Camosun College at 50:
Honouring the Past, Inspiring the Future
Camosun officially celebrated opening its doors as a post-secondary institution offering university transfer, vocational and upgrading courses to 980 registered students on Sept. 16, 1971. A plaque in the Young Building commemorates the event. Today, the college’s Lansdowne and Interurban campuses, along with five community partner learning sites, offer over 160 innovative, life-changing academic and applied learning programs to 20,000 students each year.
Camosun is ‘all in the family’ for nursing instructor Mary Willbond
Camosun College has been a family affair for Nursing instructor Mary Willbond, her sisters, her mom, her sons and her extended family for more than 50 years – a century in fact.
with mom Lynne Willbond (far right).
Photo credit: Times Colonist, 1994
Latest stories
- Stephen Robards: Fond memories of the Hospitality Management program
- Ken Guenter: Fine Furniture maker, designer and educator
- Sheila Prins: A founding member of Camosun’s English department
- Pearl Arden: Melding theatre and education to make learning fun
- Michiko Sakamoto-Senge: Serving learners and community with nobility and care
Camosun: Then & Now
Camosun welcomed its first students in 1971 as B.C.’s ninth community college. Over the last 50 years, the college has grown into one of the province’s largest post-secondary institutes. Take a look at Camosun’s history: Then and Now!
50 years of stories & memories
Alumni, students, faculty, staff, retirees, community supporters – you’re invited to look back over the years and share your favorite Camosun photos and stories!
Fast Forward
Today, Camosun is a vibrant, future-focused educational institution, home to 20,000 students and 1,200 faculty and staff. As we celebrate our history, our Indigenous connections and educational mission, we turn our heads forward to our exciting plans for the future.
Seeking knowledge in these territories
Camosun College serves the communities of southern Vancouver Island and the southern Gulf Islands. With deep respect and gratitude, Camosun College acknowledges these as the traditional territories of the Esquimalt, Lekwungen (Esquimalt and Songhees), Malahat, Pacheedaht, Scia’new, T’Sou-ke and W̱SÁNEĆ (Pauquachin, Tsartlip, Tsawout, Tseycum) peoples. Camosun learners, instructors, support staff and leadership are all enriched by the friendship and gracious welcome extended by our traditional hosts and by the beauty of the land on which we live, work and learn.
