SDSU Celebrates 125 Years Beginning in University Heights: 1921 to 1931
Founded in 1897, San Diego State University (SDSU) is celebrating 125 years of history this year. After California Governor James Budd signed legislation on March 13, 1897 creating the State Normal School of San Diego, the Board of Trustees established its first campus in University Heights in 1898.
SDSU began as a training facility in 1898 for elementary school teachers at the San Diego Normal School in University Heights. It became San Diego State Teachers College in 1921 and in 1931, the college moved to Montezuma Mesa where it eventually was named San Diego State University.
Normal School Becomes San Diego State Teachers College
San Diego Normal School, 1927. Courtesy of San Diego History Center.
In 1921, the Normal School became San Diego State Teachers College, a four-year public institution controlled by the State Board of Education. In that same year, the two-year San Diego Junior College, forerunner of today’s local community colleges, became a branch of San Diego State, creating a union that lasted until 1947.
Changing School Colors
San Diego State's color scheme was especially dynamic during the 1920s, ranging from the original white and gold in 1920, white, gold, and blue in 1921 (to incorporate the blue of the junior college that had just been absorbed), purple and gold in 1922-28 (exhibited in the school track uniform on the mannequin), to crimson (red) and black in 1929.
San Diego State Teachers College alma mater "Crimson and Black"
Alma Mater, thy sons stand before thee; We pour forth our hearts in songs of praise; For at they feet, fair San Diego; We have listened and learned through the days; We who stand before thee, Alma Mater; Chanting lift our voices to the light; Though wild the way, the cliff impending; Triumphant we sing begirt with might; Ungreaved, nor helmeted for battle; We fear neither foe nor fierce attack; Our lances are couchant; While above sweep the Crimson and Black; Though we may fare unto far places; Thy Crimson and thy Black will always shine; To guide our footsteps ever onward; Alma Mater, we are always thine.
Growth Facilitates Campaign for New Campus
San Diego State Teachers College, circa 1930. Courtesy of San Diego History Center.
By the 1920s, the school was already beginning to outgrow its University Heights location. College President Edward Hardy led numerous campaigns for a new campus, enduring ballot-box defeat, political subterfuge, and rampant boosterism--to facilitate the acquisition of the college's new home at Montezuma Mesa (then known as Mission Palisades) by the end of the decade.
“The Louisiana Purchase was nothing,” Hardy said years later, “compared to the selection of a site for the new college,” in describing the land deals offered by promoters of several alternatives being considered.
Ground was broken on October 7, 1929 and San Diego State moved onto its new 125-acre campus in September, 1930, despite the fact that there was no money left for landscaping. Classes began in February of 1931 on the newly completed Montezuma Mesa.
Hardy Retires in 1935
President Hardy retired in June of 1935. In September of 1935, San Diego State Teachers College became San Diego State College. In addition to the name change, the California legislature encouraged colleges to add liberal arts classes to their curricula.
For our entire blog series about the 125th anniversary of San Diego State University beginning at the Normal Street site, click below: