Kansas State University - Royal Purple Yearbook (Manhattan, KS)

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Special recognition was extended to the 291 graduates of 1913-1914 as members of the semi-centennial class. Each year throughout this era the graduates benefited from the growing name and prestige associated with Kansas State. Kansas State Marks 50 Years of Progress The first widely celebrated birthday of Kansas State was on Oct. 28-29-30, 1913, when the semi- centennial celebration was observed. This was a sig- nificant occurrence and was recognized by the dismissal of all classes those three days. The observ- ance provided an opportunity to reflect on the history of this still young and growing institution and to realize its accomplishments of fifty years. An account of the commemoration in the 1914 Royal Purple ends with the question, What will the College be in fifty more years, if it keeps the pace that it has set in the half-century that it has fin- ished? That question was answered this year and the pace has been stepped-up considerably. The mood of the time was one of jubilation, but also of constant introspection. In addition to constant revision in the curricula, there was a continuous implementation of new ideas in instruction. An example of this was the change from three terms to semesters in 1917. One of the most significant changes was the replacement of the Kansas State Board of Regents by the State Board of Administra- tion in 1913 by the Legislature. New areas of study were rapidly opening and one of these receiving great emphasis was engineer- ing. As early as 1909 this expansion was aided by the construction of the east wing of Engineering Hall, later named Seaton Hall. An evaluation of the school by the Bureau of Education of the Department of the Interior in 1922 was very favorable. It dismissed the pressing question of duplication in engineering at K-State and KU by saying both needed a program. In addition to the changes taking place in the undergraduate programs, a switch in the adminis- tration of graduate study in 1919 indicates the new maturity of the College. The enrollment reflected the trend toward growth. In 1913 the number of students surpassed 3,000 for the first time, although it was to fall below this mark again due to the war. 24

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In the early years of the 1900 ' s the school abounded with literary societies, which engaged in theatrical performances, oratorical contests and debates. The number of these prede- cessors of fraternities rose to eight amidst the competition. This campus view of around 1914 shows the tremendous growth that took place during the first decade and a half of the 1900 ' s. As enrollment continued to expand at an impres- sive rate, new facilities were in constant need in all areas. 23

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Manhattan joins in celebrating K-S rate ' s Semi-centennial in 1913. Poyntz Avenue stands destitute of cars with only trolley car lines and tracks filling the streets between the fashionable lightposts. Three-inch collars, tasseled lamps, school pennants, and the singing of songs around a piano denote a day gone by. Students of the early 1900 ' s required little in outside enter tainment or proper conditions to aid them in studying III II Illl I II II II II II III II M M II II II II MM 25