The need for a four-year university in the Tri-City area was seen as early as 1920. Area businesses and corporations began to see the need for educated scientists, engineers and teachers. The rise of higher education proves this fact. But, it was not until 1963 that Saginaw Valley State University began its true history. The roots of Saginaw Valley State University actually started from the basement of Delta College and was named simply, Saginaw Valley College. It was from this small step that the roots of Saginaw Valley State University began its rich history.

Video Clip: Basil Clark speaks about the original connection with Delta College (56K-compatible) Required

The 1960's were an exciting and prosperous time for Saginaw Valley College. It was in these ten years that our current site SVSU sits on today was found. After many long talks and hand shakes with local farmers and land owners, Dr. Marble, SVSU's first president helped to acquire the land SVSU calls home today. In 1965, one of the biggest fundraisers in Tri-City history was held to help pay for that land. Four and a half million dollars was raised in the last 24 hours of a fund drive to purchase the land SVSU calls home today.

Along with other exciting pieces of history, perhaps one of the most important piece's of Saginaw Valley State University is the original Articles of Incorporation which were written during these formative years. You can read the first two pages here and understand what the founders of SVSU wanted this university to become. Check out each year of the 1960's and see how this university came to be. Read the highlights and understand what makes a SVSU student so proud to be a part of such a rich heritage of learning.

Credits | Add to these pages | Comments or Questions?
Last modified April 24, 2001