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Spring 2024

Resources and Offices

WSU students at Zion National park for Outdoor Recreation Center trip
Fall 2021

Memories of the ORC

They trekked and climbed, skied and snowshoed, camped and hiked, biked and paddled—and learned some things about themselves along the way.

The experiences they shared and skills they gained as participants or employees at Washington State University’s Outdoor Recreation Center shaped their careers, grew into lifelong passions, and became treasured memories.

Here, in celebration of the ORC’s fiftieth anniversary this year, they share some of the moments and history that helped define them and the long-running program.

 

The beginning

He didn’t start it, and it wasn’t his idea. But Chris Tapfer is often credited with both. That’s because he got involved with … » More …

Young Chinese men in the late nineteenth century wearing western clothes
Fall 2021

China’s First Hundred

In 1872 thirty young Chinese boys landed in San Francisco to begin a ten-year period of education in the colleges and technical institutions of the United States. These students and the others who followed them returned to their homeland as the first Chinese to receive an extensive education in Western technology and ideas.

“China’s First Hundred,” as they were called, built China’s first railroads, developed China’s mines, constructed a nationwide system of telegraph lines, became naval officers in an attempt to modernize China’s navy, and took a prominent part in the events leading to the Revolution of 1911.

In his book, China’s First Hundred: Educational … » More …

Memories of Johnson Hall

Johnson Hall at Washington State University Pullman is scheduled to be torn down in Spring 2022, and a new agricultural research and USDA building will be constructed in its place.

We’re collecting memories before the old building is gone. If you spent time in Johnson Hall as a researcher, student, or other reason, please let us know as we preserve the history of Johnson Hall.

Thank you.

 

Memories of Johnson Hall

“Many of my classes were held in Johnson Hall as I studied forestry and wildland recreation. I have one very special memory. I posted an ad on a Johnson Hall bulletin board … » More …