Western Michigan University/KRPH in Kalamazoo in Kalamazoo County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Western Michigan University
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou
1. Western Michigan University Marker
Inscription.
Western Michigan University. . Established by legislative act in 1903 as Western State Normal School, the first classes were held in 1904. The first permanent building, completed in 1905, overlooked the city from Prospect Hill. By the 1920's Western had become one of America’s leading teachers’ colleges. Starting in 1934 general degree work was offered. An expansion program on the west campus began in 1944. Increasing enrollment and the addition of new departments and courses during the 1940's and 1950's made Western a multi-purpose institution and led to its designation as a university by an act of the legislature in 1957.
Established by legislative act in 1903 as Western State Normal School, the first classes were held in 1904. The first permanent building, completed in 1905, overlooked the city from Prospect Hill. By the 1920's Western had become one of America’s leading teachers’ colleges. Starting in 1934 general degree work was offered. An expansion program on the west campus began in 1944. Increasing enrollment and the addition of new departments and courses during the 1940's and 1950's made Western a multi-purpose institution and led to its designation as a university by an act of the legislature in 1957.
Erected 1958 by Michigan Historical Commission. (Marker Number 117.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1903.
Location. 42° 17.07′ N, 85° 36.706′ W. Marker is in Kalamazoo, Michigan, in Kalamazoo County. It is in Western Michigan University/KRPH. Marker is at the intersection of West Michigan Avenue and Archer Drive, on the right when traveling west on West Michigan Avenue. The marker is in front of the John T. Bernhard Center. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1903 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo MI 49006, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 6, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 3, 2022, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 101 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on February 3, 2022, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
