PLU Timeline -- University Archives

1945

Returning servicemen and -women in the 1945-46 school year

People returning to college post-war, specifically veterans using the G.I. Bill, cause a boom in enrollment. The student body is half veteran and no longer mostly female.

1944–45 enrollment had been 53 men and 234 women. In 1945–46, 231 men and 278 women enroll.

So many students enroll that there is not enough space to go around. Army surplus tractors and bulldozers clear spaces on lower campus, and students live in portable units.

1946

The Gymnasium burning

The Gymnasium burns down on 4 June, taking the science laboratories in the basement and all the sports equipment with it. This creates an urgent need for a new gym and science building, and construction on those 2 structures begins.

1947

'Mr. PLU,' Milt Nesvig '35

Milton Nesvig, a 1935 PLC alumnus, joins the staff and holds many positions until his 1988 retirement.

He is called "Mr. PLU" because of his extensive knowledge of the institution and involvement in so many areas.

Official program from the Pear Bowl

The PLC Gladiators play in the Pear Bowl, against Southern Oregon College on 27 November.

They emerge triumphant with a score of 27–21, completing a season of 7 victories, 0 losses, and 2 ties.

The Science Building, now called Ramstad Hall

Memorial Gymnasium

Ramstad Hall, the new science building, is dedicated in November, followed by the new Memorial Gymnasium’s dedication in December.

Laying the cornerstone of the SUB

Construction begins on the Student Union Building, or SUB, built on the foundation of the old Gymnasium.

1948

Marv 'Tommygun' Tommervik '42

Marv Harshman '42

Cliff Olson retires. He leaves a legacy of tennis courts, a running track, a baseball diamond, a golf course, and Memorial Gymnasium. Coaching duties are left to the "Marvelous Marvs," Marv Tommervik and Marv Harshman.

The Student Union Building

The Student Union Building, housing offices, classrooms, a stage, a games room, and a coffee shop, is finished and dedicated.

1949

Erich Knorr

Old Main is refurbished and its top floors are made habitable for the first time.

Erich Knorr joins the PLC staff. Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, he later has an office house named for him.

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