Board of Trustees

South Orange County Community College District
A Historical Perspective

The South Orange County Community College District was founded on Valentine's Day, February 14, 1967. Photographs taken over the years will be added to this history section of our web site, which is in progress. Students, faculty, staff and board members are invited to submit photos, information and reminiscences.	Voters approved by more than a two-to one-margin the formation of the 67th community college district in the state and the fourth in Orange County.
With the formation of the district, residents voted as their charter board: Alyn M. Brannon and Hans W. Vogel of Tustin; Louis J. Zitnick of Laguna Beach; Patrick J. Backus of Dana Point; and Michael T. Collins of Laguna Niguel.
In the planning stages, the district was referred to as the South Coast Junior College District.  At its March 13, 1967 meeting, the board named the new district Saddleback Junior College District.	Saddleback College was officially named by action of the board on February 26, 1968. In June of that year, the board approved the Gaucho as mascot and school colors as cardinal and gold. The College welcomed its first students on September 23, 1968 at an interim site at 26522 Crown Valley Parkway in Mission Viejo.
On October 15, 1968, President Ronald Reagan, then Governor of California, assisted in the dedication of Saddleback College at a ceremony drawing more than 1,000 community members.	"We are here to dedicate something more than just another college; we are here to dedicate an institution of opportunity and fulfillment," said Governor Reagan.
In 1970, the new 200 acre permanent site for Saddleback College was dedicated at 28000 Marguerite Parkway.  The District's name was changed to Saddleback Community College District.	In 1971, Saddleback College received accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. In 1972 the Board of Trustee's membership increased from five to seven members.
In 1973, the James B. Utt Memorial Library was dedicated in honor of Orange County's late U.S. Congressman Utt.