University of Pittsburgh - Owl Yearbook (Pittsburgh, PA)

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 In 1855 work was resumed in the new building erected at the corner of Ross and Diamond streets. Rev. John F. McLaren. D. I)., was inducted into oflicc as principal, the student body increased rapidly, and the prospects of the University were never brighter. Under Dr. George Woods, who was made principal in 1858. the University progressed rapidly. During his administration a period of material expansion was enjoyed. In 1871 the first permanent endowment, a sum of $100,000. was received through the generosity of William Thaw. The people of Pittsburg contributed a like sum. In 1872 the powers of the University were enlarged by the Legislature. It was given the right to take and administer property. During Dr. Woods’ administration the character and extent of the work was greatly enlarged. A Preparatory Department was established, but later discontinued. In 1862. instruction in military tactics was added to the course. This was continued until 1882. Eminent men were added to the faculty, among them being Professor Francis C. Phillips, who at present occupies the chair of chemistry. The administration of Dr. Henry M. McCracken, who succeeded Dr. Woods in 1880, was a period of discouraging conditions. The University buildings were sold to Allegheny County for use as a court house while a new edifice was lieing built. The College was moved into rented quarters on North Avenue, where work was carried on amid many disadvantages. Prof. Daniel Carhart, who became a manlier of the faculty at this time, reorganized and greatly enlarged the courses in engineering. From 1884 to 1890. Milton 11. Goff was Chancellor. During his incumbency, the buildings on Observatory Hill were completed and occupied. A new and advanced curriculum was adopted, which provided for larger labratories for the departments of Chemistry and Engineering. CHANCELLOR McCORMICK SPEAKING AT CORNER STONE LAYING

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 9 2 HISTORY THE sturdy pioneers who crossed the Allegheny Mountains and settled with their families in the wilderness at the forks of the Ohio had all the characteristics which have made the Anglo-Saxon people a race of conquerors. Chief among these characteristics was the knowledge that “the education of the youth ought to be a primary object of every government. As early as 1770 a school was established, which in 1787 was formally incorj oratcd as Pittsburgh Academy. Under able instructors the Academy flourished, and by 1819 had grown to such an extent as to justify the application for a new charter. This was granted and the name was changed to “The Western University of Pennsylvania.” The curriculum was enlarged and the school entered upon its career as an institution of higher learning. The first faculty consisted of Dr. Robert Bruce, Dr. John Black. Dr. E. P. Swift. Dr. Joseph McElroy, and Rev. Charles B. Maguire. Here were Romanist. Presbyterian. Reformed and Associate Presbyterian, working together at a time when feeling between the rival denomination was intense. As to the student body the same generosity of sentiment prevailed; there was to be no respect of creed or color. During the administration of Dr. Bruce, the University attained a place for itself among the institutions of higher learning. The administration of Rev. Herman Dyer, from 1843 to 1849, was marked by two disastrous fires, one in 1845 and one in 1849. This double loss resulted in the suspension of work until 1855. CHANCELLOR McCORMICK DELIVERING AN ADDRESS

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The administration of Chancellor William J. Holland, which began in 1891, marked the expansion from a college into a university. Prof. James E. Keeler succeeded Prof. Langley at the observatory. The Engineering school was strengthened by the addition of courses in mining and electricity. In 1892 the Western Pennsylvania Medical College was amalgamated with the University. In 1895 departments in Law and Pharmacy were established. In 1896 the department of Dentistry was added. The University now had seven distinct dej artmcnts—it was a university in fact as well as in name. Dr. John A. Brashear, than whom the University has no truer friend, acted as chancellor from 1901 to 1904. Although pressed by private business, he sacrificed personal interests and gave his best service to the upbuilding of the University. The splendid new Observatory in River-view Park stands as a monument of his loyalty and activity. The coming of Rev. Samuel Black McCormick. D. D..LLD., chancellor, in 1904, marked an epoch in the history of the University. His ability and energy at once l cgan to assert themselves. A period of wonderful expansion and improvement began. In 1908 the name of the institution was changed to “The University of Pittsburgh.” The new site of forty-three acres on the beautiful Schcnlcy Farms was secured, and plans were drawn up for a group of buildings that will surpass in beauty and completeness anything of the kind in the world. These plans are being rapidly carried out. Three beautiful buildings. State Hall, Thaw Hall, and Pennsylvania Hall, are already occupied, and work on the others will be started in the near future. Dr. McCormick has also greatly improved the work being done in the University. The Medical School has been completely reorganized and placed ujxrn a much higher plane. The engineering courses have been broadened and improved and a co-operative system adopted under which engineering students are given three months of practical work each year. Schools of Finance. Education, and a Graduate College have been established. The addition of many able men to the faculty and increased facilities in the way of room and apparatus in all departments have added much to the efficiency of the school. The history of the University has been one of perseverencc and triumph—a struggle lasting over a century. It is a history of which we may feel justly proud. Still, we do not consider the University of Pittsburg an old institution. We prefer to conceive it as a lusty infant, untrammcled by musty traditions and obsolete customs. All that has gone before is but the foundation, the embryonic development. The University of Pittsburg is now entering upon a healthy young life, and its future expectations and possibilities cannot be measured by past events. Fourteen