News and Historical Stories

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Black and white students in desks looking at professor.
2/10/26

BC History Highlight - BC Black Consciousness

Photo above: Dr. Jesse Bradford’s inaugural course in Black History was offered in 1969 When Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was killed on April 4, 1968, Bakersfield College’s more than 200 faculty and administrators included only one Black person, Home...
Books and stickers with an intricate B bookplates.
12/3/25

History Highlight: BC Bookplates

Have you ever picked up one of the antiquated cloth-bound books in the BC library and opened up the cover to see the Romeo-and-Julietesque silhouettes of a woman and man reading on the stoop of the...
Archives team at booth.
10/11/25

Event Spotlight: Alumni/Homecoming BBQ

At the 2025 Homecoming BBQ, the Bakersfield College Archives proudly presented a display celebrating the traditions and spirited legacy of BC’s athletic and student life.
Dinner tables set in red and white at Luigis banquet room.
10/9/25

Event Spotlight: 2025 Athletics Hall of Fame

The Archives contributed significant research and curated a compelling artifact display for this year’s Athletics Hall of Fame ceremony.
Nine staff members pose in the library.
9/29/25

BC Archives Staff

Spotlight on our Bakersfield College Archives staff.
Weill Institute photo from the 1950's
9/22/25

History Highlight: Weill Institute

Memoirs of the Bakersfield College Downtown Center By Dr. Chuck Carlson The Bakersfield College Downtown Center (DTC) came into being when Fedway Department store closed at 21st and Chester Avenue in Downtown Bakersfield. The Kern Community College...
folklorico dancers performing on CSS Lawn at BC
9/15/25

Event Spotlight: Hispanic Heritage Month

The Bakersfield College Archives were honored to participate in the campus celebration of Hispanic Heritage Day, held on the lawn in front of the library. The Archives proudly showcased the rich history of the Chicano Studies Program, highlighting...
BC Renegade marching band drumhead from the past
9/12/25

Acquisition Highlight: Marching Arts Collection

The Marching Arts department has graciously donated an impressive collection of artifacts, highlighting the BC Renegade Band, Golden Empire Drum & Bugle Corps and BC Drumline. The collection contains pieces such as original uniforms, banners,...
Jess Nieto and AI Noriega filming and researching in Mexico
9/9/25

History Highlight: Dr. Nieto's Impact on Chicano Culture at BC

Dr. Jess Nieto built BC's Chicano Studies curriculum into a nationally prominent program, founded the Chicano Cultural Center, and became a community leader.
Dr. Norman Levin sitting at a desk with pens and a microscope
6/30/25

History Highlight: Dr. Norman Levan

Monday, June 30, 2025 By Deanna Rea There is an old saying that goes – a new record is only as good as the one it breaks. But Dr. Norman Levan would beg to differ. His generous multi-million-dollar contributions to Bakersfield College broke records,...
Archives team standing at table with artifacts
5/28/25

Event Spotlight: RAC Ribbon Cutting

Bakersfield College proudly unveiled its new Renegade Athletic Complex to students, staff, and the public—a state-of-the-art facility that now serves as the home for a variety of sports.
female standing on a stage talking to a group of attendees
5/8/25

Event Spotlight: 2025 Retirement Reception

The Bakersfield College Archives were proud to celebrate our incredible Retirees who have dedicated their years of service to BC. The celebration, held in the Campus Event Center, honored the lasting impact these individuals have...