1950-1959

1950

After 21 years leading NMC, Dr. G.H. Vande Bogart retires and Dr. E.A. Morgan steps in as president in an interim capacity.

1951

Original NMC symbol

The college symbol is designed by Mrs. L.O. Brockmann, wife of the new NMC President. The lines in the center represent the Aurora Borealis and the three vertical lines symbolize the three major curricular functions of the college: liberal arts, teacher training, and vocational and technical studies.

A small one-story building with multiple overhead doors is constructed. It was intended for use as vehicle storage, but due to the delays on the Cowan Hall construction it is pressed into service for classrooms. It is currently known as the Automotive Diagnostic Laboratory.

1953

Cowan Hall is dedicated but is incomplete except for the ground level and main floor. This building is named after former Senator William T. Cowan of Box Elder who was a strong advocate and devoted worker for the college throughout its history.

The Automotive Mechanics building is completed.

Street lights and sidewalks are added and some leveling and smoothing of the hills around East Hall and Pershing Hall is done. Paved roads were expanded.

The first yearbook (annual) is published at a cost of $3 ($1.50 down and $1.50 on delivery).

1954

NMC is authorized to offer the four-year Bachelor of Science degree in elementary teacher education.

1955

In early 1955, a gift to NMC by Mrs. George J. Bonine makes possible a later purchase of almost 29 acres of land along the eastern edge of the existing campus.

In October, Mrs. F.A. Buttrey donates 15.8 acres of land on the west edge of campus in memory of her husband.

On November 1st, ground breaking ceremonies mark the beginning of construction of the Armory Gymnasium. This building is to be jointly financed and used by the college and the National Guard. During construction wind catches one of the newly installed arches, tilting it into two others and topples the entire structural skeleton.

1956

Armory Gymnasium

The city of Havre donates .2 acres of land close to the northeast entrance of the campus bringing the total campus acreage to nearly 105 acres.

The Armory Gymnasium is completed and the entry hall and lobby are added.

The Havre Kiwanis Club plants the shelter belt along the western and southern perimeter of campus.

1957

The student body donates a sound system to the gym.

Morgan Hall

Male students move into the newly constructed men’s residence hall located just north of the original men's dorm. Named Morgan Hall in honor of longtime faculty member and interim President of the College in 1953, Dr. Ellsworth A. Morgan.

1958

Two more arches are added to the gym, creating an additional 40 feet. Seating capacity is increased to about 2500; wrestling room and offices are added.

A south wing is added to Morgan Hall.

The dining area in Donaldson Hall is closed and all campus residents are served meals from the new food service facility in Morgan Hall.

Plans are drawn for a new Student Union Building. The entire cost will be borne by students through increased fees authorized by the students.

The enlarged version of the college symbol is welded by Con Elnes of the Vo Tech division in 1958 and is mounted on the curved brick wall planter at the then north entrance of the campus.