San Diego Miramar College

Perched atop a hill overlooking San Diego, San Diego Miramar College isn’t just a college. It’s a story waiting to be told. San Diego Miramar College first opened its doors in 1969 as the Miramar Regional Occupational Training Center. This wasn’t the grand campus you see today. It was a modest beginning, with a main classroom building, a fire training range, and a police training range. The college sits on land with a rich history. It was once part of a 170-acre airfield acquired by the U.S. Navy in 1941. After World War II, civilian aircraft used the land, and from 1957 to 1959, it became Hourglass Field, a hub for sports car clubs. The San Diego Unified School District acquired the land in 1965, paving the way for San Diego Miramar College. Today, San Diego Miramar College is a bustling campus serving 14,000 students annually. It offers a wide range of programs. Students can choose from 70 associate degrees and 90 career technical education certificates. The college also houses specialized centers like the Southern California Biotechnology Center, the Advanced Transportation and Energy Center, and the San Diego Regional Public Safety Institute. San Diego Miramar College has also nurtured some notable alumni. YouTube personality Brian Awadis (FaZe Rug), professional skateboarder and musician Phil Esbenshade (Phil E.), and former San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders all walked these halls. San Diego Miramar College’s motto reflects its commitment: “To prepare students to succeed in a changing world within an environment that values excellence in learning, teaching, innovation and diversity.” As you stand here, imagine the countless dreams launched and the futures shaped within these walls. San Diego Miramar College is more than just a place of learning. It is a testament to the power of education, the enduring spirit of community, and the constant pursuit of knowledge.