We’re thankful for our cell phones and our beautiful campus. But when CSU Stanislaus was in its infancy, its phone number consisted of both letters and numbers, and the campus community was asked to watch out for animals and landscaping equipment while parking.

What follows is a listing of some things that you may have known regarding CSU Stanislaus in and around 1960. Check out www.csustan.edu/50th for more interesting tidbits.

Do I have to dial a 9 to get out?
Stanislaus State College’s first official mailing address was: Stanislaus State College, PO Box 1000, Turlock, CA. Its phone number was ME 2-2411.

Humble roots
The Stanislaus County Fairgrounds was used as a temporary campus when the College opened in 1960. The exhibition buildings on the south side of the grounds became the academic halls of the new college.

Parking was no picnic then, either
At the Fairgrounds, maintenance had to be done by fairground employees, so a reminder of the need to cooperate appeared in the Campus Digest (newsletter): “It is requested that all (college-related) vehicles be kept off the grass areas so that necessary mowing, water, etc., may be done.”

Talk about working professionals
The average age of the first student body was 37, with the youngest being 19 and the oldest 66. Today, the average age is about 24.

The first of many diplomas
The first commencement was held Saturday, January 28, 1961 at 8 p.m. at Turlock High School auditorium. Twenty-five students received diplomas.

Warrior pride begins
On October 21, 1960, a call for the submission of entries for selecting school colors, mascot, newspaper name, yearbook name, motto, and emblem was announced. On December 12, Charlotte Silva's entry of "Warriors" won for mascot. It went to the Student Senate, student body activity staff, and faculty for approval.

Color us happy
The College’s first school colors were Rich Red, Gold, and Light Green. Rich Red symbolized the Indian warrior and his vibrant coloring. Gold was a reminder of the discovery of gold in California and the part it played in the westward expansion of the nation. Light Green symbolized the vast agricultural resources of the Central Valley.