1956 - 1960
LBSC voted into California Collegiate Athletic Association
Tennis, basketball, track and golf all enter the collegiate conference.
Enrollment Doubles Again
Enrollment at Long Beach State College reaches 5,700 students by Fall 1956.
Social Activities Building Opens its Doors
The Social Activities Building, donated by the Soroptimist Club, is to be made available to the various groups on campus.
Football's Inaugural Season
The first football team takes the field in September 1956.
More Athletics 'Firsts'
A cross-country team with eight student-athletes take shape, as well as the introduction of the men's water polo team.
Men's Volleyball
In their first season, the men's volleyball team goes on to take runner-up honors in the UCLA invitational.
Men's Gymnastics Team
The first State gymnastics team leaves a respectable mark for its first season, winning two of five dual meets and taking one first and two seconds in a trio of triangular contests.
First Swim Team
A strong season brings a number of records to be proud of at the end of the initial season for the swim team.
First Wrestling Team
Wrestling makes its debut at Long Beach State College, coached by Warren Boring.
First Crew Team
After a couple of years of unofficial existence as a club, crew takes its place as the newest varsity sport on the LBSC campus.
Soroptimist House Completed
The Soroptimist House is completed and dedicated at a formal tea. Student leaders, community leaders, members of the college faculty, and administration are invited. The building will allow campus organizations, special interest groups, religious, social, and service clubs to use and host functions.
A Move to Upper Campus
The "big shift" of student life to Upper Campus comes about with the opening of the Cafeteria.
First Freshman Class Graduates
34 out of the 114 first freshman class that enrolled four years prior graduate from LBSC in 1957.
Engineering Program Expads
The State Board of Education approves LBSC's request to start an engineering program. It begins by offering courses for freshmen and sophomores as part of the Natural Sciences Division.
Frosh Day
The first Frosh Day, Fall 1957, is sponsored by the Associated Students as an orientation for new incoming students. Over 225 freshmen attend the day-long event to get familiar with the college and ask questions about academic standards, campus activities, and student government.
Activities Office Gets New Office
In November 1957, the Activities Office moves into the new Administration Building and for the first time all student activities are up on the hill.
Women's Sports Arrive to Campus
Women's volleyball, basketball, tennis, and field hockey are inaugurated during the 1957-1958 academic year led by Dr. Dorothy Fornia.
Construction Feats
The construction of a second Fine Arts Building, a Physical Education Unit, and a swimming pool are completed by Spring 1958.
Secondary Fine Arts building
Physical Education unit
Engineering Established as a Major
Engineering is established as a major for Fall 1958. In addition, a divisional reorganization takes place, creating separate divisions between Natural Sciences, Business, Language Arts, and Fine Arts.
First Dormitories Completed
The first dormitories are completed by September 1958, to be used by students the following year. The dormitories shift the campus from being a 'commuter campus' to a resident college.
aerial view of the new campus
First Uniformed Marching Band
The first uniformed marching band in LBSC history takes the field on Oct. 10 under the direction of Charles J. Payne for the San Diego State-Long Beach State football game.
First President Retires
Dr. Peterson, President "Pete," the first President of the College, announces his retirement after 10 years at the end of the 1959 academic year.
Dr. Peterson
Student Body Keeps Growing
Enrollment grows to 10,000 students.
LBSC Houses Six Schools
The schools of Applied Arts and Sciences, Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Fine Arts, and Letters and Sciences open their doors by the start of Fall 1959.
A New President Elected
Dr. Carl W. McIntosh takes over the presidency of LBSC for Fall 1959.
Dorm Life Begins
The Los Alamitos Hall opens its door in Fall 1959 for 400 students who yearn for a more collegiate experience.
New Form of Operation for Student Government
For the first time in the school's history, student government operates on a three-branch level.
Prospector Pete
With President Peterson's retirement, students, administrators and staff name the 49er mascot "Prospector Pete" after him.
LBSC Celebrates its 10th Anniversary
Long Beach State College celebrates its 10th anniversary at Homecoming with a parade down Ocean Boulevard.
Student Publications Expand
The Daily Forty-Niner newspaper expands its offerings from four to eight pages.
Daily Forty-Niner staff
Water Polo State Championship
The men's water polo team brings home a state championship to Long Beach.
Taking It All the Way To a Track Championship
The track team sweeps the competition toward the CCAA Championship.
