August 11, 2005 :: No. 12

As the keys to the facilities at the former El Toro Marine Corps Air Station were being turned over to its new owner, planners at Cal State Fullerton were preparing for a transition of another kind — for the newly named Lifelong Learning District of the former military base.

That’s where the university’s branch campus is located — on a portion of the decommissioned base, annexed by the city of Irvine for development of the Orange County Great Park.

In keeping with the California State University’s tradition of naming campuses after the geographic areas in which they are located, the CSUF El Toro branch campus has a new name: California State University, Fullerton Irvine Campus.

“We are proud to be part of the city of Irvine’s dynamic community, and we look forward to a continuing partnership providing high-quality education to south county residents through the Cal State Fullerton Irvine Campus,” said CSUF President Milton A. Gordon.

Over the summer, university officials have continued discussions with Lennar Corp. — the successful bidder in the Navy’s auction that sold the base — the Great Park Corp., the city of Irvine and several others involved in the development of the Great Park.

As a first transitional step, a new one-year lease for the facilities currently being used by the university has been signed with Lennar, managing partner in the entity that now holds title to the property.

Cal State Fullerton envisions developing 275 acres adjacent to the Great Park to help fulfill the university’s vision of ensuring an affordable, accessible higher education to residents of Orange County.

“At the CSUF Irvine Campus, we are currently looking at developing five major academic program ‘clusters’ to serve our students and the surrounding community,” said Ephraim Smith, vice president for academic affairs. They are: Children, Families and Older Adults; Health, Social and Physical Well-Being; the Economy; the Environment; the Arts, Museums and Library.

“We want to remain close, collaborative partners with community members,” said Judith Anderson, executive vice president. “By working together, we can provide benefits to students, faculty and staff, as well as the community at large, especially in south Orange County.”

For instance, students involved in student-learning programs may volunteer or be involved in research activities that benefit the community and provide hands-on experience for those involved. At the same time, the university will have the opportunity to expand and extend its offerings and programs.

Cal State Fullerton’s Irvine Campus, where fall semester classes begin Aug. 20, offers upper-division and graduate courses for bachelor’s and master’s degree programs ranging from business administration to women’s studies, as well as teacher credential programs.

Additional information about the vision for Cal State Fullerton’s Irvine Campus, is available online at www.csufirvinecampus.com.

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