Centralia College history

1927 – The first graduating class of five students all transfer to the University of Washington.

1932 – Katharine Kemp joins the faculty, teaching English, business English, psychology, German, French and Spanish.

1940 – The first night class, a carpentry course, is held.

1941 – The state adopts legislation making junior colleges part of the public school system, providing funds of $75 per student.

1942 – With America’s launch into World War II, the college offers courses such as a civilian pilot training program, training courses for radio technicians, and the ground school training program for Navy pilots, specifically to aid in the United States war effort.

In 1944 Centralia residents passed a bond for a new college building.

1949 – A 7.1 earthquake damages the college buildings, but classes continue.

Developing slowly at first, the college constructed its first physical campus in 1950 with Kemp Hall.

1953 –The first college library, located in the little white-frame church at the northeast end of campus, opens with 1,256 books.

1954 – In response to the need for practical nurse training programs following World War II, the college launches its own nursing program, directed by Betty Lou Crampton.

1957 – The district remodels the old Lincoln Elementary, renaming it Corbet Hall in honor of Margaret Corbet, first college dean.

1958 – Students purchase and paint buses to transport those from the Olympia area to and from Centralia.

1966 – Centralia College names its first college president, Nels Hanson.

1968 – Centralia College launches a three-year farm management program, helping farmers better manage their agricultural enterprises.

1975 – The college begins providing services for offenders through the Garret Heyns Educational Center at the Washington State Corrections Center in Shelton.

In 1983 the college extended its reach by opening a satellite center at the East County center in Morton High School.

1993 – The Cornelia Van Prooyen Child Development Center is dedicated, serving 105 children and 170 parents daily, providing parenting classes and daycare for the children of college students.

The building is later renamed Kirk Library in 2002 to honor former President Kirk after his retirement.

2005 – The college begins hosting the Seattle to Portland Midpoint, offering STP cyclists food, entertainment, amenities and overnight accommodations.

2012 – The Kiser Natural Outdoor Learning Lab (KNOLL) is created across from the science center.