’ Weekly Newsletter
Vol.xra, No*l9 Hioletsn State tSxttaarslty Center
Tuesday, February 22, 1955, marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the
Penna. State University. During this century, many improvements, changes and
achievements have been made which can be reviewed with pride.
From a single five-story building surrounded by a rural, ruddy, hilly and un
lovely environment, Penn State grew to a beautifully surveyed campus of 140 major
structures, surrounded by massive lawns, trees, and walks.
The state charter was received in 1855, but the first institution, the Farmers’
High School, was not established until 1859. Slnoa-then, Penn State has changed its'
name three times, from the Agricultural College of Penna. in 1862, to the Penna. State
College, in 1872 and finally to the Penna. State University in 1954.
In these 100 years, the student body increased from 119 to 13,000, while the
faculty and staff grew from 4 to 2500. At present there are 2200 courses in the
various colleges of the University - a great improvement over the 40 that were
offered in the initial years. In 1861 an average of 11 degrees were awarded. Today
about 3000 degrees are awarded annually and approximately 53,000 have been awarded
to graduates during these 100 years. A tremendous research program has grown from
a few dollars to over |3,000,000 and a new nuclear research plant is to be dedicated
at the anniversary celebration.
i. The newly-built Hetzel Union Building will be the scene of the Centennial
Dinner denoting the 100 years of r.S.U. A special telephone 'broadcast’ from 8 to
9 PM will be sent across the nation to 51 Alumni clubs to give all affiliates an
opportunity to hear the program from the Main Campus.
All Highacres students are invited to our main building to listen to the 100th
anniversary program on Tuesday evening over the telephone. The Center will provide
refreshments for all attending.
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PENN STATE- 100 YEARS OLD
CENTENNIAL PARTI PROGRAM
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