The University of Hawaii's West Oahu campus turns 50 this month, a bright moment for Kapolei and the island's growing west side.

• The campus opened in 1975 as West Oahu College with just 75 students.
• Early classes ran out of portable classrooms and borrowed high school space in Pearl City and Aiea.
• It did not get a permanent home until 2012, and now teaches close to 2,900 students in Kapolei.
• Alumni point to small classes and close access to professors as the draw.

Outlook: Anniversary events begin October 5 with an opening ceremony and a history display at the James and Abigail Campbell Library.