According to Wikipedia's Butte College article, in 1966 voters approved a measure to allow the creation of a community college district in Butte County. The college first opened its doors in 1968 at the site that used to be Durham High School. However, the demand for education was overwhelming and the college quickly outgrew its original location. Thus, in 1974, the college made the move to its present location.
Interestingly, the site was a haven for rattle snakes so construction was a challenge at the site. To this day, rattlesnakes are still a part of the college. In addition, because of its location on top of the Tuscan Formation, areas of very hard rock had to be dynamited. This was particularly the case when placing water pipes from local wells. These pipes converge at the water tower.
One question that may be on many student's mind is just how that Roadrunner became a mascot? Rumor has it that the president saw a Roadrunner one early morning at the Durham-Pentz construction site. So when asked what the school's mascot would be later on, he replied the "Roadrunner." Oddly enough, no one has ever actually seen a Roadrunner on campus though there are plenty of Kangaroo Rats, North American Pond Turtles, deer, and waterfowl.
Through various State bonds approved by California voters, the campus has witnessed a renewal of sorts. In early 2006, the Learning Resource Center opened its doors, promising to be nothing less than a model for 21st century education.
2008
A dedicated coffee house, Wired! Cafe, opened its doors on the second floor of the Campus Center in January of 2008.
The old coffee spot in the cafeteria is now a smoothie bar.
Between September 30 and October 1, the Butte College Drive and Durham-Pentz traffic lights were fully installed. They became operational either late October 15th or early morning October 16th.
Two buildings began to be constructed in 2008 (info coming eventually).
John Cowan, a founding Butte College Trustee, died October 15th at age 92. He was one of the primary reasons that the Butte College Wildlife Refuge exists and was a strong supporter of the college's athletics program.
2007
In fall 2007, the library, completed renovations and opened its doors to a growing tech-savy student population. It's a three floor complex with the main library on floor three, reference and dozens of computers on floor two, and a newspaper and magazine lounge on floor one. However, with the renewal came the death of the Listen In, which due to a loss of State funding.
On December 12th, the ground breaking ceremony will be held for the building of a much needed new Fine Arts center. It will be funded by a voter approved bond in 2006, Proposition 1D.
Furthermore, in Fall of 2007, Butte College unveiled student accessible unsecured wireless Internet and e-mail accounts. All enrolled students can access these services by simply registering for an account using the college's website.