Robert Jensen, former dean of fine arts, and Professor Gary Graves of the business department, took the rich history of Fullerton College and compiled it into 156 pages of remarkable stories, photographs, and key moments that have shaped the institution throughout the years. On Sept. 18, 2024, they announced the release of Legends and Legacies: Over 100 Years of Fullerton College, a beautifully designed book that highlights the college’s long history and enduring impact since it was founded in 1913.
“The idea for Legends and Legacies stemmed from a shared passion for celebrating Fullerton College’s extraordinary history and its impact on the community,” explained Professor Graves. “Dean Jensen and I recognized the wealth of stories that shaped the college over the past century—stories of perseverance, innovation, and transformation. We wanted to preserve these stories as a testament to the past and an inspiration for the future. Our goal was to create a book that serves as a time capsule, connecting generations of alumni, students, and educators.”
The authors drew from a multitude of resources, including Fullerton College’s archives, historical documents, and personal accounts shared during the centennial celebrations in 2013.
“The richness of the book comes from the incredible resources we had access to,” said Graves. “Many alumni, faculty, and staff were interviewed and generously shared their personal experiences and insights. This collaborative process, fueled by the collective memory of so many passionate individuals, brought the project to life.”
According to Graves, Creating a book of this magnitude came with its challenges. “Unearthing and curating over a century of history required meticulous research, countless interviews, and navigating archives,” said Graves. “One of the biggest challenges was deciding what to include—there were so many incredible stories, but space was limited. Another hurdle was ensuring accuracy while capturing the human side of history. There were moments of uncertainty, but our shared dedication to the project and the support of the Fullerton College community kept us going. Seeing the final product made every struggle worthwhile.”
Graves, who has a background in education, business and design, found the process both rewarding and a learning experience. “While I wouldn’t call myself a professional writer, my career has always involved storytelling—whether through crafting lectures, creating marketing content, or mentoring students,” he said. “My experience running an advertising agency for nearly 20 years also helped shape the narrative and design of the book. Collaborating with Dean Jensen, whose expertise and perspective enriched the project, allowed me to hone my skills in meaningful ways.”
“Legends and Legacies” is more than a history book. It’s a reflection of the college’s resilience and the people who have shaped it over the past 111 years,” said Graves, “For alumni, it’s a way to reconnect with their roots and relive cherished memories, For current students, it serves as a reminder of the incredible legacy they are part of and the limitless potential they hold. For future students, it’s an inspiration to carry the torch forward. For the community, the book illustrates that Fullerton College has had a profound role in shaping lives and driving progress for over 100 years. It’s a shared story of growth, innovation, and hope.”
The book is available for purchase at fullertonlegends.com, and all profits go towards scholarships and educational field trips through the Friends of Fullerton College Foundation.
“This book is more than just a history—it’s a tribute to the spirit of Fullerton College and the people who have helped shape it over the last century. By preserving our history, we honor those who came before us and inspire future generations to build upon this legacy.”
Be part of the celebration and get a copy of “Legends and Legacies” today and explore the enduring legacy of being a Hornet.
