Looking back at the last 50 years
Kelly Glueck
-Managing Editor-
Take a stroll by Communications South and try not to trip over the three-foot brick pedestal reading “Collegium St. Joseph.” This is the cornerstone that marked St. Joseph College, the Redemptionist Seminary which educated and ordained priests and brothers from 1889 to 1958.
The land’s rich history in education made it an ideal location for Dr. Joseph Cosand’s vision for Missouri higher education. Cosand’s vision became reality when Missouri taxpayers voted on a $47.2 million bond which was used to aid the construction of the buildings used today; this was the largest bond awarded in Missouri history at that time.
Meramec established its reputation by earning accreditation faster than any other school in the North Central Association of College and Schools. In its first three years, enrollment grew ten-fold to 8,200 registered students and was featured on the Today Show in 1966.
In the hay days of Meramec there were scholarship carnivals with rides and floats, cheerleaders and even a nationally recognized Horse Management course. The campus had also hosted a slue of big name entertainment featuring Arthur B. Clarke, inventor of the communications satellite and co-author of the award-winning sci-fi novel and motion picture “2001: A Space Odessey” and musical acts such as The Grateful Dead; John Denver and The Carpenters sold out the “Field House” or as students know it now, the gym. There were also comedy acts on Wednesdays. Guests included comedians Graham Chapman of Monty Python, Jeff Dunham and Dave Chappelle.
This year, the district will be celebrating 50 years by recognizing past and present students and their achievements. Stay tuned to http://meramecmontage.com for a complete list of events throughout the year.
1961: Legislation passed to permit creation of statewide Junior College Districts.
1962: Meramec’s first students took their first courses at McCluer and Roosevelt high schools. The first class of 44 graduated in 1965.
1963: The first Board of Trustees approved the construction, location and names of the three STLCC campus to be razed –Meramec, Florrisant Valley and Forest Park.
1964: On Jan. 3, the first Meramec classes were in session for 555 registered students. The four buildings that acted as the temporary campus offered 49 day courses and 21 evening courses.
1965: A $47.2 million bond issue approved by Mo. taxpayers. At the time, this was the largest bond in junior college history.
Higher Education Act permitted Meramec to give out loans and scholarships. In order to raise such funds, the school held its First Annual Scholarship Carnival, which had a decade-long run for it’s money. Over $2000 in scholarship funds were produced annually.Scholarships were also awarded through fraternities, such as Phi Theta Kappa.
1966: Junior College District obtained accreditation faster than any other junior college in the history of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
1967: Board of Trustees passed legislation permitting armed security.
The nationally recognized Horse Management course began, lassoing students from California, New Mexico, Maine and the Carolinas. (graphic?)
1968: The first smoking provisions were taken. Students could smoke anywhere with the exception of bathrooms, classrooms, and carpeted areas.
1969: Meramec’s first president, Glynn E. Clark, Ph.D., wins the 26th Annual Council of North Central Junior Colleges’ Leadership Award. In the preceding year, Clark served as the Vice President of the Council and brought the 1968 Conference to St. Louis.
1970: Many campus trees were removed to create more parking availability for student/faculty. Part of the reason the 79-acre lot became Meramec rather than a subdivision was because Meramec vowed to leave the majority of the original foliage. Meramec carefully chose the parking lot’s placement in accordance to Horticulture Club’s report of unhealthy trees. Many of the healthy trees were replanted around campus.
“The Junior College District of St. Louis and St. Louis County is considered nationally to be one of the finest, perhaps the finest, such institution in the US.” Joseph P. Cosand, Ph.D, President of the Junior College District said.
1971: The four buildings that served as Meramec’s temporary campus were replaced with 250 parking spaces. There was a total of 425 spots added.
The first major budget cut took away half of student control over activities and events; however, it did provide travel to clubs, organizations and athletics.
Meramec’s nationally recognized Child Care Program opened it’s doors. Child care was available at a rate of 65 cents an hour. The latest Child Care Center, built in 1994 was closed in 2010 after a series of relocations and budget cuts.
1972: All buildings had been razed. Meramec’s proposed “permanent campus” was now completed. Social Sciences and Humanites East were to be added at later dates.
1975: 70 career programs were now available to students.
1978: For the first time in 15 year history of Junior College District, faculty staged a one-day strike, protesting the proposed 34 full-time faculty lay-offs.
1979: Computer registration takes STLCC registration from hours to minutes.
Golf, Track and Cross Country were cut from MCC athletic programs.
1982: International Club began representing MCC students from Korea, Vietnam, France, Germany, Thailand, France, Mexico, Venezuela, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Lebanon and China.
1985: The Board of Trustees made Physical Education a STLCC graduation requirement regardless of age or disability.
Assessment tests were introduced to insure student’s success in college level courses.
1988: Missouri Public Interest Group (MoPIRG) established a Meramec chapter after 4000 students signed a petition in support of the group. This was the first time the entire student body was asked to vote on a ballot issue.
1990: Meramec was named on of 11 Beacon Colleges nationwide by the American Association of Comunnity and Junior Colleges and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.
1997: Missouri’s A+ program is established; thus, allowing students from designated schools to have their school and books paid for by the state.
2000: The Meramec Warriors become the Meramec Magic. The Magic reigned for 11 years until 2011, when all STLCC sports were consolidated under the name “The Archers”
2010: STLCC became the first Missouri community college to join Achieving the Dream.
