History and Milestones

A Century of Progress

Saint Paul College has changed a lot over its nearly 100 years of existence. Through it all, however, we've remained a strong community partner and a trusted provider of education and training. Here's a quick look back.

In just a few years—on Sept. 9, 2010, to be exact—Saint Paul College will celebrate its 100th anniversary. Most people now know this institution as a community and technical college with nearly 9,000 full– and part–time students and a wide range of degree and certificate programs. But we've also got deep roots in the local community.

Laying the foundation

The College was born in 1910 as a fee–based manual training school founded by the Saint Paul Builders Exchange and operating under the auspices of the Saint Paul Institute. Over the last century, the institution has operated under various names–including the Rice Industrial School and Madison Training School–and at various locations. After World War I, Saint Paul Vocational High School became the official name, and it began operating as a separate entity of the Saint Paul Public Schools system. By 1945, legislation created the state's AVTI (Area Vocational–Technical Institutes) system and Saint Paul Technical Vocational Institute, or "TVI," for short, operated until 1989 when it came under the direction of Minnesota's Technical College System and was renamed St. Paul Technical College.

By 1964, the school had out grown its old location and moved to its current location at the corner of Marshall Avenue and John Ireland Boulevard.

In 1995, as part of a restructuring of the states public higher education system, St. Paul Technical College became part of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. And in 2002, it added a new mission–to provide a two–year, baccalaureate transfer program. That change led to its current name and role: Saint Paul College–A Community & Technical College.

Making the connection

This is an exciting time for the College. We are experiencing unprecedented growth, with enrollment up 7 percent this year. We now offer 34 associate degree programs, and 70 occupational certificate and diploma programs. Still located at the corner of Marshall and John Ireland, we've begun our third major remodeling project. In 1989 we added the west tower to the campus, and in 2000 we completed a major remodeling of the main building's first floor. Now a major, $10 million project is underway in our lower level.

Over the past 96 years, the College has had more than 40,000 graduates, most of whom have called St. Paul their home. As we approach the College's centennial anniversary, we're looking to reconnect with those alumni. In particular, we're looking for stories from our graduates. If you or someone you know is an alumnus, we'd like to find out about what you are doing or how the school helped you meet your life goals. We are also asking for pictures or memorabilia which you would like to share. Our plan is to create a full–wall mural with a montage of photos chronicling the College's history and major events. Your assistance would be very much appreciated.

Craig Anderson
Vice President of Administration

If you would like to share historical information about the College, please contact Craig Anderson, Vice President of Administration.