In 1957, Cal State Fullerton became the 12th State College in California to be authorized by the Legislature. The following
year a site was designated in northeast Fullerton. It was purchased in 1959, when Dr. William B. Langsdorf
was appointed as founding president, the first staff was selected and plans for opening the new college were made. Established as
Orange County State College, started classes for 452 students in September, 1959. The name changed to Orange State College
in July 1962, to California State College at Fullerton in July 1964, to California State College, Fullerton in July 1968 and to
California State University, Fullerton in June 1972. The first permanent building, the six-story Letters and Science Building
(now known as McCarthy Hall), was occupied in 1963.Today, there is much dramatic evidence of additional, rapid growth. Several new buildings have been completed, and enrollment
has climbed to more than 31,540. Since 1963 the curriculum has expanded to include lower-division work and many graduate
programs, as well as numerous credential and certificate programs.