Back to Section Home

Celebrate Our 50th Anniversary Saturday, Sept. 16

50th Anniversary Logo

Celebrate Our 50th Anniversary Saturday, Sept. 16
“PROUD HISTORY… PROMISING FUTURE!”

For the last 50 years, Butte College has been helping students achieve their educational goals. To commemorate the College’s 50th Anniversary, the public is invited to attend a 50th Anniversary Community Celebration on Saturday, September 16 on the main campus, 3536 Butte Campus Drive in Oroville.

Butte College’s history dates back to 1966 when voters of Butte County created a local community college district to serve the educational and vocational needs of its citizens. In 1967, Butte College began by offering law enforcement, fire science, and vocational nursing classes in various locations throughout Butte County. The college officially opened its doors to the community in 1968 at the old Durham High School site, with over 1,900 people enrolled at the new college. In 1974, the college moved from Durham to its present location near the geographic center of Butte County, and in 1975, Glenn County joined the District.

Each year the college awards 1,400 degrees, 500 career and technical certificates, and transfers 1,000 students to four-year universities. The College offers over 180 career, transfer, and degree programs, from accounting to welding. Nearly 13,000 students attend each semester to meet their career and educational goals.

In its 50 years, Butte College has helped over 500,000 alumni achieve their goals including Ken Grossman, owner of Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, Aaron Rodgers, NFL quarterback, Mary Mooney, co-owner of Mooney Farms, Kory Honea, Butte County Sheriff, Mary Jane Hurtado, owner of Maisie Jane’s California Sunshine Products, Arnoldo Avalos, entrepreneur, Nate Parks, co-owner of ProPacific Fresh, and John McAmis, J.E. McAmis.

Butte College plays a vital role in the health of the North State economy, with an annual operating budget of $158.6 million, and ranks as one of the top five employers in Butte and Glenn Counties with 2,069 employees. Today, the main campus is a designated wildlife refuge on 928 acres, which makes it one of the largest community college campuses in California. The college offers free bus transportation to its students, and operates one of the largest fleets for any community college in the state.

The future of Butte College, and the future for students, is bright. Thanks to voters in Butte and Glenn counties, Butte College will receive $190 million for upgrades, repairs, and new facilities over the next 15 years. The repairs allow the college to build for the future with the vision of providing the highest quality education for all students.

50th Anniversary Celebration Itinerary — Saturday, September 16, 2017
The day includes:

  • 5k Roadrunner Dash at 8 a.m. Still time to register for the 5k

  • Butte County Sheriff’s Pancake Breakfast served until 11 a.m. – tickets are $3

  • Campus tours

  • Open house

  • Demonstrations

  • Booths – learn how to get started at Butte College

  • Live music

  • Kids activities – slide, bounce house

  • Giveaways

  • Barbecue until 2 p.m. – $3 each

  • Dash the Butte College mascot will be on hand

  • Homecoming football game at 1 p.m. Roadrunners will be playing Chabot College.

Free busing will be offered every hour from the Chico Center (2321 Forest Avenue), Oroville Transit Center (Mitchell & Spencer), and Paradise Alliance Church (6491 Clark Road), starting at 9 a.m. until immediately following the football game. For more information, visit 9ma4q.whbimu.com/50 or call 530-895-2324.

Butte College | 3536 Butte Campus Drive, Oroville CA 95965 | General Information (530) 895-2511

Back to Top