This guest article appeared in the VC Star on October 25, 2025.
This year, we proudly celebrate Oxnard College’s 50th anniversary — a milestone rooted in the vision and determination of the community we serve.
We first opened our doors in 1975, answering the call of working-class and immigrant families who stood up and spoke out. They demanded a college that would equitably serve their children and neighbors, a college rooted in excellence and opportunity. Many doubted it could happen. Some opposed it outright. Then our Board of Trustees, answering the community’s call, voted to make it a reality.
Since that vote, we’ve come to be known as “The College with a Heart.” This mantra reminds us that compassion and community are at the center of everything we do.
As the third college added to the Ventura County Community College District all those years ago, we’ve stayed true to our founding purpose: serving those who are too often left out of traditional higher education. We are a proud Hispanic-Serving Institution, deeply connected to Ventura County’s Latino community and underserved families. A half century later, we’re still growing, still guiding students forward.
This anniversary year has been one of celebration and progress on our campus. One of the most powerful highlights was the unveiling of a new mural on our campus, created by alumna Elisa Torres and a team of our art students. It tells the story of who we are: our origins, our students, our future. It’s more than a piece of art — it’s a bold expression of our identity and pride.
We’ve also launched our first-ever bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene — one of over 40 four-year degree programs now being offered at California community colleges. This new offering meets a critical workforce need while providing students with an affordable path to a four-year degree and a meaningful career.
We’re also expanding hands-on learning opportunities. This year, we are partnering with the Laborers’ International Union (LiUNA) to provide trades training right here on campus. Additionally, our Logistics program — developed with the U.S. Navy and the Port of Hueneme — prepares students for careers in global supply chains. We’re also helping our residents achieve their goals through expanded ESL and Dual Enrollment offerings, opening new doors for local high schoolers and adult learners alike.
The results are real. Washington Monthly recently ranked Oxnard College 9th in the nation among two-year Hispanic-Serving Institutions for our work advancing social mobility, equity and student opportunity. We were also named among the top 10 community colleges in California by College Futures for return on investment, with most graduates earning back their out-of-pocket expenses within just six months of graduating.
Behind every statistic is a story: a first-generation student transferring to a university, a parent earning a certificate while supporting a family, or a graduate stepping into a career that sustains their household and strengthens our local economy.
In city halls, classrooms, offices and medical facilities across Ventura County, our alumni are making an impact. They’re firefighters protecting neighborhoods, entrepreneurs driving economic growth, healthcare professionals safeguarding public health, educators and counselors guiding the next generation and elected officials representing our communities. Some are even public servants giving back right here at Oxnard College. Since first opening our doors in 1975, well over 40,000 degrees and certificates have been awarded to graduates. Their stories may have started here at Oxnard College, but their impact has been felt far beyond our campus.
As we look ahead to the next fifty years, we do so with purpose and resolve. We will expand pathways that align with our region’s workforce. We’ll invest in support services — from mental health to basic needs — to help every student thrive, and we’ll continue breaking down barriers so that more students can access opportunity and achieve their goals.
Fifty years ago, our residents believed that this community deserved a college that reflected its spirit and promise. We’re proud to carry that vision forward every day.
To those of you who have supported us over the past half century — our students, alumni, faculty, staff, trustees and community partners — thank you. You are the heart of Oxnard College and because of you, our future is bright.
Here’s to the next 50 years of excellence at Oxnard College; grounded in service, guided by equity and true to our mission as the college with a heart.