1970: Campus Fire Creates Setback, But Ultimately Opportunity

A fire in January 1970 destroyed much of the main building on campus, including the Marion Hutchins library, gymnasium-auditorium, cafeteria, and numerous classrooms. Determined to build back even stronger, a capital fund drive was immediately organized by the board chairman at the time, G. Whitney Snyder. As a result, the main building was reconstructed—replicating the original exterior but dramatically enhancing the interior. Then, a number of other projects followed, including the Rea Auditorium, the Campbell Art Gallery, the Snyder Gymnasium, and a fine and performing arts center.