Vanguard University hit the ground growing

Virginia E. Lopez

Sept. 11, 1950 marked the continued growth of the Assemblies of God,

Southern California Bible College and the beginning for new education

opportunities for Orange County residents.

It was on that date, on land once a part of the Santa Ana Army

base, with military barracks for classes, the college became Orange

County’s first four year college.

Having outgrown their Pasadena campus of five acres, SCBC searched

and found the land, 128 acres, necessary to grow and to plan for the

future.

In the beginning most of the land was unused and planted in lima

beans.

But people welcomed the change to the open space and the school’s

President Irvine J. Harrison predicted that within eight to 10 years

the campus would be “a wonder to all.”

The college kept its mission going with very little changes in

their schedules or ministries after the move. Speakers, clubs, choirs

and athletics continued to strive.

Originally known as the Deacons, the athletic teams became known

as the Vanguards in 1957.

The social rules also continued. Men and women students sat on

different sides of the chapel, dating was regulated and students were

not allowed to announce engagements nor marry during the school year.

Today students mingle together at chapel and other events, walking

and sharing their everyday lives.

In 1959, after overcoming financial woes, building a chapel and

bringing in a new president, SCBC became Southern California College,

a liberal arts college.

This change allowed the school to continue its training of

missionaries, pastors and other Christian staff while educating those

students whose path did not lead them to the ministry.

SCC continued to grow both in enrollment and in facilities. A $7

million expansion program began with the construction of the science

building in 1960, gymnasium and student center in 1962, the library

in 1964 and a seven story men’s dormitory, the tallest building in

Costa Mesa at the time, was built in 1966. A new gym was moved onto

the campus but most of the buildings were designed by alumnus Joseph

Colombo.

1970 saw the building of the women’s dormitory and the conclusion

of a decade of construction.

As the college continued to grow in numbers, buildings and vision,

it eventually came time to rethink the naming and in 1999 SCC became

Vanguard University.

After more than 50 years in the community the University offers

undergraduate and graduate education to more than 1,800 students.