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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.
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