Butte College history

The college first opened its doors in 1968 at the site that used to be Durham High School.

In 1969, planning and development of the permanent campus was approved with enrollment not expected to exceed 5,000 students.

On March 29, 1972, a community groundbreaking celebration was held at the permanent campus site.

On September 7, 1974, the dedication and cornerstone ceremony of the permanent campus was attended by at least 1,000 individuals in 106 degree heat.

The women’s field hockey team won its first state championship just four years later in 1978.

In September 1980, the John B. Cowan Sports Complex was dedicated to founding Trustee John Cowan for his continued support of the college’s athletic programs.

The Frederick S. Montgomery Library was named for founding Trustee Fred Montgomery at his final Board meeting in November 1983.

The Everett Brott Student Center, currently called the Campus Center, was dedicated to former Trustee Everett Brott in September 1989.

Plans outlined for new Allied Health and public Services Building - $20 million building funding from the 1998 state Proposition 1A. Building includes computer labs, fire science lab, hospital and home care simulators, mock courtroom, police training equipment, driving simulators, and classrooms.

On December 12th, the ground breaking ceremony will be held for the building of a much needed new Fine Arts center. It will be funded by a voter approved bond in 2006, Proposition 1D.

In fall 2007, the library, completed renovations and opened its doors to a growing tech-savy student population.

A dedicated coffee house, Wired! Cafe, opened its doors on the second floor of the Campus Center in January of 2008.