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  Getting Started
1966
 

Mapping out the Land for SVC
In early February the site for Saginaw Valley College was determined. The decision was based on a compromise that was finally decided by the State Legislature. The site was at Section 23 of Kochville Township on the Saginaw-Bay County Line. The Board of Control announced that the first 252 acres of land for the construction of the new campus on April 9, 1966.

In mid-February, it was a unanimous vote to eliminate the confusion over the state supported college. It was then decided to rename Saginaw Bay State College to Saginaw Valley College. This became official on March 28, 1966 after the Michigan House of Representatives voted 96-0 in favor of the new name.

Excitement rang throughout Saginaw Valley when the board announced that ten degrees and two honorary degrees would be awarded on April 17, 1966. The first commencement would be held at St. John's Episcopal Church in
MiFirst Graduates of SVCdland Michigan. The academic procession included universities and colleges from 33 different Michigan educational institutions. The audience was made up of over 600 spectators. There were 10 graduates in all:

    1. Roselyn D. Argyle, Saginaw
    2. Mary C. Caumartin, Saginaw
    3. Faye C. Frank, Midland
    4. Stanley J. Gorzinski, Kawkawlin
    5. Henry Hatter, Saginaw
    6. Michael A. Hughes, Bay City
    7. Frank Isackson, Bay City
    8. Bertram P. Shafer, Saginaw
    9. Allen D. Shaddock, Saginaw
    10. Richard A. Wallace, Saginaw

In May of 1966 the Michigan Council on College Accreditation announced the official accreditation of Saginaw Valley College.

An interesting new endeavor started in August of this year, it was called the "People-to-People Program". Saginaw Valley's first exchange student and first exchange teacher arrived from Tokyo, Japan. Miss Yoshiko Kimura, then 18 yrs old, was here to attend classes at Saginaw Valley College. Miss Hiroko Okitsu, then 25 yrs old, was to travel throughout the area schools to discuss her native country's traditions. They were both in the Saginaw area for one year.

 
 

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Last modified October 8, 2002