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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