Orange Coast College: A Legacy of Excellence and Notable Alumni
Orange Coast College (OCC), a cornerstone of higher education in Costa Mesa, California, has been shaping lives and contributing to the community since its establishment. Founded on January 27, 1947, with Dr. Basil H. Peterson as its first president, OCC has grown from its humble beginnings in the Santa Ana Army Air Base to a vibrant campus serving approximately 24,000 undergraduate students. Throughout its history, OCC has remained committed to providing accessible, high-quality education, fostering innovation, and empowering students to achieve their academic and professional goals.
A Foundation for Success
OCC's journey began with a modest operating budget of $264,253, approved by the College’s newly authorized District board of trustees. The College was awarded 243 acres of the Santa Ana Army Air Base, and Newport Harbor Union High School’s night program became OCC’s first active classes. Classes officially began in September, marking the start of OCC's commitment to accessible education.
Over the years, OCC has expanded its academic offerings and campus facilities to meet the evolving needs of its students and the community. The College offered its first health occupation program - Nursing. OCC began an “X-Ray” technician program and was the first junior college to offer this training in the nation. In June 1956 OCC graduated its first class; this is the longest continuing health occupation training program at the college. OCC's Clocktower was installed on campus, as a landmark for the College’s first Library. The Forum was built, making it the first large lecture hall classroom on campus. The new gymnasium is officially dedicated and named for OCC President Dr. Basil H.
Architectural Evolution and Campus Landmarks
The architectural landscape of OCC has evolved significantly over the decades, reflecting the College's commitment to innovation and progress. In the early 1950s, renowned architect Richard Neutra was brought in to redesign the campus, adding several modernist structures, including the minimalist Campus Theater and two large lecture halls. These buildings were laid out on a 45-degree angle to the city street grid, similar to The Parkinsons' layout of USC. More Neutra-designed structures on campus were completed, including the Science Building and Planetarium. OCC’s campus consisted of 13 new structures, including an agriculture building and library.
In recent years, OCC has continued to invest in its campus facilities, with the opening of the Art Center, the Frank M. Doyle Arts Pavilion, the ABC Complex, the Mathematics, Business and Computing Center, the College Center building, the Professional Mariner Training Center, the Student Union, the Kinesiology and Athletics complex, and the Literature and Languages/Social Behavioral Sciences (LLSS) building.
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A Hub for Innovation and Unique Programs
OCC has consistently been at the forefront of innovation in education, offering unique programs and initiatives that set it apart from other community colleges. OCC hosts its first summer school session. The College is forced to begin charging admittance to drama performances after more than 5,000 people turn out for the presentation of “Finian’s Rainbow” with a seating availability of only 1,200. The District acquires a license to operate the PBS television station KOCE-TV, enabling televised course offerings. OCC’s Children’s Center opens with fanfare and clowns. OCC’s Student Health Center opens its doors, the largest community college health center in California at the time.
Other innovative programs include:
- Sailing and Seamanship: OCC's Sailing Center in Newport Beach erects a prefab steel building to house the College’s rowing program. The Sailing Center adds a bulkhead, docks, and single cement building to its oceanfront facilities in Newport Beach. A small island off the coast of British Columbia named “Rabbit Island” is donated to OCC. The Barto family donates a $2 million 92-foot yacht to OCC’s Sailing Center, named the Nordic Star. OCC renames its recently opened mariner training center in Newport Beach, dubbing it the W. Bradley Avery Professional Mariner Training Center.
- Planetarium: OCC officially opens the doors to its long-awaited Planetarium, with a grand opening ceremony that brings out hundreds of employees, donors, local officials, project collaborators and community partners. Orange Coast College's Planetarium introduces a new monthly lecture series that is open to the public, featuring guests discussing popular topics in astronomy and space science. Orange Coast College begins construction on a telescope farm that will be located adjacent to the OCC Planetarium.
- Promise Program: OCC launches a College Promise program called "Pirates Promise" that offers all students free tuition for one year.
- Partnerships: Orange Coast College partners with Kaiser Permanente and Abound Food Care for a volunteer event aimed at addressing food insecurity in the community. Orange Coast College partners with Mentor Collective to offer students a career mentor to help them set and achieve goals, make connections, and prepare for their future career.
Athletics and Extracurricular Activities
Orange Coast College sponsors 25 sports programs. The 12 men's sports programs are baseball, basketball, crew, cross country, football, golf, soccer, swimming, tennis, track and field, volleyball and water polo. OCC’s Sailing Club defeats UC Berkeley. A rifle range is built for the College’s Rifle Club, behind the Agriculture Building in old Santa Ana Army Air Base barracks. OCC’s football stadium opens. OCC’s competitive surf team is formed, and captures the state surfing championship in its first year. The Men’s Basketball team wins the State Championship, and the College’s Speech team wins their first national title by a record-breaking 45 points. Pirates defeat Harvard and Yale JV eights for the first time at the San Diego Crew Classic. For the second year in a row and third time in four years, the Orange Coast College women's swim team captures the state crown at the California Community College Athletic Association State Swimming and Diving Championships.
Other campus activities include:
- Campus radio begins broadcasting.
- OCC’s student newspaper “The Barnacle”.
- The College hosts its first Science Night, which invites youngsters from neighboring schools to a night of displays and demonstrations by OCC science faculty and students.
Notable Alumni: A Testament to OCC's Impact
Orange Coast College has a long and distinguished history of producing successful graduates who have made significant contributions to their respective fields. These notable alumni serve as a testament to the transformative power of an OCC education and the College's commitment to fostering excellence.
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While a comprehensive list of all notable alumni is extensive, here are a few examples of individuals who have achieved remarkable success after attending Orange Coast College:
- Alexandra Coultrup: Orange Coast College alumni Alexandra Coultrup joins a crew of six at the Mars Desert Research Station in Utah for a two-week simulation of a mission to the Red Planet.
- Trinh “Isabelle” Phan: Army reservist Trinh “Isabelle” Phan is among the 100 high-achieving community college students selected to receive the prestigious Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship.
- B. J. Matthew Harper: American politician.
- Audrina Patridge: Television personality.
- Patrick Warburton: Actor.
- Scott Weiland: Musician.
- Tiki Ghosn: UFC fighter.
- Casey Jennings: Volleyball player.
- Francisco Rivera: UFC fighter.
- Steve Strouse: Soccer player.
- Tim Timmons: Baseball player.
- John Vallely: Basketball player.
- Greg Willard: NBA referee.
- Ronnie Ray Smith: Olympic gold medalist in track and field.
These alumni, along with countless others, exemplify the diverse range of talents and accomplishments that have been nurtured at Orange Coast College. Their stories serve as an inspiration to current and future students, demonstrating the boundless possibilities that an OCC education can unlock.
The School of Photography: A Legacy of Artistic Excellence
Orange Coast College's School of Photography stands as a beacon of artistic excellence, nurturing talented photographers who have gone on to achieve remarkable success in the field. The program's comprehensive curriculum, dedicated faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities provide students with a solid foundation in both the technical and artistic aspects of photography.
The impact of the OCC School of Photography is evident in the numerous alumni who have made their mark on the world of photography. These individuals credit the program with providing them with the skills, knowledge, and inspiration to pursue their passion and achieve their professional goals.
Here are some insights from OCC School of Photography alumni:
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- "I can honestly say going through OCC’s awesome program was the best and most helpful thing I ever did. I started there eager to learn everything I could and that’s what I did. I was awarded a scholarship, won "best in show" in the first student juried show and got the pleasure of working as a lab aid for 2 years. Every professor there is amazing and I learned so much from each of them. I’ve gone on to own a very successful, nation wide wedding photography business, still shooting my own stuff on the side when I have time."
- "OCC School of Photography became my path and has been the most amazing experience made possible by the very best teachers! Jonathan Fletcher, Agatha Ibranossian, Leslie McCall, Walter Urie, John Hesketh, Richard Kraft, Damian Tsutsumida, Torii Ott, Eve Luckring and Irini Rickerson! All ably led by Blade Gillissen. I never worked so hard with such gratification! Graduated with honors and am now working in fine art and shooting corporate portraits and events all over the world!"
- "I learned more than the basics in photography. I learned to follow my own voice and it says a lot about the teaching at OCC. Every experience was tough but valuable. I stayed on and on taking all the extra classes I could take as a way to stay connected and to grow until you had to kick me out:-) I am now a photographer and book artist and independent curator selling my work to private collectors and public institutions in the USA and Europe. I wouldn’t have made it without you all at OCC."
- "Rangefinder FeatureOrange Coast School of Photography is amazing! OCC provides a state of the art facility and really good instructors that actually care about what they’re doing. I learned technical skills, conceptual understanding and the history of photography. I met great people and made some lasting friendships. All it took was one class in photography at OCC…"
- "The old community darkroom with all the various old Omega D enlargers and the large trays of chemicals. Instructors that I took classes with included John Sanford, Arthur Taussig, Ken Slosberg, John Upton, Tina Lent (photo history), Victor Landweber, and the late A. Michael Degtjarewsky. Mr. Degtjarewsky in my opinion was the best instructor I ever had from a commercial photography point of view."
- "OCC provided me with a good foundation for what has become a life long passion with photography. After OCC I transferred to CSULB where I obtained my BA and later my MA in photography and film production. Today most everything in photography is digital, but I still manage to expose about 75 rolls of film a year. I have always loved working in the darkroom, and while I don't do it today as much as in the past I still enjoy watching the image emerge out of nothing under the red light."
- "I found my artistic photographic path there through the classes and the talented people that taught them. Millroy and McAleer taught me to see light. John Hesketh taught me how to use light in a way I never would have imagined. Go RGB! Along the way I have made some great friends. Thanks to everyone."
- "Rick Steadry had a profound impact on me and I continue to learn from him even today. I am adjunct faculty in the department now and I am having the time of my life. (I never thought I would say that, but its true). All of this computer stuff can be distracting!"
- "Not only did I learn from some of the best instructors on the planet, but they are sweetest, most down-to-earth human beings I have ever met. I am currently contributing to five different music/art/culture publications, and I am Staff Photographer at an Entertainment Agency based in Los Angeles, CA. I must say, I would never be where I am today, without my OCC Photo team. Rick Steadry, Leslie McCall, Chauncey Bayes, Kathleen McLaughlin, Damian Tsutsumida, you all helped pave the way for me as a photographer, business woman, colleague & over-all human being, and for that you all have my heart!"
These testimonials highlight the transformative impact of the OCC School of Photography, emphasizing the importance of dedicated faculty, a supportive learning environment, and a curriculum that fosters both technical skills and artistic expression.
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing the Future
Like any institution, Orange Coast College has faced its share of challenges throughout its history. Bob Dylan cancels a concert on campus due to a motorcycle accident. A fire destroys the original Santa Ana Army Air Base chapel adopted by OCC. The College is listed as one of “103 Great Colleges to Work For” in the fifth annual survey conducted by The Chronicle of Higher Education, due in large part to the employee health and wellness programs coordinated by the District Wellness Committee. After 30-plus years, OCC bids farewell to its flagship, the Alaska Eagle. OCC suffers an enormous loss, with the passing of Head Baseball Coach of 27 years, John Altobelli, who perished alongside his wife and daughter in a helicopter crash. In response to a shortage of ventilators caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, OCC loans Saddleback Memorial three of its newest ventilators typically used for instruction. In an effort to create a healthy campus environment for all who visit, Orange Coast College announces that it is transitioning to a 100 percent smoke- and tobacco-free campus.
Despite these challenges, OCC has consistently demonstrated its resilience and adaptability, emerging stronger and more committed to its mission. The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) reaffirms Orange Coast College's accreditation for seven years. The Orange Coast College Recycling Center takes sustainability initiatives to a new level by becoming the first facility in the world to achieve LEED Gold certification, Sustainable SITES Initiative (SITES) v2 certification in California, and TRUE Zero Waste certification.
As OCC looks to the future, it remains focused on providing its students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world. With its rich history, commitment to innovation, and dedication to student success, Orange Coast College is poised to continue its legacy of excellence for generations to come.
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