Ellen and Olaf Abelson enroll
Brian ClarkThe Abelsons enroll after building a house where Fulmer Hall now stands. Olaf graduates with a degree in civil engineering in 1909. The Abelsons’ son Phillip later attends WSU and becomes an internationally recognized chemical engineer. Among his accomplishments: he devises a method for large-scale enrichment of uranium for use as power source in submarines, leading to construction of the world’s first atomic submarine.
William Hurford Lawrence earns the first master’s degree
Brian ClarkLawrence earns a master of science in botany.
The first Chinook yearbook is distributed
Brian Clark
The yearbook covers the school years from 1892 to 1899. By 1899, there are 481 students enrolled at the college.
The Alumni Association begins
Brian ClarkEdward Kimmel, class of 1897, is named the first president.
The first class graduates
Brian ClarkOf the seven graduates, Orin Hector Stratton and Carl Estby become the first WSU Civil Engineering graduates.
The Evergreen publishes its first paper
Brian Clark
The School of Veterinary Science opens
Brian ClarkThe Washington Legislature creates the office of State Veterinarian specifying that they also be the Professor of Veterinary Science at the college and a member of the State Board of Health. Sofus Bertelson Nelson, a native of Denmark, an Iowa State College graduate, and Spokane practitioner, is appointed to the post by the Board of Regents. Nelson later serves as Dean of the College of Veterinary Science and in 1919 he resigns to assume the post of Director of Agricultural Extension. In 18 years of service, records show he personally examined 149,182 animals. Cost of the services rendered is $45,000 total. The initial curriculum consists of a series of courses intended to supplement agriculture classes and to provide initial training to students who intend to transfer to another school. The veterinary labs are housed in (old) College Hall and a shed is constructed for $60 on the south end of campus to house the operating rooms.
Winners in first varsity football game
Brian ClarkThe college inaugurates the sport by defeating the University of Idaho, 10-0. The team doesn’t employ a paid coach until 1900, but advisers in the first couple years include newspaperman William Goodyear, agriculturalist William J. Spillman, and young athlete Fred Waite.
E. A. Bryan named third president
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Bryan leaves his position as president of Vincennes University in Indiana to become the third president of the fledging institution on the Palouse, beginning a 22-year tenure as its leader.
One of the most influential of WSU’s presidents, President Bryan believes that students must study liberal arts and sciences as well as basic professional skills to become better leaders. He pushs to have the college renamed the State College of Washington and to expand its academic offerings. Early in his presidency, President Bryan operates with no staff: he personally manages enrollment, record keeping, public relations, and parent relations—on top of teaching history and political economics.
In 1916, Bryan Hall is named in the president’s honor. The building’s clock tower, which glows crimson at night, is one of the most iconic landmarks on the Pullman campus.
President Heston leaves office
Brian ClarkThe Board of Regents ends the tenure of the president after just eight and a half months on the job. Charles Munn, one of the first six faculty members, also leaves in the wake of political turmoil. The position of Chair of Veterinary Science is abolished.
The first student newspaper, The College Record, hits newsstands
Brian ClarkThe monthly publication lasts just more than a year, to be succeeded in 1895 by The Daily Evergreen. The Record’s editor, William D. Barkhuff, is an engineering student.
President Heston’s arrival spurs student protest
Brian ClarkStudents pelt Heston with rotten cabbages, plucked from icy fields nearby, as well as eggs and snowballs, marring the day he is introduced as president. The president of the Board of Regents, Andrew Smith, is also pelted as he walks with Heston across campus. The new president spends more time in Olympia and Seattle than tending to campus matters, fueling accusations around the state about unruliness in Pullman.
The college opens its first residence hall
Brian ClarkThe institution awards a bid for the construction of Ferry Hall on February 19, 1892. The college confirms plans to construct a second classroom building, the original College Hall, on May 15. The buildings are ready when school begins that fall.
Washington Agricultural College and School of Science opens its doors
Brian ClarkThe institution welcomes 13 collegiate and 46 preparatory students who study agriculture, mechanic arts and engineering, and sciences and arts. President Lilley teaches mathematics and elementary physics. The Morrill Act specifies that one of the major subjects to be taught is, “veterinary art” and Charles E. Munn, a veterinarian, is among the first six faculty members. Tuition is not charged the first year.
The legislature picks Pullman as the college’s location
Brian ClarkThe decision follows a lengthy and controversial site selection process lasting more than a year. Pullman’s selection is hardly based on its merits alone. Local citizens enthusiastically promote the town’s advantages and warm politicians to the idea after vigorous politicking, including gifts of cash and land.
