Irvine Valley College (IVC) capped off its yearlong 40th anniversary celebration today with the premiere of Little College in the Orange Groves: 40 Years in the Making, a commemorative documentary capturing the people, milestones, and moments that have defined the college’s four decades of excellence.
Over the course of five months, the IVC Marketing and Creative Services team conducted 24 in-depth interviews, representing a cross-section of the campus community—including 13 faculty members, 8 classified professionals, and 3 administrators. Ten of the interviewees were retirees who returned to share reflections from IVC’s formative years, offering a rare glimpse into the college’s early spirit and continued growth.
In total, more than 30 hours of footage were filmed, preserving the college’s evolution through personal stories and collective achievement.
“We wanted to honor the people who shaped Irvine Valley College—those who taught, led, supported, and believed in what this campus could become,” said IVC President Dr. John Hernandez. “This film is both a tribute to our past and an inspiration for our future.” The project was made possible through the collaboration of the IVC Foundation, which helped connect with retired faculty and staff, and the dedication of the Marketing and Creative Services team, who brought the vision to life.
The 40th anniversary celebration and documentary premiere mark the culmination of a yearlong recognition of IVC’s history, its people, and its lasting impact on the community. Little College in the Orange Groves: 40 Years in the Making is now available for viewing on IVC's YouTube channel.