Now, Charles Sturt University (CSU) boasts multiple campuses, an international presence and 38,000 enrolled students.

On Thursday vice-chancellor professor Andrew Vann and Wagga's head of campus Miriam Dayhew celebrated the university's milestone in a simple fashion - with plenty of cake and enthusiastic students.

Professor Vann reflected on the leaps and bounds CSU has made since the early days - widening its physical presence and broadening its range of courses and subjects.

"It's all great to celebrate and we've got very deep roots in Wagga," Professor Vann said.

"In the last 25 years we've become a national and an international university."

Mr Vann discussed his pride at the depth and breadth of regional education CSU provided.

"It's hugely important and can make an enormous difference in terms of the opportunities (for regional people)," he said.

In recent months Professor Vann has been vocal about his concern for regional students should the federal government's proposed higher education reforms be implemented.

"We are hoping there is going to be a change (in the proposed reforms)," he said, adding that otherwise regional students could be at a severe disadvantage.

Although pleased with CSU's enormous growth in half a century, Mr Vann said there was a long way to go.

"We really want to continue to grow."

Mrs Dayhew has seen a great deal of growth during her nine years with the university.

"Australian education is highly valued, it is of very good quality and we hope to build on that," she said.

"International students bring an important international flavour to the community and we enjoy seeing our students go on into the community."

"We are now seeing a second generation of students - people who are coming here because their parents studied at CSU."