today.
As of March 31, 2025, only 30 copies remain.
Own a piece of history—and support future Hornets—with every purchase.
🛒 Get your copy before they’re gone forever.
All proceeds support student scholarships and educational field trips.
Order now at FullertonLegends.com