PORTLAND, Ore – Oregon State University is commemorating its 150th anniversary with an exhibit at the Oregon Historical Society that shares the history of the university through 150 stories.

“Oregon State University: A Legacy of Transformation” runs from Feb. 10 to Sept. 9 at the Oregon Historical Society, 1200 SW Park Ave., Portland.

The exhibit is nearly 3,000 square feet and has many unique features, including:

  • An interactive digital 5 foot by 3 foot table that tells 150 OSU stories;
  • The school bell from Corvallis College, Oregon State University’s original name;
  • A digital interactive whale activity designed to give attendees a sense of how whales feed; and
  • A re-creation of OSU’s Memorial Union, including an interactive coffee table that plays the sounds of Oregon State from the alma mater to the OSU fight song.

The exhibit also tells the story of some of Oregon State’s talented graduates. These include Dick Fosbury (’72), whose back-first high jump technique — the Fosbury Flop — revolutionized the sport and won him a gold medal at the 1968 Olympics.

Other stories include: Douglas Engelbart (’48); who invented the computer mouse; award-winning animator Harley Jessup (’76), who brought characters to life in Monsters Inc., Ratatouille, and other movies; and Bernie Newcomb (’65), who cofounded E*Trade, one of the first internet stock-trading companies.

“This exhibit shows how Oregon State University has transformed the community, the state, the nation and the world,” said Steve Clark, Oregon State’s vice president of university relations and marketing. “We hope to inform and engage visitors and also surprise them with many things they may not already know about OSU.”

"Visitors will likely see familiar things, but also be surprised by many things.”

Kerry Tymchuk, executive director of the Oregon Historical Society, said he is delighted to host an exhibit that will shine the spotlight on the rich history of Oregon’s first public institution of higher education.

“Whether you are a proud member of ‘Beaver Nation,’ or someone who is unfamiliar with OSU, I am confident that you will leave the exhibit with a deep appreciation for the vital role that the university and its graduates have played in the history and culture of our state and nation,” Tymchuk said.

In conjunction with the exhibit, Oregon State will hold a series of events at the museum, including a book talk by William G. Robbins, an emeritus distinguished professor of history, who wrote “The People’s School: A History of Oregon State University.” The talk, which is free and open to the public, is from 7 to 8:30 p.m. March 1.

The exhibit is just one part of the Oregon State’s commemoration of its 150th anniversary. This month, from Feb. 12 to 24, the OSU150 Sea Grant Festival is happening. The celebration will continue with a Sun Grant Festival in April and a Land Grant Festival in October.

The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays.

OSU150

About OSU150: Since 1868, Oregon State University has brought people together to learn, explore and solve the most pressing challenges facing our state, the nation and the world. OSU is transforming the land grant mission for 21st century universities, enriching lives and leading innovation to create a more prosperous, healthy, sustainable and just future for all. Learn more at oregonstate.edu/150

Story By: 

Sean Nealon, 541-737-0787, [email protected]

Source: 

Steve Clark, 541-737-3808, [email protected]

 

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