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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

1967 -1979

        Seal of Western Connecticut State College                               

1967 - The school is renamed Western Connecticut State College.  Renovation of the former Danbury High School building is completed, and it is renamed White Hall in honor of Alexander White.

1968 - Newbury Hall is completed .

   Picture of Old Main library 

1969 - Haas Library opens, replacing the original library in Old Main.

 

Picture of football team on the practice field

The college fields its first football team, seen practicing on the campus field.

1970 - There were protests on the Western campus.  Earth Day and Kent State demonstrations are pictured. Protests were occurring on campuses across the country
Governor Dempsey froze state building projects, including the proposed $20 million Middle River (Westside) Campus as well as funds for further renovation of the former Danbury High School building.

     

1971-1972 - Protests are held on campus and at the state legislature in Hartford over the proposal to replace the $100 student fee with a tuition of $600.  A compromise is finally reached - students will pay $300 per year plus an annual fee of $150.

1973 - WXCI gets FCC approval to become an FM station.

           

1974 - Groundbreaking for the access road to the proposed Westside Campus. Ruth Haas speaks to the audience in attendance. Colonials becomes the new logo and mascot of the school replacing the Indians. The baseball team is the first one to use the new name on their uniforms. Above is an early depiction of the new logo.  Use of the logo is sporadic.   

     

1975 – Robert M. Bersi (1975 – 1981) becomes president.   Newbury residence hall becomes co-ed and the others soon follow.

        

1979 -A mock funeral for higher education is held by students at the Westside Campus site in response to the State’s withdrawal of funding for construction at the new campus. 1200 observers witnessed the event. President Bersi gives Gov. Grasso and the state trustees a tour of the midtown campus to point out the consequences of insufficient funds for the campus.

1980 -1982

 

 

1981 -Stephen Feldman (1981 -1992) is appointed President.

                    Dedication of the Young Library with Pres. Feldman and the Young family

1982 - The classroom building on the Westside Campus opens. Robert S. Young Library opens on the fourth floor.  Pres. Feldman and the Young family can be seen above at the dedication.