University of Toledo - Blockhouse Yearbook (Toledo, OH)

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SHORT HISTORY SHOWS PHENOMENAL GROWTH In its seventy-two ye ars of existence, the University of Toledo has shown a growth phenomenal in the history of universities. It all began on Columbus Day, 1872, when Jesup W. Scott, Toledo businessman, willed a quarter section of land, worth $80,000, and some money to be used to establish the Toledo University of Arts and Trades. Since then there have been other donations that have been the life-blood of the University ' s marvelous growth. In 1928, Dr. Henry J. Doermann, for whom the present Doermann Theatre is named, became president of the University. Election Day of 1928 was a big day, when Toledo voted to spend nearly $3,000,000 on what is known today as the University of Toledo. The first buildings erected were University Hall and the Field House. The first class to graduate was the class of 1930. In 1934, the Student Union, with a men ' s dorm above Libbey Hall, and the Faculty Apartments were dedicated. The stadium and tool house were completed; and in 1938, MacKinnon Hall, the present men ' s dorm was built. Between 1938 and 1940 the W.P.A. was instrumental in landscaping the grounds. Trees and shrubbery were planted, roads and a parking lot were developed, the artificial pond behind the Uni- versity was created, and the little stone bridge was built. The coming of World War II naturally has halted any new build- ing projects, but many are in the making. The graduating classes of 1941 and 1942 have left funds for a stone gateway to be placed at the entrance to the East drive. The names of the young men and women of the Uni- versity who have given their lives in this war will be inscribed there on a bronze plaque. A student campaign in 1942 was the beginning of a fund for $60,000 for a swimming pool, some day to be built beneath the Field House. This year, 1944, is the second year of the endowment drives, given to keep the University growing. Through gifts, wills and deeds from foresighted Toledo citizens, many of whom are University graduates, $40,000 already has been netted in this fund. A self-perpetuating, non- political group of men including Robert Stranahan, John Biggers, Ward Canaday, and Dr. Stephen Mahon will hold this money in trust. Only the interest from the fund is to be used. Throughout the years to come, it is hoped that the fund will multiply from money donated by graduates whose lives have been enriched through their training at the University.