University of Pittsburgh - Owl Yearbook (Pittsburgh, PA)

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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

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 9 JOHN’ COLVIN FETTERMAN, Pu. M. Dean of the College WILL GRANT CHAMBERS. A. M.. M. S. Dean of the School of Education