Sonoma State Launches Yearlong 50th Anniversary Celebration

Sonoma State University kicked off its yearlong 50th anniversary celebration today with an aerial photo shoot in more than 500 students, faculty and staff formed a "50" on the Rohnert Park campus' Commencement Lawn.

"Proud of our Past. Focused on Our Future," is the theme of the many events planned for this golden anniversary to highlight the university's significant achievements and explore the challenges ahead, according to a news release.

When the university was created as Sonoma State College in 1961, there were 274 students who came from the Santa Rosa Center, an extension of San Francisco State College. Classes were held in leased buildings at 265 College View Drive in Rohnert Park.

Bachelor of arts degrees were offered in elementary education and counseling. The first freshmen students arrived in the 1962-1963 school year.

A 50th anniversary celebration day planned for Oct. 29 will include library tours, wine and cheese tasting, concerts and art and science exhibits.

A note from Sonoma State's News Center:

Once serving as a humble commuter college whose 1970s moniker was Granola U, SSU has matured into a comprehensive university that offers vigorous academic opportunities in liberal arts and the sciences as well as a broad-based professional program curriculum.

"Five decades of accomplishments has transformed SSU into one of the most requested campuses in the California State University system," says SSU President Ruben Armiñana. "Despite the challenges ahead, we are well positioned to continue our mission to educate students to have fulfilling careers in a changing world."

Commemorating the 50th anniversary, Sonoma State University has produced a first-ever history book, highlighting memories of more than 60 of the University's pioneering faculty, staff and community members. Some of the early years described were indicative of the times.

Dr. John Palmer, Dean of Students in 1967-1972, wrote:

"Many in the greater community felt SSU was infested with 'hippie students' and 'radical professors' and there were no restraints by the administration. Many members ...expected the president to 'control' the behavior of some students who wore no shoes and little clothing."

Founded on a seed farm in Rohnert Park, the 269-acre campus has adapted quickly through the years to become the intellectual and cultural hub of the region and a diverse seat of learning for 21st century students of all ages.

In 1961, Sonoma State College's first graduating class numbered 261; today some 2,000 students joyfully accept their diplomas each May.

Its many alliances and partnerships with businesses like Agilent, Medtronic and local school districts have allowed the campus to deepen its impact on the North Bay.

A 2010 study by the California State University system showed that SSU had an overall local economic impact of $330 million and generates more than $19 million in local tax revenue. The University's various disciplines, particularly accounting, nursing, education, engineering, science and wine business -- feed employees into important sectors of the local economy. 70 percent of the students who graduate with a master's degree in engineering science take jobs in the North Bay's technology industry.

Within the CSU family, Sonoma State originated as a small liberal arts campus with close student-faculty relationships. Over time, the campus has recruited an increasingly traditional-age student body drawn from across the state.

This new student population has driven its transition from a commuter campus to one with a strong residential character. The largest freshman class of 1,800 was admitted this fall and almost 40% of the entire student population now lives on campus.

The transformation has also come in the form of renovations of the Darwin and Salazar halls, the building of the unique Jean and Charles Schulz Information Center and the sustainability-driven Student Recreation Center.

On the horizon is the opening of the $110 million Green Music Center that will lead the campus to a world-class reputation for performing arts and musical education.

Not far behind is the building of a new Student Center that will bring together important services for students. Ground breaking is planned for Oct. 10, 2011.

"We will continue to impact the community and future students in the next 50 years and beyond," says President Armiñana. "It is only a matter of commitment and imagination and we have plenty of that in supply."

Editor's note: Bay City News contributed to this report. More information about the anniversary celebration is available at
www.sonoma.edu/50th.