1970s
In 1974, the Exotic Animal Training and Management program launched. The college’s America’s Teaching Zoo is still the only associate degree exotic animal training program in the country.
1980s
The Moorpark College Foundation was formed in 1980 to spearhead construction of an athletic stadium, amphitheater and observatory. In 1985, the 4,000-seat stadium was named for Paul Griffin, Jr., a local developer and major benefactor. The Carlsberg Amphitheater and Charles Temple Observatory were dedicated in 1987 as part of the College's 20th anniversary celebration. In 1989, the Center for Learning Assistance Services opened. The 1980s saw the completion of several more buildings, including Applied Arts, Creative Arts, Humanities/Social Science, Music, and Student Services.
1990s
Fiscal constraint, brought about by the state's economic downturn, stalled growth at the College in the early 1990s. Despite hard times, the College completed state-funded construction of the Communications Building in 1991 and the Performing Arts Center in 1995. The forensics team maintained national ranking while the athletic teams continued to dominate the Western State Conference.
In 1997, the Child Development Center and Disabled Students Center were expanded.
In 1998, two new conference rooms were built in the Campus Center and an acoustic shell was installed on the Main Stage of the Performing Arts Center.
The 27,000-square-foot Fred Kavli Science Center opened in 1999, housing the math, science and computer studies programs.
In 1999, the Instructional Biotechnology Program opened an 8,000-square-foot bio-manufacturing facility on the California State University at Channel Islands campus and The Moorpark Review, a student creative arts journal, debuted with original student writing and photography. Also in 1999, students were first able to access their academic records and register for classes online.
2000s
A high school for high-potential juniors and seniors opened in 2000 on the Moorpark College campus. In 2001, 55 students in the inaugural class from the High School at Moorpark College graduated.
In March 2002, Ventura County voters passed Measure S, a bond that provided $356 million in construction financing for the Ventura County Community College District, of which $104 million was used to renovate/expand Moorpark College with new or renovated classroom buildings and related facilities, including building the Library and Learning Resources Center.
In 2004 the college’s first bond project was completed, a parking lot renovation that added 600 spaces.
In 2005, the second bond project was completed, the installation of an all-weather track and artificial turf playing field. In September 2005, the new Library/ Learning Resources building opened.
In 2007, the college saw the opening of a new child development center and the beginning of an endangered butterfly species captive rearing program at America’s Teaching Zoo. (The Palos Verdes blue butterfly’s primary rearing site is in San Pedro on government land.)
Also in 2007, the old library was renovated, renamed Fountain Hall, and opened for classes.
In 2008 construction began on the Health Sciences Center, the Academic Center, and the Exotic Animal Training and Management (EATM) Building.
2010s
On September 11, 2017, Moorpark College celebrated its 50th Anniversary. The campus remembered the 9/11 tragedy and held a special anniversary celebration with events that included the inauguration of the Moorpark College makerspace, an area devoted to hands-on learning, and grand opening of the student art gallery, located in the Applied Arts Building.
2020s
In 2020, the College completed $18 million renovation of the Raider Sports Pavilion. This project marked the first significant renovation since the gymnasium was constructed in 1967.
Through the decades, Moorpark College has earned a reputation for quality and innovative programs that prepare students for a rewarding career or to transfer to a four-year university. Our alums have made meaningful contributions to both the public and private sectors in Ventura County, the state and the nation.
