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History of University

Summer 2021

Stevens Hall life—Memories from former residents

In the early 1980s, former residents were mailed questionnaires about life at Stevens Hall. The Stevens Hall Historical Questionnaires now reside at the Washington State University Libraries Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections (MASC).

The collection consists of two boxes containing nearly 100 folders with forms filled out and mailed back between 1982 and 1985. Here are some quotes from the project as well as from Facebook. Earlier this year, Washington State Magazine put the call out for Stevens Hall memories on social media, and many alumni responding by posting short reminisces. Some are included here, too.

From MASC

Mary (Bartlett) Hunt (1910 … » More …

Elson S. Floyd Cultural Center
Summer 2021

Gallery: Elson S. Floyd Cultural Center

The Elson S. Floyd Cultural Center at Washington State University provides inclusive, creative and educational programming to empower and transform individuals and communities.

The beautiful building pays homage to the Palouse hills and to the traditional Nez Perce and Palus lands that WSU Pullman sits on.

On the web

Elson S. Floyd Cultural Center

More features of the Elson S. Floyd Cultural Center

What’s new? (WSM Fall 2016)

At our table (WSM Winter 2017)

Of place and history (WSM Summer 2021)

Summer 2021

Memories of Stevens Hall

Its architecture is eclectic, a mix of New England Shingle, ornamental Queen Anne, and Colonial Revival styles with Pacific Northwest touches. Local basalt, clay from campus, and Puget Sound fir and red cedar were all used in its construction in 1895.

In those early years, Stevens Hall was not only an all-women’s residence hall but a social center for the students of Washington State. This is where they would come together—for dances and dinners, teas, readings, and receptions.

Today, Stevens Hall, placed on the National Register of Historic Places and steeped in tradition, remains women-only, and its residents tend to form close bonds, often … » More …

We met at WSU on the Blue Heart at WSU Pullman campus
Spring 2021

We met @ WSU

Love stories from Cougs far and wide

We asked. You answered.

Washington State Magazine wanted to hear from couples who had met at Washington State University. Turns out WSU is quite the prolific matchmaker.

Here are some stories of how Coug couples met.

Want to add yours? Email your anecdote along with then-and-now photos to associate editor Adriana Janovich at adriana.janovich@wsu.edu.

Meantime, enjoy these meet-cutes.

Erin Baily & Ommid Zarafshan

Chrissy Pettepiece & Carl Christoferson

Candace Baltz & Matt Smylie

Amy Finley & Jason Bruce

Kelsey Knack & Kohl Kaelin

Jessica Stafford & Joel Harper

» More …

vaccine vial
Winter 2020

The lost history of polio at Washington State

The message was so important that it was repeated twice above the fold.

The February 8, 1928, issue of The Evergreen exclaimed on both sides of the masthead, “All college entertainment features, athletic contests and social events have been cancelled until further notice is given as a precaution against the spread of infantile paralysis.”

Infantile paralysis is an old synonym for poliomyelitis, or polio, a viral disease that causes muscle pain, weakness, stiffness, and paralysis. At one time, it was among the most feared diseases in the United States.

In early 1928, a student at Washington State College died from the disease, and the college … » More …