College at Top of Its Form: Orange Coast Marks 50 Years

As Orange Coast College turns 50 this year, the campus community isn’t shy about tooting its own horn.

What started as a small college built on a former Army air base in 1948 has since served more than 1 million students and has earned such a reputation that administrators from other two-year schools turn to Orange Coast’s staff for advice, President Margaret A. Gratton said.

The golden anniversary celebration, she said, will be “a commemoration of all the people who came before and who are here now who have contributed to the excellence of Orange Coast College.”

Orange Coast is ranked first among Southern California’s community colleges in transferring students to the University of California and Cal State systems, said Jim Carnett, director of marketing and community relations.

And a large portion of its students come from outside the Coast Community College District, he said. “We pull about 40% of students out of our district boundaries.”

Karen Shanley, professor of dance for 22 years, cites her department as an example of how the administration’s dedication has paid off.

What began as a minor recreational dance program had developed over the years into a top-notch training ground for professional dancers, she said.

“We are able to be teachers, performers and consummate artists,” said Shanley, who was recently named Dance Instructor of the Year by the California Community College Organization of Physical Educators.

“The school in general is very enthusiastic about success and going forward,” she said.

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Another big draw for students beyond the district is the School of Allied Health Professions, which recently established the first accredited program in the nation for the diagnosis of sleep disorders.

“One of keys to keeping a good reputation and to keeping our students employable is meeting regularly with local industry representatives,” said Kevin Ballinger, a 1978 OCC graduate who now serves as dean of the Consumer and Health Science Division.

Students have another take on the school’s success. Sharon Donoff, vice president of student services, gives credit to the campus climate. “People who come on campus say there is something different here,” Donoff said. “It’s welcoming.”

Tony Kim, a student from Fountain Valley, says Orange Coast has a good mix of study and fun.

“The environment is kick-back,” Kim said, “But it’s intellectually challenging too.”

Kim, who hopes to transfer eventually to UCLA and study sociology, said he chose Orange Coast in part because of its high rate of student transfers to the state universities.

As part of an ongoing anniversary celebration, culinary students will create a giant birthday cake for the campus Sept. 17.

The college also will host a reunion brunch Sept. 20 for all current and former student government leaders.