1974 did not find Saginaw Valley College resting on the laurels of its late 1973 tenth anniversary celebration. Contrary, huge changes came to the school in January of 1974 when SVC's first president, Dr. Samuel D. Marble resigned. Marble submitted his resignation in a letter to Charles Curtiss, chairman of the Board, giving personal reasons for his action.

The letter said, "For some time now I have been considering opening a new chapter in my life, and the conclusion of the activities marking the completion of 10 years in the life of the college appear to offer an opportunity to make such a decision."

Marble also thanked the Board for the opportunity he had at SVC and expressed his appreciation to his friends on the Board of Fellows and his staff. He singled out former Board Chairman William Groening for special gratitude.

The resignation ended a 16-year career in the area which included the development of two colleges, Delta and SVC. Marble also served 12 years as president of Wilmington College in Ohio.

Marble's tenure at SVC's reins marked some stormy times, however. Some students had been dissatisfied with the President and although there were not any riots or revolts as seen on other campus' during the 1960s, there were protests at the school. In 1971, Black students picketed the school and between 40 and 50 staged a sit-in at the President's office. During the 10th anniversary celebration program in 1973, minority students again staged protests.

The Board accepted the resignation and named Marble "President Emeritus."

Source: The Valley Vanguard, January 18, 1974, staff writer Gary Mallon.

State of Michigan Representative Jim Barcia may well have used his time as a student at Saginaw Valley College to prepare for his public and political career. On January 9, 1974, the then Student Body President stood before his fellow classmates and delivered the annual State of the College Address. Barcia called on administrators of the college to work with students to develop it saying, "Some administrative offices should realize their job is to assist and not hinder his (the student's) progress. Whenever possible administrative offices should tailor their policies, procedures, and hours to the students' needs rather than asking students to tailor their needs to administrative convenience."

In addition to working on SVC related problems, Barcia involved the student body to work for statewide legislative changes. A bill allowing colleges to apply for liquor licenses and operate bars and one requiring three voting students on governing boards at state colleges and universities were cited as the priorities for the time.

Source: The Valley Vanguard, January 25, 1974, staff writer Leslie Todd.

The end of February, 1974 saw the appointment of the first Saginaw Valley College football coach, Frank "Muddy" Waters. Waters was 49 years old at the time of his appointment to SVC head football coach and had come to the college from hillsdale College where he coached for 21 years compiling a 138-46-5 win-lost-tied record. His salary was $26,000 a year which made him the second highest paid coach in the state next to the University of Michigan's coach Bo Schembechler.

"I've been looking for the right job for years," Waters said. "I'm intrigued with the people at SVC. Everyone seems so gung-ho, dedicated to developing a good athletic program as part of the overall academic program. I agree wholeheartedly with their philosophy and enthusiasm, and am delighted to get the job."

Source: The Valley Vanguard, March 8, 1974, staff writer Leslie Todd.

On November 1, 1974, Dr. Jack McBride Ryder began his first day as the new president of Saginaw Valley College.

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