Assignment Four: The Birth of a College

A KRON-TV Assignment Four documentary report from 1964, narrated by Jerry Jensen, which opens with scenes from dedication day of the California State College at Hayward on May 2nd 1964 and looks back at how the struggle to establish a State College in southern Alameda County began in 1954, with a drive by the Hayward Chamber of Commerce. Features: Assemblyman Carlos Bee relating his efforts to persuade Governor Jess Knight to sign off on legislation which founded the college (signed July 5th 1957); interviews with Executive Dean of the College Dale P. Wren and President Fred. F. Harcleroad; dedication ceremony speeches by Clark Kerr and Governor Pat Brown; views of the groundbreaking ceremony on February 22nd 1961 with Guy Warren and Earl Clement (they are also seen at a recognition dinner); a summary of how classes were originally taught at the Sunset High School and then Hayward High School, before being eventually moved to the existing site and a consideration of how Higher Education in California is expanding to meet the needs of a rapidly increasing population. Also includes scenes of Glenn S. Dumke (Chancellor of California State Colleges) and President Harcleroad unveiling a plaque for the college's official dedication and views of biology students being taught by Dr. George Peterson. This film was written and produced by Al Berglund and directed by Al Scollay.