History of Lucas College and Graduate School of Business in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 5, 2024

The Lucas College and Graduate School of Business, part of San Jose State University, holds the title of largest business school in Silicon Valley. It boasts an impressive employment rate, with 80% of its graduates securing jobs within the Valley and more graduates employed by local firms than any other U.S. university. This success is further highlighted by its 2010 inclusion in Forbes' top 20 "Colleges that will make you rich."

1928: Establishment of the Department of Commerce

The Lucas College and Graduate School of Business was established in 1928 as the Department of Commerce. The department initially focused on secretarial training and accountancy.

1950: Growth of the Department of Commerce

By 1950, the Department of Commerce had grown significantly, boasting a staff of 40, offering 7 majors, and enrolling 1,528 students, almost a fifth of the entire student body.

1957: Donald Lucas Graduates

Donald Lucas graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing in 1957 from the school that would later be named after him and his wife.

1959: Sally Lucas Graduates

Sally Lucas graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Education degree in 1959 from the school that would later be named after her and her husband.

1967: Accreditation by AACSB

The school achieved a significant milestone in 1967 when it was accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

2006: Renaming to honor Donald and Sally Lucas

In 2006, the school was renamed as the Lucas College and Graduate School of Business in honor of Donald and Sally Lucas, alumni who made generous donations and had successful careers in Business and Education.