Vanguard University

Dr. J. Calvin Holsinger received his degrees in history from Pitt and Temple universities. In 1961, after teaching high school and at the State University in Bloomsburg, PA, Dr. Holsinger came to Southern California College (SCC) to serve on the administration of the university and was a history department faculty member, serving the university for about a decade.

On the athletics front, Dr. Holsinger was responsible for beginning a new era for SCC.  As Dean of Students at the time, he promoted the use of the college mascot "Vanguards" because he believed that "vanguard" symbolized the university's longtime status of leadership in education both for the fellowship and for the community in which the college was located, as SCC was the first four-year college in Orange County.  The Athletic Department would use the Vanguards and Lady Vanguards through the 1998-99 season.  It is because of his promotion of that mascot that the entire University adopted the name "Vanguard", officially becoming Vanguard University on July 1, 1999.  With the nickname now belonging to the school, the Athletic Department adopted "Lions" as its new mascot, in the fall of 1999.

Prof. Holsinger says that one of the proudest moments in his professional career was to be a part of the Administration Team that achieved full accreditation for SCC in 1968 -- the first Assemblies of God college to do so. Students in the 1960's remember being provided food both in his home with his wife, in class, or at other events. Often students and faculty were served "historical" foods and afternoon tea was a common occurrence. Out of that experience, Dr. and Mrs. Holsinger wrote a book together: "An Historian's Cookbook : Foods for Friends and Scholars." Mrs. Adena Holsinger dedicated herself to activities which helped the wives of married students adjust to college life. 

His other accomplishments include:  Vanguard University (SCC) Alumni Association Career Achievement Award (1997), National Phi Delta Kappa Distinguished Educator Award (1979), Founding Member of Delta Kappa, a national collegiate honor society for outstanding service to campus and community, part of administration team to receive full accreditation for Vanguard University (SCC) in 1968, and developement of the Vanguard University motto of Truth, Virtue, Service.