GAVILAN COLLEGE
HOLLISTER CAMPUS
Honoring our Indigenous Culture
– a mural by Guillermo “Yermo” Aranda
In putting together the drawing for the concept, I kept hearing “Our Presence Today”, like asking “Where are we today? To me, what rang loud and clear is the importance of education and the importance of reclaiming our identify! We are still here! These thoughts and these images of all the activities of the Amah Mutsun Band and the importance of education – these images became the primary focus in representing the Original People of this area.
– Guillermo “Yermo” Aranda
The mural depicts what a pre-Columbian village looked like; you see the lodges, basket makers, flint knappers and women gathering acorns. You also see Mount Umunhum where the Amah Mutsun Creation Story took place. In the Creation Story, Hummingbird is sent by Eagle, Hawk, Raven and Crow to steal fire from the Badger People so the two legged may walk upon this Earth.
You see the traditions passed down to them from their ancestors; the songs and dances and the ceremonies. It includes the preparation of acorns, making a fire and the Cultural Burn.
See Portola and Mission San Juan Bautista - the beginning of a new era.
This represents the history of Gavilan Community College and the different sites where it has been located, including the Hollister airport.
See the Pinnacles, home of the Condors.
Here, members of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and Chalon Indian Nation volunteer, participate and work in eco-cultural restoration projects at Pinnacles.
Our focus is the indigenous graduates, surrounded by their Cultural Resources of today. The Traditions passed down to them from their ancestors; the songs and dances and the ceremonies. It includes the preparation of acorns, making a fire and the Cultural Burn. The Graduates are self-adorned with symbols and designs reflecting their tribal identity. Their sashes with their colors, patterns, Eagle Feathers and Moccasins on their feet. Standing proud of their accomplishments.
MESSAGE FROM
THE PRESIDENT
Bringing a campus back to Hollister has been a long-awaited dream for Gavilan College. It’s a testament to the tireless efforts of our faculty, staff, and the entire community. This state-of-the-art facility will provide cutting-edge academic programs and foster a sense of belonging. It’s a place where dreams take flight, cultures intertwine, and the spirit of learning will thrive. This new campus will empower students from all backgrounds, enabling us to further Gavilan’s mission of engaging, empowering, and enriching students to build their full academic, social, and economic potential.
Dr. Pedro Avila | Superintendent/President
HISTORY
OF THE HOLLISTER CAMPUS
The history of the Hollister campus began in 1919 as San Benito County Junior College located at present day Hollister High School. For a short period, classes were instructed at the Hollister airport. It operated as such until 1963, when a new community college district (Gavilan Joint Community College District) was drawn that included both San Benito County and southern Santa Clara County. The college moved to its present main campus in Gilroy in 1968.
In June 2007, Gavilan College purchased an 80-acre plot of land near the corner of Fairview Rd. and Airline Hwy. for $8 million in partnership with Morgan Hill-based developer Dividend Homes. The purchase was made with funds from Measure E, a $108 million school bond measure approved by voters in 2004. In 2018, voters passed Measure X, a $248 million school bond measure, of which the District was able to allocate over $60 million to build the new multipurpose academic building in Hollister.
Between October 2023 and March 2024, the District conducted a community-wide survey to name the new campus. With over 600 votes, the Board of Trustees approved Hollister Campus as the name of the Gavilan College campus located in San Benito County.
Construction for the Hollister Campus started in July 2023 and will be completed completed in November 2024 and open to students for the Spring 2025 academic semester.
NEW HOLLISTER CAMPUS ARCHITECTURE AND PLANNING
The first building at Gavilan College’s brand new Hollister Campus is a 33,000 square foot building containing space for student services, general education and lab classrooms, and space for community programs. The building includes two academic wings on either side of a community center. The northern wing has four general classrooms, and the southern wing has four science labs. It can accommodate up to 1500 students.
The Guiding Principles developed at the onset of the project state that our new Hollister Campus will:
• Welcome the community
• Create an exceptional and collegiate student experience
• Facilitate student connections to services and support
• Provide highly functional, flexible spaces that encourage learning and collaboration
• Promote wellness and safety
• Connect and interact with the landscape
• Be durable and easy to maintain
PARTNERS INVOLVED IN THE
PLANNING, DESIGNING AND BUILDING
OF OUR NEW HOLLISTER CAMPUS
SUPERINTENDENT/
PRESIDENT:
Dr. Pedro Avila
ARCHITECTS:
Quattrocchi Kwok Architects
& Gensler
PROGRAM MANAGER:
Volz Company
DIRECTOR OF
CAPITAL PROJECTS:
Serafin Fernandez
CONTRACTOR:
Blach Construction Company
SPECIAL THANKS TO:
Gavilan College Board of Trustees,
San Benito County Workgroup &
San Benito County Community
CAMPUS
ARCHITECT:
Steinberg Hart
CONSTRUCTION
MANAGER:
Felice Consulting Services