University of California
Robert Gordon Sproul 
President of the University

January 31, 1956

My dear President Peterson:

The strong academic performance in the University of 
California of Orange Coast College students transferring 
in 1954-55 has come to my attention. On behalf of the
University, it gives me pleasure to write this note of 
commendation. The fine record of your former students must
bring warm satisfaction to you and your faculty.

Very sincerely yours,
ROBERT G. SPROUL

Penned at the bottom of this letter was the following personal note:

Dear Basil:
This is a form letter, but it went to only half 
a dozen junior colleges and I want you to know 
that I signed this copy with great personal pleasure.

R.G.S.

There are too many outstanding success stories to relate here, but among those that I recall, which I'm sure most of the other "old-timers" will remember, are the following. (They shall remain anonymous so that many names may be brought to mind.) 1. The electronics technician who returned after military service, majored in the sciences, transferred to Cal Tech, obtained B.S. and M.S. degrees there, and is now working toward his Doctorate while employed in one of the country's top research laboratories. 2. The more mature, outstanding student who proceeded to the University where he obtained his Doctorate in psychology and is now teaching others. 3. The all-around local athlete and student who went to the University, graduated in engineering, and while employed in a most responsible position with one of the space industries has continued work for advanced degrees. 4. The outstanding business major who proceeded to obtain the Master's degree and teacher's credential and is now teaching at the junior college level. 5. The faculty member's son who, after transferring to the University, really started collecting the A's and proceeded to advanced graduate work. 6. The more mature political science student who graduated from law school and is now practicing in the area while assuming thankless civic responsibilities. 7. The engineering student of many talents, including a beautiful singing voice, who recently secured his Doctorate and is currently employed in a space systems research and development laboratory. 8. One of S. T. McNeal's top electronics students who returned from military service, secured a degree and teaching credential and is ably following in his steps. 9. The business major who completed his studies at the State College and is now one of the most promising young merchants in the area. 10. The pre-med and pre-dental students who completed their professional training and are now practicing in the district.

An so forth and so on.

My apologies to the hundreds of other students who have likewise in their chosen field achieved success, due perhaps in part to the influence of Orange Coast College, its dynamic President, and its able and concerned faculty.

Accreditation by the Western College Association takes place a minimum of once every five years and more often for colleges with deficiencies. Orange Coast College has always received the maximum allowable term of accreditation and has been thoroughly admired and commended by the various accreditation teams. In many instances team members have returned to their own institutions and initiated programs or procedures which they first observed here. All teams have been amazed, sometimes overwhelmed by the extent and detail of the reports furnished them, and particularly by the fact that the faculty know these details and have been involved in their preparation. This is indeed a compliment to the administration.

Orange Coast College has done well on the athletic fields, and in the minds of many this is tantamount to academic success and stature. But, for me and most of my colleagues, there are other factors which we fed contribute more to the academic stature of our college. I know that we have been impressed by the stature of the man at the helm. Dr. Peterson's accomplishments not only on his own campus but as a leader in the junior college movement through the American Association of Junior Colleges and the California Junior College Association have awed and amazed even his closest colleagues. Here is a man who has worked endlessly and selflessly to implement the junior college philosophy and education. On his own campus he achieved a balance most difficult to attain between the transfer function and the training for occupational competence. As a spokesman for the junior colleges he has been respected by his colleagues in the various segments of higher education and by representatives of government and business. His staff has acknowledged him to be the most productive and hardest working administrator in the business.

Faculty themselves contribute in a major fashion to the academic stature of the institution. Significant factors include the number of those on the faculty who have earned distinguished honors, membership in Phi Beta Kappa and other national honorary and professional organizations; those who have Doctorates and advanced degrees; those authors, researchers and scholars who contribute to the professional literature; and the number, quality and character of those who represent us on national, statewide, and regional professional boards, committees and commissions.

But though each of these factors contributes to the academic image of the institution, by far the most important factor is the fact that all faculty are well qualified, excel at teaching young men and women, and have a real interest and concern for their progress and future. It is this latter "extra" which the administration has sought in its teacher candidates and for which the institution is remembered with appreciation by students of both outstanding and mediocre academic ability.

Orange Coast College has been a proving and training ground for many faculty members and administrators who now hold responsible positions in other institutions of higher education throughout the Nation. Its philosophy and influence have thus been spread far and wide:.

Other factors that have contributed to the academic image of the college include the physical facilities and equipment, faculty forums and lecture series, and sponsored on-campus events for elementary and secondary students and also for adults.

The annual Orange Coast College Invitational Mathematics Meet (now in its eighth year under the direction of Mr. Barron Knechtel and his committee ) provides recognition and prizes for the outstanding senior mathematics students in the county high schools. Similar competitions are sponsored by the Speech, Drama and Music Departments, and the Agriculture Division.

Another important program recognizing high academic achievement of high school students is the Advanced Placement program. Students recommended by their high school principals may take college courses to enrich and accelerate their education. The program has been most successful, with some 15 to 25 students participating each semester. In general they earn better than "B" grades and provide stimulating competition for the regular college students.

Provision for unusually able students has been made in some areas by the offering of honors sections. These sections have been carefully developed by respective faculty committees and are closely checked (as are all offerings of the College).

Orange Coast College has one of the most extensive programs of self evaluation, and the results of these studies continue to improve the program and to change ordinary people into extraordinary ones through the outstanding teaching of an understanding faculty.

Next Chapter