1930s

1930

  • "Old Main" rebuilt; opened at 75th anniversary celebration in October during Alumni Homecoming.
  • Mineral Industries Art Gallery collection begun; formally opened 1942.
  • Mont Alto forestry school acquired from state for freshman year instruction.

1931

  • School of Physical Education and Athletics established; Hugo Bezdek, first dean.
  • Nittany Lion Inn opened.
  • Graduate degrees (master's and doctoral) in education authorized.

1934

  • First permanent undergraduate centers opened in Pottsville and Hazleton, providing first two years of college in a community without dormitory expense; beginning of the Commonwealth Campus system.
  • Institute of Local Government organized, first of its kind in United States; Professor Harold F. Alderfer, first director; replaced by Institute of Public Administration, 1959, with Professor John H. Ferguson as director.

1935

  • DuBois undergraduate center established.
  • Dramatics Division approved; Arthur C. Cloetingh, first director.

1937

  • Phi Beta Kappa chapter chartered.

1938

  • $5 million building program launched with first General State Authority funds; eleven buildings constructed.
  • Residence hall construction on self-amortizing basis begun with Frances Atherton Hall for women.
  • Institute of Public Safety for driver training organized by Professor Amos E. Neyhart; first in United States.

1939

  • Altoona undergraduate center opened.

Contact