Community Partnerships
Early Days | Rapid Growth | Community Partnerships | University Housing | Student Demand
In the 1970s a proposal was put forth to take 25 acres at the northeast corner of campus and make it into an arboretum. In the development justification, facility planning and operations representatives noted that the arboretum “will not only serve instructional and educational needs, but will preserve natural land and provide recreational and ecological applications for both communities.”
The CSU Board of Trustees gave its approval in 1972 and late that same year, the Eastlake-style Victorian residence of Fullerton’s first physician, George C. Clark, was moved from its location at the corner of Amerige and Lemon streets to the arboretum property in an effort to save the historic landmark. Restoration of the house was completed in 1975. The botanical garden and living museum, now the Fullerton Arboretum, a joint venture with the city of Fullerton, was dedicated in 1979. Today it is a popular site for tours, relaxation and special events, including weddings, and continues to be supported by the campus and surrounding community.
An effort by private supporters, government and the university brought to fruition the county’s first research gerontology center in 1988. Named after a retired educator and civic leader who gave the initial contribution to the funding drive, the Charles L. and Rachael E. Ruby Gerontology Center continues to serve as a central point for classes and programs of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (formerly known as Continuing Learning Experience).
One year after the Ruby Gerontology Center opened, the university also saw the opening of the six-story Fullerton Marriott—in a joint venture involving the Marriott Corp., the university and the city of Fullerton. It was believed to be the first hotel built and operated by a major chain on a college campus. Hotel revenues, along with city redevelopment funds underwrote the development of the Titan Stadium — completed in 1992 — that is used by campus and community sports teams and for special events.
