ROCKLIN, Calif. (OBSNews.com) - William Jessup University will commemorate, honor and celebrate their 70 year existence at a special cake ceremony for students and staff on September 21 at 11:45 a.m. The celebration observes the first day of class that the University, then known as San Jose Bible College, held on September 20, 1939.

As San Jose Bible College continued to grow, it was renamed San Jose Christian College in 1989. Later, regional accreditation was granted by the Western Association of Schools and colleges (WASC) in 2002 and the name was changed to William Jessup University in 2003.

The name change reflected the decision to broaden the academic programs to include traditional undergraduate studies, professional studies and, eventually graduate studies in a variety of disciplines.

William Jessup University became the Sacramento area’s only first private, four-year residential university in 2004, when the university moved to its 128 acre campus in Rocklin.

“I am honored to celebrate what our university has accomplished and consider it my privilege to serve this community,” said Bryce Jessup, the University’s fifth president.

Jessup, the son of the founder of the college has led the University to its greatest growth in enrollment, facilities and curriculum. Students from more than 30 different birth countries have enrolled at Jessup over the years.

Currently the university has a lot to celebrate. The first phase of its $25 million expansion project is complete revealing a state-of-the-art 24-unit student apartment complex.

The University also experienced its largest incoming class this year with a record breaking enrollment number citing 194 students, including 91 freshmen.

About William Jessup University

Founded in 1939 by William Jessup, the University moved to Rocklin, California, in August 2004. WJU is the first and only WASC accredited private four-year university to have its main campus located in the greater Sacramento area, offering degrees in many different disciplines, including Business Administration, Family & Children’s Ministry, English, History, Intercultural Studies, Liberal Studies (Teacher Education), Music, Pastoral Ministry, Psychology, Public Policy and Youth Ministry. Anticipated majors include fields in the humanities and science. WJU also offers a School of Professional Studies (SPS) at its campuses in Rocklin and San Jose. Program concentrations in Rocklin include Business Administration, Counseling Psychology and a Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Credential Program. In San Jose, concentrations are offered in Business Administration, Counseling Psychology, and Christian Leadership. For more information, please visit www.jessup.edu or call (916) 577-2200.