On September 28, 1949, what was then-known as Los Angeles-Orange County State College began its first day of classes. One hundred and sixty students were enrolled for the first semester with thirteen full-time faculty.

The Nickname Prospector Pete came from an endearment to the First President of LBSC. Dr. Peterson would prospect around the city of Long Beach for the land and money to build Long Beach State College.  He then personally prospected the country in search for students to attend the college.  Prospector Pete was focused on building a true “Gold Mine of Education” at Long Beach State and was ultimately successful!

Prospector Pete rapidly grew student enrollment from 169 students in 1949 to over 10,000 students in 1959!

Photos: CSULB  – https://www.csulb.edu/historical/1950-1959 & https://www.csulb.edu/csulb-history