Penn State University Archives

Penn State History

Significant Events in the Development of
The Pennsylvania State University - 1900s

1900

• Farmers' Institute program begun; developed into Agricultural Extension Service.

1901

• "Alma Mater" written by Professor Fred Lewis Pattee.

1903

• Schwab Auditorium completed; first building given by private donors, Mr. and Mrs. Charles M. Schwab (trustee).

1904

• Carnegie Library dedicated; gift of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Carnegie (trustee).
• State Collegian replaced Free Lance as student newspaper. Became P. S. Collegian semi-weekly 1911; Daily Collegian since 1940.

1905

• Semi-centennial celebrated.
• First honorary doctorate conferred on William A. Buckhout, professor of botany; second conferred in 1908 on Dr. Louis Reber, first dean of engineering; no other honorary doctorates until LL.D. conferred on U.S. President Eisenhower in 1955.

1906

• Library acquired Pennsylvania history and cultural collection named in honor of General James A. Beaver.
• Extension programs began in agriculture and engineering.

1907

• Home economics department established.
• Institute of Animal Nutrition established by Dr. H. P. Armsby.
• Nittany Lion adopted by students as athletics symbol. Officially accepted by trustees in 1942 when Nittany Lion shrine was gift of class of 1940.
• "Druids," first men's honorary "hat" society, formed.

1908

• Dr. Edwin Erle Sparks became eighth President; retired in 1920.
• Penn State Farmer began monthly publication; discontinued 1961.
• Engineering Experiment Station established.
• "Lion's Paw," senior men's honor society, organized.
• First student directory published by students.

1909

• School of Liberal Arts organized.

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2000s

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