We are filled with immense pride and deep gratitude this year to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the founding of the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. For a century and a half, our university has stood as a beacon of knowledge, innovation and community, a place that has changed the lives of so many and impacted our world for the better.
Our humble beginnings started in 1874, when construction began on building a State Normal School after years of planning. The original structure was the birth of an institution that would evolve into an outstanding comprehensive university committed to academic excellence and an unwavering dedication to student success. When that original structure burned in late 1897, faculty, students, and alumni rallied along with River Falls residents to keep the school in River Falls. Their actions resulted in the construction of South Hall at the same site where its predecessor had been, taking just nine months to complete. What a significant accomplishment, one that would be impossible to achieve today.
Similarly, throughout our proud history, we have laid a strong foundation and then built upon it. Our programs have attracted regional and national acclaim, and we continue to improve and expand upon those efforts to enable our students to discover their passions leading them to meaningful and rewarding careers. As we celebrate this milestone, we reflect on the graduates that have gone on to become leaders, innovators and changemakers across many fields. Our journey has been marked by their achievements fostered by dedicated faculty and staff, and the enduring support of alumni and partners. Looking ahead, we are building on past strengths and reimagining possibilities. For example, the dairy pilot plant, now known as the Wuethrich Family/Grassland Dairy Center of Excellence, is once again producing cheese and ice cream as well as serving as a training site for students and dairy sector employees with its modern state-of-the art facilities. Likewise, we have reestablished our marching band after a three-decade absence and are once again offering varsity baseball. Students have great interest in becoming a Falcon because of these amazing opportunities.
Today we are strengthening another educational area of reputational pride here at UW-River Falls, our science programs, as construction continues on the Science and Technology Innovation Center (SciTech). That building, the largest ever constructed on our campus, will not only be a place for cuttingedge science instruction, but foster linkages with businesses to facilitate high-quality research collaborations and student internships while further enhancing our regional economy.
The dedication and hard work of all members of the Falcon community have been vital in shaping our legacy. The next chapter of UWRF’s story will be one of a renewed sense of purpose as we continue to build on our storied past and create a future filled with limitless possibilities. And that is truly something to celebrate! Happy 150th anniversary!
Founding and community involvement
IDn 1874, the River Falls State Normal School was established following an immense effort by the local community that began as early as 1867. The National Normal School Movement began in the 1830s to train teachers in the norms of pedagogy. In 1870, 1,000 citizens signed a petition requesting the state legislature pass an enabling act allowing the selling of bonds to establish the 4th State Normal School at River Falls. When presented to the Normal School Board of Regents, there was much competition from other communities, and efforts would continue until January 1873. A lengthy debate ensued in selecting the land. Finally, in April 1874, the citizens of River Falls were assured of their Normal School when construction commenced.
edicated on Sept. 2, 1875, the River Falls Journal described it as a “Temple of Science.” Classes commenced the following day with nine faculty, five staff, and 130 students. Through the early years, other communities would continue to advocate for and were highly critical of River Falls. A report by the Board of Regents in 1887 noted that while efforts were being made to benefit the community, “the Normal School at River Falls is not, as yet, fulfilling the mission of the ideal Normal School,” citing its proximity to the state border and sparsely settled countryside.
The River Falls Normal School is founded after years of advocacy from the local citizens.
The Normal school is dedicated on September 2, with nine faculty and 130 students enrolled.
Seven students are the first graduates from the elementary course.
Afire occurred in the school building on Nov. 29, 1897, resulting in the destruction of the building, although many items such as furniture, library books, records, and art were saved. Classes resumed the following day in buildings and community rooms around the city. Critics saw this as an opportunity to close the school and rebuild at another location. The governor was even against rebuilding, and the future looked bleak. After much debate by the Board of Regents, the decision came in favor of rebuilding at River Falls. Once word reached back home, hundreds gathered on the main street to celebrate.
The Normal Badger, the first campus newspaper, is launched. By 1912, it had evolved into the Meletean annual. In 1915, the Student Voice is formally named the campus newspaper.
1896
Organized athletics begins with the formation of the first varsity baseball team. 1897
The Normal School building was rebuilt within nine months and is now known as South Hall. It was re-dedicated on Sept. 6, 1898
The Normal School building is destroyed by a fire that broke out at night in a chemistry laboratory. Classes continue in Thelander’s Opera House and faculty members’ homes until the building is rebuilt on the original foundation to what we now call South Hall. It re-opens in 1898.
eStabliShing a Strong Foundation
To support the new agriculture courses, land with existing farm buildings just south of South Hall was purchased and became the College Farm. An additional property was purchased two blocks east in 1920 for Ramer Field.
Department of Educational Agriculture is founded.
Facing faculty tensions and stagnant enrollment, River Falls Normal School continued to struggle during the early 1900s. In 1911, the new president, James W. Crabtree, helped to resolve tensions and increase enrollment by expanding the curriculum to include agriculture education. This expansion necessitated more physical space, leading to a second building, North Hall, completed in 1914. This expansion not only provided more opportunities for educational advancement but was also a symbol of the school’s permanence.
Property along Sixth Street and Cascade Ave. is purchased and named Ramer Field to serve as the site of athletic activities.
North Hall is constructed as the second campus building. It’s now listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings.
While the physical expansion was crucial in solidifying the school’s presence, efforts to establish academic programs and standards were advancing. By 1911, a five-year course was introduced admitting students without high school diplomas. Various program offerings allowed students to earn certificates in primary school, grammar, high school, and agriculture. In 1925, the school transitioned to the collegiate level, introducing a four-year course for high school teachers and then allowing for the Board of Regents to grant degrees. As enrollment continued to grow, the teacher training wing was added to North Hall in 1927. That same year, in recognition of the academic program advancements, the school’s name changed to River Falls State Teachers College.
SThe first Homecoming is held on November 18 organized by graduates of the Class of 1917.
Before 1910, only a few student organizations existed, mainly literary societies and debate clubs. Other recreational activities, including athletics, were not encouraged beyond what was prescribed in the curriculum.
tudent-run publications including the student yearbook, Meletean, began in 1912. Its predecessor was the badger, which changed the name to Meletean using “Mele,” the Latin name for badger. In 1916, the Student Voice newspaper began and continues today as a monthly publication. It has received multiple national awards.
In 1912, organized athletics for boy’s football, and basketball were overseen by a faculty-led athletic council. By 1930, football and basketball together held 12 state championships. Other activities afforded to all students included field hockey, archery, tennis, kitten ball (softball), hiking, and skating.
1924
The River Falls Normal School celebrates its 50th anniversary with a semi-centennial patent.
1927
The Normal School begins revision of its curriculum to grant baccalaureate degrees and is renamed River Falls Teachers College. Student enrollment is 400.
Student-centered campuS
In Spring 1937, students gathered in the North Hall Auditorium to survey the student body’s interest in increased involvement in campus activity decision-making. On May 20, 1937, 398 students voted yes for a student government, with only five against. In its first year, the Student Senate established various committees to carry out work, including drawing up a social calendar, overseeing nominees for Homecoming queen, a student cheering association, and programs centered on introducing new students to campus.
The student body was also instrumental in establishing a mascot. On Oct. 16, 1931, the Student Voice declared that 433 out of 547 voted in favor of “The Falcons” submitted by Harry Roese. Other suggestions included The Red Arrows, The Red Aces, and The Red Stars. The meaning behind the falcon is that it “designates swiftness in flight, leadership, accuracy, fearlessness, feared by all others, intelligence, sportsmanship, nobleness, and strength.” The Falcon mascot costume has evolved a bit since its first conception. In 1968, the Student Senate Falcon or “S.S. Falcon” was purchased with funds approved by the Student Senate to incite more school spirit at athletic events. In 1986, a new caricature of “Freddie The Falcon” was created by Jim Krom, a senior art major, and purchased by the university. On Oct. 15, 1987, the Freddy costume we recognize today, was revealed.
The Falcon is officially adopted as the mascot on October 8 after an all-campus vote.
The academic strength of the Teachers College is cited as the institution is accredited for the first time through the North Central Association.
The Student Senate is chartered and its constitution adopted to represent student interests in campus activities.
On-campus housing was practically non-existent until the construction of Hathorn Hall in 1951. Before that, boarding houses and room rentals around town were the only means of lodging. On campus, there were the barracks, built during WWI, that later served as married student housing, and Hathorn Cottage, a converted farmhouse, served as the first student housing. Its initial structure would house 90 women and included an apartment for the house mother. The basement served as a lounge and recreation room, a first-floor lobby, and four date rooms. It was the first major building project in 25 years. In 1958, Stratton Hall, the first men’s dorm, opened.
In 1935, River Falls State Teachers College received accreditation by the North Central Association. A significant achievement in recognition of the standards, in comparison to the best colleges and universities in the county. In 1951, the college became Wisconsin State College-River Falls, a four-year degree-granting liberal arts college offering bachelor of arts or science degrees to students seeking further educational opportunities in fields other than teaching. It intended to give a broad liberal foundation for further specialization in either graduate work or further professional fields in medicine, law, dentistry, and others. In 1954, the Chalmer Davee Library was constructed to support the new and expanded areas of learning.
1951
The institution is renamed Wisconsin State College-River Falls as a reflection of postWorld War II student demands for degree programs in addition to education. Enrollment stands at 649.
1951
Hathorn Hall is constructed as the first campus residence hall, housing 96 women.
1959
Hagestad Student Center opens and is the hub of student life on campus.
The University Foundation is formed to accept gifts for the college.
growth and expanSion
Between 1960-90, campus would see unprecedented growth. As predicted, the student body would increase with the graduated high school population following the postwar baby boom. Enrollment numbers would surpass 2,000 in 1963, then double by 1969, reaching 5,000 in 1979, and growing to 5,500 in 1981. In addition to enrollment, over 20 new structures or major additions would be erected on the River Falls campus. In 1965, additional farmland one mile west of the city was acquired and named Mann Valley Farm.
In 1964, the college became Wisconsin State University-River Falls in recognition of the diversified curriculum offered. This triggered a reorganization within the entire structure. Departments became colleges, and new administrative positions were created to keep pace with expanding programs. A final change would occur in 1971, a merger of the Wisconsin State Colleges and University of Wisconsin System to a single entity, thus changing the name of the campus to University of Wisconsin–River Falls.
N1964
ew academic programs were introduced, such as journalism, horse science, physical education, aviation, and aeronautical science, to meet the growing demand in the curriculum. An Honors Program began for students to engage in more in-depth studies and additional assignments such as special sections, seminars, and projects. Graduate programs began in the 1960s, with a Master of Science or Art in Teaching. By 1989, five different degree offerings included special topics such as history and mathematics. Study abroad opportunities like the Quarter Abroad program (now Semester Abroad Europe) were also established. Other on-campus activities and events were created, some of which continue today, including the Falcon Frontier Rodeo.
The college is renamed and merged into a new system as the Wisconsin State University-River Falls. Enrollment is 2,592.
1966
An active student body is vocal on national and local affairs. Women’s curfew is abolished, and protests against the Vietnam War.
The Marching Band was reinstated and led by Larry Brentzel.
With the merger of the University of Wisconsin System and Wisconsin State Colleges System, the university is renamed University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Enrollment is 4,255.
This period was not without its challenges, however. The early 1970s saw a stalled state budget that included spending and hiring freezes, declining enrollment, and potential layoffs. There was even talk of cutting programs or even closing the campus altogether.
Campus beautification and restoration work began in 1962. The Student Foundation campaigned with the slogan “Booty for Beauty” to raise funds for a beautification and development project on the South Fork River. The program would also include a skating rink and an arboretum planned for an area of trees and shrubs. These were not only for the scenery but for use by biology courses, a park, picnic area and restoring the creek to a trout stream. Melvin Wall, a strong advocate for developing the area, conceived the idea for the outdoor theatre named for him.
UWRF celebrates its 100th anniversary, events are planned throughout the year and construction begins on the physical science building, to be named Centennial Science Hall.
The Observatory is completed. Over 700 students enrolled in astronomy and 1,000 visitors were drawn to campus.
New Structures or Major Additions
1960 Karges Physical Education Center; new college farm
1961 Prucha Residence Hall
1962 J.H. Ames Campus Laboratory School; East wing of Hathorn Hall
1963 May residence hall
1964 Central Heating Plant; Hagestad addition
1965 Johnson residence hall; McMillan residence hall; Grimm residence hall; Agricultural Science building
1967 Parker residence hall; Crabtree residence hall; Ramer Field moved
1968 Rodli Commons; Library addition
1971 Kleinpell Fine Arts
1972 Melvin Wall Amphitheatre
1973 Walter H. Hunt Ice Arena
1977 Centennial Science Hall
1987 Robert P. Knowles Physical Education and Recreation Center; Green House I addition
1988 Development of Intramural Fields
1989 Greenhouse II addition; Hagestad Student Center addition
The “Freddie The Falcon” caricature is purchased by the university, from Jim Krom, senior art student.
The men’s hockey team wins the WIAC Championship, NCAA Championships, the NCAA Division III Championship.
building our Future world together
FUostering a strong sense of community and belonging have long been a priority. From 1991 to 2012, a spring festival, Unity in the Community, celebrated diversity and highlighted how our differences can bring us together. Events included volunteer opportunities, lectures, and other community activities. In 2004, the campus community mourned the loss of beloved Chancellor Ann Lydecker, who died in a car accident. Nearly 2,000 people gathered for her on-campus memorial.
WRF continually strives to address local and global environmental challenges by taking an integrated approach to sustainability across campus. A visible commitment to energy efficiency is demonstrated by use of LED lighting, collection of rainwater, deployment of solar panels and other adherence to structural and design methods. In 2018, UWRF received a STARS® Gold in recognition of its sustainability achievements from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). This achievement highlights the commitment to sustainability through student experiences including student life, academic programs in sustainability education and a campus which is utilized as a living laboratory.
Kansas City
UWRF initiates its massive strategic planning process, “Reach for the Future.” This results in the creation of the School of Business and Economics, the merger and creation of the College of Education and Graduate Studies and the renaming of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences.
1999
A new Small and Family Business Development Center is launched to assist small businesses throughout the St. Croix River Valley.
The
Chiefs held their first summer training camp at UWRF. They went on to hold summer camps at UWRF for 19 years.
WSith many long-established programs on campus, efforts have further developed to ensure outstanding success for our students and community. In 1996, the School of Business was established and later became a college. In 2013, the program earned accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, a distinction given to fewer than five percent of business schools. UWRF launched its first doctoral program in 2022, offering a Doctor of Education in Montessori Studies degree. The university has also ranked first among the Universities of Wisconsin for the percentage of students studying abroad.
ciTech will be the latest addition to UWRF’s tradition of innovation and excellence, providing a space for immersive, high-impact learning experiences in sciences. The facility will also foster collaboration with regional businesses and meeting industry demands for talent in high-growth industries.
During the year, the university celebrates its 125th anniversary which culminates in a day-long ceremony in May that also includes the dedication of the new Walker D. Wyman Education Building.
Through an historic donation, an alum of UWRF ensures that generations of future students will have access to an education. A $1 million bequest - the largest gift in the 133-year history of UWRF - representing the estate of River Falls native Lucile Spriggs is dedicated exclusively to leadership scholarships.
The COVID-19 global pandemic led to suspension of classes in March 2020. The university continued with alternative modes of instruction and services through the end of spring semester.
Student t radition S
Just a few of the many traditions embraced by UWRF students over the years!
1913
The Stock Show at River Falls
The Stock Show started in 1913, ending in 1926. With about 300 total cattle, it is said that from 1920-25, the show was larger than some surrounding county fairs. After this point, there was a large decline in popularity due to the depression. In 1935, the sheds used to house the livestock shows were torn down and the materials used in a new project.
1916 The Student Voice
UWRF’s student newspaper began publication in 1916. In 1956, The Student Voice was cited as the first at the college to publish a color picture in a paper. The Student Voice continues to publish campus news and has won numerous awards over the years.
1917 Professor Jake’s Bean Soup
Professor Jake’s Bean soup is a featured Homecoming tradition at UWRF. The history of Jake’s Bean Soup can be traced back to 1917 when Professor Jake P. Jacobson, a physics professor who began teaching in 1915, started a “bean soup party.” The meal was free, with attendees bringing their own bowl and utensils. Jacobson retired in 1950 and after 1951, the annual tradition stopped, but the recipe lives on, engraved on the wooden paddle that was used by Thorvald Thoreson, a retired professor who continued the tradition after Jacobson retired.
1927 Winter Carnival
In 1927, the Girls Athletic Association hosted a winter festival, but it was not until 1938 that it became an annual tradition. The Winter Sports Coronation and Ball was given its own name – Winter Carnival - in 1942 and continued to be celebrated for many years. Every year, new traditions came into place as more activities, events and participants were added to the carnival, making it an event students looked forward to through the year.
1952 Dance Theatre Group
The Dance Theatre began in 1952 as a ballet group until it became a modern dance group the following year. Dance Theatre is still an active group today. Over the years, the Dance Theatre has been part of numerous events ranging from holiday concerts to competitions. This group has been a part in supporting on-campus events including the “Why go to College?” topic and being a contributor to the Fine Arts Festival. Apart from competing in the surrounding area, they also travel around the Midwest for competitions and events.
1955 The Falconettes
The Falconettes were an all-girl marching band in 1955, the only all girls marching band in the state. They made their own uniforms with help from moms and faculty spouses. They performed at a handful of Homecoming halftime shows.
1958 Fine Arts Festival
The Fine Arts Festival started in 1958 and continued until 1983, bringing art styles including music, dancing, painting, sculpture, and dramatics to campus. The festival was a large event for the community. It was a place to share interests, and culture, and to build relationships. There were contests for artists, opportunities for authors, artists, and poets to gain publicity, a place to sell their work, and more. The festival was also successful in bringing in shows from the area as well as from out of state. These shows ranged from the UWRF Dance Theatre group, composer and pianist Percy Grainger, a plethora of theatre groups, artist Mary Barrett, and more.
1964
Falcon Frontier Days Rodeo
The UWRF Rodeo began in 1964 by David Stafford who organized the UWRF Rodeo Club. In less than one year, the club accumulated 50 members and plans began for the first annual Falcon Frontier Days Rodeo. Every year since then, the Rodeo Club has put on a college rodeo on campus each fall. Read the history of the UWRF Rodeo.
1967 Commissioned Composer
The Commissioned Composer Program was created in 1967 by Conrad De Jong, a professor and composer. His goal was to keep up with contemporary trends in American music and to keep those trends in the repertoire of UW-River Falls music students. The Commissioned Composer Program is still an active event today.
1984 Chancellor’s Midnight Breakfast
First hosted by Chancellor George Field in 1984, the tradition is for university administrators to serve a hot all-you-care-to-eat breakfast to students one evening during Finals Week. Now in its 40th year, the late-night breakfast is a simple way to express support of students by giving then a break during the stresses of final exams.
2006 Dairy Club
The UWRF Dairy Club is the largest dairy club in the nation, dating back to at least 2006. The club competes and takes part in many events, often placing well. Examples include taking top honors in the quiz bowl at the Regional Dairy Science Conference in 2014. In 2018, they were awarded a handful of individual and team awards. In 2020, at the Midwest Regional ADSA-SAD (American Dairy Science Association-Student Affiliate Division) the UWRF Dairy Club took home plenty of awards between team spirit and quiz bowl awards.
