Oregon State UniversitySpecial Collections & Archives Research Center
History of Commencement
Page 2

1870 The first commencement took place.

Corvallis College, Class of 1870. Members of the college's first graduating class were, from left, Robert M. Veatch, Alice E. Biddle, and James K. P. Currin. Veatch gave the valedictory address, "Utility of Science," at the June 30 commencement ceremony. Biddle, who was only 16 years of age when she received her degree, read a paper at commencement, "Progress of Mind."

(Harriet's Photograph Collection #883)
(Harriet's Photograph Collection #883)

1876 The first Master of Arts degree was presented.

1889 First commencement held on the current campus was in the College Chapel in the Administration Building (now Benton Hall).

1892 A baccalaureate service separate from the graduation exercises was held for the first time.

Class of 1892. The graduating class of 1892 was the first to include home economics graduates. The graduates wore formal dress, but not robes, for the commencement ceremony.

(Harriet's Photograph Collection #73)
(Harriet's Photograph Collection #73)

1899 First commencement was held in the College Armory (now the Gymnastics Training Center).