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[[Image:Wsu_campus1.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]Originally compiled by '''Bob Smawley''', this timeline of WSU highlights from 1890-2000 will be updated and expanded. If you have questions or changes, please '''[[Our Story:Contact|contact us]]'''.  
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[[Image:Wsu campus1.jpg|thumb|right|250px]] Over the decades, Washington State University has developed a rich history. Founded in 1890 as the state's land-grant institution, WSU has grown from a single campus in Pullman to an internationally respected, multi-campus system.  
  
== 1890-1899 ==
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=== Historical highlights include: ===
  
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*'''Instruction beginning in 1895''' in what will become the College of Veterinary Medicine.
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*The story of '''football player Butch Meeker''', for whom the WSU Cougar mascot is named, noted in 1926.
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*Naming, in 1957, of Frances Penrose Owen as the '''first woman on the WSU Board of Regents'''.
1890
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*'''Eruption of Mount St. Helens''' on May 18, 1980, covering the campus in one-half inch of volcanic ash.
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*Selection in 1986 of WSU biochemist Clarence A. "Bud" Ryan for '''membership in prestigious National Academy of Sciences''', the first WSU professor so honored.
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*'''Grand opening of Honors Hall''' in 2001, the new home of the nationally-acclaimed WSU Honors College, celebrating the college’s 40th anniversary.
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*WSU is '''ranked among the nation's top 50 '''public research universities.
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* '''Elson S. Floyd taking office''' in 2007 as WSU's tenth president.
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*'''$25 million grant''' for School of Global Animal Health from Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, largest in WSU history.
  
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There's much more! Take a "stroll" through the decades by '''[http://www.wsu.edu/WSU-history/ visiting WSU's history page]'''. Or explore the history of WSU through the [http://www.wsu.edu/president/past-presidents/index.html eras of its presidents].
State Land-Grant College established by the State Legislature, March 28.
 
 
 
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1891
 
 
 
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First meeting of Board of Regents, April 22.
 
 
 
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1891
 
 
 
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George Lilley appointed first president, April 25.
 
 
 
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1891
 
 
 
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Contract awarded May 22 for the campus's first building named the "CRIB" - the cradle of an infant college. Cost estimate = $1500.
 
 
 
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1892
 
 
 
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Washington Agricultural College and School of Science, as WSU was first known, opened its doors to 29 students and 63 preparatory students, faculty of 5, on January 13. Instruction began in agriculture, mechanic arts and engineering, and sciences and arts.
 
 
 
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1892
 
 
 
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Construction started on Ferry Hall, first residence hall, February.
 
 
 
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1892
 
 
 
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College Hall contract awarded May 15.
 
 
 
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1892
 
 
 
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John W. Heston, principal of Seattle High School, appointed president, December 13.
 
 
 
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1893
 
 
 
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E.A. Bryan appointed president July 22. The former president of Vincennes University in Indiana, he had graduate degrees from Harvard and Columbia.
 
 
 
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1894
 
 
 
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Agriculture research started in Puyallup in Western Washington.
 
 
 
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1894
 
 
 
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Rogers intramural field construction started.
 
 
 
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1894
 
 
 
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First varsity football game: WSC beat Idaho, 10-0, November 10.
 
 
 
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1895
 
 
 
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Instruction began in Veterinary Science.
 
 
 
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1895
 
 
 
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First issue of Evergreen student newspaper published.
 
 
 
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1896
 
 
 
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First Glee Club organized.
 
 
 
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1897
 
 
 
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First graduating class of seven men and women.
 
 
 
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1898
 
 
 
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Alumni Association organized June 23. Edward Kimmel (Class of 1897) is the first president.
 
 
 
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1899
 
 
 
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First Chinook student yearbook published.
 
 
 
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1899
 
 
 
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First intercollegiate debates.
 
 
 
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== 1900-1909  ==
 
 
 
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1900
 
 
 
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First Summer School session.
 
 
 
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1901
 
 
 
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Football team won Northwest Championship.
 
 
 
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1902
 
 
 
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First master's degree conferred - William Harford Lawrence, M.S. in Botany.
 
 
 
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1905
 
 
 
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College name changed to State College of Washington.
 
 
 
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1905
 
 
 
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Instruction in Home Economics and Pharmacy launched.
 
 
 
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1905-6
 
 
 
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Enrollment reached 1,079.
 
 
 
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1907
 
 
 
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President Bryan went to Europe to recuperate from attack of typhoid fever.
 
 
 
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1907
 
 
 
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Instruction in Education began in November.
 
 
 
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1909
 
 
 
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Professor Osmar L. Waller named vice president of the college.
 
 
 
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== 1910-1919  ==
 
 
 
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1910-19
 
 
 
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Decade of the "Carlisle Connection." Three State College head football coaches arrived from the famous Carlisle Indian college in Pennsylvania: Frank Shivley, William "Lone Star" Dietz and Gus Welch.
 
 
 
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1910
 
 
 
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First issue of Alumni publication POWWOW printed.
 
 
 
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1911
 
 
 
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First "Founder's Day" celebration
 
 
 
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1911
 
 
 
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Miss Rhoda White named first Dean of Women.
 
 
 
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1912
 
 
 
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Crimson Circle senior men's honorary established.
 
 
 
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1913
 
 
 
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President's House completed at cost of $25,000.
 
 
 
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1913
 
 
 
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First Homecoming held.
 
 
 
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1913
 
 
 
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College natural history museum named for former regent, Charles R. Conner.
 
 
 
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1914
 
 
 
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Student Book Store established.
 
 
 
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1915
 
 
 
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President Bryan retires. Runs unsuccessfully for U.S. Senate.
 
 
 
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1915
 
 
 
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Ernest O. Holland appointed president. He has a Ph.D. from Indiana University and was superintendent of schools at Louisville, KY.
 
 
 
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1915
 
 
 
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Agriculture research started at Lind in Eastern Washington.
 
 
 
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1916
 
 
 
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State College football team defeated Brown 14-0 in first annual Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.
 
 
 
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1916
 
 
 
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Auditorium and Library named "E.A. Bryan Hall."
 
 
 
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1916-17
 
 
 
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Enrollment reached 2,130.
 
 
 
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1917
 
 
 
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College department system reorganized into five colleges and four schools with deans as administrative heads.
 
 
 
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1917
 
 
 
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Graduate School created.
 
 
 
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1917-19
 
 
 
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World War I impacted State College, with units of soldiers training on campus. 41 soldiers died of influenza epidemic.
 
 
 
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1919
 
 
 
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Professor Harry Chambers named first part-time Alumni Secretary.
 
 
 
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1919
 
 
 
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State law passed requiring every able-bodied State College student to take at least three years of physical education.
 
 
 
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1919
 
 
 
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The Cougar is officially adopted as the State College mascot.
 
 
 
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== 1920-1929  ==
 
 
 
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1921
 
 
 
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First Women's Day held.
 
 
 
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1922
 
 
 
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College radio station KFAE went on the air. It is now KWSU.
 
 
 
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1923
 
 
 
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President Emeritus E.A. Bryan returned to campus as research professor of Economics and Economic History. He will teach a civics class until 1938.
 
 
 
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1923
 
 
 
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Henry Heald graduated in Civil Engineering. He became president of Illinois Tech, New York University and Ford Foundation.
 
 
 
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1923
 
 
 
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Mortar Board charter received.
 
 
 
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1924-25
 
 
 
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Enrollment reached 3,129.
 
 
 
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1925
 
 
 
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Library volumes totalled to 104,000, up from 17,000 in 1909.
 
 
 
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1925
 
 
 
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Earl Foster named first full-time Graduate Manager (student activities and athletic supervisor).
 
 
 
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1925-28
 
 
 
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Graduate Manager Earl Foster hired an Athletic staff who created the famous Golden Era of Cougar Athletics - Hollingbery, Bailey, Friel, Deeter, Schlademan, Bohm.
 
 
 
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1926
 
 
 
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Butch Meeker, 5-foot-5, 145-pound halfback, led the football team to a successful 6 win-1 loss season. The Cougar mascot was named "Butch" in his honor.
 
 
 
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1927
 
 
 
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First live Cougar mascot presented by State of Washington Governor Hartley.
 
 
 
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1927
 
 
 
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Phi Beta Kappa chapter established - first for a separate land-grant institution.
 
 
 
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1929
 
 
 
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First Ph.D. degree conferred - LaVerne Almon Barnes, Ph.D. in Bacteriology.
 
 
 
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== 1930-1939  ==
 
 
 
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1930-39
 
 
 
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Football Coach Babe Hollingbery recognized as one of the nation's top coaches. Continued as head coach of West team in annual East-West All-Star game. His Cougars did not lose a home game at Rogers Field from 1926-1935.
 
 
 
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1930
 
 
 
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Edward R. Murrow, ASSCW President, graduated.
 
 
 
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1930
 
 
 
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Cougar football team won FCC Championship with impressive victories over Cal, USC and Washington.
 
 
 
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1931
 
 
 
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Cougars outscored by Alabama 24-0 in Rose Bowl.
 
 
 
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1931
 
 
 
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Cougar center Mel Hein and tackle Turk Edwards named first team football All-Americans.
 
 
 
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1931-33
 
 
 
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The Great Depression severely impacts WSU, with faculty and staff taking an average 25 percent cut in salary during two-year period.
 
 
 
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1933
 
 
 
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Philip Abelson graduated in Chemistry. Later recognized as "Father of Atomic Submarine." Editor of ''Science'' magazine; president of Carnegie Institution.
 
 
 
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1935
 
 
 
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Famous national debate scheduled between Claudius O. Johnson, chair of the WSU Political Science Department, and famous American humorist Will Rogers. Rogers canceled it to fly to Alaska with Wiley Post. Rogers and Post died in a plane crash in Alaska.
 
 
 
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1935
 
 
 
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West Coast radio broadcast sponsored by Alumni Association highlighted 45th Founder's Day.
 
 
 
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1935
 
 
 
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N.J. Aiken, head of vocational school, started first career placement service. During the Depression. N.J. was referred to as "No Job."
 
 
 
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1936
 
 
 
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Enrollment reached 4,702.
 
 
 
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1936
 
 
 
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Marshall Neill graduated in Political Science. Served as Federal District Judge, State Supreme Court Judge, State Senator and Representative, WSU legal counsel.
 
 
 
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1936
 
 
 
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General student strike protesting social regulations. Agreement signed by students and President Holland on May 8, 1936.
 
 
 
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1936
 
 
 
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New football stadium constructed.
 
 
 
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1936
 
 
 
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Construction started on Women's Gym and on Davis and Wilmer residence halls.
 
 
 
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1937
 
 
 
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Herbert Kimbrough served as Acting President while Dr. Holland takes leave in Europe.
 
 
 
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1937
 
 
 
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Roy Petragallo and Ed McKinnon won NCAA Boxing Championship. Cougars won national title - WSC's first national athletic championship.
 
 
 
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1938
 
 
 
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Weldon B. "Hoot" Gibson graduated in Economics and headed for Stanford.
 
 
 
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1938
 
 
 
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Alumni Association celebrated 40th anniversary.
 
 
 
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1938
 
 
 
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School of Social Work established.
 
 
 
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1939
 
 
 
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Board of Regents established first retirement system.
 
 
 
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== 1940-1949  ==
 
 
 
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1940
 
 
 
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Enrollment reached 5,114.
 
 
 
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1940
 
 
 
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WSC library collection reached 400,000 volumes.
 
 
 
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1940
 
 
 
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School of Business Administration created, separating from College of Sciences and Arts.
 
 
 
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1941
 
 
 
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Coach Jack Friel's men's basketball team was runner-up for NCAA title, losing in the championship game to Wisconsin 39-34, in Kansas City.
 
 
 
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1941
 
 
 
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Federal government recruited faculty members for U.S. Defense service.
 
 
 
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1941
 
 
 
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Plans approved for Engineering Lab Building, and Veterinary Medicine Classroom and Laboratory Building.
 
 
 
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1941
 
 
 
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Land purchased by ASSCW for Student Union Building.
 
 
 
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1941
 
 
 
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President Emeritus Bryan and Dean Emeritus H.V. Carpenter died.
 
 
 
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1942
 
 
 
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First contract with government for training enlisted men in aviation, Japanese language, signal corps, radio and gunnery.
 
 
 
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1942
 
 
 
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Department of Nursing Education established.
 
 
 
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1943
 
 
 
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Cougar football suspended for duration of World War II.
 
 
 
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1944
 
 
 
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Research led to the development of "Cougar Gold Cheese," produced by [[Ferdinand's turns 60|WSU Creamery]].
 
 
 
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1944
 
 
 
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WSC rated "first" in Northwest States for training service.
 
 
 
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1944
 
 
 
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Butch the cougar was official mascot for battleship ''U.S.S. Washington'' during World War II.
 
 
 
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1944
 
 
 
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President Holland announced his retirement.
 
 
 
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1944
 
 
 
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Dean Drucker donated the Minnie Barstow Drucker Collection to WSC valued at $50,000.
 
 
 
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1945
 
 
 
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Establishment of Institutes of Technology and Agriculture.
 
 
 
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1945
 
 
 
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Football program resumed under Coach Phil Sarboe, a 1932 WSC graduate.
 
 
 
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1946
 
 
 
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Wilson Compton (Ph.D. from Princeton University, Vice President and Manager of American Forest Products Industries, Inc.) assumed WSC presidency on January 1.
 
 
 
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1946
 
 
 
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Temporary housing brought in for faculty and students to accommodate G.I. bulge. Influx of military veterans after World War II.
 
 
 
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1947
 
 
 
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Plans completed for hospital addition to serve WSC and community.
 
 
 
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1948
 
 
 
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Contract award to build Todd Hall.
 
 
 
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1949
 
 
 
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Contract award to build Holland Library
 
 
 
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1948
 
 
 
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Regents approved new athletic code separating student activities and intercollegiate athletics.
 
 
 
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1948
 
 
 
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Title of graduate manager abolished. Student Activities and Athletics separated under two administrators.
 
 
 
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1949
 
 
 
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Enrollment reached 7,836.
 
 
 
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== 1950-1959  ==
 
 
 
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1950
 
 
 
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Helen Compton, wife of President Compton, coordinated purchase of several lake front lots on Priest Lake for WSC faculty members.
 
 
 
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1950
 
 
 
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Camp Easter Seal established on Lake Coeur d'Alene by Professor Roger Larson.
 
 
 
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1950
 
 
 
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President Emeritus Holland left estate of $72,000, library and art collection to WSC.
 
 
 
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1951
 
 
 
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WSC Foundation planned.
 
 
 
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1951
 
 
 
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WSC plant pathologist Frederick Heald donated personal library to WSC, including 300 volumes and 10,000 reprints in plant pathology.
 
 
 
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1951
 
 
 
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J. W. Kalkus, superintendent of the WSC Puyallup Research Center, reported that "one new berry plant developed at the station has added $15,000,000 to the state's wealth during the last 10 years."
 
 
 
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1951
 
 
 
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Weldon B. "Hoot" Gibson selected as "WSC Alum of the Month."
 
 
 
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1951
 
 
 
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President Compton resigned. William Pearl named acting president.
 
 
 
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1952
 
 
 
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C. Clement French (Ph.D. from University of Pennsylvania, Dean of Faculty at Texas A & M) assumes presidency on April 1.
 
 
 
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1952
 
 
 
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Eugene "Pat" Patterson named Director of Alumni Relations.
 
 
 
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1952
 
 
 
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Compton Union Building dedicated.
 
 
 
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1953
 
 
 
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Philip Phibbs graduated as top scholastic student.
 
 
 
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1954
 
 
 
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Keith Jackson graduated, president of Crimson Circle, outstanding senior, chief announcer of KWSU.
 
 
 
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1955
 
 
 
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WSC tied San Jose, 13-13, in a football game played in sub-zero temperature in Pullman. One reserved ticket sold at the game.
 
 
 
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1955
 
 
 
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Poultry scientists Leo Jensen and Igor Kosin developed hatch process which will return a $9,000,000 annual savings to turkey producers.
 
 
 
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1956
 
 
 
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WSC grad Pete Radamacher won Olympic heavyweight boxing title by knocking out the Russian finalist in the first round in Melbourne, Australia.
 
 
 
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1956
 
 
 
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Of 64 U.S. students awarded Rhodes Scholarships, only two were from land grant colleges, both from WSC.
 
 
 
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1957
 
 
 
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Frances Penrose Owen named to Board of Regents. She would serve 18 years. Owen Science Library named for her in 1979.
 
 
 
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1958
 
 
 
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Pacific Coast Athletic Conference dissolved membership.
 
 
 
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1958
 
 
 
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NSF grant of $300,000 assured the building of a nuclear reactor on campus.
 
 
 
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1958
 
 
 
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Herbert Wood, professor of History, gave the first "Invited Address" by a WSC faculty member.
 
 
 
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1958
 
 
 
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Jack Friel retired as basketball coach after 30 years and 495 victories.
 
 
 
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1959
 
 
 
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George Marra, WSU wood technologist, developed high speed laminatory process capable of producing a weatherproof beam in seven minutes.
 
 
 
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1959
 
 
 
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Washington State College becomes Washington State University as designated by the State Legislature.
 
 
 
|}
 
 
 
== 1960-1969  ==
 
 
 
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1960
 
 
 
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Honors program established under direction of Sidney Hacker, Professor of Mathematics.
 
 
 
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1960
 
 
 
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Dr. J. Fred Bohler died. He served as a coach, athletic director, and physical education administrator at WSU for 42 years.
 
 
 
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1961
 
 
 
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Jack Cole named a regent.
 
 
 
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1961
 
 
 
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Keith Lincoln graduated after setting Cougar football rushing and punting records. His post season honors included playing in the All-American, College All-Star, Hula Bowl, and East- West Shrine games.
 
 
 
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1962
 
 
 
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KWSU-TV goes on the air for first time under direction of Cal Watson.
 
 
 
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1962
 
 
 
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Compulsory ROTC program changed to voluntary.
 
 
 
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1962
 
 
 
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Regents Distinguished Alumnus Award names first three recipients: Phillip H. Abelson, Henry T. Heald, and Edward R. Murrow.
 
 
 
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1962
 
 
 
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President French and Regent Tom Gose visited WSU program in Pakistan, one of the first international programs helping developing countries with land grant-type assistance.
 
 
 
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1962
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
WSU joined Athletic Association of Western Universities, which later became the Pacific-8, then the Pacific-l0 Conference.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1963
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Hugh Campbell, WSU record-breaking football pass receiver, voted MVP of the East-West shrine game after setting a new record by catching 10 passes.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1963
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Radiocarbon dating laboratory established in College of Engineering.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1963
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
J. Clifford Folger and C. Glenn King selected for 4th and 5th Regents Distinguished Alumnus Awards.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1963
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Miss Ivy Lewellen, 83, died. She served as executive secretary for 37 years to three presidents: Bryan, Holland and Compton.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1964
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
President Emeritus Holland's estate of $410,000 left to WSU. The John I. & Orpha Preissner estate of S300,000 willed to WSU.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1964
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Famed "Agony Hall" torn down to make way for new Kimbrough Music Building.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1964
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Cougar baseball coaching legend A.B. "Buck" Bailey killed in auto accident in New Mexico.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1965
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
WSU and UW establish State of Washington Water Research Center on Pullman campus.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1965
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Edward R. Murrow dies of cancer.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1965
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Howard B. Bowen, president of the University of Iowa, delivers commencement address and receives the 6th Regents Distinguished Alumnus Award.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1965
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
WSU Animal Science Reproduction Research featured in ''Life'' magazine. S.E. Hafez primary researcher in Planet Colonization.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1966
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
President C. Clement French retires. Academic Vice President Wallis Beasley named acting president.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1966
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Karl Sax, internationally acclaimed scientist, awarded 7th Regents Distinguished Alumnus Award.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1966
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Enrollment exceeded 10,000.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1966
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Veterinarian Keith Farrell developed freeze-branding technique for animals, reducing pain and injury to animals.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1967
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
W. Glenn Terrell named 7th WSU president. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Iowa and is Dean of Faculties, University of Illinois at Chicago Circle.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1967
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
R.A. Nilan, geneticist, develops new barley strain with chemical mutagent.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1967
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
President Emeritus Wilson Compton dies in Ohio.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1968
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Matsuyo Yamamoto, noted home economist, presented with Regents 8th Distinguished Alumnus Award.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1968
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
New French Administration Building dedicated to President C. Clement French.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1968
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Marmes excavation near Washtucna in Adams County revealed the remains of oldest human beings in Western Hemisphere, approximately 12,000 years old. Internationally known as "Marmes Man." WSU Geologist Roald Fryxell was chief investigator.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1969
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Gerry Lindgren, WSU track All-American, won 11 NCAA titles. He never lost an NCAA event he entered during his four university years.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1969
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Anti-Vietnam War protests and student unrest result in sit-ins in Placement Bureau and French Administration Building.
 
 
 
|}
 
 
 
== 1970-1979  ==
 
 
 
{| class="FCK__ShowTableBorders" width="100%"
 
|-
 
| valign="top" width="15%" |
 
1970
 
 
 
| valign="top" width="85%" |
 
South grandstands of wooden football stadium at Rogers Field burned by arsonist.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1970
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Alumni Achievement Award created by Alumni Association.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1970
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Racism Workshop held on campus during student unrest period.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1971
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
$1,000,000 raised in three months to rebuild football stadium.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1971
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
50,000th student graduated from WSU.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1971
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Geologist Roald Fryxell chosen to examine lunar rocks in Houston.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1972
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
WAMI medical education program started.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1972
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Clarence D. Martin Football Stadium dedicated for former governor.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1973
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Performing Arts Coliseum opened with first event - 1973 graduation.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1973
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Edward R. Murrow Communications Center dedicated.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1974
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Football coach Orin E. "Babe" Hollingbery died.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1974
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
WSU has major exhibit, Waterworld, at Spokane's World Fair - EXPO ‘74.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1974
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
WOI (Washington, Oregon, Idaho) regional Veterinary Medicine program started, led by WSU Veterinary College.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1975
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
100th anniversary of Land-Grant Research Centers.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1975
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Ferry Hall torn down; [[Who Moved My Cupola?|cupola saved]] and installed as a memorial along what is now Glenn Terrell Friendship Mall.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1975
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
WSU signs pact with Jordan for providing educational services.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1976
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Old Administration Building (Thompson Hall) designated by National Park Service for inclusion in National Register of Historic Places.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1976
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Regent Michael Dederer elected as Board of Regents President for third time.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1976
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
$1,000,000 grant from Kellogg Foundation created Partnership for Rural Improvement.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1976
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
President Ford presented Orville Vogel, WSU and USDA researcher, with National Medal of Science.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1977
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Orville Vogel, developer of the world's most productive wheat strains, received Regents 9th Distinguished Alumnus Award.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1977
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Kate Webster and Edith William became second and third women appointed to Board of Regents.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1977
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
WSU won the National Indoor Track Meet.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1977
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Steve Puidokas sets Cougar all-time basketball scoring record.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1978
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Butch VI, the last live Cougar to serve as mascot, died at age 15.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1978
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
College of Home Economics celebrated 75th birthday.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1978
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Athletic Hall of Fame created at WSU.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1978
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
ABC television sportscaster Keith Jackson awarded 10th Regents Distinguished Alumnus Award.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1978
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Henry Rono set four world track records in distance events.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1979
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Jack Thompson's jersey (14) retired, recognizing 7,818 yards gained passing. One of only two football jerseys ever retired by WSU. Mel Hein was the other.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1979
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Weldon B. "Hoot" Gibson, Charles Schroeder and Marshall Neill presented 11th, 12th, and 13th Regents Distinguished Alumnus Awards.
 
 
 
|}
 
 
 
== 1980-1989  ==
 
 
 
{| class="FCK__ShowTableBorders" width="100%"
 
|-
 
| valign="top" width="15%" |
 
1980
 
 
 
| valign="top" width="85%" |
 
Record enrollment of 17,468 achieved.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1980
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
WSU celebrated its 90th birthday on March 28.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1980
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Alumni Foundation Leadership Awards started under (Alumni Association) President Richard Gustafson.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1980
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
William Bugge, Washington director of highways, and Laurence Peter, co-author of the ''Peter Principle'', receive 14th and 15th Regents Distinguished Alumnus Awards.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1980
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Mount St. Helens erupted leaving one-half inch of volcanic ash on campus.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1980
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Cooper Publications Building is the first named to honor a classified staff member, Caroline Cooper, Director of Duplicating and Mailing for 39 years.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1980
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Warren G. Magnuson Nursing Education Building, home to Intercollegiate Center for Nursing Education, dedicated in Spokane. Named for State of Washington's U.S. Senator.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1981
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
New track and field facility completed baseball field completed.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1981
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Robert Redford Institute for Resource Management started at WSU and Idaho, named for actor.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1981
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Football coach Jim Walden led the Cougars to the Holiday Bowl in San Diego, where WSU lost to BYU 38-36.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1982
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Jeanne Eggart broke career basketball scoring record for men and women with 1,967 points.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1982
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Institutional advancement functions consolidated under new vice president, Stanton Schmid.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1982
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Performing Arts Coliseum named for Executive Vice President Emeritus Wallis Beasley.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1983
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Mel Hein, Robert Stevenson and Jacob Bigeleisen given Regents 16th, 17th, and 18th Distinguished Alumnus Awards.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1983
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
100,000th graduate received degree from WSU.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1983
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
1962 graduate Col. John Fabian became first Cougar astronaut to fly in space as a mission specialist on Challenger II space shuttle. Later he received the 19th Regent Distinguished Alumnus Award.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1984
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Regents approved plans to convert 59-year-old Animal Science barn to new Alumni Center.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1984
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Dan Lynch, WSU offensive lineman, named to Associated Press All-America First Team.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1984
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
WSU athletes won three gold medals and a silver medal in 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1984
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
[[Unstoppable Rueben Mayes|Rueben Mayes]], Cougar running back, broke NCAA single-game football rushing record with 357 yards, against Oregon in Eugene.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1985
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
W. Glenn Terrell, 7th president of WSU, retired after 18 years.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1985
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Samuel H. Smith, dean of the College of Agriculture at Penn State (Ph.D. from University of California at Berkeley) named 8th president of WSU.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1985
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Agricultural Sciences Building named for former Regent and 50-year advocate of state agriculture and WSU, James H. Hulbert.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1985
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Jack and Ann Lewis pledged $1 million toward the new alumni facility, to be named Lewis Alumni Centre. Prominent restaurateur, Ivan Haglund, left half of his multi-million dollar estate to College of Business and Economics.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1985
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
WSU celebrated its 95th anniversary of its founding on Charter Day, March 28, 1890.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1985
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
WSU Board of Regents membership increased from seven to nine persons by legislative act.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1985
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Washington Higher Education Telecommunication System, or WHETS, started transmitting live, interactive courses from the Pullman campus to Vancouver and other locations.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1986
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
WSU biochemist, Clarence A. "Bud" Ryan, selected for membership in prestigious National Academy of Sciences; first WSU professor to be honored.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1986
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
First commencement with college ceremonies held on Saturday, May 11. Following the main ceremony, students participated in college graduations held around campus.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1986
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
WSU Research and Technology Park construction begun and first tenant lease signed.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1987
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
The State Higher Education Coordinating Board assigned WSU the full responsibility for upper division undergraduate and graduate education in Tri-Cities and Vancouver and gives WSU responsibility in Spokane for research programs and doctoral education, as well as undergraduate and master's programs in WSU's official lines of responsibility, including engineering and agriculture.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1987
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
WSU offered its first three undergraduate courses the university will offer in Vancouver, beginning Aug. 24.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1987
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Private giving to the university through WSU Foundation surpassed $9 million. Major gifts included Distinguished Professorships from the Kennedy family of Seattle and from five high-tech companies; $1 million from the Boeing Company and $1 million in computer equipment from AT&T.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1987
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Washington Mutual Bank donated former Union Pacific Train depot in Pullman to WSU. As the Cougar Depot, it has the athletic ticket office, visitor center, and community meeting facility.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1987
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
First 170 Glenn Terrell Presidential Scholars chosen.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1987
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
New leadership selected for key athletic posts - Jim Livengood, athletic director; Dennis Erickson, football coach; Kelvin Sampson, men's basketball coach.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1987
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Ground was broken for nearly $50 million in construction, which included the Lewis Alumni Centre, Chemistry Building, and Food and Human Nutrition Building.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1987
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Leo K. Bustad, Dean Emeritus of College of Veterinary Medicine and internationally recognized speaker, humanist, and founder of''People & Pet Therapy'' programs, awarded 20th Regents Distinguished Alumnus Award.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1987
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
First pre-registration for classes held during spring semester of fall 1987 classes.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1988
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
WSU Cougars defeat the University of Houston Cougars in the Eagle Aloha Bowl in Honolulu by a score of 24-22. ABC-TV nationally televised game played on Christmas Day.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1988
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
First year of the Summer Orientation Program (for new students and parents).
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1988
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Vibration-free laser laboratory constructed under Fulmer Hall.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1988
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Former WSU president, C. Clement French, died in Lacey, Wash.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1988
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Baseball monument constructed along the walkway at entrance to Bailey Field.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1988
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Mary Turner DeGarmo, renowned for her work in transcribing musical compositions into Braille, and William Julius Wilson, sociologist, received Regents 21st and 22nd Distinguished Alumnus Awards.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1988
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Peter Koech (Class of 1986) won silver medal in 3,000-meter steeplechase at Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1989
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
During the state of Washington Centennial celebration in 1989, 100 individuals, including the following with WSU connections, were chosen for the Washington Centennial Hall of Honor in the Washington State Historical Society: '''Philip Abelson''' (Class of 1933), "Father of the Atomic Submarine;" '''Enoch Bryan''', WSC president (1893-1916); '''Gary Larson''' (Class of 1972), acclaimed ''Far Side'' cartoonist; '''Edward R. Murrow''' (Class of 1930), preeminent broadcast journalist; '''Archie Van Doren''' (Class of 1937), father of controlled atmosphere storage for apples, conducted research for WSU at its Wenatchee Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center; '''Orville Vogel''' (Class of 1939), agronomist who revolutionized wheat breeding, made possible the ''Green Revolution''. He worked for USDA at WSU in Pullman.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1989
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
McEachern Hall dedicated in honor of former WSU Regent Robert and his wife Margaret McEachern.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1989
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Alumni Centre opened and named for benefactor Jack Lewis. The Alumni Association Conference was the first event held in the building.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1989
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Food and Human Nutrition Building completed.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1989
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Six-story addition to Fulmer Hall constructed.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1989
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
WSU's Hotel and Restaurant Administration Program ranked 4th nationally among hospitality programs.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1989
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
WSU signed agreement with Far Eastern State University in Vladivostok, Russia, to begin an exchange program.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1989
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Branch campuses in Spokane, Tri-Cities and Vancouver officially began on July 1 by act of the Legislature.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1989
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Former WSU track star Peter Koech broke the world record in steeplechase with a time of 8 minutes, 5.35 seconds.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1989
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
AT&T donated $1.8 million in computer-aided design and analysis network equipment for molecular science.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1989
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Neva Martin Abelson received Regents 23rd Distinguished Alumnus Award. She is co-founder of the global test for Rh. It has saved millions of babies' lives.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1988
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
National Institutes of Health granted WSU $473,000 to train graduate students in the science and applications of protein chemistry.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1989
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Michael Utley, former student and 1989 All American offensive guard, was paralyzed by spinal cord injuries during Detroit Lions football game. NFL established a scholarship at WSU in Utley's name for students studying sports medicine.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1989
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Jason Hanson, field goal kicker, named first team academic athletic All-American. Only Cougar to achieve the feat. He was later signed by the Detroit Lions.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1989-90
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
WSU celebrated its Centennial.
 
 
 
|}
 
 
 
== 1990-1999  ==
 
 
 
{| class="FCK__ShowTableBorders" width="100%"
 
|-
 
| valign="top" width="15%" |
 
1990
 
 
 
| valign="top" width="85%" |
 
$36.5 million expansion approved for Holland Library.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1990
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Frances Penrose Owen, a WSU regent from 1957-1975, received the Medal of Merit, the state's highest award.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1990
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
$2.9 million appropriation to expand WSU's telecommunications system approved by the state Legislature.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1990
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Gary Larson, syndicated cartoonist and creator of the ''Far Side'', received the Regents 24th Distinguished Alumnus Award and was the Centennial Commencement Speaker.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1990
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Tony Li took first in the 55-meter hurdles at the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championship.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1990
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Edward R. Murrow School of Communication dedicated.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1990
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Allen C. Wilson received Regents 25th Distinguished Alumnus Award for his work in molecular evolutionism.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1990
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Regents approved $28.6 million architectural plans for Veterinary Teaching Hospital.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1990
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
WSU pitcher Aaron Sele selected to play on the USA baseball team at the Goodwill Games.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1990
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Groundbreaking for Holland Library addition.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1990
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Regents approved plans for SIRTI, the Spokane Intercollegiate Research and Technology Institute plans.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1990
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
''Money'' magazine ranked WSU among "America's Best College Buys."
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1990
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
"The Caring Call" veterinary medicine sculpture, located by Grimes Way, built and dedicated.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1990
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Chuck "Bobo" Brayton won 1,000th game as Cougar baseball head coach.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1990
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Howard Nemerov, Poet Laureate of U.S., given WSU honorary doctoral degree at commencement.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1991
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Cross country runners Samuel Kibiri and E.J. Guo named to All-American team. Both finished in the top 25 at the NCAA Championship in Knoxville, Tennessee.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1991
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Neill Hall, a former residence hall, renovated for $4 million and became home of the Math Department.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1991
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Carolyn Kizer, Pulitzer Prize winning poet, presented WSU honorary doctoral degree at Commencement.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1991
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
KWSU-Northwest Public Radio "Bob and Bill" classical music show goes national.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1991
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
348 acres chosen at Salmon Creek in Clark County for WSU Vancouver branch campus.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1991
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Lewis Alumni Centre library dedicated in honor of Phillip M. and June B. Lighty, Past President's Room in memory of Henry W. and Anna Magnuson Reaugh, and the Reception Gallery named for Weldon B. "Hoot" Gibson.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1991
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
WSU West moves to the Westin Building in downtown Seattle.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1991
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Vishnu Bhatia, director of the Honors Program and former director of WSU's Office of International Education, appointed a Knight of the Dannebrog Order by Queen Magrethe II of Denmark.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1991
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Harold Rhodes, the women's basketball coach, and Kelvin Sampson, men's basketball coach, both named Pacific-l0 Coaches of the Year.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1991
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Women's basketball team makes first-ever appearance in NCAA Tournament.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1991
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Dedication of WSU Tri-Cities new $12.7 million teaching facility in Richland.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1991
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
WSU men win Pacific-l0 in track and field title and place 2nd in NCAA Track and Field Championships.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1991
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
WSU ranked 34th nationally in corporate financial support.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1991
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Barry Serafin, national correspondent for ABC News, receives 26th Regents Distinguished Alumnus Award.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1991
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Ground broken for $30 million Veterinary Teaching Hospital.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1992
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Football team wins Copper Bowl, 31-28, over the University of Utah in Tucson, Ariz.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1992
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Former WSU quarterback Mark Rypien chosen as MVP of Super Bowl XXVI in the Washington Redskins' 37-24 win over the Buffalo Bills.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1992
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
WSU research moose, Morty, becomes a TV star in the opening credits of the popular CBS show "Northern Exposure."
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1992
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Mike Lowry (Class of 1962) elected governor of Washington, first from WSU.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1992
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Patty L. Murray (Class of 1972) elected to U.S. Senate. She was the first Cougar and first woman to be elected to the post from Washington.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1992
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Sallie Giffen named vice president for Business Affairs. WSU's first woman vice president.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1992
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Todd Hall addition, home of the Hotel and Restaurant Administration Department completed, at cost of $5.6 million.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1992
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Women's volleyball team invited to NCAA Women's Volleyball Championship.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1992
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Remodeled Carpenter Hall reopened as home for the School of Architecture. Cost of renovation was $9 million.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1992
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Conner Museum, home of the largest collection of birds and mammals in the intermountain Pacific Northwest, reopened in Science Hall after being closed since 1986.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1992
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
WSU West headquarters insert dedicated in honor of former WSU Regent Michael Dederer.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1992
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Doctor of Pharmacy program approved for WSU Spokane.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1992
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Men's basketball team receives first-ever NIT (National Invitational Tournament) bid. Lost in second round to University of New Mexico.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1992
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Josephat Kapkory claimed 3,000-meter title at NCAA Indoor Track and Field championship.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1992
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
U.S. Air Force General (ret.) Robert D. Russ receives 27th Regents Distinguished Alumnus Award for his service as Commander of Air Force aviation during the Gulf War.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1992
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Donors contribute a record-setting $33.5 million in private gifts, grants, and pledges to WSU.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1992
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
The space shuttle Columbia carried an experiment by WSU physicist Philip Marston.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1993
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Women's volleyball team won National Invitational Tournament by beating Bowling Green University in straight sets. The team did not lose a single game throughout the tournament.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1993
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
R. James Cook, USDA plant pathologist and WSU adjunct professor, selected for National Academy of Sciences.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1993
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
ICNE celebrated 25th anniversary.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1993
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Heather Metcalf became sixth woman to be ASWSU president.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1993
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
WSU quarterback Drew Bledsoe first pick in the NFL draft by the New England Patriots
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1993
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Former WSU baseball star John Olerud of the Toronto Blue Jays won American League professional baseball batting title with .363 average.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1993
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
History professor Leroy Ashby selected as CASE Outstanding College Professor in the state for second time.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1993
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Plans for new Cougar Plaza in downtown Pullman approved.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1993
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
The Boeing Company donated $7 million to WSU - the largest private gift to date.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1993
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Regents approved reorganization of College of Sciences and Arts into two separate academic units, the College of Sciences and the College of Liberal Arts.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1993
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
New Multicultural Center opened doors in renovated former Chemical Engineering Building.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1993
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
WSU researchers sent a plant experiment up with the space shuttle Discovery.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1993
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
John Gorham, internationally renowned veterinarian and WSU faculty member, selected as 28th Regents Distinguished Alumnus Award.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1994
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Alumnus Edward R. Murrow (Class of 1930) depicted on 1994 U.S. postage stamp.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1994
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
New Holland Library addition completed at cost of $36 million.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1994
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Floyd Smith and Mariel Fulmer Doty, WSU's oldest known alumni, both died at age 103.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1994
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Regent Kate Webster, retired after 18 years and eight months service. She served the longest term in the past 50 years. Physical Sciences Building named for her.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1994
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Legendary WSU baseball coach, Bobo Brayton, retired after 33 years and more than 1,150 victories.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1994
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
The men's basketball team received invitation to play in NCAA Championship Tournament. Lost in first round to Boston College, 67-64.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1994
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Josephat Kapkory captured 10,000 meter title at NCAA Cross Country Championships.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1994
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
WSU's Army ROTC unit marched away with #1 national ranking.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1994
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Lewis Alumni Centre completed 5th year of operation. Host to 150,000 visitors and 1,500 meetings.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1994
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
WSU Veterans Memorial dedicated and a special tribute made to the 300 alumni, faculty and staff who died during WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam and the Persian Gulf conflict.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1994
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Morty, the WSU research moose and CBS-TV "Northern Exposure" star, died of an illness linked to a mineral deficiency.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1994
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
WSU broke ground for Vancouver campus.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1994
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Necia Bennett Huntley (Class of 1935) and husband Elmer C. Huntley left a 890-acre wheat ranch at Thornton to WSU, ultimately to fund scholarships.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1994
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Campaign WSU kicks off with goal to raise $200 million.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1994
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Museum of Art celebrates 20th Anniversary.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1994
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
New Student Services building, named for benefactors Phil and June Lighty, under construction at cost of $17 million.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1994
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
African American Alumni Alliance conducted its first meeting at WSU.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1994
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Albert Wilder Thompson, dean of the College of Sciences and Arts at WSU from 1953-64, dies at 95. Thompson Hall is named for him.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1994
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Cougar fans celebrated a 23-6 Apple Cup victory against University of Washington, in the snow at Martin Stadium.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1994
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
WSU shuts down Baylor University 10-3 at the Alamo Bowl in Texas.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1995
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Cougar pride went on the road. WSU Cougar logo license plates support student scholarships.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1995
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
HillTopics alumni newspaper celebrated 25 years. Its only editor has been Patrick Caraher (Class of 1962.)
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1995
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Stevens Hall, listed on the National Register for Historic Places, celebrated its centennial.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1995
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
The second woman to be honored with WSU's highest award Regent's Distinguished Alumnus Mary E. Turner DeGarmo, dies at 91.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1995
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Coach Kevin Eastman took WSU men's basketball to NIT Tournament.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1995
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
WSU captured the Pacific-l0 North baseball title under first-year coach Steve Farrington.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1995
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Butch the Cougar and Mickey Mouse spent the day together at Disneyland at a pregame rally for the WSU vs. USC football game.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1995
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
''Money'' magazine ranked WSU among the top eight of the 436 Honors programs at American public universities.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1995
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Golden Grads of 1945 gave as a class gift a grand piano which was dedicated during a concert in the Rotunda of the Holland Library addition.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1995
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
The WSU women's junior varsity eight crew team captured the crown at the National Collegiate Rowing Championship Regatta on Lake Harsha, Ohio.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1995
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Coach Lisa Gozley and the WSU soccer team made their first NCAA Tournament appearance, ranking them 19th by "Soccer America."
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1995
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
WSU's student enrollment, including branch campuses, reached another record high at 19,598.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1995
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
WSU opened a new 130-unit Yakama Village apartment complex for families and graduate students.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1995
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
President Emeritus Terrell returned to WSU for dedication of the Glenn Terrell Friendship Mall. He led WSU from 1967-1985.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1995
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Cougar women's volleyball team ranked, 5th nationally.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1995
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Nobel Peace Prize Recipient Norman Borlang received WSU's honorary doctoral degree at commencement.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1995
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Campaign WSU passed $200 million mark eight months before its scheduled end.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1995
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
U.S. Army Gen. John Shaliashvili, chair of the U.S. Dept. of Defense Joint Chiefs of Staff, spoke at commencement. His son was one of the graduates.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1995
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Thomas "Les" Purce, former President of Evergreen State College, selected vice president for Extended University Affairs at WSU.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1995
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Jack Friel, coach of the Cougar men's basketball team for 30 years and 495 victories, died at 97.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1995
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
An acrylic-on-canvas painting depicting a commitment to diversity is dedicated in the Compton Union Building. WSU colleges and administrative units donated the nearly $10,000 for the three-piece mural.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1995
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Volleyball Coach Cindy Fredrick concludes her seventh season at WSU by being named Pacific-10 Conference Coach of the Year. The team finished 22-7 overall and third in the Pac-l0, led by All-American Sara Silvernail.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1996
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
WSU President Samuel Smith received Boy Scouts of America's Distinguished Eagle Scout Award.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1996
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Thrifty Payless contributed more than $100,000 for computer equipment, software and student scholarships for the College of Pharmacy.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1996
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
WSU officials and community partners announce plans to develop six pilot Learning Centers in the state to expand educational opportunities. The centers are located in Port Townsend, Wenatchee, Colville, Longview/Kelso, Tacoma and Yakima.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1996
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
WSU President Samuel Smith begins service on the 25-member Kellogg Commission on the future of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1996
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Construction starts on a 45,000-square foot weightroom addition to Bohler Gym.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1996
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Arthur McCartan, who served as a WSU administrator for 38 years before retiring in 1985, as Dean of Students and Dean of Men, dies in Olympia.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1996
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
''Time'' magazine named WSU graduate William Julius Wilson, noted sociologist, one of America's most influential people.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1996
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
WSU Vancouver's new Salmon Creek 384-acre campus dedicated. It is WSU's first all new campus in more than a century.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1996
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
The $16 million Lighty Student Services Building, which adjoins French Administration Building, opened. It is named for WSU graduate Phil Lighty and his wife, June. The Lightys established one of WSU's largest scholarship endowments for students with demonstrated leadership potential.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1995
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
At the first anniversary of the state of Washington collegiate motor vehicle program, more than 5,119 plates featuring the WSU Cougar logo have been sold - more than all the other public schools in the state combined.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1996
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
The $3.1 million Phi Kappa Theta fraternity opened. High-tech in every respect, it reflects the "wired world" commitment of WSU alumnus and fraternity member Paul Allen, Microsoft cofounder. He funded the building and equipped each of the other Greek houses at WSU with internet connections.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1996
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
''Money'' magazine ranks WSU among the top 15 best for value four-year undergraduate universities and colleges in the Western U.S.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1996
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Mrs. George Randolph Hearst, Sr., widow of the oldest son of late newspaper giant William Randolph Hearst, became an Adopted Cougar.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1996
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Dedication of WSU's Thomas S. Foley Institute for Public Policy and Public Service. It is named for the former U.S. Speaker of the House and State of Washington member of Congress.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1996
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
WSU's $38 million Veterinary Teaching Hospital opened. On Sept. 9 the hospital made history when an 80-year-old woman became the first human patient to use the hospital's magnetic resonance imaging unit. Under a cooperative agreement, the vet hospital provides imaging services for human patients.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1997
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Gretchen Bataille named provost and vice president for academic affairs, effective July 1. She had been provost of the College of Letters and Science at the University of California at Santa Barbara.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1997
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
The seven-year Campaign WSU, the university's first comprehensive fund-raising effort, concluded with a final total of $275.4million, surpassing its original $250 million goal. Supporting WSU's vision to be one of the top public universities in the nation, the monies raised benefit scholarships, teaching and research programs, student programs and learning initiatives s statewide.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1997
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
WSU President Samuel Smith chaired the NCAA Presidents Commission, the major governing body for college intercollegiate athletics.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1997
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
The Consolidated Information Center at WSU Tri-Cities opened. Funds for the $18.6 million literary and teaching center came from the state of Washington and the U.S. Department of Energy.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1997
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
WSU biochemists Rod Croteau and Linda Randall were elected to the National Academy of Sciences. They joined four other WSU researchers in the academy, C.A. "Bud" Ryan, a biochemist; Jim Cook, a USDA plant pathologist at WSU, John Hirth, a materials scientist, and Dieter H. von Wettstein, a plant geneticist.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1997
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Debbie Pipher, senior member of the WSU coaching staff, resigns after 20 years as coach of the women's swimming team.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1997
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Dave Cooper retired as manager of the Student Book Corporation, after 27 years leading the "Bookie."
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1997
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
WSU received $10 million, five-year grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to create an Institute for Shock Physics. The institute is directed by WSU physics Professor Yogi Gupta.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1997
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Picked to finish 7th in the Pac-l0, the 1997 WSU Cougar football team finished first, earning the right to play the Rose Bowl game (Jan. 1, 1998) for the first time in 67 years.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1998
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
January 1, the WSU Cougar football team played in the Rose Bowl football game in Pasadena, Calif., pushing national champion and no. 1 ranked Michigan to the last play of the game before losing, 21-16. Some 101,219 fans and a world-wide television audience saw the game. In February, football coach Mike Price signed an eight-year contract extension through Dec. 31, 2005.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1998
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
An alcohol-induced student riot along a Colorado Street adjacent to the WSU campus takes place in early May. According to the Pullman Police Department, several hundred students engaged directly with police officers, some throwing bottles, cans and rocks. Estimates put some 1,000 onlookers on the street during the five-hour disruption that left 23 law enforcement officers and four students injured, according to a story in the June 1998 issue of Hilltopics.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1998
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Washington Gov. Gary Locke participates in a dialogue on race and bigotry in the Compton Union Building, with students, faculty and staff. In an address, he said, "The gift of cultural pluralism is grounded in mutual respect and democracy."
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1998
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
The new $27 million, 100,000-square-foot Engineering, Teaching and Research Laboratory opened. Adjacent to Dana Hall, the four-story structure was funded by the U.S. Department of Energy.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1997
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
A new state law gave WSU a major educational leadership role in Spokane, and management responsibilities for the Riverpoint campus.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1998
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
The WSU Creamery, home of [[Ferdinand's turns 60|Ferdinand's]], celebrated its 50th anniversary. Previously located in Troy Hall, Ferdinand's moved to new facilities in the Food Quality Building in 1992. WSU cheeses, including Cougar Gold, are sold worldwide.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1998
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
The first students recruited to WSU through the College of Education's Future Teachers of Color program graduated during the 1998 Commencement.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1998
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Pine Manor was torn down. Built by the Works Progress Administration in 1937 with a knotty pine interior, it was operated as a cooperative house, independent of the university's housing system. In 1963, fire safety concerns brought an end to its use as a dormitory. WSU purchased it and renovated it into headquarters for an internationally recognized anthropology program.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1998
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
The Bill Chipman Palouse Trail opened. Built on an abandoned railroad bed, the recreational path parallels the highway between Pullman and Moscow. Creating the eight-mile recreational asphalt trail involved two states, two cities, and WSU and the University of Idaho. The late Bill Chipman, Pullman car dealer, was a UI graduate and supporter of his alma mater and WSU.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1998
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
At age 102, Dorothy Otto Kennedy, the oldest living graduate of the WSU College of Pharmacy, died in Everett. She earned her degree in 1916 and went on to practice pharmacy in Reardan in eastern Washington and Everett in western Washington.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1998
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
A $1 million renovation of the "Bookie," WSU's student book store, was completed. The facility now includes a 1,000-square foot den with a fireplace, plus an espresso bar as part of the Wazzu Café.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1998
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
WSU's official fall semester Pullman campus enrollments reached 17,912. System-wide WSU registration totaled 20,998. The 2,877 new freshmen comprised the largest incoming class since 2,970 enrolled in 1980.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1998
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
''Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine'' (Sept. 1998 issue) ranked WSU 39th among the nation's "Top 100 Values in State Universities."
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1998
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
A new poetry corner in the Holland/New Library Atrium was named to honor Ruth Slonim, professor emeritus of English.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1998
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
On March 26, the WSU Alumni Association began a six-month centennial celebration. The association started in 1898, eight years after the state Legislature created the land-grant college (March 28, 1890).
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1999
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
In March, the 24th annual Pal-Loots-Pu, a three-day celebration and dance competition, was held, sponsored by Ku-Ah-Mah, the Native American student organization at WSU.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1999
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
WSU's campuses in Spokane, the Tri-Cities and Vancouver celebrated their 10th anniversaries. They were all created by the state Legislature on July 1, 1989.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1999
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Jamie Kern represented WSU's 150,000th graduate at commencement.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1999
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
WSU alumnus and Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen became the 29th recipient of the Regents' Distinguished Alumnus Award during Commencement.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1999
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
The Admissions Office suite in the Lighty Student Services is dedicated in Stan Berry's name. He worked 33 years in admissions, 22 of them as director.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1998
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
President Samuel Smith, age 59, announced he will retire in the summer of 2000. He underwent successful surgery for cancer in March 1998. He said his health is good and notes the university "has just finished a very successful Legislative session that provided much needed dollars for faculty salaries and construction" in Pullman at the branch campuses. A search committee is appointed to assist the WSU Regents in finding a successor.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
1999
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
The May issue of ''Yahoo Internet Life Magazine'' rates WSU the No. 1 "wired" public university in America.
 
 
 
|}
 
 
 
== 2000  ==
 
 
 
{| class="FCK__ShowTableBorders" width="100%"
 
|-
 
| valign="top" width="15%" |
 
2000
 
 
 
| valign="top" width="85%" |
 
Crimson Company, the student show choir, one of WSU's most popular public relations vehicles for nearly a quarter of a century, was discontinued after its final tour in May due to budget cuts. The decision was made by the executive board of the WSU Alumni Association, the group's sponsor.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
2000
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
The WSU baseball facility was renamed Bailey-Brayton Field, honoring Buck Bailey and Bobo Brayton, who coached the Cougars, 1927-41 and 1946-61 (Bailey) and 1962-94 (Brayton). Originally located near Hollingbery Fieldhouse, a new Bailey Field opened in 1980 near the Beasley Performing Arts Coliseum.
 
 
 
|-
 
| valign="top" |
 
2000
 
 
 
| valign="top" |
 
Steve Wymer became the first person in WSU history to serve three different terms as president of the Associated Students of WSU. He initially became president, upon succession while serving as ASWSU vice president, in 1998-1999. He was elected ASWSU president in 1999-2000 and reelected for 2000-2001.
 
 
 
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2000
 
 
 
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On June 8, V. Lane Rawlins became WSU's ninth president succeeding eighth president, Samuel H. Smith, who served from July 1, 1985 to June 8, 2000. Rawlins, previously president of The University of Memphis in Tennessee, was a former WSU faculty member and administrator. He joined the economics faculty in 1968, later served as chair of the department of economics, and was WSU vice provost from 1982-86.
 
 
 
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2000
 
 
 
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Construction on the new $39 million Student Recreation Center neared completion, scheduled to open in January 2001.
 
 
 
|}
 
 
 
''Originally compiled by Bob Smawley. Updated 5/11/94 by Mark D. Peck and 3/25/96 by Christina R. Parrish and Cynthia Hulse. Updated fall 2000 by Barb Petura and Tim Marsh. If you have corrections to this document, please [[Our Story:Contact|contact us]]. Thank you.''
 

Revision as of 16:23, September 15, 2009

Wsu campus1.jpg
Over the decades, Washington State University has developed a rich history. Founded in 1890 as the state's land-grant institution, WSU has grown from a single campus in Pullman to an internationally respected, multi-campus system.

Historical highlights include:

  • Instruction beginning in 1895 in what will become the College of Veterinary Medicine.
  • The story of football player Butch Meeker, for whom the WSU Cougar mascot is named, noted in 1926.
  • Naming, in 1957, of Frances Penrose Owen as the first woman on the WSU Board of Regents.
  • Eruption of Mount St. Helens on May 18, 1980, covering the campus in one-half inch of volcanic ash.
  • Selection in 1986 of WSU biochemist Clarence A. "Bud" Ryan for membership in prestigious National Academy of Sciences, the first WSU professor so honored.
  • Grand opening of Honors Hall in 2001, the new home of the nationally-acclaimed WSU Honors College, celebrating the college’s 40th anniversary.
  • WSU is ranked among the nation's top 50 public research universities.
  •  Elson S. Floyd taking office in 2007 as WSU's tenth president.
  • $25 million grant for School of Global Animal Health from Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, largest in WSU history.

There's much more! Take a "stroll" through the decades by visiting WSU's history page. Or explore the history of WSU through the eras of its presidents.

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