The University of Hawaii's West Oahu campus is celebrating 50 years this October, a bright spot for students on the island's west side.

• The school opened in 1976 as West Oahu College with just 75 students in temporary portable classrooms in Pearl City.
• It had no real campus of its own for decades — a permanent home finally opened in 2012.
• Supporters say the campus matters most for bright students and workers who live far from Honolulu and would otherwise go without.
• The growth from portable buildings to a full campus is the milestone being honored.

Outlook: Expect anniversary events through October as the campus keeps building out its role in West Oahu.