Whitworth University history

In 1899, the college had outgrown the rural community of Sumner and moved to Tacoma.

Enrollment in Tacoma peaked in 1908-09 with 235 students, including those in the preparatory department.

Its origins began in 1912, when the Presbyterians of the Spokane community developed their plan to convince Whitworth trustees to relocate the college from Tacoma to land north of downtown Spokane.

When a Spokane developer offered land just before World War I, the college moved once more, and classes were held for the first time in Spokane in September 1914.

In 1924, the dormitory was renamed after Reverend Hugh McMillan.

Athletics continued to flourish, and in 1926, the school adopted the name “Pirates” for its teams.

When classes reopened, enrollment was strong, but an ensuing rapid turnover of presidents and faculty created an atmosphere that one former student recalled “chaotic” (Soden, Venture, 50). On March 8, 1927, Ballard Hall, one of the original buildings, burned to the ground, but it was soon rebuilt.

Whitworth merged with Spokane Junior College in 1942, when the latter shut down due to financial difficulties during World War II.

In 1969, Whitworth became one of the first educational institutions in the country to adopt the 4-1-4 academic calendar.

In 1986, a yellow smiley face was printed onto the hall’s sweatshirts.