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.
Student Creativity Contest
We’re inviting students to get creative and help celebrate this golden milestone with an original piece of art.
Three awards of $1,000 available
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.
Camosun’s anniversary logo — deeply rooted in Coast Salish myth and legend
As Camosun celebrates its milestone 50th this year, the college is launching a unique anniversary logo designed by Coast Salish artist and Camosun alumnus Dylan Thomas, which is deeply rooted in the local Indigenous myths and legends behind the Camosun name.
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.