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.