Student Life

Student Life
Please note that some historical materials may contain harmful content and/or descriptions. Learn how we’re addressing it.

1880s

1889 Pullen Literary Society founded

The Pullen Literary Society was founded in 1889. This student organization frequently engaged in formal debates with the Leazar Literary Society and remained active until the early 1930s.

11/2/1889 Leazar Literary Society founded

The Leazar Literary Society was founded in 1889. This student organization frequently engaged in formal debates with the Pullen Literary Society and remained active until the early 1930s.

1890s

1892 First international student enrolled

Jose Fabio Santo Trigo of Cuba became the first international student to enroll at A&M College.

1894 Military program established

Military science and tactics were first taught at NC State. Students, all male at this time, were designated cadets and required to attend drill.

1895 Sigma Nu established as first fraternity

A chapter of Sigma Nu was created as the first fraternity established at NC State.

11/1895 Red and white chosen

A majority of students chose red and white as colors for the sports teams. The colors changed a couple different times during the early years of the college. The faculty agreed to the adoption of red and white and stated that they could not be changed again without a vote of two-thirds of the student body. The colors have remained the same since.

1900s

9/18/1900 Dance hosted in old Pullen Hall

The Thalerian German Club hosted its first dance in old Pullen Hall.

10/31/1900 Halloween party hosted on campus

The bachelor instructors of the college hosted a Halloween party in the Pullen Hall auditorium.

10/1901 Biological Club formed

In fall of 1901, a small number of students formed the Biological Club to further promote their interests in the topic.

2/14/1902 Valentine's party hosted on campus

Professor Massey and his wife hosted a Valentine's party for the agricultural students.

1903 First Agromeck issued
Agromeck staffAgromeck staff
1/9/1903 St. Mary's College caught fire

The infirmary at St. Mary's College caught fire and A&M students rushed over to help put it out.

4/13/1903 Dramatic Club performed

The A&M College Dramatic Club presented the play, "She Stoops to Conquer."

Cast of She Stoops to ConquerCast of She Stoops to Conquer
1909 Glee Club formed

1910s

1916 Freshman caps debuted

Freshman were required to wear a red cap with a white "F" while on campus to distinguish their status as underclassmen.

1918 New monogram appeared

The monogram showing the letter "S" in block style with the letters "N" and "C" nestled within the spaces first appeared in the Agromeck.

Monogram Club, 1933-1934Monogram Club, 1933-1934

1920s

1/24/1920 Third floor of Watauga Hall destroyed by fire
Watauga Hall, North Carolina State CollegeWatauga Hall, North Carolina State College
2/1/1920 First Technician issue published

The first issue of the Technician, the student newspaper, was published.

3/1920 Technician mailed to high school students

The Technician was mailed by the Registrar's office to 100 high schools across North Carolina to inform students about activities at NC State.

5/14/1920 Athletic letter sweaters awarded

The Athletics Council made a decision to award sweaters to athletes who receive monograms ("letters") for their athletic accomplishments. The first letter sweaters appeared on campus shortly thereafter.

1921 Enrollment increased to 1,000 students

After a slight decline since 1918, enrollment at State College increased to 1,000 students.

1921 Student government established

In fall 1921, student government, formally known as student council, was established to handle student conduct issues.

11/10/1921 Memorial Bell Tower cornerstone laid

The cornerstone was laid for the Memorial Bell Tower, a monument to honor State College alumni who were killed during World War I.

Memorial Bell Tower, closeup of cornerstoneMemorial Bell Tower, closeup of cornerstone
1922 Freshman caps required

Student council required all first-year students to wear freshman caps on campus, citing a need to boost school spirit and reduce hazing. The Court of Customs, a branch of student council, punished students who did not comply. Freshmen started a tradition by burning their caps before spring final exams.

9/15/1922 Technician became weekly publication
10/5/1923 Gymnacrobatic Club founded

The Gymnacrobatic Club was founded to put on "startling exhibitions" such as walking on telephone lines.

1/25/1924 Beauty contest began

The Technician began a beauty contest to find the prettiest girl in Raleigh and the most handsome boy at State College.

10/24/1924 First telephone installed

Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph Company installed the first telephone exchange at State College.

11/13/1924 Apple Judging Team won third place

The State College Apple Judging Team won third place at the Intercollegiate Apple Judging Contest in Atlantic City, NJ.

1925 Alma Mater composed

Class of 1923 alumni Alvin M. Fountain and Bonnie Frank Norris composed the Alma Mater song. They were both in the university's ROTC program. The alma mater used more recently was an abridged version, arranged by former music department chair Dr. Robert A. Barnes in the early 1960s.

Technician, Vol. 5 No. 33, May 15, 1925Technician, Vol. 5 No. 33, May 15, 1925
1925 Textile Exposition and Style Show began

The School of Textiles hosted the inaugural Textile Exposition and Style Show. Students organized style shows to display their fabric designs. Students from local women's colleges participated in the event by creating fashions from fabrics made by NC State students and by modeling for the shows. These popular style shows were held in Pullen Hall. After the show, the audience and contestants visited Tompkins Hall to attend the NC State College Textile ... More

Textile Exposition and Style Show held at the Textile School, North Carolina State College, Raleigh, April 10-11, 1929.Textile Exposition and Style Show held at the Textile School, North Carolina State College, Raleigh, April 10-11, 1929.
10/1/1925 New cafeteria opened

The new cafeteria opened in the old Pullen Hall. Students could receive a month of meals for $25.

Pullen Hall, dining hallPullen Hall, dining hall
11/21/1925 Agriculture Club social event held

The Agriculture Club of State College hosted a "Barn-warming" for visiting farmers at Thompson Gym.

Agricultural club's Barn WarmingAgricultural club's Barn Warming
1/10/1926 Poultry Judging Team competition

The State College Poultry Judging Team competed for the tenth consecutive year at the National Inter-Collegiate Poultry Judging Contest at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

5/8/1926 Economic geology class took field trip

A professor and six students from the economic geology class took a field trip to Carolina Coal Mine and became trapped in the mine for four hours.

2/5/1927 Athletics Committee created academic guidelines

The Athletics Committee created academic guidelines and declared students must maintain a passing grade of 60% in their classes to play in collegiate athletic events.

North Carolina State College football team posing behind Thompson Gymnasium.North Carolina State College football team posing behind Thompson Gymnasium.
2/26/1927 First woman Phi Kappa Phi member inducted

Jane S. McKimmon became the first woman inducted into NC State's chapter of Phi Kappa Phi.

Dr. Jane S. McKimmonDr. Jane S. McKimmon
3/12/1927 Sigma Phi Epsilon house destroyed by fire
3/27/1927 First pay phone installed

The Southern Bell Telephone Company removed the free telephone from the campus YMCA and replaced it with a pay phone. This was in response to students abusing use of the free phone for "social visits."

5/20/1927 Agronomy survey conducted

Students in the Agronomy 135 course, Farm Terracing, spent the day outside doing lab work, including surveying the land in preparation for planning tile drains.

North Carolina State College agricultural students locating terrace on campus, Raleigh, May 20, 1927North Carolina State College agricultural students locating terrace on campus, Raleigh, May 20, 1927
6/7/1927 First degrees conferred to women

The first degrees were conferred to women at NC State. The recipients were Jane McKimmon, BS in business administration; Charlotte Nelson, BS in education; and Mary Elizabeth Yarbrough, MS in chemistry. Yarbrough was the first woman to graduate who completed all coursework while at NC State, and she was the first woman to earn a master's degree at NC State.

Mary Yarborough portrait photo, 1953Mary Yarborough portrait photo, 1953
10/28/1927 Marching band wore red and white

The marching band began to wear red and white uniforms when performing at athletic events.

"State's best""State's best"
11/19/1927 Aviator made emergency airplane landing

An aviator was forced to make an emergency landing in a field west of Thompson Gymnasium after being unable to locate the airport. State college offered him use of the woodshop to make repairs to the airplane.

1/1928 Mailboxes installed in each dormitory building
1929 Senior blazers worn

During the 1929-1930 academic year, "senior blazers" were worn for the first time and required a $2 deposit prior to purchase.

10/1929 Protests held over freshman cap controversy

The Court of Customs sentenced a freshman football player to wear a dress for every day he didn't wear his freshman cap. The incident set off a wave of protests from the freshman class and a campus-wide debate over continuance of the freshman cap custom.

12/11/1929 Students voted on freshman cap custom

Nearly 1,000 students, or about half the student body, voted on retaining the freshman cap custom. By 15 votes, they elected to keep the caps. Freshmen accepted the decision and continued to wear the caps throughout the spring 1930 semester.

1930s

1930 Phi Epsilon established

Phi Epsilon was the first local sorority established at State College.

1930 First telephones installed in dormitories

The first telephones were installed in the dormitories. Previously, telephones were only available for student use in the YMCA building.

2/7/1930 Quiet Hour enforced in dormitories

Quiet Hour went into effect in all dormitories beginning at 8pm.

Fall 1930 Freshman cap abolished

Students returned to campus to learn that the freshman cap custom was abolished by the Board of Trustees at the June 1930 meeting. Though they no longer wore the caps, freshmen were still required to carry matches to light upperclassmen's cigarettes.

5/21/1931 Order of Thirty and Three founded

The Order of Thirty and Three was founded by members of the sophomore class. There were 11 charter members.

10/25/1932 Presidential candidate FDR visited

Presidential candidate Franklin Delano Roosevelt made a campaign stop in Raleigh. State College suspended classes for the day so that students may attend the speech.

1933 Early student jobs system instituted

A system of allowing students to work as janitors in the dorms to cover some of their expenses was instituted.

12/8/1933 CWA projects announced

An announcement was made inviting students to be employed on Civil Works Administration (CWA) projects to improve the campus.

1934-1935 Women's student government formed

The women's student government first appeared as an organization in the university handbook and Agromeck. Christine Shepherd was the president.

2/21/1934 Academic dress required during commencement

The senior class passed a resolution that faculty who participated in commencement exercises must wear caps and gowns.

Commencement ceremonyCommencement ceremony
10/26/1934 Honor system abolished

A faculty vote officially abolished the honor system at State College, so teachers were required to remain in the classroom during all quizzes and exams.

Students taking a Chemistry examStudents taking a Chemistry exam
11/27/1934 Students built fire during power outage

After a power outage caused lights in the 1911 Dormitory to go off, students built a fire in front of the building to provide light inside. The Raleigh Fire Department sent two trucks to extinguish the blaze, and organized student cheering sections encouraged the firemen while they worked.

1911 dormitory1911 dormitory
12/3/1934 Exemption proposal denied

The faculty denied a proposal to exempt the senior class from all examinations.

1/30/1936 Snowball fight organized

A combined army of the Fifth and Sixth Dorms battled South Dormitory to a draw in a snowball fight. The Fifth-Sixth army was particularly efficient at throwing snowballs through open windows in South Dormitory.

1/28/1938 Seniors donated $1,000 for Memorial Bell Tower clock
Memorial Bell Tower, close-up of clockMemorial Bell Tower, close-up of clock
5/16/1938 Jimmy Dorsey visited

Jimmy Dorsey's orchestra performed at a dance sponsored by the Interfraternity Council.

10/20/1938 Free Homecoming tickets released

The Raleigh Junior Chamber of Commerce distributed free tickets to NC State's Homecoming football game against Furman by releasing balloons with instructions for the finders on how to claim their free tickets.

11/11/1938 Chinese delegates visited

Chinese delegates addressed State College students and Raleigh citizens in an event sponsored by the YMCA and YWCA.

1/13/1939 Protest held over tuition increases

The student body gathered in Thompson Gymnasium to protest proposed tuition fee increases. The increases were $85 to $125 for North Carolina residents and $180 to $225 for out-of-state students.

2/17/1939 Attendance policy set

The Student Welfare Committee approved a plan that allowed juniors and seniors with a "B" cumulative grade point average to have ten unexcused absences per term and twenty per year. No more than sixty unexcused absences were permitted during their four-year academic careers.

5/13/1939 Students battled in Pushball contest

Freshman and sophomores battled in the annual Pushball contest, consisting of pushing a ball 6 feet in diameter and weighing 75 pounds into the opponent's goal.

Pushball GamePushball Game
9/12/1939 "College Days" film premiered

"College Days," a film starring Art Rooney and Carolyn Tucker, premiered and portrayed typical events in an NC State student's life.

9/29/1939 Commemorative Technician issue published

The Technician produced a special 58-page edition to commemorate NC State's 50th anniversary.

11/17/1939 First annual High School Day held

The first annual High School Day brought 6,000 seniors to visit NC State's campus. Many stayed to attend the State-Duquesne football game.

1940s

1/5/1940 College doctor retired

Dr. Campbell completed 20 years of service to NC State as the college doctor.

Dr. A. C. Campbell portraitDr. A. C. Campbell portrait
2/9/1940 New fight song written

Fred Waring, prominent national band leader, agreed to write a new fight song for NC State. He aired it during his March 8, 1940, radio program.

9/13/1940 First work study program began

State College's first work study program began for engineering students with approximately 20 students employed.

1941 Women's enrollment declined

In 1941, twenty women were enrolled at State College alongside 2,406 men.

3/7/1941 Bell Tower rung

Students learned that State College acquired the bell and bronze tablet in the Memorial Bell Tower from the U.S. cruiser Charlotte, which was a ship that fought for the navy in WWI and was retired after 17 years of service on November 11, 1935. The bell was rung once when a group of students celebrating a basketball defeat over UNC broke into the tower and rang the bell.

Memorial  Bell Tower, snowMemorial Bell Tower, snow
5/9/1941 Technician presented special Spring Fashion issue
1/30/1942 Early graduation approved

The faculty approved a plan to allow seniors who were taking jobs in essential industries or joining the military to graduate early.

4/17/1942 Special summer courses approved

The faculty approved a plan to hold fall engineering classes in the summer as part of a nationwide war effort to accelerate graduation at technical schools.

4/24/1942 Students held blood drive to support war effort
4/24/1942 Higher women enrollment sought

Urgent appeals were made to increase women enrollment numbers in engineering courses as male students left to fight in World War II.

Women in defense training studying engineering drawingWomen in defense training studying engineering drawing
10/7/1942 Scrap metal drive held

Students gathered over 150,000 pounds of scrap metal in 3 hours for the war effort. A banner over the collection pile read "To Hitler & Co. from NC State College."

Scrap drive round-upScrap drive round-up
11/1/1943 La Casa Latino Americana Club formed

La Casa Latino Americana was formed by student Leonardo Valderrama of Peru and Dr. Sanford Winston of NC State's sociology department. The club aimed to "form friendly relations among the Americas" and was open to any interested Raleigh residents.

Technician, Vol. 24 No. 20, March 3, 1944Technician, Vol. 24 No. 20, March 3, 1944
2/12/1943 Defense classes offered

Plans were announced for up to 2,000 military trainees to enroll at State College and take specialized defense classes through the U.S. War Department. The college operated as two separate units: one for the military and one civilians.

ROTC cadets at inspectionROTC cadets at inspection
4/9/1943 Enrollment declined due to war

Enrollment hit the lowest mark in 20 years due to the number of students leaving to join the military.

Officers standing at attention at military ceremonyOfficers standing at attention at military ceremony
10/1/1943 Engineering fellowships awarded to women

Eighteen women won a fellowship award of $1,425 from Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, which offered to employ them as engineering aides after completing a 48-week course offered by State College.

Pratt and Whitney fellowship winnersPratt and Whitney fellowship winners
12/29/1943 Student-run book store opened on campus
2/25/1944 Alumni joined armed services

Over 5,000 NC State alumni reported to be in the armed services, six of whom obtained the rank of general.

Military cadets marching in formationMilitary cadets marching in formation
1945 WNCS scheduled broadcasts began

WNCS, the campus radio station, began broadcasting three nights a week.

1945 Women's enrollment increased

Fifty-eight women were enrolled at NC State, many taking advantage of special scholarships to provide engineering training to women so they could work in industry during World War II.

2/25/1945 Comic Strip Banquet held

A Comic Strip Banquet, addressing the creation and impact of comic strips, was held in the private dining room of the cafeteria.

6/10/1945 Agromeck released late

The 1945 Agromeck was printed and released late due to wartime restrictions.

5/1946 Old Faithful whistle replaced

The whistle indicated class changes and mealtimes, and it was also used to warn students of campus fires.

8/1946 Trailwood founded

More than 75 trailers, forming what was known as the "City of Trailers" or "Trailwood," were constructed. These structures were built so married World War II veterans and their families could attend NC State on the GI Bill. In 1949, Trailwood was relocated, and Williams Hall was built in its place.

An over-all view of North Carolina State College's new "City of Trailers"An over-all view of North Carolina State College's new "City of Trailers"
9/28/1946 Marching band returned

A football game against Duke was the first appearance of the marching band following the conclusion of World War II.

10/4/1946 WNCS broadcast schedule increased

The campus radio station WNCS began broadcasting campus-wide Monday through Friday from 7:30pm and 11:30pm.

11/1/1946 Woman joined marching band

Drummer Lois Madden became one of the first women to join the NC State marching band.

Drum majors and marching band leaving the fieldDrum majors and marching band leaving the field
1947 Enrollment surpassed 5,000 for the first time

The influx of World War II veterans, who attended NC State on the GI Bill, caused student enrollment to more than double from pre-war numbers.

2/25/1947 Basketball team forfeited game

The men's basketball team forfeited a game against UNC after a Raleigh fire chief declared that the Thompson Gymnasium was too crowded and students refuse to leave the building.

Thompson Gymnasium, with Reynolds Coliseum under construction in the backgroundThompson Gymnasium, with Reynolds Coliseum under construction in the background
8/7/1947 Vetville housing opened

Vetville opened as another location to house married veterans attending NC State after World War II. Later, Korean War veterans lived there. At the end of the 1950s, Bragaw dormitory was built on the site.

Vetville Housing, birds-eye viewVetville Housing, birds-eye view
10/13/1947 New intramurals announced

Four new intramural sports began at NC State: football, volleyball, boxing, and tennis.

Boxing match, 1937Boxing match, 1937
10/17/1947 Beauty Section added to Agromeck

The Agromeck announced it was adding a Beauty Section to "offer the average Joe College a chance to show his beauty-getting ability." Men were asked to send in snapshots of their girlfriends to be judged, and the top 10 would appear in the yearbook.

11/14/1947 Pep rally display planned

A pyrotechnic display consisting of sparklers spelling out "Beat Wake Forest" was planned for the day's pep rally.

10/19/1948 President Truman visited

President Truman reviewed techniques of State College ROTC cadets during a parade. Crowds gathered on Hillsborough Street to see the president pass by.

Students wait for President Truman to pass on Hillsborough StreetStudents wait for President Truman to pass on Hillsborough Street
1949 Record number of students graduated

More than 1,000 students graduated from State College for the first time.

1949 Pep Club formed

Head Cheerleader Scott Eubanks organized the Pep Club, a group designed to improve school spirit and increase participation at pep rallies and games.

2/23/1949 Outing Club established
4/15/1949 First annual Greek Week held

A banquet ended the first annual Greek Week sponsored by the Inter-Fraternity Council.

5/13/1949 Coca-Cola responded to bottle problem

The Coca-Cola Company threatened to remove their machines from campus if students didn't start returning empty bottles to the racks instead of discarding them around campus.

Couple getting Coca-Colas from refrigeratorCouple getting Coca-Colas from refrigerator

1950s

1951 African Americans declared eligible for graduate programs

The Consolidated University of North Carolina declared that African American students were eligible for admission into graduate programs.

2/23/1951 Students competed in Debate Team championship

State College Debate Team members all won votes for national individual ranking during a competition at Columbia University.

1951 College Union founded

In spring 1951, the College Union organization was assembled to plan for the following academic year. This group was comprised of the Board of Directors (later called the Student Centers Board of Directors) and a Board of Chairman (later called the Union Activities Board).

1952 First woman editor of Agromeck

Betty Ann Cline became the first woman editor of the Agromeck.

1953 First African American graduate students admitted

State College admitted two African American graduate students into the School of Engineering: Robert Clemons and Hardy Liston. Clemons became the college's first black graduate. Liston withdrew and didn't complete his degree.

2/27/1953 Semester system implemented

The Board of Trustees agreed to transition the academic calendar from a quarter system to a semester system by a vote of 46-28. NC State switched over in the fall semester of 1953.

5/29/1953 Technician investigated design students success rates

A popular myth that there was a "high academic mortality rate" for School of Design students was debunked by the Technician. Of the 629 students enrolled in the School of Design, only 12 received flunking grades at a 2% mortality rate. This was much less than the rumored rate of 10%.

1954 Sailing Club founded

The Sailing Club was one of NC State's oldest club organizations originally founded in 1954.

Sailing Club raising funds on the BrickyardSailing Club raising funds on the Brickyard
9/17/1954 College Union Building opened

The College Union Building was officially opened. The building later became the Erdahl-Cloyd Wing of the D. H. Hill Jr. Library in the 1970s. It was built by T.A. Loving and Co.

Erdahl-Cloyd Wing, D. H. Hill Jr. Library, at nightErdahl-Cloyd Wing, D. H. Hill Jr. Library, at night
9/17/1954 Hobby Shop established

When the College Union opened, the Hobby Shop on the second floor offered workshops and demonstrations on ceramics, woodworking, metalworking, poster-making, and other crafts. The Hobby Shop later became the Craft Shop.

Hobby Committee meeting in the College Union's Hobby ShopHobby Committee meeting in the College Union's Hobby Shop
1955 Court case determined African American admissions status

In Frazier v. the Board of Trustees of the University of North Carolina, the court determined that undergraduate colleges and universities should be open to African Americans.

5/24/1956 Agronomy Club Banquet held

Dr. Arthur Kelman, professor of plant pathology, received an award after being voted the most outstanding professor in the School of Agriculture at the first annual Agronomy Club Banquet.

9/7/1956 First person married in Danforth Chapel

Jim Stewart, former president of the YMCA, was the first person to get married in State College's Danforth Chapel.

Danforth ChapelDanforth Chapel
09/1956 First African American undergraduates enrolled

The first four African American undergraduates enrolled at North Carolina State College: Ed Carson (electrical engineering), Manuel Crockett (electrical engineering), Irwin Holmes (electrical engineering), and Walter Holmes (mechanical engineering, aerospace option).

Irwin Holmes on tennis courtIrwin Holmes on tennis court
1957 Technician publication schedule increased

The Technician began printing multiple issues each week for the first time.

1957 First African American student graduated

Robert Clemons received a professional degree in electrical engineering (PREE) and became the first African American to graduate from NC State.

2/13/1957 Louis Armstrong performed

Influential jazz figure Louis Armstrong performed at Reynolds Coliseum.

9/23/1957 Jim Hunt became student body president

The 1957 president-elect for student government failed to meet academic requirements to return to campus and take office. Vice-president elect, Jim Hunt, became student body president for the year. Hunt served as president again the following year. He later became governor of North Carolina.

10/7/1957 Matthews Medal established

A newly-established scholarship and student award honored the first student enrolled at State, W. J. Matthews. The award was known as the Matthews Medal.

Portrait of Walter Jerome Mathews, class of 1893, the first student at NC State in 1889Portrait of Walter Jerome Mathews, class of 1893, the first student at NC State in 1889
1958 WVWP became WKNC

The campus radio station changed its call letters from WVWP to WKNC.

2/20/1958 Bragaw Hall construction began

Construction of Bragaw Hall began to draw attention. The "new modernistic dormitory" was a "familiar landmark on the campus."

Bragaw Hall, constructionBragaw Hall, construction
3/20/1958 Campus traffic congestion study conducted

According to data collected by the College Traffic Committee, there were approximately 5,600 cars on campus and only 4,070 parking spaces. The committee conducted a study of the parking problem and recommended the construction of new parking areas and special zones for university personnel.

4/1/1958 Technician pranked students

The April Fool's Day edition of the Technician proclaimed that the College Union building was destroyed by fire. The front page included headlines about dropping the ROTC program and introducing home economics courses into the curriculum.

4/22/1958 Jim Hunt reelected

In an unprecedented landslide, Jim Hunt was elected to a second term as student body president. Hunt would go on to be a four-term governor of North Carolina.

Governor James B. Hunt portraitGovernor James B. Hunt portrait
2/26/1959 Bragaw Hall dedicated

Bragaw Hall was dedicated to Henry Churchill Bragaw, a well-known NC State alumnus who died during World War II. Bragaw was awarded two Purple Hearts and a Silver Star for his heroic actions during the war.

Churchill Bragaw painted portraitChurchill Bragaw painted portrait
3/5/1959 Hillsborough Street caught fire

Fire damaged a half-block of buildings across from the NC State campus along Hillsborough and Horne Streets.

10/1959 First sorority established

The Gamma Phi chapter of the Sigma Kappa sorority was established. This was the first active chapter of a national sorority at NC State. They held their first pledge dance at the Carolina Hotel on March 14, 1960.

N.C. State sorority pledges, Sigma Kappa (Gamma Phi Chapter)N.C. State sorority pledges, Sigma Kappa (Gamma Phi Chapter)

1960s

4/1960 Students and faculty called for Raleigh integration

Student government passed a resolution calling for racial integration of public facilities in Raleigh and formed the Human Relations Committee to write letters to area merchants. This movement was followed by a similar resolution from Faculty Senate.

11/4/1961 Harrelson Hall opened

Named for former chancellor John William Harrelson, Harrelson Hall opened to the public for the first time as part of the School of Agriculture's Open House. At the time, the building seated 3,429 people.

Harrelson HallHarrelson Hall
1962 Computing Center established
NCSU Computing CenterNCSU Computing Center
4/7/1962 Mercury space capsule displayed

A Mercury space capsule, on loan from NASA, was one of the exhibits displayed at the annual Engineers' Fair.

Engineers FairEngineers Fair
4/16/1962 Students requested rooms in Bragaw

171 students waited in line in front of the Student Housing Office to get rooms in Bragaw Hall for the following year.

Two of North Carolina State University's most modern residence halls, Bragaw Dormitory (foreground) and Lee Dormitory.Two of North Carolina State University's most modern residence halls, Bragaw Dormitory (foreground) and Lee Dormitory.
5/16/1962 Syme Dormitory pronunciation surveyed

Students discovered that the correct pronunciation of Syme Dormitory is "sim." Over half of the students surveyed thought the pronunciation was "sime." The dorm was named after George Frederick Syme, a civil engineer who served as the first president of the Raleigh Engineers Club.

Syme Residence Hall, North Carolina State CollegeSyme Residence Hall, North Carolina State College
12/10/1962 Potential name change protested

Governor Sanford was booed after an NC State-Wake Forest basketball game in Reynolds Coliseum by students protesting the possible name change of the college from North Carolina State College to the University of North Carolina at Raleigh.

North Carolina Governor Terry Sanford holding a jar on stage at Club Week held at North Carolina State CollegeNorth Carolina Governor Terry Sanford holding a jar on stage at Club Week held at North Carolina State College
1963 First woman appointed Technician editor

Cora Kemp was appointed the first woman editor of the Technician.

2/14/1963 Challenge issued to UNC students

Two NC State students challenged UNC students to a 55-mile walk-a-thon. If accepted, the students planned to leave at 2pm on March 2nd and hike throughout the night to the agreed location. The winning team must have the most walkers present throughout the race and complete it in under 20 hours.

4/17/1963 Escaped pig captured

A pig which escaped from the Animal Disease Lab was captured in the ladies' restroom in Winston Hall.

4/30/1963 Protest held over racial segregation

A group of NC State students joined with students from Shaw University to protest racial segregation policies in effect at the State Theater on Salisbury Street.

Technician, Vol. 47 No. 76 [Vol. 43 No. 76], May 1, 1963Technician, Vol. 47 No. 76 [Vol. 43 No. 76], May 1, 1963
9/1963 Craft Shop moved

The Craft Shop outgrew its facilities in the College Union and moved its operation to the Frank Thompson Gym, which became Frank Thompson Theatre.

9/16/1963 Cigarette ads discontinued

A Technician article cited the recent discontinuation of cigarette ads placed in university publications, a result of efforts to reduce exposure of young persons to cigarettes.

9/18/1963 Protective eyewear required in chemistry labs

All chemistry lab students were required to wear protective eyewear, as voted on by the chemistry department, regardless of whether that student wore glasses.

9/25/1963 Warning issued to physics students

The new head of the physics department, Dr. Dudley Williams, warned students that sleeping in class merited a piece of chalk being thrown directly at them.

10/10/1963 Stan Getz performed

Jazz saxophonist Stan Getz performed at Reynolds Coliseum.

10/16/1963 Campus Pride Week created

Campus Pride Week was created in an effort to urge students to walk on the sidewalks through campus and not on the grass. Some students were caught ignoring these efforts put forth by student government.

1964 Fraternity Court opened

Fraternity Court opened with new buildings to house Greek organizations on campus.

1964 First woman on Honor Code Board

Mary Ann Weathers became the first woman elected to the Honor Code Board for students.

5/1/1964 Inaugural Windhover released

The inaugural issue of the Windhover, NC State's annual literary and art magazine, was released.

6/8/1964 Dorm '62 opened

Dorm '62 was dedicated and opened to residents for the first time. The building was renamed Lee Dormitory the following year.

Lee Dormitory, North Carolina State College, June 1964Lee Dormitory, North Carolina State College, June 1964
11/2/1964 Women in science and engineering conference attended

Two women engineering students from NC State attended a conference at MIT that discussed the opportunities and difficulties facing women in science and engineering.

NC State University, College of Engineering, academics and students, woman in engineeringNC State University, College of Engineering, academics and students, woman in engineering
11/10/1964 Compulsory ROTC service abolished

Faculty Senate voted to abolish compulsory ROTC. Prior to this date, all male students were required to take military training.

NC State ROTC unitNC State ROTC unit
1965 First Summer Institute for international students offered
1965 Men's rugby football club founded
Intramural mens rugbyIntramural mens rugby
11/10/1965 Rolling Stones performed

The Rolling Stones performed at Reynolds Coliseum and were joined by Patti LaBelle for the show.

1966 Direct Action for Racial Equality (DARE) formed

When Raleigh landlords refused to rent to African American students, student leaders formed Direct Action for Racial Equality (DARE) to advocate for equal housing opportunities for African American students.

1967 Milton Bliss organized "The State Men"

Milton Bliss organized "State Men." This was a versatile group that could sing acapella, be accompanied by a piano or guitar, and sing classical or semiclassical music. "State Men" was changed to "Grains of Time" in 1968.

7/1/1967 "Outstanding Cadet" chosen

NC State student Wayne Mayfield was chosen as the most outstanding cadet of the AFROTC Field Training Unit at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio.

Vice commandant's awardVice commandant's award
10/31/1967 Students led halloween activities

70 NC State students took 70 children from the Governor Morehead School and Garner Road School, both schools for the blind, trick-or-treating, and then to the YMCA for hot chocolate afterward. For many of these children, this was their first chance to participate in Halloween traditions.

12/8/1967 Library hours extended

D. H. Hill Jr. Library extended the closing hour from 11pm to 1am.

Study and Reference area, D. H. Hill Jr. LibraryStudy and Reference area, D. H. Hill Jr. Library
1968 Library operations changed

After thefts of valuable volumes, a security system was installed in the D. H. Hill Jr. Library, and all doors were locked after service hours.

04/06/1968 Students reacted to MLK Jr. assassination

On the weekend of King's death, approximately 200 white students and faculty from UNC Chapel Hill, Duke, and NC State gathered in the Brickyard. The protestors intended to march on the State Capitol Building and present a petition to Governor Dan Moore. The march did not go forward as planned after the Raleigh Police Department stopped the group at Winston Hall, and Chancellor Caldwell pleaded with protesters to disperse peacefully. With threats of arrest ... More

4/14/1968 NC State students competed in General Electric Academic College Bowl
11/9/1968 Folksinger Bob Godfrey performed
12/21/1968 Apollo VIII spacecraft launched

The Apollo VIII spacecraft launched and became the first human spaceflight mission to escape Earth's gravitational field. Many NC State alumni and faculty played a role in both the development and launch of the spacecraft.

1969 First African American student senate president

Eric Moore became the first African American student senate president.

Chancellor John T. Caldwell posing with North Carolina State University student government officials, including Eric N. Moore, at Memorial Bell TowerChancellor John T. Caldwell posing with North Carolina State University student government officials, including Eric N. Moore, at Memorial Bell Tower
1969 Alumni contributed to space mission

Twenty-six NC State alumni, all employees of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), played a key role in the voyage of the Apollo 11 space mission, which was successful in placing the first men on the moon.

1969 African American student enrollment reached 200
NC State University, Electrical Engineering ResearchNC State University, Electrical Engineering Research
02/28/1969 Rally held for physical plant workers

A group of students held a rally to support better wages and working conditions for physical plant workers on campus. The protest was organized by the Society of Afro-American Culture and an offshoot of Students for a Democratic Society known as "The Group."

10/14/1969 Vietnam Symposium organized

NC State responded to a call for a "moratorium" against the Vietnam War amidst campus protests nationwide. A faculty-student committee organized a Vietnam Symposium with Chancellor John Caldwell as keynote speaker and several faculty members talking on the impact of the war.

John T. Caldwell portraitJohn T. Caldwell portrait
11/10/1969 Homecoming Queen competition held

David Mark Brown became one of 22 semi-finalists competing for the position of Homecoming Queen. Sponsored by Kappa Alpha fraternity, Brown ran to promote higher campus interest in Homecoming.

11/12/1969 Referendum bill passed

Student government passed a bill stating that students may place referendums on Student Senate election ballots by collecting signatures of at least 5% of the student body in favor of the referendum.

1970s

1970 First African American student elected "Miss NCSU"

Mary Evelyn Porterfield was elected the first African American "Miss NCSU." In an interview with the Technician, Porterfield stated, "If I had been the first Black homecoming queen ever at a university of this size, I think it would have weighed much more heavily on my emotions, but to me, by this time, it seems as ordinary as would have been any selection. I think State is three years behind in the trend...I realize that this is a victory for the ... More

Homecoming Queen Mary Evelyn Porterfield with escort Michael Brown and Alumni Affairs director Bryce YountsHomecoming Queen Mary Evelyn Porterfield with escort Michael Brown and Alumni Affairs director Bryce Younts
1970 First African American Cultural Center formed

Students formed NC State's first African American Cultural Center, which was given space in the YMCA building.

5/5/1970 First woman elected student body president

Cathy Sterling was elected student body president and became the first woman to hold a major student elective post. During her presidency, Sterling led the student body in a retreat to protest the invasion of Cambodia. Her report, "Due to Circumstances Beyond Our Control," resulted in a greater student role in the spending of student fees. Sterling said of her decision to run for student body president, "A few weeks before the election, a few ... More

Cathy Sterling, first woman student body president at North Carolina State UniversityCathy Sterling, first woman student body president at North Carolina State University
5/7/1970 Vietnam and Kent State protest held

NC State students held a convocation on the Brickyard in the aftermath of U.S. expansion of the Vietnam War into Cambodia, and the death of four Kent State University students in Ohio. The following day, nearly 6,000 students from NC State and other colleges protested by marching on the State Capitol.

Cambodian convocation on the BrickyardCambodian convocation on the Brickyard
8/1970 Lee Hall became NC State's first co-ed dorm
Lee Residence Hall, front viewLee Residence Hall, front view
1971 Second African American earned PhD

Augustus M. Witherspoon became the second African American to earn a PhD at NC State. He received a PhD in botany and was the first African American to receive a doctoral degree and then join the faculty.

Augustus WitherspoonAugustus Witherspoon
1971 First African American fraternity founded

Seven students founded a local chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha which was NC State's first African American fraternity.

Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity group portraitAlpha Phi Alpha fraternity group portrait
1971 Division of Student Affairs increased resources

The Division of Student Affairs hired an African American counselor, made financial aid available to African American students, and encouraged the development of African American cultural programs.

African American Students (1 of 6) :: PeopleAfrican American Students (1 of 6) :: People
2/12/1971 Book drive held

A group of students donated over 3,000 books to Raleigh Central Prison. The drive was organized to collect books to provide prisoners with study materials for high school equivalency tests.

2/22/1971 New dining options offered

Harris Cafeteria offered new $0.99 dinners and $0.89 breakfasts, each of which included an entree, vegetables, rolls, pieces of oleo, and a beverage.

Harris CafeteriaHarris Cafeteria
2/24/1971 Enrollment cap considered

Consolidated University of North Carolina President William C. Friday announced that NC State may need to put a cap on enrollment unless more funding could be appropriated.

William C. FridayWilliam C. Friday
3/17/1971 Technician received ACP rating

The Technician received its third consecutive "All-American" rating from the Associated Collegiate Press (ACP).

03/22/1971 Pan Afrikan Festival began

The first annual Pan Afrikan Festival began and continued until April 2, 1971. The festival featured lectures by C. T. Vivian and other speakers as well as musical performances.

Dancers at Pan-African festivalDancers at Pan-African festival
3/26/1971 Late-winter snowstorm hit

A snowstorm hit NC State and buried the campus in snow drifts.

4/7/1971 Technician joke explained

Technician editors explained what nematodes were, ending a 2-month series of nematode jokes that ran in the paper.

4/14/1971 Cooking spaces approved for dorms

The Inter-Residence Council approved the construction of cooking spaces in all dorms, hoping to alleviate problems with students cooking illegally in their dorm rooms.

International students cooking togetherInternational students cooking together
5/15/1971 Woman honored for highest grade point average

Jane Carol Pickard was the first woman honored for graduating with the highest grade point average. Every year at commencement, NC State honored the student graduating with this achievement.

9/3/1971 Student government party

Free beer was offered during the first annual Student Government Coffee House party with no reported incidents.

1972 "In a Black Perspective" published

NC State published "In a Black Perspective." This pamphlet totaled the university's black community at nine professors and 222 students (out of a total 13,809). The publication listed courses focusing on black history and culture: two in political Science and one on race relations in sociology.

1972 UNC System created

The UNC System was created with NC State as one of the constituent campuses. A Board of Governors was established at the system level, and a new Board of Trustees was instituted at NC State to oversee matters specific to the university.

1/21/1972 Student Affairs dean issued parking sticker

Dean of Student Affairs Banks Talley was issued parking sticker A0007. When asked if he had any connection to James Bond (Agent 007), Talley replied that he was not a spy, although many students believed his office had spies everywhere.

Banks C. Talley portraitBanks C. Talley portrait
4/10/1972 Technician won award

The Technician was named the best newspaper in the southeast during the 8th annual Southeastern College Newspaper Competition.

4/15/1972 Forestry Team won championship

The NC State Forestry Team took home the championship at the annual Conclave, an event based around forestry skills such as logging, timer estimation, sawing, and log rolling.

4/17/1972 WKNC went off the air

The college radio station WKNC announced it will go off the air for the remainder of the school year due to an air conditioner failure in the studio.

WKNC FMWKNC FM
04/1972 Students organized Vietnam War rally

Over 1,000 students marched down Hillsborough Street from campus to the State Capitol to protest the Vietnam War. The students staged a rally on the capitol steps in response to the U.S. bombing of Hanoi and Haiphong in North Vietnam.

Student marching down street with peace signsStudent marching down street with peace signs
6/1972 Talley Student Center opened

The Talley Student Center opened in June 1972 (shown here before the installation of the fountain and courtyard). It replaced the Erdahl-Cloyd building, now the west wing of D.H. Hill Jr. Library, as the campus student center.

Talley Student Center front viewTalley Student Center front view
8/23/1972 Bowen Hall damaged by fire

A fire originating from a fan caused $2,500 in damage to Bowen Residence Hall. The room the fire originated from was unusable for the rest of the semester.

Bowen Residence HallBowen Residence Hall
9/1/1972 Students left without housing

A massive student housing shortage left 260 students without housing as classes began.

Student moving in on campusStudent moving in on campus
10/17/1972 Fundraiser held on campus

A fundraiser was held on campus selling off men to the service of women for one day, and raising $175 for the Morehead School of the Blind.

1973 First African American woman received PhD

Nannette Smith Henderson was the first African American woman awarded a PhD at NC State with a degree in plant pathology.

1973 Basketball club organized for women

Kathy Bounds, Deb Webb, and Genie Jordan organized a basketball club for women.

Womens Intramural BasketballWomens Intramural Basketball
04/13/1973 Students participated in Tuscarora protest

NC State students participated in a march to the State Capitol with Tuscarora Indians. The Technician reported they were protesting changes in Robeson County schools, lack of federal recognition, and the state's misidentification of Tuscarora as Lumbee. The Tuscarora protestors spent the night at the Baptist Student Center before marching to the State Capitol.

Tuscarora Indian Protest marchersTuscarora Indian Protest marchers
4/15/1973 Stewart Theatre and Price Music Center dedicated

The two buildings were dedicated during a ceremony at which the NC State University Symphony Orchestra and Choir presented a concert. The 816-seat theater opened during the fall 1972 semester. It was named for James Jackson Stewart Jr., who was dean of Student Affairs from 1954 to 1969.

North Carolina State University Symphonic BandNorth Carolina State University Symphonic Band
10/12/1973 Film showing held

The controversial film "Birth of a Nation" was shown in Stewart Theatre.

10/27/1973 International Fair held

An International Fair was held in the Student Center and introduced students to cultures and customs from around the world.

Students pinning up cultural cloths for the International FestivalStudents pinning up cultural cloths for the International Festival
11/2/1973 Joint statement published

Student body presidents from NC State, Duke, UNC-Chapel Hill and UNC-Greensboro published a joint statement urging the impeachment of President Nixon. The statement included 12 reasons why the proceedings should begin.

12/1973 Alexander Hall designated international student dorm
Banner On Alexander HallBanner On Alexander Hall
1974 New African American Cultural Center proposed

In 1974, African American students called for a new cultural center. Student body president Terry Carroll presented a four-point request to Chancellor Caldwell, which included a request for the first floor of the Print Shop to be turned over to the Society of Afro-American Culture for an African American Cultural Center. Banks C. Talley, dean of Student Affairs, complied with this request.

1/22/1974 Campus experienced power failure

NC State's campus was plunged into a complete power failure for an hour and forty minutes, starting at 11:10pm. The failure was caused by faulty equipment.

2/6/1974 Anti-death penalty rally held on campus
3/21/1974 Streaking banned

University administration reversed their stance on streaking and banned the "sport" on campus due to the very high number of streakers running around campus.

1975 Total number of degrees awarded reached 50,000
1975 First African American sorority established

A chapter of Delta Sigma Theta was established as the first African American sorority chapter on campus.

Sisters of Delta Sigma Theta during a step showSisters of Delta Sigma Theta during a step show
1975 Craft Shop renamed

The Craft Shop in the basement of the Frank Thompson Theatre was listed as the Craft Center in university directories.

Hands working on pottery at Craft CenterHands working on pottery at Craft Center
1976 New Horizons Choir formed

A group of students formed the New Horizons Choir to sing gospel music. Eleania B. Ward was the group's original director. For a number of years, New Horizons sang services for the Black Student Fellowship.

Performance by NC State's New Horizons ChoirPerformance by NC State's New Horizons Choir
1976 Asian student enrollment increased

According to data from the Office of Institutional Research and Planning, NC State had 54 enrolled students who identified as Asian out of a student body of 16,903. The data did not distinguish U.S. nationals or international students within the Asian enrollment data.

1976 African American graduate students organization formed

The Association for the Concerns for African American Graduate Students was created as a student organization for all students seeking to address the needs, concerns, and interests of African American graduate students. This organization was recognized by the university in 1976 as the Association for the Concerns of Black Graduate Students. By 1983, it was known as the Association for the Concerns of Afro-American Graduate Students and was renamed again in late ... More

1/23/1978 Fountain prank commenced

Laundry detergent was dumped into the Student Center fountain, causing a mass of bubbles and a great deal of work for the maintenance crew.

4/14/1978 Students celebrated Blue Jeans Day

Gay and lesbian students at NC State celebrated National Gay Blue Jeans Day. Signs in the Free Expression Tunnel advertising the event were defaced.

Technician, Vol. 58 No. 80, April 14, 1978Technician, Vol. 58 No. 80, April 14, 1978
4/22/1978 Zoo Day held

Student government's "The Day" and the Inter-Residence Council's "Zoo Day" were combined (retaining the latter name), as a day for students to relax and take a break from the pressures of the end of the academic year. Zoo Day was held along Cates Avenue, offering a day of free beer, field games, and concerts.

Zoo DayZoo Day
1/12/1979 Security Chief retired

Worth T. Blackwood retired after twenty years as Security Chief at NC State. During Blackwood's tenure, the security force grew from seven to twenty-two officers.

1980s

1980s Ladies in Red organized

This was due to the success of Grains of Time and to provide the women's chorus the same musical education as the men in Grains of Time.

8/20/1980 Wolfline buses started service

A ceremony marked the beginning of the new Wolfline bus service on campus. The service initially included only one route and was intended to serve students who lived off-campus.

9/5/1980 Pep rally arrival by helicopter

First-year head football coach Monte Kiffin arrived at the first pep rally of the season in a helicopter.

N. C. State football coach Monte KiffinN. C. State football coach Monte Kiffin
9/17/1980 Meal Mobile dispensed food

A van called the "Meal Mobile" began dispensing food around campus. The mobile snackbar was run by Food Services.

12/14/1980 Tribute to John Lennon broadcasted

WKNC broadcasted silence for ten minutes as a tribute to John Lennon who was murdered the previous week.

2/28/1981 Wolf mascots get married

Mr. Wolf and Ms. Wolf were married in a mock wedding ceremony by the Wake Forest Demon Deacon mascot during halftime of a Men's Basketball game at Reynolds Coliseum. The two were joined in "canis matrimonium," and Chancellor Joab Thomas gave the bride away.

Wolf weddingWolf wedding
2/4/1982 Iranian students protested

Iranian students protested the execution of 50 people by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. The students asked to remain anonymous for fear of losing their rights in Iran.

12/8/1982 Annual Brotherhood Dinner instituted

Chancellor Bruce Poulton instituted the first annual Brotherhood Dinner to honor African Americans who made important contributions to the nation and the world. The annual dinner continued for more than 25 years, and honorees included John Hope Franklin, Gwendolyn Brooks, C. T. Vivian, Julian Bond, and John Lewis. In 1978, there may have been an earlier brotherhood dinner honoring Samual Nesbritt.

Chancellor Joab ThomasChancellor Joab Thomas
1983 Women's enrollment increased

Approximately 8,000 women were enrolled in a student body of 22,632. More than one third of the undergraduates were women, which at the time was the highest percentage of women enrolled at NC State.

6/8/1983 Air conditioning system broke

The air conditioning system in Harrelson Hall broke down, sending temperatures in some classrooms up to 90°F.

Harrelson Hall, classroom viewHarrelson Hall, classroom view
5/29/1985 Windsurfing class offered

The Union Activities Board began offering a class on windsurfing.

6/25/1985 Technician interview missed

Technician entertainment writer Lee Johnson was unable to interview rock band Hüsker Dü following their show at the Brewery because his tape recorder was damaged during the show.

1986 Women's enrollment increased

In the fall of 1986, women made up 38% of the student body, which was at the time was the highest percentage of women enrolled at NC State.

1987-1988 Kevin Howell elected

Kevin Howell was the first African American to serve as student body president from 1987 to 1988. He was a political science major. After graduation, he became the university's primary liaison with state and local governments. In 2016, he became the senior vice president for external affairs of the UNC System.

Kevin Howell, 1988Kevin Howell, 1988
1987 NC State celebrated centennial
1987 Anti-Apartheid march organized

Student Government organized a march to protest NC State's financial involvement in South Africa. The anti-apartheid march began outside the African American Cultural Center and ended at the Memorial Tower. Approximately 75 students participated in the march.

1988 African American leaders discussed campus issues

African American student leaders gathered at the Student Center to discuss campus issues. The low graduation rate for African American students, the lack of African American faculty members and athletic administrators, and the discriminatory discipline practices within the athletics department were problems cited by leaders during this meeting.

11/19-11/20/1988 First FOL booksale held

The first Friends of the Library (FOL) booksale was held in 1988. Proceeds from the sale went to supporting the formal preservation program for the Libraries' collection.

1988 College Bowl Team competed

The NC State College Bowl Team competed in the "Varsity Sport of the Mind," and won the national championship.

10/27/1988 First "Take Back the Night" march held

NC State's first annual "Take Back the Night" march and rally was held to protest violence against women.

Women students at Take Back the Night marchWomen students at Take Back the Night march
1989 Women's Studies program established

The Women's Studies program was established with Barbara Risman as the first director.

1/1989 Women's Resource Coalition established

The Women's Resource Coalition was established from the Women Students Advisory Board, which was organized in the fall of 1988.

1989 Diversity in student population increased

Enrollment of African American students passed 2,000, Latinx students passed 200, and international students passed 1,000.

1989 Lesbian and Gay Student Union formed

The Lesbian and Gay Student Union was a student group, and it was also known as the Lesbian/Gay Student Union. It came into existence in 1989 and was active until 1996. It may have been the first gay and lesbian student group to receive appropriations from Student Government.

Agromeck 1989Agromeck 1989
1989 First African American editor of Technician

Dwuan June was the first African American editor of the Technician student newspaper.

1990s

1990 Information Technologies Teaching Center established

The Information Technologies Teaching Center (ITTC) was established in the D. H. Hill Jr. Library, initially funded through a gift from the Class of 1990.

1990 South Tower opened

A new addition to the D. H. Hill Jr. Library, the South Tower, opened. Besides adding bookstack space, this addition featured a special facilities room and the Class of 1989 Reading Room.

D. H. Hill Jr. Library's new bookstack, North Carolina State University.D. H. Hill Jr. Library's new bookstack, North Carolina State University.
1990 The Newsstand first published

The first campus-wide newsletter on women's issues, The Newsstand, was published.

1990 First annual Pow Wow held

The Native American Student Association sponsored NC State's first annual Pow Wow. The event featured Native American culture, including food, dress, and especially dance.

NC State's Native American Student Association Pow WowNC State's Native American Student Association Pow Wow
1991 African American Cultural Center opened

The African American Cultural Center opened in the new Student Center Annex, later renamed the Witherspoon Student Center. In 1992, following months of student and faculty protests, NC State administrators granted the African American Cultural Center an operating budget.

Dr. Iyailu Moses and other  woman at the opening of the African American CenterDr. Iyailu Moses and other woman at the opening of the African American Center
09/1991 Women's Center opened

The Women's Center opened with Jan Rogers as its coordinator. Rogers began the Women's Leadership Education and Action Program (LEAP), which aimed to enhance the experience of women in fields such as math, science, and engineering.

College of Engineering, publicity and promotional material, classroomCollege of Engineering, publicity and promotional material, classroom
01/1991 Student Center Annex opened

The new Student Center Annex included meeting space, a library, and a multipurpose room. It was later renamed the Witherspoon Student Center.

Witherspoon Student CenterWitherspoon Student Center
7/22/1991 Bicycle patrol began

The Public Safety office began a new bicycle patrol. Officers felt that the bicycles had advantages over patrol cars, including "mobility, stealth, and speed."

1992 Sista 2 Sistuh Network established

The Sista 2 Sistuh Network was established to support African American women at NC State.

9/2/1992 New dining options offered

Students welcomed the addition of Taco Bell and Li'l Dino Subs to the University Student Commons.

11/30/1992 The Nubian Message began publication

The Nubian Message began publication in response to student protests alleging racial bias by the Technician. Tony Williamson served as the paper’s first editor-in-chief, and the paper was released in the Talley Student Center. In the inaugural issue, Williamson stated his intention to "totally, truthfully, and faithfully cover every aspect of African American life at NCSU" and his hope that the Nubian Message would become "the media voice for ... More

Nubian Message, November 30, 1992Nubian Message, November 30, 1992
1994 NC State awarded chapter of Phi Beta Kappa
3/3/1994 Anti-hate rally organized

Several student groups organized an anti-hate rally in Harris Field in response to recent rapes on campus, sexual harassment in classrooms, racist remarks from professors, and anti-gay messages in the Free Expression Tunnel.

Students attending anti-hate rallyStudents attending anti-hate rally
4/12/1994 African American student leaders increased

African American students were elected to six top leadership positions. They were Bobby Johnson, Student Body President; Tasha Youngblood, Student Body Treasurer; Kanton Reynolds, Student Body Chief Justice; Tracy Avery, Student Center/UAB President; Christine Verleger, Senior Class President; and Tiffany Price, Senior Class Vice-President;

Nubian Message, April 14, 1994Nubian Message, April 14, 1994
1995 Self-service circulation began in D. H. Hill Jr. Library
4/1/1995 Witherspoon Student Center dedicated

The building formerly known as the Student Center Annex was dedicated to honor Dr. Augustus McIver Witherspoon. It became the first building on campus named after an African American. Dr. Witherspoon earned his PhD in botany from NC State in 1971, making him the second African American student to receive a PhD from NC State. He joined the faculty as an instructor of botany and eventually held the following posts: full professor, assistant dean, Acting Dean and ... More

Witherspoon Student CenterWitherspoon Student Center
1995 Taiwanese students protested

Taiwanese students at NC State held a protest and sit-in demonstration in response to sociopolitical events involving Taiwan, China, and the United States.

Taiwanese Student ProtestTaiwanese Student Protest
1996 Twenty-four hour library service began

The Libraries began twenty-four hour service on Sunday through Thursday. The increase was funded by revenue from a university-wide tuition increase, and faculty advocated for the funds to be allocated to the Libraries.

Overhead shot of students in libraryOverhead shot of students in library
1996 Park Scholars Program founded
02/1997 Student Association of Christian Social Workers (SACSS) established
Student Association of Christian Social Workers constitutionStudent Association of Christian Social Workers constitution
10/19/1998 Diversity statement issued

Chancellor Marye Anne Fox issued a statement on "Supporting Diversity and Building the Campus Community through Tolerance of Difference." The statement included sexual orientation as one of several factors in making NC State a diverse student body.

11/10/1998 Native American "10 Commandments" published

The Society of Native American Culture (SNAC) published the Native American "10 Commandments" in the Technician.

Technician, Vol. 79 No. 47, November 10, 1998Technician, Vol. 79 No. 47, November 10, 1998
1999 Fraternity Court renamed Greek Village
1999 Alpha Pi Omega organized

Students organized a chapter of Alpha Pi Omega, the first Native American sorority at NC State.

1999-2000 First South Asian American student body president

Raj Mirchandani was elected as student body president from 1999 to 2000.

Raj Mirchandani, 2000Raj Mirchandani, 2000

2000s

8/2000 Technician published daily

The Technician became a daily publication during academic semesters for the first time.

9/21/2000 Students led football victory celebration

After an overtime football victory over Georgia Tech at Carter-Finley Stadium, NC State students tore down a goalpost and carried it down Hillsborough Street towards campus. The goalpost cost $5,000 to replace.

08/17/2001 First annual Native American Symposium held

The Technician reported that the Native American Symposium offered information for incoming freshmen, including information on navigating campus.

2001 Native American Symposium schedule2001 Native American Symposium schedule
2002 Council issued report cards

The African American Student Advisory Council issued report cards grading the university on enrollment, retention, and graduation of African American students. The report card gave NC State an "F" in recruiting Black students.

2002 Mi Familia formed

Mi Familia ("My Family") was formed to promote the Latinx community and discuss important events and issues.

Technician, October 4, 2002Technician, October 4, 2002
2003 WISE program established

The Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) program was established. Fifty-six freshman women with majors in PAMS and the College of Engineering joined the program in its first year. As of 2009, the "living and learning village" included 256 women majoring in five colleges across campus, and a high school chapter was established at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics.

10/2004 African American students protested appropriations

African American students participated in a sit-in at a Student Senate meeting to express concern for the lack of funding for African American organizations. Out of $40,000 of appropriations, African American organizations received a mere $755. The Student Senate agreed to send the bill back to committee for re-evaluation.

08/25/2005 Student chapter of NAACP meeting held

On August 25, 2005, NC State's student chapter of the NAACP held its first meeting in four years. Gina Dean, the NAACP Youth and College State Director, provided students a brief overview of the NAACP's history. An NC State NAACP chapter initiated in 1991, however, participation in the organization declined until the chapter became inactive. Michael Boykin, later named chapter president, and the Omega Psi Phi fraternity aided in the rechartering of the NC ... More

Technician, August 26, 2005Technician, August 26, 2005
2006 Baccalaureate Student Social Work Association formed

This association formed from the merger of three other student organizations on campus: the Undergraduate Student Social Work Association, the Student Association of Black Social Workers, and the Student Association of Christian Social Workers.

Student Social Work Association constitutionStudent Social Work Association constitution
02/2006 Graduate Student Social Work Association (GSSWA) established
2008 Native American Culture Night held

Native American Culture Night became an annual event sponsored by the Native American Student Association.

Woman in traditional dress at Native American Culture NightWoman in traditional dress at Native American Culture Night
2009 "Howling Cow" ice cream trademarked

Ice cream produced at the dairy processing facilities on campus by the Department of Food, Bioprocessing, and Nutrition Sciences became known as "Howling Cow" after NC State applied for trademark status in June 2009. NC State ice cream has been a State Fair tradition for visitors since the 1970s.

Student eating ice cream coneStudent eating ice cream cone

2010s

2011 Kappa Phi Lambda sorority established

Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. officially became a registered student organization in fall 2011. Kappa Phi Lambda was the first Asian-American interest sorority on campus.

8/17/2011 First "Respect the Pack" event held

The first "Respect the Pack" event was held at the Free Expression Tunnel and became an annual event to promote diversity and inclusion on campus.

2012 Greek Village reopened

Greek Village reopened with the newly constructed Kappa Delta house. Redevelopment of Greek Village began in 2008 when the aging buildings were demolished.

2012 First annual Packapalooza held

The first annual Packapalooza was held as an all-day block party and street festival. Packapalooza was created to mark the end of NC State's Wolfpack Welcome Week and the start of the academic year.

Street Scene at Packapalooza 2012Street Scene at Packapalooza 2012
03/2012 "Ides of March" protest held

Students and alumni marched from the Bell Tower to the capital district to protest an upcoming amendment to North Carolina's constitution, which proposed legally banning gay marriage in the state. The event was called "Ides of March."

Technician, March 16, 2012Technician, March 16, 2012
11/04/2012 Feed the Pack campus food pantry opened

The Feed the Pack pantry opened in Harrelson Hall. Initial funding for shelving came from Rodgers Construction, the company that built Talley Student Union.

Technician, September 27, 2012Technician, September 27, 2012
9/2013 Park Foundation gifted $50 million

The donation provided additional funding for the Park Scholars program.

10/23/2013 Talley Student Union Phase I opened

With new construction and remodeling, Phase I of the new Talley Student Union opened with four new dining options and the Talley Market.

Talley Student CenterTalley Student Center
8/2014 Technician began publishing 4 days per week
2/20/2015 Our Three Winners fund created

Chancellor Randy Woodson announced this scholarship endowment in memory of three NC State alumni, Deah Barakat, Yusor Abu-Salha, and Razan Abu-Salha, who were killed on February 10, 2015.

8/2015 Technician began publishing twice weekly in new tabloid format
2016 Native American Living and Learning Village opened

Native Space, a Living and Learning village for first-year Native American students, opened in Wood Hall.

11/19/2016 Lambda Phi Epsilon fraternity established

The Lambda Phi Epsilon fraternity chapter officially became a registered student organization on November 19th, 2016. Lambda Phi Epsilon was an Asian-interest, but not Asian exclusive, fraternity with over sixty established chapters in North America.

01/31/ 2017 Black Graduate Student Association (BGSA) established

The First Black Graduate Student Association (BGSA) meeting was held on January 31, 2017. The purpose of BGSA was to create a network of support for black graduate and professional students and to provide an environment that promoted positive cultural awareness and professional growth. The Association for the Concerns of African American Graduate Students preceded and gave formation to BGSA.

2018 Asian student enrollment increased

The Office of Institutional Research and Planning reported that NC State had 2,282 enrolled students who identified as Asian out of a student body of 35,479. The data did not distinguish U.S. nationals or international students within the Asian enrollment data.

2018 Runway for Dreams chapter created

The NC State chapter of Runway of Dreams was created. The organization was created to empower people with disabilities to have confidence and self-expression through fashion and beauty inclusion, including through the design of fashionable adaptive apparel.

2018 Best Buddies chapter founded

A chapter of Best Buddies was founded at NC State. Best Buddies was established to create opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through volunteer efforts.

2018 Special Smiles student organization formed

The Special Smiles student organization was formed to promote awareness and knowledge of developmental, intellectual, and social disabilities.

10/03/2018 Filipino American Student Association (FASA) established

The Filipino American Student Association (FASA) officially became a registered student organization in fall 2018. The student group unofficially formed in Fall 2017.

2019 Nine Star Lion Dance Troupe established

The Nine Star Lion Dance Troupe officially became a registered student organization in fall 2019. The student group unofficially formed in October of 2018 and was originally named the Lion Dance Troupe.

2020s

2021 Critical Asian Narratives and Engagement (CRANE) Collective established

The CRANE Collective is the forefront of the Asian community at NCSU. This student group is committed to promoting crucial Asian narratives by means of education, action, and engagement by uplifting the on-campus and local communities.

02/18/2022 Alma Mater revised

The NC State Board of Trustees approved removing the word “Dixie” from the NC State Alma Mater and adding the word “Southern.”

08/26/2022 Pack disAbility Advocacy Club (PAAC) established

The Pack disAbility Advocacy Club (PAAC) was established to promote a supportive community for people with all types of disabilities at NC State, visible and invisible, including mental health challenges.