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Fascinating Student Life at Fresno State College in the 1960s

Fresno State School was founded in 1911 with Charles Lourie McLane as its first president. It became Fresno State College in 1949, authorized to grant bachelor’s degrees. In 1961, it became a charter institution of the State College System of California, the forerunner of the California State University System. The name was changed to California State University, Fresno, in 1972.

Here are some stunning historical photos that capture the students’ life at Fresno State College in the 1960s.

#2 Suzanne Niswander, Roosevelt High School Class of 1962 and Bobbett Rich, Roosevelt High School Class of 1963, going on to be students at Fresno State College in Fresno, 1964

#8 Teddi and Paul Harvey Wallace, 22-March 1963

The future Dr. Paul Harvey Wallace enjoying his first year in college. Harvey went on to become a war hero and was awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart for his actions in the Vietnam war in April 1968 as a Platoon leader with the 3rd Marine Division before returning to school to get his doctorate in law. He became a respected professor at Fresno State University among other accomplishments. He was a graduate of Fresno's Roosevelt High School as well as Fresno State College (as FSU was called back then). He died in August of 2009 and was posthumously granted the status of Professor Emeritus by Fresno State University.

#10 Judy, at Fresno State College, 1963. This gal was a redhead with an outgoing personality.

#17 Dr. Paul Harvey Wallace, 1963

Paul Wallace, here in his first year of college, went on after college to become a marine officer and a war hero. He was awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart for his actions in April of 1968 while serving with the 3rd Marine Division in the Vietnam war. After the war Paul continued his education, got a doctorate degree in law and became a revered professor in law and law enforcement at Fresno State University, where he co-authored a number of books on various aspects of law enforcment.

#18 Ernie, Doug, Steve and Bert, at Fresno State College, 1963

Ernie Kinney went on to become a well-known passionate defense attorney in Fresno and the San Joaquin Valley of California. He died of leukemia April 30, 2008.

#19 Encounter with the Law, 1963.

While out horsing around on a overcast Fresno morning the Fresno County Sheriff's units stopped to check out our "suspicious" activities. All ended peacefully when they learned we were just a bunch of harmless college boys.

#22 Shark Mobile Road Trip 1966.

The guys were just joking in this staged photo back in 1966. Students at Fresno State College in one of the dormitories just west of the campus. This old Dodge panel truck was just for limited local travel.

#23 1966 Leaving 4 Sacramento, Fresno State College.

These Fresno State College students just ready to leave for a weekend event up in Sacramento in the spring of 1966. The car a 1964 Chevy Chevelle Malibu convertible in dark blue with the 283 V-8 and Powerglide transmission.

#31 A bunch of co-eds having a costume party at a near-by women’s dorm, walked over to serenade at the neighboring men’s dorm, 1964

#33 Kappa Alpha Theta sorority spring pledge class, Fresno State College, March 7th, 1964.

#36 Nov 16th, 1963–Post Game Party, John and friend–Fresno State College

#78 College Girl Friend in 1966

In her homemade harem girl outfit for a costume party we attended. With her freckles, beautiful red hair and blue eyes she was one of the most naturally beautiful women.

#99 Linda and James with Mike on left and Sam on right, Fresno State College, 1964

#171 Skate Boarding by the coed dorms, Spring 1966, west of the Fresno State College campus

#172 Skate Boarding by the coed dorms, Spring 1966, west of the Fresno State College campus

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Written by Aung Budhh

Husband + Father + librarian + Poet + Traveler + Proud Buddhist. I love you with the breath, the smiles and the tears of all my life.

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