University of Arizona - Desert Yearbook (Tucson, AZ)

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 .Jb] IE 3 JUAT 0. 1 fljiBtnriral kplrh As far back as 18ft4, the year of the first Arizona legislature, agitation was begun for the founding of a university. A bill was passed by the legislature providing for a board of seven regents. The members of the board were appointed and instructed to select a site and locate the university some time within two years. Soon after that, however, one of the members was killed by the Apaches and the troublous times that followed prevented any definite action being taken and the matter lay dormant for twenty years. During these years the desire for such an institution did not die out. Individuals who realized the need and the value of a university continued to champion its cause, and in 1885, the legislature appropriated 825,000 to found a “University of Arizona at, or near Tucson. Thus with this year we see the definite beginning of our institution of higher education. Soon after securing this appropriation, a contract was let for the construction of our oldest building. University Ilall. Ground was first broken, with appropriate accompanying ceremonies, on Oct. 27, 1887, and so began the construction of the University. Finally, with the aid of the Hatch appropriation and the Morrell fund, and, through the efforts of a few public spirited and far-sighted citizens, the Main building was completed, and the University opened for classes in October, 1801. In the fall of 10C3. Kendric Charles Babcock took the Presidency, which he successfully filled for seven and one-half years. With him began the reconstructive work of the University. The standard of scholarship, as well as the requirements for admission to both the preparatory department and the University were put upon a par with the best institutions of the country. The engineering department was enlarged until it included not only mining and metallurgy, but civil, electrical and mechanical engineering. The department of libera) arts was enlarged until it offered all of the courses found in the best institutions. The agricultural department was taken up and developed until it offered two four-year courses and one two-year course. To sum it up in a few words, the school became what its name implies,—a university, offering the best of equipment and instruction in many varied lines of education. During this period was added the largest and most valuable of any building yet constructed, that of Science Htll, fire-proof throughout and equipped with all modern improvements. 22

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CI.OtlllKK STANLEY

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% The year 1910 saw the resignation of Dr. Babcock as president. Dr. A. E. Douglas of the physics department was chosen as acting president to complete the year. Dr. A. H. Wilde, the present president .came from the Northwestern University and began his duties here in the fall of 1911. The continual and rapid growth of the University is calling for many new improvements. A large, modern, comfortable, mens’ dormitory has just been completed. A new building for agriculture seems to be in sight in the near future.That to be followed by otherebuildings, in accordance with a definite plan of development. The men of the State legislature are taking a deep interest in the welfare and growth of the Institution, as is evidenced in the generosity of their donations. The future of the University is bright. Its development to the present time has been steady, and substantial. and will continue to be so. Arizona has come to her own in the sisterhood of states and all her institutions have received an added impetus. Her citizens are determined that their highest court of learning shall be second to none in the United States.