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What do a Ferris wheel, the Grateful Dead and a student named Oliver Pittenger have in common?
They are all part of the story of Southwestern College.
As we celebrate our 65th anniversary this year, I have found myself thinking about the many chapters of our history and the people who have filled them. Some are milestones we proudly record. Others are the little stories that remind you that a college is much more than buildings, classrooms and degrees.
Southwestern College opened its doors in 1961 as Southwestern Junior College, with William Kepley serving as our first president. Within the first 30 minutes, 15 students had enrolled. The first was Oliver Pittenger, a student from Chula Vista High School.
Sixty-five years later, we have grown considerably. But that same sense of possibility is still at the heart of Southwestern College.
Our anniversary theme, “Celebrating 65 Years: Transforming Lives and Communities,” captures what this District has meant to South County. For generations, Southwestern College has helped students earn degrees and certificates, transfer to universities, launch careers and businesses, and return to our communities as educators, health care professionals, entrepreneurs, public servants and leaders.
And along the way, some pretty remarkable things have happened here.
In 1966, Southwestern College launched its Nursing program, beginning a tradition of preparing students for careers that directly serve the health of our region. The tradition continues with a program that has earned national recognition. College Factual currently ranks Southwestern No. 6 in the nation among schools for nursing and nursing assistants.
Our original Planetarium opened in 1967 with a 30-foot dome. This year, a newly designed Planetarium reopened continues that tradition with a 35-foot dome and seating for 72 guests, along with state of the art projection, and lighting and sound technology.
Music has its own chapter in our story. Southwestern College Professor Jeff Nevin helped establish what has been described as the world’s first college degree in mariachi music. This program has helped elevate mariachi education while celebrating a musical tradition deeply connected to our region.
Devore Stadium has seen its share of history. The first public event held at the stadium was a Fourth of July fireworks show in 1971, sponsored by the local firefighters association. Over the years, the stadium has also hosted concerts featuring artists ranging from the Grateful Dead and Lenny Kravitz to Sting, Kings of Leon and Siouxsie and the Banshees.
Our campus has welcomed an equally impressive list of guests. Maya Angelou, Angela Davis, Danny Trejo, Apl.De.Ap, Gregory Nava and other renowned authors, activists, musicians and actors have taken to the stage to share their wisdom and stories with our students and community.
In 2025, the Southwestern College Sun received a Gold Crown Award from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, recognizing it as one of the best collegiate newspapers in North America.
These are fun facts, but they also tell a bigger story. Southwestern College has never been isolated from the community around it. We have been part of it. We have grown alongside South County, responded to its changing needs and helped generations of residents imagine what might come next.
So, what better way to celebrate 65 years than with a party?
On Saturday, Nov. 7, we will host the Jaguar Spectacular at our Chula Vista campus from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is free and open to everyone.
There will be student performances, carnival games, giant inflatables, a Ferris wheel, train rides, circus performers, a small-animal petting zoo, Planetarium shows and plenty of treats. Our SWC Programs Expo will also open to give visitors a glimpse into the many opportunities available at Southwestern College, with faculty and students offering hands-on experiences. Admission, entertainment and program showcases are free. Jaguar Bucks will be available for purchase for rides, games, food and select activities.
I hope the Jaguar Spectacular feels like Southwestern College at its best: welcoming, energetic, curious and connected to the community.
Happy birthday, Southwestern College. I hope you will join us for the celebration!
Dr. Mark Sanchez is Superintendent/President of Southwestern College.
