Scottsdale Community College - History

History

Scottsdale Community College opened in the fall of 1969 and moved to its present location in the fall of 1970 with an enrollment of 948 students. The College’s enrollment has mirrored the rapid population growth in the area, and it currently serves approximately 17,000 credit and 8,000 non-credit students annually.

While the College has traditionally focused on a service area within six miles, increasing numbers of students from outside that area call SCC “their” community college. With a student population that closely mirrors the diversity of SCC's service area, the College also attracts nearly 1,000 students from 100 different countries. On campus walkways, one sees people of all ages and numerous cultural backgrounds – all with an unlimited variety of interests and goals.

An important part of the College’s history is encapsulated in the name of its football team and their mascot. During a period of campus unrest in the early 70’s, many in the student body felt the administration was funneling far too much money to the school's sports teams and not enough to educational needs. A student referendum to vote on a new name and school colors for the football team was used as a forum to express this difference of opinion concerning budget priorities; the vast majority of participants opted to call the team The Fighting Artichokes, and chose team colors of pink and white, although those were later changed to green and gold. Artie the Artichoke was adopted as the school mascot; originally intended to be a source of embarrassment, Artie has been embraced by students, athletes, staff, and the community as a beloved character.