We've come a long way since our first classes were held in temporary quarters within the partially abandoned old Watsonville High School. The year was 1959; first year enrollment was about 400 students; and what was then known as Cabrillo Junior College was born. We still have a second campus in Watsonville in addition to the main Aptos campus.

Over the years, Cabrillo College has become known and admired as an open-door institution that seeks to fill the educational needs of every segment of the community. Founding President Robert Swenson was most proud of Cabrillo earning a reputation as a college that cares about people. Upon his retirement, in 1977, he said, "I'm often told by students that they decided to come here because they know the faculty really cares what happens." That sense of caring was modeled by Dr. Swenson throughout his long association with Cabrillo, which lasted until his passing in 2007. His presence is still felt around campus, and his passion for helping students be successful has become embedded within the Cabrillo culture.

Cabrillo College continues to evolve to meet the needs of the community, and the community has generously supported our expansions. We now offer associate degrees and certificates in more than 70 fields of study and have reached record enrollment of more than 17,000 students.

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