Moorpark College
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Moorpark College | |
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| Established: | 1967 |
| Endowment: | $43,957,920[1] |
| President: | Dr. Eva Conrad |
| Students: | 14,360[1] |
| Location: | Moorpark, CA, USA |
| Colors: | Black and Columbia blue |
| Mascot: | Raiders |
| Athletics: | Western State |
| Website: | www.moorparkcollege.edu |
Moorpark College is a California-state funded community college located on a 134 acre (542,000 m²) property reclining on a hill in Moorpark, a town in Ventura County, California. It was established in 1967 and as of 2006, had an enrollment of 14,360 students and 175 full-time faculty members.[1]
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[edit] History
The Governing Board of the Ventura County Community College District established Moorpark College in 1967. In addition to the last already help by the District, Moorpark College expanded into a 134-acre parcel of land on Moorpark's eastern boundary, donated by a local ranching family, the Strathearns.[2]
In 1965, the citizens of Ventura County passed a bond for 8 million dollars to build the first part of the college. Construction of the administration, science, technology, gymnasium, and Maintenance buildings, and the Library and Campus Center. began in 1966.
Moorpark College official opened on September 11, 1967. The College's first president, Dr. John Collins, welcomed almost 1,400 students and 50 faculty members.
Dr. Robert Lombardi became the College's second president in 1971. Under his direction, enrollment doubled, and the college added emphasis on preparing students to transfer to four-year schools.[2]
Dr. Ray Hearon is thus far the longest-serving president, in office from 1974 to 1989. In 1980, the Moorpark College Foundation was formed to fund construction of an athletic stadium, amphitheater, and observatory. The 4,000 seat stadium, completed in 1985, was named after Paul Griffin Jr., a major benefactor. In 1987, the Charles Temple Observatory, the only public observatory in Ventura, and Carlsberg Amphitheater were dedicated at the college's 20th anniversary celebration.
The nearby Oxnard College solicited Moorpark's help in establishing a Camarillo Center,[3] located on California State University, Channel Islands' campus.[4]
In 2000, a high school for juniors and seniors opened on the college campus, called High School at Moorpark College (separate from Moorpark High School). The first class to graduate in 2001 numbered 25.
In 2004 and 2005, various bond projects were completed, such as a parking lot renovation and all-weather track.
Moorpark College currently ranks second in the state based on number of transfers to the University of California and California State University systems.[2]
[edit] Trivia
- The college is the only one in the US that has an Exotic Animal Training and Management (EATM) Program with an on-site zoo that is open to the public.
- Moorpark College's campus newspaper (The Student Voice) covers information for both Oxnard College and Ventura College. http://www.studentvoiceonline.com/
[edit] Notable alumni
- April Bowlby (of the CBS television show Two and a Half Men)
- Brandon Boyd (Incubus)
- Gabe Kapler (major league baseball player)
- Jose Pasillas (Incubus)
- Nolan Farkas
- Teshia Freeman
- Marie Michel
[edit] References
- ^ a b c Moorpark College Fast Facts (PDF). Official site (2007). Retrieved on 2007-05-17.
- ^ a b c History - Moorpark College. Official site (2007). Retrieved on 2007-05-17.
- ^ Oxnard College History. Oxnard College, Official site (2006). Retrieved on 2007-05-17.
- ^ Welcome to Camarillo Satellite. State of California, Official site (2004). Retrieved on 2007-05-17.
