1965

In March of 1965, Saginaw Valley College began their search for a new campus to separate from Delta College. This decision was made at a board meeting on March 24, 1965. At this meeting the citizens of the local communities made it clear they did not want a community college sharing adjacent campuses with a four-year institution. The decision over where to build the site created heated debates amongst community leaders. Finally the actual site was nailed down on February 12, 1966.

In late spring of 1965 it was determined that a fundraiser was necessary to bring Tri-City communities together with one goal in mind. The goal was to raise 4.5 million dollars to purchase and build the new site for Saginaw Valley College. William J. Edwards was appointed as Chairman of the fundraising campaign, Paul C. Souder assisted Edwards as Co-Chairman. The following men also contributed to the development campaign: Hoyt E. Hayes - Chair for Bay County R. Williams Caldwell - Chair for Midland County Hans E. Hennecke - Co- Chair for Saginaw County John R. Ikner - Co-Chair for Saginaw County

On July 2, 1965, the last of the 4.5 million dollars needed was raised within the final 24 hours of the fundraising drive. It's because of their efforts this amazing goal was achieved.

In order to establish organization among Saginaw Valley College's leaders a board of director's was formed. 1965 was the year the first board members were named:

• Jean Treadway
• Charles B Curtiss Jr. - Board Secretary
• Dorothy Arbury
• William A. Groening - Board Chair
• Herbert W. Fox
• Maurice E. Brown
• Melvin J. Zahnow
• Judge Wade H. McCree Jr.
  
  The board held its first meeting on October 16, 1965. From these individuals Michigan Governor, George Romney, named six to sit on the Board of Trustee's. He named two from Midland, two from Saginaw and two from Bay City. These six people are:

• Maurice E. Brown - Saginaw
• Melvin J. Zahnow - Saginaw
• Dorothy Arbury - Midland
• William A. Groening - Midland
• Charles B Curtiss Jr. - Bay City
• Jean Treadway - Bay City

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Last modified April 24, 2001