|
1886 |
The Synod of Kansas accepts Sterling's proposal to locate a synodical college in the town on the condition that the first building, Cooper Hall, be completed in time for classes to start November 1, 1887. |
|
1887 |
Cooper Memorial College opens and Mr. Albert N. Porter becomes the acting president of Sterling College. The departments are Classical, Normal (teaching), English, and Business. During this time there is a Board of Trustees and Board of Directors. |
|
1889 |
Dr. Francis Marion Spencer becomes SC’s first president.The first library opens on campus. |
|
1892 |
The first issue of the Cooper Courier, the campus newspaper, is published. Essington H. Lees becomes the first graduate. First football team is formed. |
|
1893 |
The campus receives running water for the first time.The Alumni Association is founded.First baseball team is formed. |
|
1895 |
The Men’s Quartette goes on the road for the first time to advertise for the college. |
|
1903 |
First basketball game is played against Nickerson Normal. |
|
1905 |
Cooper Memorial plays Fairmount College (Wichita State University) in the first night football game. Final score was 24-0, Fairmount. |
|
1907 |
Electricity came to the College. |
|
1908 |
The Women’s Quartette is formed to help the men advertise for the college. |
|
1909 |
Mr. Talmon Bell becomes the interim president. |
|
1910 |
Dr. Ross Turner Campbell becomes SC’s second president. |
|
1911 |
The College purchased 20 acres of land for new buildings.The Board of Trustees and the Board of Directors combines into one entity. |
|
1914 |
Dr. Turner drops the “Memorial” out of the College name. |
|
1918 |
The federal government establishes a Students’ Army Training Camp at the school. |
|
1919 |
The school is renamed Sterling College because Dr. Turner had grown tired of explaining where Cooper College was located.Spencer Hall is completed. |
|
1920 |
The Cooper Courier becomes Ye Sterling Stir. |
|
1922 |
Wilson Gymnasium is constructed. |
|
1933 |
Dr. Hugh Alexander Kelsey becomes SC’s third president. |
|
1938 |
The seniors purchased a brass bell that they placed on top of Spencer Hall. The class had 3 guidelines of when it should be rung: when members of the class were married, at the beginning and end of vacations, and after all college victories. |
|
1946 |
Dr. William M. McCreery becomes SC’s fourth president. |
|
1948 |
A strong storm blew out the east wall on the third floor of Cooper Hall and the library had to be moved to Wilson Hall. |
|
1954 |
Kelsey Hall library and administration building is completed. |
|
1957 |
McCreery Hall is built. |
|
1961 |
The Student Union is completed. |
|
1962 |
Kilbourn Hall is built. |
|
1963 |
Evans Hall is built. |
|
1964 |
Crebbs Museum is added to the union, Thompson Hall is built, and the J.W. Fields tennis courts are completed. |
|
1965 |
Kilbourn addition is built, doubling the size of the dormitory and Smisor stadium is built. |
|
1966 |
Cooper Hall is remodeled largely by alumni funding. |
|
1971 |
Gleason Physical Education center is built. This building included a swimming pool, gym, classrooms, and offices. |
|
1972 |
Wilson Hall is remodeled as a band facility. |
|
1973 |
Dr. Robert C. Baptista becomes SC’s fifth president. |
|
1975 |
Dr. Charles William Schoenherr becomes SC’s sixth president. |
|
1978 |
The old hospital is purchased from the city for the new Art Center. |
|
1983 |
Dr. Robert A. Vietch becomes SC’s seventh president. |
|
1988 |
Cooper Hall is condemned and closed for the next 14 years. |
|
1989 |
Dr. Roger Parrot becomes SC’s eighth president. |
|
1995 |
Dr. J. Robert Campbell becomes the interim president. |
|
1996 |
Mabee Library is completed. |
|
1997 |
Dr. Ed Johnson becomes SC’s ninth president. |
|
2002 |
After extensive renovations, Cooper Hall is reopened. |
|
2003 |
Dr. Albert Anderson becomes the interim president. |
|
2004 |
College purchases 31 acres west of campus for future expansion. |
|
2005 |
Dr. Bruce Douglas becomes SC’s tenth president. |
|
2006 |
Douglas Residence Halls for men and women open. |
|
2008 |
Smisor Stadium and the track and field are renovated. |
|
2009 |
Dr. Paul J. Maurer becomes SC’s eleventh president. |
|
2012 |
Heather McCreery, granddaughter of former President William McCreery, becomes Board Chair. |
