HPC Opens its doors: September 14th marks the 100th anniversary of the opening of High Point College. Classes began on a campus of three buildings and nine faculty members; 122 students trekked through muddy walkways to attend classes in HPU’s most iconic building, Roberts Hall. Tuition, room, and board with other fees came to less than $400 for the year. Robert’s Hall, completed in 1923, cost the school $120,000, more than $1,500,000 today, and was home to the chapel, library, administration, faculty, a cafeteria and academic rooms.
To celebrate, please enjoy a memorable photo and event from each decade.
The 1930s found the school in the middle of the great depression. No one had much cash.
The 1940s brought World War II and the campus was populated by troops, instead of students, all training to fight.
The 1950s brought growth to the college as soldiers returned from the war. During the 50s the college received accreditation for the first time, assuring its future, and the Scholastic Honor Society was formed.
The 1960s were a time of cultural and societal changes in America and at High Point College.
Ammie Jenkins is well known for being High Point University’s first African American student. She came to the school in 1962 as an evening student and was the first to be integrated into the college.
Shelby Jean Wilkes became the first black student to graduate from the college in 1968. Ms. Wilkes paved the way for future generations.
In the 1970s, the protest of the Vietnam war brought unrest to college and university campuses everywhere. At High Point, cultural changes continued, and Donna Walls became the first black homecoming queen.
The 1980s were a period of growth – Dr. Jacob Martinson became the sixth president of the college and Herman H. & Louise Smith Library was opened in 1984.
The 1990s were a time to explore the purpose of the college and apparently that purpose was about to change. In 1991-1992, the first graduate programs were started, and the college became High Point University. Digital access and the new thing we called the internet became the word of the day.
The 2000s bring High Point University a new president with the hiring of Dr. Nido Qubein in 2004. This will be a decade of firsts and here are just a few:
- Then-President George Bush visits campus
- The Hayworth Fine Arts center opens
- Norton Hall opens
- The Phillip School of Business opens as does Blessing dorm, Vert Stadium and the Steele Sports complex.
The 2010s were a decade of transformation. New graduate academic programs begin with the Physical Therapy, PA and Pharmacy program welcoming their first students. The campus expands and more new buildings open including Congdon, Cottrell, Wanek, and the School of Education.
The 2020s are and will be the best decade as the campus celebrates record growth. We are seeing the opening of new schools, including Nursing, Law, Dental Medicine and Entrepreneurship with other new schools just getting started. The new dental and law buildings will be a great addition to the campus and as we approach this midpoint of the decade we get to stop for a moment and celebrate an achievement that began 100 years ago on Founders Day with this description:
“High Point College opened its doors on “the biggest sea of mud in Guilford County.” On the opening day, September 14, 1924, it rained. Miss E. Vera Idol, who was there, says that the rain kept up for three weeks. Three buildings — one completed, one barely habitable, and the third a frame with no roof — were connected by planks raised off the ground.”
-Blog post by David Bryden, Director of Library Services