WSC adds Women’s Gym and two more residence halls
robert.franklinConstruction begins on the Women’s Gym, now known as Smith Gym, and on Davis and Wilmer residence halls.
Campus dedicates Entrance Arch
robert.franklinThe arch, located over the Opal Street entrance to campus, is a gift from the class of 1905. The arch is razed in 1955 and some of the rock is included in the Stadium Way entrance sign. The rock is maintained through various reworkings of that sign and entrance until 2015, when it is removed entirely.
The Administration Building opens
robert.franklinThe dedication of the Administration Building, known today as Thompson Hall, serves as a tangible sign of the college’s growth under President Bryan’s leadership. The regents describe the building as ”an excellent piece of work and one that in point of convenience, strength, and architectural beauty compares with any state building.” Built with granite quarried from Spokane and brick from clay deposits near Stevens Hall, the building’s two large contrasting towers make it one of the campus’s most distinctive landmarks.
WSU dedicates the French Administration Building
Brian ClarkWSU dedicates the French Administration Building in honor of former President C. Clement French.
Orton Hall and Rogers Hall are constructed to accommodate “baby boomer” generation
Brian ClarkThe first “skyscraper dorms,” Orton Hall and Rogers Hall, are built to accommodate the Baby Boom generation.
Frances Penrose Owen named to the Board of Regents
Brian ClarkFrances Penrose Owen is the first women named to the Board of Regents, she served for 18 years and was twice elected president. The Owen Science and Engineering Library is named in her honor. Owen was a life-long community volunteer, serving the boards of both the Seattle Childrens Hospital and the Seattle School Board. In 1990, Owen receives the Medal of Merit, the state’s highest award. Frances Penrose Owen passed away on March 9, 2002 in Seattle. She was 102.
WSU dedicates the student union building to President Compton
Brian Clark
Construction begins on Holland Library
Brian Clark
Home Ec building opens
Brian ClarkThe building opens with “all the latest in equipment.” Later it’s renamed White Hall in honor of Mary Elmina White, who served 33 years as a WSC cooperative extension leader. In 2000, White Hall is remodeled to include a 117-student, 67-room dormitory area for Honors Program students. White Hall is renamed Honors Hall in fall semester 2001.
The building covers a part of one of the university’s most significant open spaces, the original walk to Thompson Hall (former Old Administration Building) from Reaney Park. The brick building mass is symmetrically balanced, making a cross formation with the central section protruding on the east/west axis. The overall style of the building is Georgian Revival, which creates an elegant architectural statement.
Hall name honors first female faculty member
Brian ClarkVan Doren Hall is built to house the domestic economy department. The building name honors Nancy Van Doren, an English instructor and the campus librarian.
Legislature okays name change to State College of Washington
Brian ClarkThe state legislature approves changing the name of Washington Agricultural College and School of Science to State College of Washington in recognition of the college’s expanding mission. President Bryan has worked tirelessly to fend off political forces that were trying to limit the college’s offering to just agriculture and science. The president believes students need to study liberal arts and science as well as professional fields to be more effective leaders.