Orange Coast College art student, Ben Rode, designed the college's official seal in the spring of 1951. Ben was an OCC student and a U.S. Navy veteran who had worked as a commercial artist. Rode created posters, signs, and flyers to promote OCC Art Department events and assisted in arranging exhibits. His goal was to become an art teacher.
What the seal represents: Oranges are depicted in the center of the seal, emblematic of both the name of the college and the name of the county. Oil derricks describe what, in 1951, was one of the significant occupational activities of the area. Sailboats suggest a major recreational pastime along the Orange Coast. The open book is inscribed with the year 1947, the year the college was officially established. The school's name is within the outer borders of rope (or line, as sailors refer to it). A pen and brush on the right and a compass and square on the left separate the words. Most important is the directional compass at the top of the seal, implying that the school has a definite goal "and is working steadfastly toward it."
Adapted from "Orange Slices" by Jim Carnett 27 Apr 2006
Article from The Barnacle, April 3, 1951
