September 25, 1968

Thousands of students have received degrees or have taken courses at BGSU Firelands since it opened its doors on September 25, 1968. Thousands of citizens have taken non-credit, lifelong learning courses and attended workshops and seminars through the Office for Educational Outreach (formerly the Office for Personal and Professional Development).

November 1964

The opportunity for these residents to attend an institution of higher learning exists today because of the wholehearted effort of area citizens to answer a challenge by the Ohio Board of Regents. In November 1964, citizens of The Firelands learned the State Board of Regents had included Sandusky in a list of recommended cities for a university branch. If a capital improvement bond issue sponsored by Governor James A. Rhodes were to be passed, $7.5 million would be designated for permanent branch campuses in four areas of the state, including Sandusky.

Led by the Sandusky Chamber of Commerce Education Committee and the Exchange Club of Sandusky, voters began an active campaign to pass the issue that could ensure an institution of higher learning in their backyard.

February 1965

In a statement from the Ohio Board of Regents in February 1965, members of the community learned a two-year state university branch would cost about 2.4 million and 25 percent of the cost ($600,000) would have to be raised locally.

March 1965

In March, a local committee was granted a non-profit corporation charter and the Committee on Educational Development (COED) came into existence. Members stated their purpose was "to promote the establishment of a technical college, a permanent branch of a state university, or other post high school educational institution in the north-central area of Ohio."

May 5, 1965

One of COED's first official actions was to campaign actively for the passage of Governor Rhodes' education bond issue. Their efforts were successful; the bond issue passed on May 5, 1965, with strong support from Erie, Ottawa and Huron counties.

August 1965

COED endorsed the idea of a branch campus in August 1965 by passing a resolution recommending construction of a full-time branch campus instead of a technical school or a community college. They chose Bowling Green State University as administrator of the local branch. BGSU at the time was operating an academic center in Sandusky High School.

Thus, the first steps had been taken to provide Firelands residents with a university branch; the challenge would be to raise the $600,000 mandated by the Ohio Board of Regents.

October 1965

In October, a COED finance committee was formed to head fund raising. The financial campaign began officially when Theodore D. Wakefield of Vermilion accepted chairmanship of the committee. The kick-off dinner was held on January 18, 1966.

January 18, 1966

In a pamphlet distributed by COED during this time, the committee stated the educational benefits of this financial investment of citizens of The Firelands: "The campus will guarantee in the years ahead... that Erie-Huron-Ottawa students will not be denied a college education. Beyond the regular college level programs, the campus will offer technical courses in response to local need. There will also be programs offered for continuing adult education."

March 1966

Two months later, not only had The Firelands citizens met their goal; they had exceeded it by more than $462,000.

"The people of Erie, Huron and Ottawa counties are to be congratulated for their support and the success of the drive," said COED president Dr. Richard A. Jeffrey of Sandusky. "From the Founding Fellows who gave $1,000 or more to the 22-cent donation received on the house-to house canvass, each has a personal investment in the future of this university center."

Final tabulation revealed The Firelands citizens had raised $600,000 more than the figure set by the Board of Regents.

June 1966

Building and site survey committees formed during the fund-raising drive chose a 481-acre tract located on the western edge of Huron. The site was bordered by Rye Beach, Boos and Bogart roads. It was approved by the BGSU Board of Trustees and 216.5 acres within the tract were purchased in June 1966. Visnapuu and Gaede, a Cleveland architectural firm, was hired to design the proposed one-building campus. Later the architects would be instructed to design a two-building plan.

In June 1966, Dr. James H. McBride, former superintendent of Norwalk City Schools, was appointed as Director of the campus.

October 1966

The campus was named in October 1966. COED, following consideration of names suggested by the public, chose "The Firelands Campus of Bowling_Green Green State University" in view of the historical significance of The Firelands area. The history dates back to the Revolutionary War when Connecticut residents were given land grants in what is now Huron and Erie counties and the townships of Danbury in Ottawa county and Ruggles in Ashland county.

May 1967

Consideration for the financial needs of the students began even before ground was broken for the campus. Four fraternal organizations (Firelands Shrine Club, Third and Fourth Degrees of Sandusky Knights of Columbus and Singara Grotto) sponsored a dance in May of 1967 to begin a scholarship fund for Firelands students. The dance has been held annually ever since.

July 10, 1967

One chapter was ended and another begun in the history of the BGSU Firelands when on July 10, 1967, ground was broken. Fourteen months later, the doors opened and the College began to provide higher education to citizens of The Firelands.

January 26, 1969

Public dedication ceremonies for the new Firelands branch of BGSU were held on Sunday, January 26, 1969.

September 1972

The North Building, which houses the technical education programs, a gymnasium, McBride Auditorium, the Pit lounge, and additional faculty offices, opened in September 1972.