1950-1959

1950
Helen Compton, wife of President Compton, coordinated purchase of several lake front lots on Priest Lake for WSC faculty members.

1950
President Emeritus Holland left estate of $72,000, library and art collection to WSC.

1951
WSU plant pathologist Frederick Heald donated personal library to WSC, including 300 volumes and 10,000 reprints in plant pathology.

1951
J. W. Kalkus, superintendent of the WSC Puyallup Research Center, reported that "one new berry plant developed at the station has added $15,000,000 to the state's wealth during the last 10 years."

1951
President Compton resigned. William Pearl named acting president.

1952
C. Clement French (Ph.D. from University of Pennsylvania, Dean of Faculty at Texas A & M) assumes presidency on April 1.

1952
Eugene "Pat" Patterson named Director of Alumni Relations.

1952
Compton Union Building dedicated.

1953
Philip Phibbs graduated as top scholastic student.

1954
Keith Jackson graduated, president of Crimson Circle, outstanding senior, chief announcer of KWSU.

1955
WSU tied San Jose, 13-13, in a football game played in sub-zero temperature in Pullman. One reserved ticket sold at the game.

1955
Poultry scientists Leo Jensen and Igor Kosin developed hatch process, which will return a $9,000,000 annual savings to turkey producers.

1956
WSC grad Pete Radamacher won Olympic heavyweight boxing title by knocking out the Russian finalist in the first round in Melbourne, Australia.

1956
Of 64 U.S. students awarded Rhodes Scholarships, only two were from land grant colleges, both from WSC.

1957
Frances Penrose Owen named to Board of Regent. She would serve 18 years. Owen Science Library named for her in 1979.

1958
Pacific Coast Athletic Conference dissolved membership.

1958
NSF grant of $300,000 assured the building of a nuclear reactor on campus.

1958
Herbert Wood, professor of History, gave the first "Invited Address" - now called Distinguished Faculty Address -- by a WSC faculty member.

1958
Jack Friel retired as basketball coach after 30 years and 495 victories.

1959
George Marra, WSU wood technologist, developed high speed lamination process capable of producing a weatherproof beam in seven minutes.

1959
Washington State College becomes Washington State University as designated by the State Legislature.