Saginaw Valley State University

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Saginaw Valley State University


SVSU Logo
Motto Something More. Something Better.
Established November 13, 1963 (charter granted)
Type Public
President Eric R. Gilbertson
Faculty ----
Students ----
Undergraduates ----
Postgraduates ----
Location University Center, Michigan, USA
Campus ----
Sports
Colors Blue and red            [1]
Mascot Cardinal
Website SVSU Athletics Home

SVSU Cardinal

Saginaw Valley State University, commonly known as SVSU, is a state university in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is located in the middle of Michigan's lower peninsula in the Saginaw Valley region and serves the cities of Bay City, Midland, and Saginaw. The university itself is located in Saginaw County, but its "official" address places it in University Center, Michigan, which it shares with Delta College, which is several miles to the northwest and is in Bay County.

The university was chartered in 1963 as a private four-year liberal arts college known as Saginaw Valley College (SVC). SVC became part of the state-supported system of colleges in 1965. It was renamed Saginaw Valley State College in 1975 and became Saginaw Valley State University in 1987. It is the newest of Michigan's 15 state universities.

However, its roots go back earlier in the area. In the early 1950s, leaders of Bay County, Midland County, and Saginaw County began pushing the state legislature to establish a college in the area. The legislature suggested first created a two-year community college, which lead to establishing nearby Delta College in 1957. Community leaders continued to push for a four-year school, leading to the founding of SVC, which held its first classes in fall 1964 at Delta College (where they had attended for the first two years and were then enrolled as juniors and seniors at SVC).

A fundraiser was held in 1965 to help lay the groundwork for a four-year university in the Tri-City area (Saginaw, Midland, Bay City). Corporations, private citizens, and other donors contributed millions of dollars to purchase the vast stretch of land that SVSU sits on today. SVSU flourished in the 70s, 80s, and 90s. SVSU currently employs hundreds of academic professionals and has an enrollment nearing 10,000 students. Its teaching program is popular and considered one of the best in the state.

SVSU's mascot is the cardinal. The school colors are royal blue and cardinal. It is a Division II school, whose sports teams play in the NCAA Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

Contents

[edit] Academics

SVSU offers numerous undergraduate programs. Its most popular school is the College of Education, which graduates thousands of professional teachers yearly.

Complete departmental listing:

[edit] College of Arts & Behavioral Sciences

  • Undergraduate Programs
    • Applied Studies
    • Art
    • Communication
    • Creative Writing
    • Criminal Justice
    • English
    • Gender Studies
    • Gerontology
    • Graphic Design
    • History
    • International Studies
    • Music
    • Philosophy
    • Political Science
    • Pre-Social Work
    • Professional and Technical Writing
    • Psychology
    • Public Administration
    • Social Work
    • Sociology
    • Theatre
    • Youth Services
  • Graduate Programs
    • Communication and Multimedia
    • Administrative Science
  • Language Programs
    • Modern Foreign Languages
    • French
    • German
    • Polish
    • Spanish

[edit] College of Business & Management

  • Undergraduate Majors
    • Accounting
    • Economics
    • Finance
    • General Business Major
    • International Business
    • Marketing
    • Management
    • Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
    • Bachelor of Professional Accountancy (B.P.A.)
    • Business Administration (B.B.A.)
  • Graduate Programs
    • Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)

[edit] College of Education

  • Undergraduate Programs
    • Teacher Education
      • Elementary Education
      • Secondary Education
      • Special Education
    • Kinesiology
  • Graduate Programs
    • Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.)
      • Adapted Physical Activity
      • Elementary Classroom Teaching
      • Middle School Classroom Teaching
      • Secondary Classroom Teaching
      • Early Childhood Education
      • Instructional Technology
      • Natural Science
      • Reading Education
      • Special Education
    • Master of Education (M.Ed.)Leadership Group
      • Chief Business Official
      • Educational Leadership
      • Principalship
      • Superintendency
    • Education Specialist Degree (Ed.S) (for individuals who already have a M.Ed.)
      • Director/Coordinator of Technology
      • Directorship of Athletics
      • Directorship of Curriculum
      • Directorship of Early Childhood Programs
      • Principalship
      • Superintendency and Central Office Personnel

[edit] Crystal M. Lange College of Nursing & Health Sciences

Programs

  • Nursing
  • OT
  • Medical Technology

[edit] College of Science, Engineering & Technology

  • Departments
    • Biology
    • Chemistry
    • Computer Science & Information Systems
    • Electrical & Computer Engineering
    • Mathematics
    • Mechanical Engineering
    • Physics

[edit] History

[edit] Timeline

[edit] 1960s

On March 23, 1964, Dr. Samuel D. Marble from Wilmington, Ohio was appointed Saginaw Valley College's first president. Before coming to SVC, Dr. Marble served as President of Delta College from the fall of 1961 until March of 1964.

On July 6, 1964, President Marble recommended to the Board of Directors that a campus site be purchased with minimum liability and maximum potential to the communities of Saginaw, Bay City and Midland.

On September 8, 1964, the first class of 119 students completed their first two years at Delta College and then enrolled as juniors and seniors at Saginaw Valley College. However, for the first semester these students met in the basement of Delta College until the current Saginaw Valley College facilities were constructed. Freshmen were not permitted to Saginaw Valley College until the fall of 1965 because of the college lacked facilities.

It was decided that Saginaw Valley College would offer three core courses to be known as the foundation courses; freshman English, social studies and natural science. These three core subjects were felt to be the building blocks for communication and grammar skills, developing and respecting diversity among human kind, and assisting in logical reasoning though the wonders of chemistry and biology.

In March of 1965, Saginaw Valley College began their search for a new campus to separate from Delta College. This decision was made at a board meeting on March 24, 1965. At this meeting the citizens of the local communities made it clear they did not want a community college sharing adjacent campuses with a four-year institution. The decision over where to build the site created heated debates amongst community leaders. Finally the actual site was nailed down on February 12, 1966.

In late spring of 1965 it was determined that a fundraiser was necessary to bring Tri-City communities together with one goal in mind. The goal was to raise 4.5 million dollars to purchase and build the new site for Saginaw Valley College. William J. Edwards was appointed as Chairman of the fundraising campaign, Paul C. Souder assisted Edwards as Co-Chairman. The following men also contributed to the development campaign: Hoyt E. Hayes - Chair for Bay County R. Williams Caldwell - Chair for Midland County Hans E. Hennecke - Co- Chair for Saginaw County John R. Ikner - Co-Chair for Saginaw County

On July 2, 1965, the last of the 4.5 million dollars needed was raised within the final 24 hours of the fundraising drive. It's because of their efforts this amazing goal was achieved.

In order to establish organization among Saginaw Valley College's leaders a board of director's was formed. 1965 was the year the first board members were named:

Jean Treadway Charles B Curtiss Jr. - Board Secretary Dorothy Arbury William A. Groening - Board Chair Herbert W. Fox Maurice E. Brown Melvin J. Zahnow Judge Wade H. McCree Jr.

The board held its first meeting on October 16, 1965. From these individuals Michigan Governor, George Romney, named six to sit on the Board of Trustee's. He named two from Midland, two from Saginaw and two from Bay City. These six people are: Maurice E. Brown - Saginaw Melvin J. Zahnow - Saginaw Dorothy Arbury - Midland William A. Groening - Midland Charles B Curtiss Jr. - Bay City Jean Treadway - Bay City

Excitement rang throughout Saginaw Valley when the board announced that ten degrees and two honorary degrees would be awarded on April 17, 1966. The first commencement would be held at St. John's Episcopal Church in Midland Michigan. The academic procession included universities and colleges from 33 different Michigan educational institutions. The audience was made up of over 600 spectators. There were 10 graduates in all:

  • Roselyn D. Argyle, Saginaw
  • Mary C. Caumartin, Saginaw
  • Faye C. Frank, Midland
  • Stanley J. Gorzinski, Kawkawlin
  • Henry Hatter, Saginaw
  • Michael A. Hughes, Bay City
  • Frank Isackson, Bay City
  • Bertram P. Shafer, Saginaw
  • Allen D. Shaddock, Saginaw
  • Richard A. Wallace, Saginaw

September of 1967 included the ground breaking for the first academic building. Following, was the first dorm built on campus which housed more than 200 students. In its second year, the college was anticipating enrollment to be over 400 students.

Unless othewise indicated, all information is from the SVSU history section at the SVSU history site

[edit] 1970s

"SVC's First Decade - Just a Beginning" was the title of the ten year celebration. The first ten years were to establish the college as a viable force not only at home but also in the state. The focus was on building the faculty and library. Program stability was the main goal identified for the second ten years. SVC's enrollment was a surprise and a problem. 1,804 students were enrolled for the second semester of 1973. This amount was 30 percent over the number of students in January, 1970. With the increase of students, construction of more classrooms was started.

On November 27, 1973, Saginaw Valley College celebrated its tenth anniversary with an all-day program featuring such speakers as Governor William G. Milliken, C. Benson Branch, president of the Dow Chemical Company; Edward N. Cole, president of General Motors; Dr. Loren C. Eiseley, professor at the University of Pennsylvania, anthropologist and author, and Dr. Samuel D. Marble, president of SVC. The program was open to the public and did not charge admission.

"We have arrived at the point in our development where all the pieces are in place," Dr. Marble said. "We will devote the next few years to strengthening these programs, and getting ourselves better known in the high schools in Michigan."

Also part of the program was the presentation of $7,000 to the college from the Triskellions, a group of Midland women who operated two gift shops to raise money for SVC scholarships.

Source: The Valley Vanguard, November 26, 1973 and December 7, 1973

1974 did not find Saginaw Valley College resting on the laurels of its late 1973 tenth anniversary celebration. Contrary, huge changes came to the school in January of 1974 when SVC's first president, Dr. Samuel D. Marble resigned. Marble submitted his resignation in a letter to Charles Curtiss, chairman of the Board, giving personal reasons for his action.

The letter said, "For some time now I have been considering opening a new chapter in my life, and the conclusion of the activities marking the completion of 10 years in the life of the college appear to offer an opportunity to make such a decision."

Marble also thanked the Board for the opportunity he had at SVC and expressed his appreciation to his friends on the Board of Fellows and his staff. He singled out former Board Chairman William Groening for special gratitude.

The resignation ended a 16-year career in the area which included the development of two colleges, Delta and SVC. Marble also served 12 years as president of Wilmington College in Ohio.

Marble's tenure at SVC's reins marked some stormy times, however. Some students had been dissatisfied with the President and although there were not any riots or revolts as seen on other campus' during the 1960s, there were protests at the school. In 1971, Black students picketed the school and between 40 and 50 staged a sit-in at the President's office. During the 10th anniversary celebration program in 1973, minority students again staged protests.

The Board accepted the resignation and named Marble "President Emeritus."

Source: The Valley Vanguard, January 18, 1974, staff writer Gary Mallon.

State of Michigan Representative Jim Barcia may well have used his time as a student at Saginaw Valley College to prepare for his public and political career. On January 9, 1974, the then Student Body President stood before his fellow classmates and delivered the annual State of the College Address. Barcia called on administrators of the college to work with students to develop it saying, "Some administrative offices should realize their job is to assist and not hinder his (the student's) progress. Whenever possible administrative offices should tailor their policies, procedures, and hours to the students' needs rather than asking students to tailor their needs to administrative convenience."

In addition to working on SVC related problems, Barcia involved the student body to work for statewide legislative changes. A bill allowing colleges to apply for liquor licenses and operate bars and one requiring three voting students on governing boards at state colleges and universities were cited as the priorities for the time.

Source: The Valley Vanguard, January 25, 1974, staff writer Leslie Todd.

The end of February, 1974 saw the appointment of the first Saginaw Valley College football coach, Frank "Muddy" Waters. Waters was 49 years old at the time of his appointment to SVC head football coach and had come to the college from Hillsdale College where he coached for 21 years compiling a 138-46-5 win-lost-tied record. His salary was $26,000 a year which made him the second highest paid coach in the state next to the University of Michigan's coach Bo Schembechler.

"I've been looking for the right job for years," Waters said. "I'm intrigued with the people at SVC. Everyone seems so gung-ho, dedicated to developing a good athletic program as part of the overall academic program. I agree wholeheartedly with their philosophy and enthusiasm, and am delighted to get the job."

Source: The Valley Vanguard, March 8, 1974, staff writer Leslie Todd.

On November 1, 1974, Dr. Jack McBride Ryder began his first day as the new president of Saginaw Valley College

A $225,000 grant from the Charles Strosacker Foundation of Midland was put towards the construction and equipping of Pioneer Hall of Engineering and Technology. This was announced by college President Dr. Jack Ryder. The grant means a total of $2,406,000 has been committed for the $2,700,000 building project, leaving just $294,000 still to be raised. All monies for the project had been funded from private sources.

Groundbreaking ceremonies for the new 45,000 square foot building were scheduled for 12:00 noon Saturday, October 23, 1976 at the construction site East of Wickes Hall. A Fall of 1977, completion date had been pegged for the new facility, which brought an expansion of Engineering and Technology courses and programs.

Unless otherwise indicated, all information is from the SVSU history section at the SVSU website.

[edit] 1980s

The 1980's were a decade of great growth for the college. In November of 1987, Saginaw Valley State College was reclassified as Saginaw Valley State University with a student enrollment of nearly 6,000.

With a strong foundation and deep-rooted identity, SVSU began building for the future of what is now one of Michigan's most respected universities.

SVSC began the decade by crossing international borders and hosting the university's first international students. In 1981, SVSC received enough votes from the Academic Affairs President's Council to begin its engineering program.

Half way through the decade, SVSC was faced with the tragic fire of the Wickes Annex. It not only recovered from that fire, but flourished in the last part of the 1980's with the reclassification of the school as a university; by breaking ground for Instructional Facility #2 , the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Gallery, and the Ryder Center ; by dedicating the Arbury Fine Arts Center, and by naming Jack Ryder the university's second President in 1989 to lead it into the last decade of the twentieth century and into the twenty-first century. This picture captures the early construction stages of the student activity center proudly named after and dedicated to Jack Ryder

In 1983, SVSC broke ground for Instructional Facility No. 2 consisting of three buildings including Maurice E. Brown Hall, the Science Building, and Melvin J. Zahnow Library. The $28.4 million project took two years to complete and added 208,399 square feet of learning space to the college.

In November of 1987, SVSC was reclassified as Saginaw Valley State University with a student enrollment of nearly 6,000.

Instructional Facility #2, was dedicated and SVSC broke ground to build the Ryder Center and O'Neill Arena on May 17.

The Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Gallery opened on June 13. These expansions brought nearly 200,000 additional square feet to campus.

The Board of Control designated the new fine arts center as the Dorothy (Honey) and Ned Arbury Fine Arts Center.

May 15, 1988, the Arbury Fine Arts Center was dedicated and opened.

On October 7, the SVSU Bell Tower was constructed. The tower was dedicated to Julia Stacey Edwards in 1998, ten years after construction began

Unless otherwise indicated, all information is from the SVSU history section at the SVSU website.

[edit] 1990s

In his January 31, 1991, State of the University Address, President Eric R. Gilbertson announced that an additional $60 million of capital construction on the SVSU campus was on the drawing boards. This included a $30 Business Innovation and Professional Development Center (later renamed West Complex). A proposal for the BIPDC, which was expected to provide much needed classroom space, was sent to the state in April.

SVSU expanded in another way in February when permanent space for a branch education location was established at Cass City High School. SVSU first began offering courses in the Thumb area in 1981.

Cardinal football fans were treated to an expanded and improved stadium in the fall. Work on the $1.2 million project started in 1989 and transformed the former 2,400-seat Cardinal Stadium into the 4,028-seat Harvey Randall Wickes Memorial Stadium. Improvements included the addition of massive earthen berms, measuring 220 feet wide and 23 feet high, at both sides of the stadium to create a bowl-like setting. The facility is named for a Saginaw industrialist whose estate provided funding for the project. The dedication took place on September 14, 1991.

SVSU's second president, Jack M. Ryder, announced his retirement from the university in December 1991. Ryder served as president from 1974 to 1989 when he requested release from his presidential role. He returned to a position in the College of Education in 1990.

Plans for the construction of a new Business and Professional Development Building (later renamed West Complex) moved forward following the June 30, 1992 approval of funding by the Michigan Legislature. The state was expected to provide $33 million over the next three years. The center would serve as the main entryway to SVSU's campus, linking Doan Center with the Arbury Fine Arts Center. Once completed, the three-story 202,900-square-foot structure became the largest on campus. It houses a 300-seat recital hall, 600-seat performing arts auditorium, multipurpose classroom and computer laboratory space, office space, and a three-story, glass-enclosed reception area. The building was to be completed sometime in 1994.

In January 1994, SVSU officials approved the construction of a $900,000 140-seat recital and lecture hall, known as Founders Hall. It is intended for weddings, memorial services, forums, debates, musical recitals and lectures. It is located north of College Drive and east of Pine Grove apartments. Construction began in mid-October

Michigan Governor John Engler joined several members of the state legislature and about 200 other well wishers at the August 4, 1994 groundbreaking for SVSU's West Complex (formerly known as the Business and Professional Development Building). Once completed, the $33.5 million multipurpose facility would serve as the main entryway to the university's core campus and link the Leland I. Doan Center with the Arbury Fine Arts Center. "This ground breaking is an event of great importance to SVSU," Engler said. "You have just celebrated 30 years of educational leadership and excellence here in the tri-county region. Your institution has been thriving, and the West Complex will surly be the crown jewel of your core campus." A three-story glass-enclosed atrium in the heart of the West Complex would be named Groening Commons after William A. Groening, a member of the group that worked to create both SVSU and Delta College. He also served as the first chairman of the SVSU Board of Control. As the largest building on campus, the West Complex includes a 556-seat performing arts auditorium and support facilities, a 292-seat recital hall, a 1,000-seat conferencing center equipped with two-way audio-visual media technology, multipurpose classrooms and computer laboratory space.

In 1997, Congressman James A. Barcia, perhaps SVSU's most famous graduate, returned to his alma mater on March 17, 1997 to lead political science classes in a "professor for a day" program. Barcia was a former student government president at SVSU and a 1974 graduate.

At his State of the University address on January 29, 1998, President Eric R. Gilbertson previewed some of the changes coming to campus, including construction of the $25 million Instructional Facility #3 (IF3) in spring 1999; renovation of existing residence hall facilities as well as the addition of housing; and construction of the Bell Tower and Amphitheater projects. Gilbertson explained his vision for the university: increasing the value of a SVSU degree by further stimulating intellectual growth; increasing the level of professional preparation; and keeping the cost of attendance low. "SVSU takes people of all ages, at points of great vulnerability and great promise ... transforming things ... it happens every day here," he notes.

Construction of the $25 million Instructional Facility #3 (IF3), an expansion of the Science Building and an addition to the Zahnow Library, started in September 1999. The 105,000 square foot Science Building was expected to include classroom, computer laboratories, chemistry laboratories, the physics and biology departments, and office and support space. The library portion of the project included the addition of 38,530 square feet. Construction was expected to be completed in 2001.

On November 1, Crystal M. Lange, associate vice president for academic affairs and director of Faculty Support and Sponsored Programs, died. In June, the SVSU Board of Control had dedicated the Crystal M. Lange College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Lange founded SVSU's College of Nursing and served as its dean for 20 years. She was with SVSU for 23 years, joining the staff in 1976 as dean and professor in what was then the School of Nursing and Allied Health.

Unless otherwise indicated, all information is from the SVSU history section at the SVSU website.

[edit] 2000s

In 2000, the Michigan Legislature approved funding for construction of Instructional Facility #4 (IF4), a $40 million project featuring the addition of a College of Education building and renovations to the Melvin J. Zahnow Library. SVSU President Eric R. Gilbertson said the new building affirms the state's commitment toward improving teacher education in the 21st century and recognizes that the College of Education is the university's fastest growing college.

Unless otherwise indicated, all information is from the SVSU history section at the SVSU website.

[edit] Presidents

[edit] Campus

SVSU is located between Saginaw, Bay City and Midland on M-84 (Bay Road).

The campus may be accessed off of three roads: Bay, Pierce and Davis with the Bay Road entrance considered the main entrance. The Bay and Davis Rd. entrances are on the ends of College Drive, the main road of campus.

Collings Drive circles around the main part of the campus, University Drive runs in front of Curtiss Hall. Fox Drive connects Collings Drive to Pierce Road. Pine Grove Lane provides access to the Pine Grove Apartments.

[edit] Major Buildings

[edit] Doan Center

The Doan Center is named for Leland I. Doan.

[edit] Curtiss Hall/Groening Commons

Curtiss Hall is named for Charles Curtiss. Groening Commons is named for William F. Groening.

Groening Commons is a three-story atrium and could be considered the main entrance to the University. It houses the Rhea Miller Recital Hall and the Dr. Malcolm Field Theatre for the Performing Arts.

[edit] Arbury Fine Arts Center

The Arbury Fine Arts Center is named for Dorothy and Ned Arbury. It is home to most of the University's music, arts and theatre deparments and is home to the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum.

[edit] Wickes Hall

Wickes Hall is named for Harvey Randall Wickes. It is the main administrative building and was the first building completed on campus.

[edit] Brown Hall

Brown Hall is named for Maurice E. Brown. It houses faculty offices and classrooms.

[edit] Zahnow Library

The Zahnow Library is named for Melvin J. Zahnow.

[edit] Science Building

The Herbert Dow Doan Science Building is named for Herbert Dow Doan.

[edit] Pioneer Hall

The Pioneer Hall of Engineering and Technology is home to the University's engineering and technology departments. It is currently under renovation.

[edit] Regional Education Center

The Regional Education Center is located on the west side of campus.

[edit] Ryder Center

The Ryder Center is named for former University President Jack Ryder. It is home to some of the University's athletic resources.

[edit] Founders Hall

Founders Hall is located north of Wickes Hall.

[edit] Financials

2004 data puts the General Fund at $67 million. The sources include: state appropriations (42%, or $28.1 million), tuition & fees (55.2%, or $36.8 million) and "other sources" (2.8%, or $1.9 million).

SVSU's 2004 'self study' provides detail concerning the university's financials and other miscellaneous information.

The 2004 budget includes a cut of $1.3 million from the 2003 budget. Attempts have been made to avoid future budget cuts by means of raising tuition costs. This has sparked controversy, as SVSU has always prided itself on being a university with a very high cost/quality ratio; i.e. the quality of education has ostensibly and historically been more than commensurate with the price of attending the university. The university's mission statement reflects this belief.

[edit] Athletics

National Championships:

  • 1982 - Men's Indoor Track and Field - NAIA
  • 1983 - Men's Indoor Track and Field - NAIA
  • 1989 - Softball - NAIA

National Runners-up:

  • 1977 - Men's Cross Country - NAIA
  • 1978 - Men's Cross Country - NAIA
  • 1982 - Men's Cross Country - NAIA
  • 1983 - Men's Outdoor Track and Field - NAIA
  • 1984 - Men's Outdoor Track and Field - NAIA
  • 1984 - Men's Golf - NAIA
  • 1985 - Women's Basketball - NAIA Division I

Basketball Final Four:

  • 1982 - Women's Basketball - NAIA Division I
  • 1985 - Women's Basketball - NAIA Division I (Runner-up)

[edit] Notable alumni

Famous graduates of SVSU include the following:

[edit] External links


Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
Ashland • Ferris State • Findlay • Gannon • Grand Valley State • Hillsdale • Lake Superior State • Mercyhurst • Michigan Tech • Northern Michigan • Northwood • Saginaw Valley State • Wayne State
Associate Member: Indianapolis
Public universities in Michigan
Central Michigan • Eastern Michigan • Ferris State • Grand Valley State • Lake Superior State • Michigan State • Michigan Tech • Northern Michigan • Oakland • Saginaw Valley State • U-M Ann Arbor • U-M Dearborn • U-M Flint • Wayne State • Western Michigan

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