History
Even before there was a Chemeketa, there was Salem Technical-Vocational School, operated by Salem Public Schools. Salem Tech's first full-time classes were held in an old elementary school. Practical Nursing and Electronics Engineering Technician programs were developed in 1957, 70 full-time students were enrolled, and staff included five full-time instructors.
In 1964, Salem Tech moved to its present site on Lancaster Drive, where a one-story brick building, a machine and welding shop, and a number of temporary buildings soon made up the campus. In 1965, the school's name was changed to Salem Technical Vocational Community College.
In the early 60s, a group of citizen leaders from throughout the mid-Willamette Valley spearheaded a movement to transform Salem Tech into a comprehensive community college which would serve the area. Chemeketa is the result of that effort.
September 23, 1969 — Mid-Willamette area residents vote to establish a community college. This means that the former "Salem Tech" will become a community college serving Marion, Polk, most of Yamhill, and part of Linn counties. The first board of education is elected.
December 1969 — After a contest conducted among the students of Salem Tech and all of the district high schools, the Board of Education approves the name Chemeketa Community College.
July 1, 1970 — Chemeketa begins operation as a district-wide comprehensive community college.
1970-71 — The college grows to more than 1,100 full-time students.
December 1972 — Chemeketa receives accreditation by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges (now Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities).
1974-82 — The Salem campus' major buildings go up. Outreach campuses are established in Dallas, McMinnville, Stayton, and Woodburn. Because of enrollment growth, the college continues to use the "temporary buildings" in addition to the permanent facilities on campus.
January 1986 — The Training and Economic Development (TED) Center opens in downtown Salem, with a focus on business training.
1993 — Building 1 opens, offering an expanded bookstore as well as increased staff office space.
March 1996 — Voters approve a $35.2 million bond measure, allowing the college to build new classrooms, repair existing facilities, and update training equipment for students in technical programs.
May, 1998 — The newly remodeled Santiam Campus, formerly the Stayton Campus, celebrates its opening. The new location provides the additional training opportunities for Marion and Linn County residents.
March 1999 — The 72,000-square-foot Learning Resource Center opens on the Salem Campus. The building offers twice the seating of the old library, and also houses nine high-tech classrooms.
January 2000 — The Technology Classroom Building is dedicated on the Salem Campus. The building has 14 computer labs and a 465-seat auditorium equipped for high-tech presentations and a variety of performances.
June 2000 — Chemeketa served more than 50,000 students during the 1999-2000 academics year. Chemeketa is the second-largest community college in Oregon.
February 2002 — The Student Life Center is dedicated. This attachment to Building 2 provides meeting space, multicultural center, a lounge and convenience store for students. It includes office space for Student Life and Student Support Services.
September 2002 — The Peace Garden is dedicated in a September 11 ceremony as a place for remembrance and reflection. At the same dedication ceremony, the college rededicated its name, “Chemeketa,” which means “a place of peace.”
Updated January 6, 2009 by Web Services.