Dr. Harbeson was the original dean when the college was founded.
His long tenure as Principal spanned the Great Depression, the 1933 Long Beach Earthquake, and World War II.

1928 - The Board of Education fully adopted the 6-4-4 plan. PJC was officially a four-year 'junior college", incorporating the last two years of high school and the first two years of college. Harbeson was named Principal.

The school mascot became the Bulldog; the colors changed to red and white.

1930 - The Bulldog Band, famed throughout the west, became the official Tournament of Roses band.
1931 - The Astronomy Building was dedicated by Albert Einstein.
1933 - The Long Beach Earthquake and the subsequent Field Act requiring earthquake-safe buildings led to the demolition of the three main school buildings and the reconstruction of these buildings (C, D, and E), with completion in 1937. During these three years, fifty tents served as classrooms.
1938 - John Muir Technical High School was combined with Pasadena Junior College to form one junior college on two campuses--East Campus (PJC) and West Campus (the former Muir).
1948 - On September 26th, PJC was officially declared Pasadena City College.

"My thirty years at Pasadena City College have constituted a period of happy living and thrilling adventure. I have watched our graduates transfer to the best colleges and universities in the land. I have seen them graduated from those institutions with honors to become leaders in civic and professional life. I have observed students going directly into business and industry on graduation from PCC and becoming successful leaders in this metropolitan area. In all cases they have proven good citizens and supporters of high idealism and champions of good causes.

It has likewise been an inspiration to observe the rapid growth and expanding influence of the college. It is a far cry from the humble beginnings of a quarter-century ago to the strong and nationally heralded Pasadena City College of today. What a glorious privilege has been mine to serve as leader of the fine faculty and student body who have brought about this marvelous transformation!" (At his retirement and the twenty-fifth anniversary of the college)