Douglas College’s Coquitlam Campus marks a milestone this week.

On Oct. 18, students, staff and the public are all welcome to join us in celebrating the campus’ 20th anniversary. Coffee and cake will be served in the Atrium from 1:30-2:30pm to mark the occasion.

The parcel of land that the campus is now built on was previously a gravel pit. Valued at $3 million at the time, the property was sold by the City of Coquitlam to the College for a whopping $1 in May 1990, on the condition that a campus be built.

The land value was considered to be the municipality’s contribution to the joint development of a community centre.

Work on the new campus started in January 1995. However, the funding for the first phase of construction was not sufficient to build and equip facilities, leading the College to launch its first capital campaign.

Through the Douglas College Foundation, with help from the Douglas College Board and a steering committee, the Building on Excellence campaign was launched, with a goal of raising $5 million. The team worked tirelessly, and achieved their goal.

In September 1996, Douglas College’s Coquitlam Campus welcomed its first students. Today, approximately one-third of all Douglas College course registrations are at the Coquitlam Campus.