With over 1,600 alumni residing in Palos Verdes today, California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) continues to leave a lasting impact on the community—one that began right here on the Peninsula. Few people realize that this thriving institution of higher learning was originally envisioned as California State College, Palos Verdes, with its roots firmly planted in the rolling hills of the Peninsula.
CSUDH’s story is one of bold decisions, community engagement, and an unwavering commitment to educational access. In 1965, the university held its first classes in an unlikely Palos Verdes location: the California Federal Savings Bank in Rolling Hills Estates. “At that time, the area was still largely undeveloped,” recalls Susan Addleman, Director of Development for the College of Business Administration and Public Policy at CSUDH, and a Palos Verdes native. “I grew up on Willow Wood Road and went to high school here. It’s incredible to see how much has changed.”
That same year, the institution formally adopted the name California State College at Palos Verdes. With just 40 students, 11 faculty members, and a handful of administrators, it was a modest beginning. However, the course of the college’s future took a dramatic turn following the Watts Rebellion of 1965.
The uprising, a defining moment in the Civil Rights Movement, underscored racial inequities and systemic barriers in Los Angeles. In response, Governor Pat Brown visited the affected areas and made a crucial decision—relocating the college to the Dominguez Hills site, in what would soon become the City of Carson, to provide better access for urban and minority populations. By 1966, the move was finalized, and the institution was renamed California State College Dominguez Hills.
“Our mission became about serving the community in ways that were transformative,” says Lilly McKibbin, Media Relations Specialist for CSUDH. “Today, we’re proud to be ranked number one in the nation for social-economic mobility, meaning we help students secure well-paying jobs that change the trajectory of their lives.”
Despite its relocation, CSUDH remains deeply connected to Palos Verdes. Maria Villa, a long-time Palos Verdes Estates resident and chair of the university’s philanthropic board, has been a passionate advocate for the school’s initiatives.
“We’re creating opportunities that didn’t exist before,” Addleman shares. “For example, our Innovation Incubator allows students to launch small businesses in a single day. They walk away with a logo, website, business cards, and a business plan. Amazingly, if students earn just $500 a month from these ventures, they can graduate debt-free.”
Programs like Catapult and the Small Business Growth Academy reinforce CSUDH’s commitment to entrepreneurship and community engagement. “Groups of students work directly with small businesses, providing valuable insights and solutions. It’s real-world experience that makes a tangible impact,” Addleman explains.
CSUDH has also made its mark on the global stage. “We’ll be hosting events for the 2028 Olympics, a full-circle moment for us since we also hosted events during the 1984 Olympics,” McKibbin notes.For Addleman, the university’s evolution is personal. “To have a university so deeply rooted in our home community is special. Our service area includes Palos Verdes, and we’re proud to welcome students from all walks of life.”
From its beginnings in a Rolling Hills bank to becoming a beacon of accessibility and innovation, CSUDH’s history is a testament to its adaptability and commitment to serving diverse communities. “Once a Toro, always a Toro,” says Addleman with pride. “Whether you’re 18 or 80, there’s a place for you here.”
