December 7, 1953 The first library building is completed and opens on Dec. 24 stocked with 33,000 volumes. 

EnlargeFebruary 15, 1954 One hundred and twenty-seven students and 65 faculty members arrive for their first day of classes.  The next day, Charles Young is elected student body president.  He later becomes chancellor of UCLA. 

EnlargeAugust, 1955 The big "C" on Box Springs Mountain is made with cement and equipment donated by the E.L. Yeager Construction Co. Surveying work is done by students.  At 132 feet long, it is the largest concrete block letter on record. 

1955 “Highlanders” is adopted as the campus mascot following a vote of the student body.  The Scottish theme is embraced for several campus groups and buildings. 

EnlargeApril 18, 1959 UC Regents vote to make UCR a "general" campus, complete with graduate instruction and professional schools. 

1960 The College of Agriculture is founded, successfully combining the work done at the Agricultural Experiment Station with undergraduate and graduate teaching.