New symbol unveiled on anniversary of founding
Chadron State College marked the 100th anniversary of its founding on Friday by unveiling a new symbol to represent the 14-month centennial celebration.
The new symbol features a soaring eagle and fireworks with the words “Chadron State College: A Century of Service.” The design, which incorporates the eagle from a past CSC logo, was created by Dewayne Gimeson, CSC public information specialist.
The new mark, named the Centennial Celebration Symbol, will complement the institution’s official logos on promotional materials. The celebration is scheduled to kick off during homecoming 2010 and conclude with commencement in December 2011.
“This new mark portrays the festive spirit of the special occasion while reflecting the tradition of our institution,” said CSC President Janie Park. “It will represent CSC well on items that promote the celebration.”
The college was founded Jan. 8, 1910, after much consideration by the Nebraska Board of Education. Historical records show the vote came immediately after members of the state board of education toured by train six communities that had filed applications for the new school: Alliance, Crawford, Chadron, Rushville, Gordon and Ainsworth. Although the board went to work on the decision the day of returning to Lincoln, it didn’t come easy. It took 15 ballots for board members to reach a unanimous decision.
Although Chadron received five votes to Alliance’s two on the 14th ballot, it did not receive any votes in the fifth, sixth and 11th. After receiving word of the narrow decision, Chadron residents celebrated with much jubilation by ringing church bells, blowing whistles and lighting bonfires.
“Today is an important day because it marks the founding of higher education in western Nebraska. The Nebraska Board of Education’s decision in 1910 to locate a college in Chadron marked the beginning of an incredible success story,” Park said.
Although the college was founded in January 1910, classes for the institution’s first 111 students didn’t convene until June 1911. The center portion of the Old Admin building, the college's first structure, was completed soon after courses began.
Category: Campus News