University of Houston - Houstonian Yearbook (Houston, TX)

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The first issue of the COUGAB announces the open- ing of the University of Houston. HUGH ROY CULLEN ,5,,m3,,g,5,,3,,,ggf,1gigg,,,..,,.,.m-M. 5 , ,if ze 3 'wa-r.:'z':.4m.e: . .Hag In 1927, an institution was founded that was destined to become the University of Houston. Under the leadership of the late Dr. E. E. Oberholtzer, then superintendent of the Houston schools, the Houston Junior College was established for the purpose of providing a place of higher education for high school graduates and working persons in the Houston area who were unable to leave the city to attend college. Basic freshman and sophomore courses were offered in the classes that met in the San Jacinto High School Building. By 1933, enrollment in the Junior College had reached the 624 mark. Through the continued efforts of Dr. Oberholtzer who was serving without pay as president of the college, and others, House Bill 194 was passed by the State Legislature October 16, 1933, establishing the University of Houston and continuing the Junior College as an integral part. In 1934, the first day branch of the University of Houston was operated in the Second Baptist Church. During the first year of operation, the enrollment in day and night classes was approximately 1,110 students. The years 1935 and 1936 saw growth and expansion of the University of Houston, and, by 1937, the need for a per- manent campus was keenly felt. Heirs of the 1. J. Settegast Estate donated 75 acres, lVlr. Ben Taub donated 35 acres, and the University purchased two acres to make up a 112 acre campus for the young school. First classes were held in the San Jacinto High School Building at Holman and San Jacinto.