The University of Hawaii at West Oahu has opened its 50th anniversary celebration, good news for students and families on Oahu's west side who now have a local option for college.

• A new exhibit at the campus library traces the school's growth from its start in 1976.
• The school opened with 75 students and now serves close to 2,900 at its Kapolei campus.
• State and university leaders, students, faculty, and alumni turned out for the opening.
• Students say the growth is bringing more programs and more chances to the west side.

Outlook: The school expects to keep growing and draw more local students as the anniversary year continues.