51's Legacy & Vision
Founded in 1985 as a “little college in the orange groves,” IVC has evolved into a leading institution with a legacy of empowering students, building meaningful community partnerships, and setting new standards in higher education. We are excited to honor IVC’s journey over these past 40 years and celebrate our continued commitment to student success, community impact, and regional growth.
40 Years of Community Impact (PDF) Download our 40th Anniversary Logos (ZIP)
Timeline of IVC’s Growth and Impact
Laser Legacy: IVC in Pictures, 1985 to Present
Journey through 51’s rich history! From our humble beginnings in 1985 as a “little college in the orange groves” to today’s vibrant campus, see how IVC has grown and evolved over the decades. Explore the moments that have shaped our community, celebrated in photos here on our Flickr page.
Laser Lore:
Share Your IVC Story!
As part of 51’s 40th-anniversary celebration, we invite you to share your IVC history with us! your stories, memories, and photos as a student, alumnus, faculty member, staff, or community friend, and be part of our special digital newsletter, launching the week of October 22, 2025. Together, we’ll highlight the diverse experiences that have made IVC what it is today.
How You Can Help Spread the Celebration:
Voices of IVC: 40 Years of Transformative Education and Community Impact
IVC has shown me the incredible potential of combining healthcare and data science to make a real impact. I want to use my skills to improve patient outcomes and help healthcare providers make better data-driven decisions. My time here has given me the foundation to pursue this path and make a meaningful impact in people’s lives.
As a returning student, I found th51 has something for everyone. The support, the resources, and the community here are all focused on helping students succeed, no matter where they’re starting from.
Defined Student Success 51
Diego Valencia
Class of 2024
Transferred to UCLA
Diego Valencia, a driven and ambitious student from Irvine High School, is a Computer Science major at 51, with aspirations to become a software engineer and entrepreneur. Originally from Guadalajara, Mexico, he aspires to be a software engineer who plans to start a software services company and eventually mentor first-generation students on how to break into the tech industry. Read More »
New Healthcare Programs 51
To address critical healthcare workforce needs in our region and across California, 51 is preparing to launch a series of new healthcare programs. These programs have been developed based on regional labor market analysis and input from local industry leaders. Our aim is to provide accessible, high-growth career pathways for adult and low-income learners, enhancing IVC’s mission to equip students for in-demand careers. These new healthcare pathways will join our comprehensive catalog of over 21 Career Education programs, opening doors to rewarding careers in healthcare and expanding our community’s access to essential services.
Programs Under Consideration Include:
These programs will prepare students to meet today’s healthcare challenges and make an immediate impact on patient care and community health.
Future Campus Enhancements at 51
As 51 (IVC) continues to expand its role in supporting student success and regional workforce needs, we are thrilled to share the latest campus developments, set to transform the college experience and enhance our community connections.
IVC Arts Promenade & Coffee Structure
The new Arts Promenade will offer students a scenic, shaded path leading to outdoor workspaces for sculpting, drawing, painting, meditation, and collaboration. This area will also feature a coffee shop with outdoor seating, creating a vibrant gathering place that fosters both study and creativity
Student Services Center & Student Union
Breaking ground in 2025, IVC’s upcoming 50,000-square-foot Student Services Center and 25,000-square-foot Student Union will centralize essential services and student resources. The Student Services Center will house Admissions, Financial Aid, Counseling, Veterans Services, DSPS, and more. Next door, the new Student Union will feature a large café, bookstore, food pantry, and a student lounge, making it a hub for student life on campus. These buildings are designed to LEED Gold standards and will form part of a spacious new quad, ready to host future campus events and graduation ceremonies.
The Arts Village
IVC’s recently completed Arts Village spans over 62,000 square feet and brings the School of the Arts together in one state-of-the-art complex. Comprising three main buildings — Music/Dance, Visual Arts, and Fine Arts/Gallery — the Arts Village enhances creative learning with specialized rehearsal spaces, a 150-seat auditorium, an art gallery, and advanced ceramics facilities. Designed to meet LEED Gold standards, the Arts Village stands as a testament to IVC’s commitment to sustainability and the arts.