History of Cosumnes River College in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 24, 2025

Cosumnes River College, established in 1970, is a public community college located in Sacramento, California. Named after the nearby Cosumnes River, it serves approximately 14,439 students (as of Fall 2018) at its main campus and satellite location in Elk Grove. CRC is one of the Los Rios Community College District's colleges; it used to have Folsom Lake College as a satellite campus until 2004 when Folsom Lake College gained independence. The college offers a variety of academic programs and resources to its diverse student body.

February 1967: Master Facility Need Study Approved

In February 1967, the Board of Trustees of the Los Rios Community College District approved a Master Facility Need Study, which included the concept for Cosumnes River College.

1970: College Opening

In 1970, Cosumnes River College opened in Sacramento, California, drawing its name from the nearby Cosumnes River.

1971: Inaugural Football Season

In 1971, Cosumnes River College initiated its football season against the reigning state champion, College of the Redwoods, nearly achieving an upset under coach Coit Conant.

September 1975: Business/Social Science Building Dedication

In September 1975, the Business/Social Science building at Cosumnes River College, which included computer laboratories, was dedicated.

1978: End of the Football Program

In 1978, Cosumnes River College ended its football program, which had been a strong area power during its existence from 1971 to 1978.

1989: National Geography Bee Finals

In the spring of 1989, Cosumnes River College hosted the California state finals for the National Geography Bee in the recital hall, a tradition that continued every April thereafter.

1990: Cafeteria Building Opening

In the fall of 1990, the cafeteria building opened at Cosumnes River College, providing dining facilities for both staff and students, as well as instructional space for the food service program.

1991: College Center Building Addition

In the summer of 1991, the College Center building was added, housing Admissions/Records, Financial Aid, Business Services, Administration, and the bookstore.

1995: Visual and Performing Arts Complex Opening

In the fall of 1995, a visual and performing arts complex opened at Cosumnes River College, completing the original facilities plan for the college.

March 2002: Child Development Center Completion

In March 2002, Cosumnes River College completed a permanent Child Development Center.

December 2003: Southeast Office Complex Occupancy

In December 2003, staff moved into the new Southeast Office Complex at Cosumnes River College.

2004: Folsom Lake College Independence

In 2004, Folsom Lake College, previously a satellite campus, gained independence to become the fourth college under the Los Rios Community College District.

2004: Completion of Operations and Public Safety Building

In 2004, construction was completed on the Operations and Public Safety (OPS) building, which houses a variety of support services and departments including the Health Services office, Operations Department offices, Mail and Printing Center, and a substation of the Los Rios Community College Police Department.

2005: Learning Resource Center Design

In 2005, Nacht & Lewis Architects of Sacramento designed the Learning Resource Center.

2006: Home to Sacramento Heatwave

In 2006, Cosumnes River College became home to the Sacramento Heatwave of the American Basketball Association (ABA).

2011: Winn Center Construction Begins

Construction began in 2011 on the $18-million Winn Center for Construction and Architecture, providing instructional space for various programs and supported by a $1-million gift from Mike Winn and his family.

2011: CRC/Regional Transit Parking Structure Construction

In 2011, construction began on the CRC/Regional Transit Parking Structure in partnership with the Sacramento Regional Transit (SACRT).

2011: Elk Grove Center Groundbreaking

In 2011, the Elk Grove Center site was dedicated with a groundbreaking ceremony.

2011: Students for a Sustainable Future Club Established

In 2011, the environmental student organization "Students for a Sustainable Future Club," or SSF Club, was established to promote sustainability and environmentalism.

2012: Baseball Team State Championship

In 2012, The Cosumnes River Hawks Baseball team secured the school's first ever state championship.

2012: Athletic Fields Construction

In 2012, major construction of new athletic fields on the north side of campus began, including two soccer fields, a softball complex, a baseball complex, and a complete remodeling of the shared-use football stadium with the addition of artificial turf.

2013: Community Athletic Center Hosts Final Four

In 2013, the college's Community Athletic Center hosted the California Community College Athletic Association state basketball Final Four and Championship tournament.