The Birth of Saginaw Valley College

After an extensive study, Dr. John Dale Russell (Chancellor and Executive Secretary of the New Mexico Board of Education Finance) submitted the Russell Report to the Michigan State Legislature's joint Senate-House Committee. The report endorsed the concept of a higher education based learning system in the Saginaw, Bay City and Midland communities, thus marks the beginning, or the formative years of Saginaw Valley State University.

In November of 1963, Saginaw Valley College was chartered as a private college. The first classes were held in the basement of the current Delta College site. Here the students attended classes until Saginaw Valley College was built. In December of 1963 the Saginaw Board of Director's introduced four possible name choices:

• College of the North
• Saginaw Valley College
• John Fitzgerald Kennedy College
• University Center College

It was determined with a clear majority that Saginaw Valley College was the name of choice, thus by the end of 1963 Saginaw Valley College was born. In addition to establishing roots, Saginaw Valley College's insignia was also created. This is an example of Saginaw Valley College's first identity. The explanation of its symbols reflects the unique identity of the college.

The Articles of Incorporation were also developed in July of 1963, here you can read about Saginaw Valley College's first thoughts on what a university should be made of. (Delta Senior University, Bay County, State of Michigan)

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Related Link:

• Delta College