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From State Normal School to State University

History of the development of Western Connecticut State University, from Normal School in 1904 to University. Created for the Women of Mark exhibit, spring 2022

1937 -1949

picture of 1936/37 men's basketball team

1936/37 - The school forms its first men's basketball team due to the efforts of Dr. Jenkins to recruit more male students.

logo/shield of Danbury State Teachers College

1937 - Danbury State Normal School becomes Danbury State Teachers College with Dr. Jenkins as its first president. The state legislature grants the school the authority to offer a Bachelor of Science degree.

1941 - The school wins accreditation by the American Association of Teachers Colleges.   A two-year course for an Associate Degree in Science is offered.          

 1942 - In response to the war, a trimester schedule for classes is set up to help students graduate quickly. Night classes begin for those working in war industries.

 

        

1943 - 1946 - Most male students and some women have enlisted in the armed services. During these years, the school’s yearbooks pay tribute to the students who are now serving in the military.

 

 

Ruth Haas at the podium at her inauguration

1946 – Dr. Ruth A. Haas (1946-1975) is elected president after the death of President Jenkins.                

View of students entering Quonset hut named Curley Hall

1947 - Three army surplus Quonset huts are put up behind Old Main.

1949 - The Quonset hut being used as the recreation center is named Curley Hall in honor of former student and navy veteran, Thomas Curley, who died unexpectedly at the end of 1948.  This is the only building on campus ever named for a student.

1950 - 1958

       

1950 - Higgins Hall, the new science building, opens.  Students in this 1950 yearbook picture are "enjoying dorm life" in Fairfield Hall.

      

1952 - The Radio Workshop is set up an an extracurricular activity under the guidance of Mr. Adam Aitcheson, and called WDTC.

 

View of front of Roberts Avenue school with cars parked on the road.    side view of Roberts Avenue school and driveway

1953 - Roberts Avenue School opens as a practice school for Danbury State Teachers College.

      

1954 - Berkshire Hall, the new classroom and auditorium building, opens.  Students are pictured campaigning for Dean as part of the "Do Day" events in 1954.

1955 - With new state teacher certification requirements in place, teachers must work toward a master's degree.  The college establishes a master's in education degree program.

1958 - The first graduate degree, Master of Science, is awarded to 16 teachers.