History of OSU
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The Start of Oregon State University
This Page focuses on the early history of OSU.
Originally called Corvallis Academy, what is now known as OSU was begun in 1856. Later the name was changed to Corvallis College in 1858. The first building that served as the school’s campus is located on what is now Monroe and 5th street. Construction started in 1858 and before the doors were opened the college was ordered to be sold due to financial difficulty. The school was then purchased by the Methodist church and opened its doors to students in November of 1860. The first college level classes were offered in 1865 under the authority of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The first graduating class had three people and the degrees were handed out in 1870.
First Graduating Class
Stats on OSU
First Graduating Class
Other
Black unofficial color, originally used as background only
The Name Game
On October 27, 1868 is known as OSU Charter day, when the college became the first higher education to be supported by the state. With this the college was granted the authority by the state to grant Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Master of Arts. The day is what many view as the beginning of the college; and is the date that appears on the schools seal. The name of the college was again changed in 1870, this time to the Corvallis State Agricultural College of Oregon. The college went through numerous name changes including: State Agricultural College (Corvallis College) in 1876, Corvallis College and State Agricultural College in 1879, Corvallis Agricultural College 1881, Corvallis College and Oregon State Agricultural College in 1882. This name jumping continued until 1961 when the name was changed officially to Oregon State University. (currently there is a movement to change the name yet again to Oregon Student University [1].
