Foothill College history

A search for a new superintendent attracted Flint to head up the new district in March of 1958, leaving his post as president of Monterey Peninsula College. {Figure left: Doctor Calvin Flint}

Even as classes were starting at Foothill, the Board of Trustees was already exploring the creation of a second campus, and in 1959 established a citizens' committee to study methods of financing a new college.

Prior to its completion, the campus received a Design Award from Progressive Architecture Magazine in 1960.

Upon completion in September 1961, it was clear the Foothill board and its administration had created something special and enduring for its community.

In 1962, voters approved a $14 million bond for the construction of a second campus in Cupertino.

September 1967 marked the first classes, with more than 3,000 students attending.

In 1971, the Calvin C. Flint Center for the Performing Arts was dedicated on the campus, honoring the district's first chancellor and the architect of its legacy.

In 1980, the campus received a Special Commendation from the same group for “excellence in design that has stood the test of time.” {Figure left: raising the US and California flag at original site}

However, in 1988, the college board of trustees decided to close the museum, sell or donate the assets, and use the space for classrooms.

The foundation was eventually awarded $775,000, which they used to document, pack up, and place the collection in storage before a 1991 deadline.

In 1993, Foothill and its sister school De Anza College became the first California Community Colleges to offer Domestic Partner benefits.

A $19 million, state-funded Advanced Technology Center was opened at De Anza in September 1994.

In 1999, voters approved a $248 million bond (Measure E) to finance construction and maintenance of facilities at the two colleges.

In 2002, a second campus was opened on the site of the former Cubberley High School in Palo Alto, in facilities leased from the Palo Alto School District.

In 2003, to accommodate nearly 14,000 students on a campus designed for 3,500, the college began renovating almost the entire campus, including demolition and replacement of unsafe buildings.

In June 2006, district voters again went to the polls and approved a $490.8 million bond, Measure C, to to fund construction, equipment and technology for the two campuses.

The Foothill-De Anza Community College District marked its golden anniversary in 2007, celebrating its first 50 years of excellence, opportunity and innovation in educating a diverse student body.