California State University-Dominguez Hills history

Its early years were spent in planning and development, mostly spearheaded by the college’s president, Leo F. Cain, who was hired to develop the school in January 1962.

In 1964, architect A. Quincy Jones designed a master plan for construction.

During this time, the college was renamed California State College, Palos Verdes, which held its first classes for about 40-50 students in the California Federal Bank branch office at Peninsula Center in Rolling Hills Estates starting in the fall of 1965.

The purchase of 356 acres bounded by Victoria Street, Avalon Boulevard and Central Avenue for its construction at a total cost of $10.15 million was not finalized until December 30, 1966.In the meantime, the school’s enrollment had increased, outgrowing the temporary quarters at Cal Fed.

5/1/67: First GraduatesThe college held its first commencement on the Watt campus with four graduates in spring 1967.

10/1/68: Permanent Campus OpensThe opening of the permanent campus occurred in October 1968, with a complex of buildings referred to as the Small College Complex.

Parts of The Watt Campus were converted into condominiums after the permanent campus was built, but it also continued to be used for some classes until it was demolished to make way for residential development in 1972.

The first phase of permanent buildings would not open until 1973, so a temporary location was needed.

In 1977 the California Postsecondary Education Commission endorsed the college trustees' desire to change the name of the school from California State College, Dominguez Hills to California State University, Dominguez Hills.

In 1978, phase two of the school’s development was completed with the opening of the theater, health center, humanities building and gymnasium.

CSUDH was selected as the host venue for 1984 Los Angeles Summer Olympics cycling competition.

2/1/85: Astronaut Sally Ride Speaks on CampusIn the winter 1985 quarter, Sally Ride, the first female astronaut, speaks on campus.

12/1/91: Women's Soccer Claims First-Ever NCAA ChampionshipThe 1991 Women's soccer team claims the university's first-ever NCAA championship.

In 1992, the university opened the Donald P. and Katherine B. Loker Student Union.

8/1/98: James Lyons Named PresidentIn March 1999, Doctor James E. Lyons, Sr. is appointed permanent president of CSUDH.

10/13/02: James L. Welch Hall OpensWelch Hall is opened in 2002.

For more extensive photos from the Watt Campus era, go to the California State University, Dominguez Hills digital photo collection: http://archives.csudh.edu:2006/index.php.

A major expansion was completed in 2007, adding the 800-seat Dominguez Ballroom.

Ray Watt died in July 2009 at the age of 90, but is still remembered for his contribution to the formation of CSUDH.

The Campus History Series: California State University, Dominguez Hills, by Gregory L. Williams, Arcadia Publishing, 2010.

7/27/12: Alumna Carmelita Jeter Wins Gold, Silver, and Bronze at the 2012 Olympic GamesCSUDH Alumna Carmelita Jeter takes home three medals—bronze, silver and gold—at the 2012 London Summer Olympics.

In 2021, CSUDH opened three major new on-campus buildings, designed to expand the campus’ academic capabilities and help transform the campus from a commuter school to a destination institution.