Founded
Sonoma State University, established by the state legislature in 1960, first opened to 250 students in June 1961 in leased buildings in Rohnert Park. The move to its permanent site of 215 acres took place in 1966, upon completion of Stevenson and Darwin Halls for classrooms.
As enrollments increased, new facilities were built: Ives Hall for performing arts, a dining commons, a library, a physical education facility, and site development features including two lakes (reservoirs) that have since become an important aesthetic feature of the campus. The original master plan during this period was urban in character, calling for smooth concrete buildings and formalized landscaped courts.
In 1969, the academic master plan underwent a major revision. The new cluster school concept, coupled with a heightened appreciation of the rural environment, influenced the physical master plan. First to exemplify this new plan was the residence facility of 1972, a “village” of inviting stucco and redwood structures. The Student Health Center also used redwood and stucco, with a landscaped ground cover of wild roses and poppies. In 1975, a classroom building, Nichols Hall, was built and named in honor of Sonoma's founding president Ambrose R. Nichols.
The Student Union was built in 1976 of wood and concrete and faces the central quad in one direction and the lakes in the other. In 1977, Sonoma State University saw the completion of an art building, a childcare center, additional parking, several structural aids for the disabled and an addition to the library for a computer center.
In 1978, university status was officially extended to Sonoma. The community provided funds for the construction of a pool in 1982. Construction of the 500-seat Evert Person Theatre was completed in 1989.
In June 2000, the Jean and Charles Schulz Information Center was completed to accommodate the expanded needs of the library and computing services. This state-of-the-art, high-technology facility is a prototype library/information complex for the 21st century with an automated storage and retrieval system that holds 750,000 items in a three-story, computer-managed shelving system located within the library wing.
The original 1972 residential complex has been expanded, maintaining the “village” architectural design using stucco and wood and tile roofs. These new complexes, named Sauvignon Village and Beaujolais Village, are one-, two-, and three-story buildings formed around outdoor gathering spaces and courtyards, all with kitchens, dining rooms, and living rooms. Beaujolais Village was completed in October 2003 and added 655 beds. It is anticipated that a new phase of student housing, Tuscany Village, expected to open in fall 2009 will bring another 699 beds to the campus to accommodate the growing number of freshmen and other students applying to Sonoma State University. The residential communities of Sonoma State will be able to house 3,100 students or approximately 38% of the student body.
To support the current residential population of approximately 2,400, a student-financed Recreation Center was completed in fall 2004 and has become a model for usability and sustainability. The University was awarded a 2005 Outstanding Sports Facilities Award by the National Intramural Recreational Sports Association. The center was recognized for a state-of-the-art design that maximizes functional space and demonstrates numerous efforts incorporating sustainable building techniques while using a selection of materials which beautifully reflect the surrounding rural county.
In May 2000, the Board of Trustees approved a new master plan, which added 48 acres to the campus. The new property is the site of the Donald and Maureen Green Music Center, under construction at this time. Funded by private donors, the Green Music Center includes a 1,400- seat concert hall and extensive lawns for audience seating at larger performances. A 250 seat recital hall and an academic building and will be located adjacent to the concert venues, complementing the Music Center’s programming capabilities with classrooms, ensemble and practice rooms, A Hospitality Center featuring a restaurant and other gathering areas will provide a positive experience for those attending performances or other events at the Green Music Center. The Center has been planned as an architectural ensemble of the finest acoustical quality; a unique cultural experience designed to enhance and emulate the groves, vineyards, and rolling foothills of Sonoma County.
In January 2005, the university began the renovation of Darwin Hall, the 40-year-old science building. The 21st century building was designed to provide efficient academic classroom and study areas for faculty and their students. The renovated building was completed and re-opened in fall 2006 and provides new laboratories and classrooms to support the needs of modern science curriculum. Like all new and renovated buildings at Sonoma State, Darwin Hall also is a model of energy efficiency.
In 2007, considerable progress was made in building the Donald & Maureen Green Music Center. Contributions from more than 1,400 friends help move the construction toward completion. One such friend, Jean Schulz', wife of the late cartoonist Charles Schulz, donated funds which resulted in the naming of the GMC recital hall, Schroeder's Recital Hall.
A new phase of residential housing, called Tuscany Village, will allow an additional 699 students to live on campus. Grading of the site is underway with full construction beginning in 2008. Once complete Tuscany Village will bring the residential community total to 3,100. The anticipated student move-in scheduled for fall 2009.
A University Center is currently being planned as to needs of user groups. The Recreation Center built in 2004 will be a key component of the University Center. Additionally it will house, the bookstore, food services, administrative space, a conference center, and a cinema.
Presidents
1992 - present - Ruben Armiñana
1984-1992 - David W. Benson
1983-1984 - Hobart Burns (Interim)
1977-1983 - Peter Diamandopoulos
1974-1976 - Marjorie Downing Wagner
1971-1974 - Thomas H. McGrath
1961-1970 - Ambrose R. Nichols, Jr.
Aerial photos of SSU in 1967, 1972 and 2006
Click photo for larger view. Photos open in a new window.
Above: 1967
Above Left & Right: 1972
Above Left & Right: 1972
Above: 2006
Photo by Tom Shaw
