History

When the College opened in September 1970, there were no College buildings to speak of, and faculty and students were rushing around the district trying to find classes taking place in about 20 different community halls, church basements and schools. In its first semester, Douglas had 1,200 full-time students, 727 part-time students and 95 faculty.

Jump to September 2010. This fall, about 14,000 students will take for-credit courses at Douglas, while a further 7,000 will take short-term, non-credit courses for career or personnel development. We now have 750 highly regarded instructors, as well as more than 350 staff who help create a friendly, supportive environment. We’ve become a popular choice for international students – this September, we’ll welcome hundreds of students from China, South Korea, Japan and many other countries.

Needless to say, we’ve come a long way over the last four decades. Here are some of the highlights of our colourful history:

1970

On September 24, 1970, Douglas College officially opens its doors under President George Wootton, despite funding issues, construction delays and numerous other setbacks. The cost of tuition: $100 per semester.

1972

The first graduation ceremony for two-year programs is held. Maple Ridge becomes part of the Douglas College district after a plebiscite. Classes continue to take place in every available nook and cranny in the Lower Mainland as enrolment rises.

1973

The newly elected NDP government agrees to pay for 100 percent of the cost of three permanent campuses. Douglas becomes a trend-setter in BC by offering courses in Women’s Studies and Environmental Studies.

1975

The Other Press, Douglas College’s first student newspaper, publishes its first issue. Bomb scares and new smoking regulations are ranked among the “major scoops” for the newly formed student paper.

1977

The BC government offers Douglas an $80,000 emergency loan to help deal with ballooning enrolment. Satellite campuses open in Richmond, Coquitlam and at Riverview Hospital.

1978

After months of negotiation, the BC Development Corporation convinces Douglas College to build its main campus downtown at 8th Street and Royal Avenue (instead of at the original site of 6th Street and McBride Avenue). Mayor Muni Evers predicts the College will be the “catalyst” in the revitalization of downtown New Westminster.

1979

After 10 years at the helm, George Wootton resigns as College President. Reginald Pridham is appointed as Interim President. The BC government approvs $1.9 million to plan and design Douglas College’s permanent campus in the heart of New Westminster. The new facility is needed more than ever, as student enrolment in Maple Ridge jumped by 85 percent.

1981

Douglas celebrates its 10th anniversary by officially splitting in two. The campus on the south side of the Fraser River is renamed Kwantlen College, while the campus on the north side in New Westminster remains as Douglas College. New satellite campuses open in Maple Ridge and Coquitlam to cope with growing enrolment. Bill Day is appointed President.

1982

After eight years of commuting between 20 different locations, Douglas College faculty, staff and students are able to make the move to the College’s new home at Royal Avenue.

1984

In a celebrated move, College Board members decide to take over publication of Event, an internationally acclaimed literary magazine. Douglas College administrators sign a million dollar contract to turn the concourse area into a giant space station during Expo ’86 called Ideafest.

1988

Record enrolment forces College officials to convert two lounges into classrooms. Tuition is now $407 per semester.

1990

Douglas celebrates its 20th anniversary and acquires land for the future construction of a Coquitlam campus.

1995

President Bill Day retires. Susan Hunter-Harvey is appointed President.

1996

The new campus in Coquitlam officially opens under the name David Lam Campus.

1997

President Susan Hunter-Harvey resigns; Lloyd Morin appointed interim president.

1998

Susan Witter is appointed President.

2003

Community Colleges (including Douglas) are given the authority to grant Applied Bachelor’s Degrees if approved by a provincial board.

2007

First Bachelor’s Degrees are awarded at Douglas as 54 students receive Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degrees.

2008

The Health Sciences Centre at the David Lam Campus opens; Health Science students begin classes in the state-of-the-art building, which includes patient simulation laboratories.

2009

President Susan Witter retires; Dr. Scott McAlpine is appointed President.

2010

Douglas awards 1598 certificates, diplomas and degrees to its graduating class. The College unveils its new strategic plan. The Douglas College 40th Anniversary Celebrations begin!