Our History
Although Folsom Lake College received its initial accreditation in 2004, our story and connection to the communities we serve goes back to the 1960s. Enjoy this digital time capsule of Folsom Lake College's past.
1960s
The Founding of Los Rios
The Los Rios Community College District is founded when residents in ten separate school districts covering five counties voted to consolidate, establishing a regional community college district of 2,400 square miles and consisting of the then-existing Sacramento City College and American River College.
The Beginning
The Placerville Center begins offering classes at the National Guard Armory, located on the El Dorado County fairgrounds.
Placerville Center
The Placerville Center is operated by American River College and serves approximately 200 students.
Future Site of FLC
The City of Folsom donates a 151-acre parcel of land to Los Rios to be preserved for a future college site.
1970s
Los Rios Expands
Cosumnes River College joins the Los Rios Community College District.
University Behind Raley’s (UBR)
The Placerville Center moves to a new location on the El Dorado County fairgrounds. The portable buildings are located on a hill above Raley’s Supermarket, near the government center on Ray Lawyer Drive, and is affectionately known in the community as UBR - University Behind Raley’s.
1980s
CRC At The Helm
Cosumnes River College acquires control of Placerville Center’s operations.
Placerville Center Moves to New Home
Due to enrollment growth at the Placerville Center, the Los Rios Board of Trustees authorizes the purchase of approximately 19 acres of land from the El Dorado County Board of Education for the price of $1. The California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office and the State of California formally approves the site for use.
Mather Center
Los Rios first serves its Rancho Cordova community as the Mather Center located at Mather Air Base, under the auspices of American River College.
1990s
Skip Davies
Dr. Marlin “Skip” Davies is one of Folsom Lake College’s earliest leaders, serving as dean and provost of the centers from 1990-2001.
Under Construction
Construction begins on the Placerville Center’s first permanent structures, Buildings A and B.
Folsom Lake Center
The Folsom Lake Center begins its operations at the Folsom land site as an educational center of Cosumnes River College. Its name was derived from the picturesque Folsom Lake, a landmark of the eastern part of the Sacramento region. The new center, combining two smaller centers previously operated at Folsom High School and Mather Air Base, includes 13 new portable buildings housing ten classrooms, a computer lab, a science lab, a learning resource center, student services, faculty and administrative offices, a student lounge, and a bookstore.
The Unofficial Mascot
The Folsom Lake Center was also known for its rattlesnake population.
El Dorado Center
The Placerville Center, renamed the El Dorado Center, opens at the permanent site on Campus Drive, off Green Valley Road in Placerville. Buildings A and B include classrooms, science labs, a library, an art studio, student services, faculty offices, a bookstore, and a distance education/instructional television (iTV) classroom.
First Graduation
The El Dorado Center honors its first graduating class, including longtime FLC Admissions & Records staffer Rochelle Franco.
Folsom Lake Center Grows
Fitness Center
The El Dorado Center opens a fitness center with a weight room and aerobics room.
Build It And They Will Come
Construction begins on Folsom Lake Center’s first permanent structure, Aspen Hall/FL1.
2000s
Rancho Cordova Center
The Rancho Cordova Center opens using rented storefront facilities on Rockingham Drive and includes four classrooms, a computer lab, a student services counter, and a faculty/counseling office.
Classes In Session
The first permanent building on the Main Folsom campus, Aspen Hall/FL1, opens for classes. The building includes nine classrooms, two distance education/interactive television (iTV) classrooms, the library and personal learning environment (PLE), the Innovation Center (a faculty and staff resource space for curriculum development and training), student services offices, and faculty and staff office space.
Measure A
Local voters approve Measure A, authorizing the issuance of $265 million in general obligation bonds to fund new facilities throughout the district.
Folsom Lake College Accreditation
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) grants Folsom Lake College initial accreditation as a community college, becoming the 109th community college in the State of California and the fourth college of the Los Rios Community College District. The El Dorado Center, the Rancho Cordova Center, and the Folsom Lake Center (now known as the Main Folsom campus) combine to form Folsom Lake College.
Thelma Scott-Skillman
Dr. Thelma Scott-Skillman is named the college's founding president.
Financial Aid
Folsom Lake College satisfies the definition of an eligible institution under the Higher Education Act of 1965 and receives approval to participate in Federal Student Financial Aid Programs.
Construction Boom
The Main Folsom campus sees exponential growth with the expansion of Aspen Hall/FL1 and the opening of Cypress Hall/FL2 and Buckeye Hall/FL3. The Aspen Hall expansion includes library and student services additions, as well as a new community room space. Cypress Hall opens with six science labs, two art labs, the Reading & Writing Center, and a language lab. The main feature of Buckeye Hall is a large university-style lecture hall seating 150.
El Dorado Center Grows
The El Dorado Center opens Building C, which includes classroom space, a community room, the English Center, and a tutoring center and computer lab.
Fulbright Scholar Visit
FLC and History Professor Gordon Lam hosts visiting Fulbright Scholar Dr. Husain Siddiqui, who gives a variety of college and community presentations.
Rancho Cordova Center Expands
The Rancho Cordova Center doubles in size, allowing the college to expand course offerings and student services to support the growing needs of the center’s students.
Campus Improvements
The Falcon's Roost opens with space for a bookstore, cafeteria, coffee cart, college police offices, and dedicated space for student government and clubs, becoming the central hub for campus life. The College Administration and Campus Services buildings also open providing additional workspace for support staff.
Interactive Learning
Dogwood Hall/FL4 and Lilac Hall/FL5 open for classes, including 21 classrooms, a music lab and practice rooms, an interdisciplinary electronic arts lab, an early childhood education lab, and faculty and staff offices.
Community Observatory
The college partners with the Cameron Park Rotary Club and the El Dorado County Office of Education, opening the Community Observatory on the El Dorado Center property.
National Recognition
Folsom Lake College is identified as the 7th fastest growing mid-sized community college in the nation.
Community Service
The El Dorado Center commemorates 40-plus years of serving its communities with a special open house.
Measure M
Local voters approve Measure M, authorizing the issuance of $475 million in general obligation bonds to fund additional facilities construction throughout the district.
Performing Arts
The first live performances in theatre (the Falcon's Eye Theatre production of "Reckless"), dance (MOSAIC Dance Company's "Evening of Dance"), and music debuts.
Let's Get Physical
The Physical Education (PE) facility opens with a weight room, men's and women's locker rooms, a dance studio, aerobics studio, circuit/cardio room, and an exercise science classroom.
Falcon Athletics
2010s
Falcon's Roost Expansion
The Falcon's Roost expands in size to offer more room for current services, as well as the addition of the Career & Transfer Center.
Visual & Performing Arts Center
The college's regional visual and performing arts center, the Harris Center for the Arts (initially known as Three Stages), opens. The performance venue includes an 800 seat theater (Stage 1), a 150 seat studio theater (Stage 2), an intimate recital hall (Stage 3), a recording studio, an art gallery, ensemble and practice rooms, full theater support (including a green room, dressing rooms, costume shop, and scene shop), as well as instructional classrooms.
Opening Night
Three Stages' first ticketed production features the national tour of "A Chorus Line" with a celebratory gala following the performance.
Fond Farewell
Founding president Dr. Thelma Scott-Skillman retires.
Rachel Rosenthal
Folsom Lake College welcomes its second president, Dr. Rachel Rosenthal.
Athletics Complex
The modernized athletics complex opens, including a soccer field, baseball and softball stadiums, a track and field complex, and a cross country course and interpretive trail through the campus' wetland preserve.
Reaching New Goals
The inaugural women's soccer team takes the field and go on to claim the Bay Valley Conference championship and advance to the CCCAA state playoffs in its first year.
The End of an Era
The final remaining portable buildings on the Main Folsom campus are demolished to make way for the new gymnasium.
Rancho Cordova Center Groundbreaking
Construction begins on the Rancho Cordova Center’s first permanent building at the new site on Folsom Boulevard, across from the Mather Field/Mills light rail station.
Kicking It Up A Notch
Men's soccer is added as FLC's 6th intercollegiate sports team.
Major Milestone
Folsom Lake College celebrates its 10th Anniversary with a scripted retrospective program, a community open house, and the burying of a time capsule in the Aspen Hall/FL1 patio area.
Birds of a Feather
Our Official Mascot Falco was hatched at our 10th Anniversary Celebration. Once a Falcon forever a Falcon!
Order on the Court
The athletics complex completes its initial footprint with the opening of the tennis courts.
Gymnasium Opens
The Gymnasium opens on the Main Folsom campus and includes a spectator and practice gym, weight rooms, locker rooms, faculty and staff offices, a Hall of Honor, an athletic trainer suite with rehabilitation and hydrotherapy rooms, and a lobby with multimedia wall and concessions.
America's Pastime
Men's baseball premieres with the Falcons making the CCCAA state playoffs in their first season.
El Dorado Center Expansion
The Building B expansion opens, including a student lounge, club room, and multi-use room (the Prairie Falcon Room), as well as increased office space for DSPS and Financial Aid.
Revitalizing Rancho Cordova
Rancho Cordova Center's permanent site opens on Folsom Boulevard. Phase I includes eight classrooms, a state-of-the-art learning resource center and computer lab, and faculty and student services office space.
Partnerships Bloom
The Sherwood Demonstration Garden, located behind the El Dorado Center, has its grand opening. The garden was conceived and constructed by the UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County and is committed to educating the general public on sustainable horticulture and pest management practices. There are 16 gardens spread over two acres showcasing plants appropriate for each theme.
Queens of Diamonds
Women's softball becomes the 8th sport at FLC.
Meet You At The Net
Women's volleyball takes the court and makes the CCCAA state playoffs in their first year.
Kathleen Kirklin
Upon the retirement of the college’s second president, Dr. Rachel Rosenthal, on December 31, 2016, longtime Vice President of Administration Kathleen Kirklin, overseer of the college’s vast construction projects through the years, serves as Interim President as the district undergoes a nationwide search for a permanent president.
Whitney Yamamura
Folsom Lake College welcomes Mr. Whitney Yamamura as its third president.
Making a Promise
The Folsom Lake College/Rancho Cordova College Promise Program was launched, providing Rancho Cordova residents who were recent high school graduates with their first year at FLC fee-free. Funds were allocated by the Rancho Cordova City Council from the Community Enhancement Fund.
Nothing But Net
Men’s and women’s basketball begin play as the college's 9th and 10th intercollegiate sports teams.
The Maker Movement
Folsom Lake College’s Innovation Center undergoes renovations and reopens as a makerspace.
Professional Development
The 1st Classified Senate Retreat centering on wellness in the workplace was held.
Education & Rehabilitation
As part of FLC’s Prison and Reentry Education Program (PREP) that launched in Spring 2016, Mule Creek State Prison held a ceremony for the 1st group of incarcerated students who completed FLC’s Social Work/Human Services certificate program.
Momentous Milestone
In its 8th season, the Harris Center for the Arts sold its one millionth ticket to patron Cindy Schrier!
Going Live
The redesigned FLC website launched as the pilot for a new coordinated approach for Los Rios websites. In addition to the visual overhaul, the site included new features to optimize the student and prospective student user experience.
The Winner Is
The Falcon's Eye Theatre production of “Macbeth” took home top honors in four categories at the Sacramento Area Regional Theatre Alliance Elly Awards, including Best Overall Production of a Drama.
2020s
COVID Pandemic
Due to the unprecedented global health crisis, FLC and Los Rios moved the majority of instruction and college operations to a remote format.
"Making" A Leader
The Innovation Center is accepted into two prestigious national programs: “Making Spaces: Expanding Maker Education Across the Nation” for FLC to lead a new regional partnership to help launch new Maker sites, and “Makers + Mentors Network: Maker Fellows” connecting FLC students with K-12 youth to serve as mentors.
Harris Center Goes Red
The Harris Center for the Arts was one of 1,500 venues to be lit in red to raise awareness and support for the live events sector affected by the pandemic, which impacted the more than 12 million people the industry employs.
Grant Award
FLC was awarded a $2.2 million Title III Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP) grant from the US Department of Education to help serve our low-income students.
Future First Responders
FLC's Emergency Medical Technology (EMT) program receives approval as an official EMT Training Program by the El Dorado County Office of Emergency Medical Services.
Serving the Community
Folsom Lake College partnered with Kaiser Permanente to host a daily COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the main campus for several months at the height of the pandemic.
Scholar Athletes
The Men's Tennis Team was awarded the California Community College Athletic Association 2020 Scholar Team Award. The team's 3.69 cumulative GPA was the highest of any men's tennis team in the state.
Respect & Appreciation
FLC adopted a land acknowledgment statement to show respect, gratitude, and appreciation for the Indigenous peoples who previously occupied the physical space on which the campus has since been built and their enduring relationship to the land.
Curbside Commencement
FLC rolled out the teal carpet to celebrate the Classes of 2020 and 2021 affected by the pandemic. Falcon grads made their way through the fun-filled route with stops at the numerous themed stations hosted by faculty, staff, administrators, and community volunteers.
Artificial Intelligence is the Future
Intel partnered with FLC to grow its Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Workforce Program. The college offered its first AI course that fall, CISC 499: Artificial Intelligence and Data Science.
Community Recovery Resource
The El Dorado Center served as a Local Assistance Center for those impacted by the Caldor Fire. The Center was a one-stop shop for residents to connect with critical government services, replace lost or destroyed vital documents, and access support services.
Rising Scholars
FLC launched the Rising Scholars program as part of the Prison and Reentry Education Program (PREP), which is committed to serving students who have been impacted by the criminal justice system.
Equity Champion
FLC was named a 2021 Equity Champion of Higher Education by the Campaign for College Opportunity. The college was recognized for its exemplary work in awarding Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADT) to Latinx students.
Harris Center Managing Partner
VenueTech Management Group, Inc. was selected to assume management of the Harris Center for the Arts’ day-to-day operations and performance programming.
Wakamatsu Farm
The Geosciences Department, in collaboration with the Innovation Center, finalized a partnership with the American River Conservancy to establish Wakamatsu Farm in Placerville as a field site for long-term, hands-on research experiences for students and faculty.
Removing Obstacles
FLC was named a 2022 Champion for Excellence in Placement by the Campaign for College Opportunity. FLC was commended for its commitment to removing obstacles for students, having successfully supported 100% of our Black and African American students to enroll directly into transfer-level English coursework.
Rooting for the Home Team
FLC hosted the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) 2022 Baseball State Championship Tournament Memorial Day weekend. The Falcons capped off their stellar season, earning a spot in the final championship game, but lost to Riverside.
EDC Goes to Space
EDC’s Community Observatory hosted a special event featuring NASA Solar System Ambassador Tim Pinkney, who shared exciting, first-ever images from the James Webb Space Telescope stationed a million miles from Earth.
Viticulture Program Grows
Willamette Valley Vineyards, a leading producer of Pinot Noir in Oregon, announced a scholarship, internship, and funding partnership to benefit the college's viticulture program and students.
Training Future EMTs
AlphaOne Ambulance Medical Services donated an ambulance to FLC’s Emergency Medical Technology (EMT) program to provide students with hands-on training, which is critical for this field.
Rachel Rosenthal Returns
After 5+ years of service as the President of FLC and 33+ years of service to the students of Los Rios, Dr. Whitney Yamamura accepted a position as Chancellor of the Coast Community College District in Costa Mesa, CA. Whitney's last day on campus was August 19, 2022. While Los Rios conducted a search for its 4th president, the college was in good hands. Dr. Rachel Rosenthal, who served as FLC’s 2nd president, paused her retirement and returned to serve as Interim President for the fall semester.
If You Build It, They Will Come
FLC invited members of the greater college community to a celebratory groundbreaking event for the new science building. Upon completion, the 75,000 gross sq. ft. instructional building would be the largest science facility within the Los Rios Community College District.
Art Pimentel
Dr. Art Pimentel was appointed the 4th president of FLC by the Los Rios Community College District Board of Trustees. Art came to FLC with over 17 years of higher education experience, including five years of previous work in the Los Rios district.
Reaffirmation of Accreditation
At its meeting on January 11-12, 2023, the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC), Western Association of Schools and Colleges, acted to reaffirm Folsom Lake College’s accreditation for seven years!
Equity Center Grand Opening
The college celebrated the grand opening of the Equity Center’s new location at the main campus in Aspen Hall FL1-151b (inside the Welcome and Student Success Center). The new location provides more space and higher visibility to support the college’s disproportionately impacted (DI) student populations.
Undocu-Falcons Center
FLC also opened the Undocu-Falcons Center at the main campus in Aspen Hall FL1-183 (inside Admissions & Records). This center serves as a safe and welcoming space for our undocumented, DACA, and AB540 students, and students of mixed-status families to access information, resources, and support.
Student Mentorship
FLC launched a new student mentorship program with Inductive Automation. The program offers students a unique introduction to the professional work environment, providing an opportunity to foster meaningful business connections.
Heartbeat of Folsom
FLC participated in a community art installation project, The Heartbeat of Folsom, presented by the 2022-23 Leadership Folsom Class and Choose Folsom. FLC’s heart sculpture, sponsored by Inductive Automation and designed/painted by students, is on display at the main campus as a piece of the college’s public art collection.
10K
FLC reached a significant milestone in its history with enrollment surpassing 10,000 students for the first time!
Show Your #Falcontude
FLC’s public art piece, #Falcontude, was installed outside of the Falcon's Roost. The colorful 3D falcon wings were designed/created by Art Professor Marisa Sayago, the art club, the Artists Guild, and students in the ART 402/404 Clay Sculpture class.
Supporting Health & Wellness
FLC celebrated the grand opening of the Health and Wellness Center in the Falcon’s Roost. The Center offers a comprehensive range of free physical and mental health services to students.
1st State Championship
The FLC Women’s Soccer team clinched the 2023 California Community College Athletic Association (3C2A) State Championship in a nail-biter of a game against Cypress College at Mt. San Antonio College. This is the first-ever state championship title for Folsom Lake College!
Happy Anniversary
In honor of the college’s 20th Anniversary as an accredited institution, FLC held a celebration for current and past employees at the Harris Center for the Arts to commemorate two decades of Falcon pride.
Supporting Students
The Equity Center expanded its programs to include two new affinity groups: FLC Pride’s Nest for LGBTQIA+ students and employees, and BASE (Black. African. Student. Edu-Culture) for students of Black/African descent.
Beach Volleyball
The latest sport to join Falcon Athletics is women’s beach volleyball!
Reaching the Summit
The inaugural Folsom Lake College Men of Color Summit was a rousing success! 85 students from FLC and ten local high schools, along with 20 community supporters, participated in activities to help men of Color gain a stronger sense of self and connect with peers, faculty, staff, and the larger college community.
Community Partners
Folsom Lake College announced a partnership with Sutter Health to help fast-track students toward healthcare careers. Sutter Health’s $2.5 million investment in the college supports upgrades to FLC’s healthcare hub at the Rancho Cordova Center to create a state-of-the-art learning environment.
Future of Healthcare
FLC was proud to host the inaugural Healthcare Summit with community partners Choose Folsom and Valley Vision. Five major local healthcare providers—Dignity Health, Kaiser Permanente, Marshall Medical, Sutter Health, and UC Davis Medical—convened to discuss healthcare technology, workforce development, recruitment, and the value of partnering with community colleges to develop the future pipeline of healthcare professionals for the greater Sacramento region.
A Night to Remember
FLC presented a sold-out fundraising event in honor of its 20th Anniversary celebration at the Harris Center for the Arts. The community-centered festivities featured a Sip & Stroll with wine and food pairings and a special performance by Jay Leno.
Student-Athletes
FLC’s Women’s Basketball team was selected as the #1 Academic Team by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association out of all two-year women’s basketball programs in the country for carrying the highest combined team GPA of 3.564 for the entire 2023-24 season.
Happy Birthday, EDC!
The El Dorado Center celebrated its 30th Anniversary at its current location with a community open house.
Artificial Intelligence Summit
Members of the Los Rios community joined together at FLC for the inaugural Los Rios AI Summit. This collaborative gathering of faculty, student services professionals, and student leaders provided an opportunity to learn more about artificial intelligence and lay the groundwork for a path forward.
Commemorative Photo
Folsom Lake College students and employees gathered in the Spectator Gym to take part in the college’s big 2-0 photo to cap off its milestone 20th anniversary year!
We Are the Champions... Again!
Folsom Lake College Women's Soccer team won their second straight California Community College Athletic Association (3C2A) State Championship! The mighty Falcons once again took on Cypress College in a rematch of last year's final game at American River College and took home the win.
Diversifying the Allied Health Field
The FLC MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, Science, Achievement) program was honored to have been selected as one of the Sacramento County grantees of the Dignity Health 2025 Community Health Improvement Grant to support the college’s underrepresented students in STEM!
Build It & They Will Come
The Sacramento Business Journal recognized Folsom Lake College's Oak Hall Science Building as one of the region’s "Best Real Estate Projects of the Year."
Oak Hall Opens to Great Fanfare
FLC celebrated the grand opening and ribbon cutting of Oak Hall, the largest science instructional facility in the Los Rios district. Over 350 members of the greater college community came out to celebrate and tour the new building.
Bienvenida!
FLC Comunidad presented the college’s first-ever Bienvenida—a special evening filled with celebration, music, food, and connection to celebrate our Latinx and Hispanic cultures.