Education • Inspiration • Connection

Celebrating 75 Years of Opportunity

Founded in 1949, Central Oregon Community College — Oregon’s first community college — marks a major milestone of bringing higher learning, engagement and enrichment to the region

They gathered at Bend High School for night sessions, in subjects like business and accounting, attending a college that didn’t yet have a permanent home — or a name. The date was Sept. 20, 1949, and Bend was holding its first-ever higher education classes, with 109 students enrolled. Oregon’s first community college was underway.

As Central Oregon began to grow, so did its college — becoming “Central Oregon College” in 1954, then adding a Nursing program that same year. In the coming years, the 10,000-square-mile College district was created (1962), the Bend campus opened on Awbrey Butte (1964) thanks to a generous land gift, and the name officially became Central Oregon Community College in 1967. The Redmond campus opened its doors in 1997, and the Madras and Prineville campuses followed in 2011, providing access to college-level education in communities across the district’s three counties — the largest district of its kind in the state.

From Gilchrist to Bend to Warm Springs, COCC strives to meet the goals of those it serves. The College is committed to being responsive to Central Oregon’s needs by providing affordable, accessible education for all, and by offering new technologies, trainings and opportunities that contribute to the region’s well-being. It’s a mission shared and supported by area schools, employers, agencies, contributors and taxpayers, and wouldn’t be possible without those enduring partnerships.

Thank you, Central Oregon, for 75 incredible years. COCC is honored to be a part of so many life journeys — dating back to 1949 — and is truly excited for what lies ahead.