The grand opening celebration of the new Bastyr University California campus in San Diego is set for Sept. 14, and marks a historic day as the Golden State’s first regionally and professionally accredited school for naturopathic medicine opens to students.

“We could not be more excited to become the newest member of California’s natural and integrative medical community,” said Bastyr University President Daniel K. Church, PhD. “(We) are already working closely with our San Diego neighbors to provide the best medical education and training possible.”

Nearly 50 naturopathic doctoral (ND) students will make up the inaugural class, which surpassed the University’s projections.

“We received a large number of applications from prospective students interested in studying at Bastyr University California,” Church noted. “This enthusiasm is a strong indicator of the need for a science-based naturopathic institution like ours in the area.”

The grand opening celebration, open to the public, will be emceed by former KOMO-TV news anchor Robert Santos who now works out of ABC’s affiliate out of San Diego.

Bastyr University, located in Kenmore, is internationally recognized as a pioneer in natural medicine. As the largest accredited university for natural health arts and sciences in the United States, Bastyr offers more than 17 degree and certificate programs in fields such as naturopathic medicine, acupuncture and Oriental medicine, and whole-food nutrition.