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From the January/February 1991 edition of The Penn Stater...
Schwab Auditorium is no ordinary landmark. Guarding the mall on the University Park Campus since 1903, it symbolizes the role that philanthropy has played in shaping a public institution. Made possible by a $150,000 gift from steel magnate Charles M. Schwab, who also served as a Penn State trustee, the building was opened at a time when state appropriations were meager, enrollments were soaring, and the physical plant was grossly inadequate. President George Atherton saw the structure as evidence that Penn State had finally won legitimacy as an institution of higher learning. "The building from the first stirred the soul of Dr. Atherton as nothing else had done during his administration," wrote his friend, Fred Lewis Pattee.More Historical Markers have been erected since the publication of this article- a total of 48 unique markers at University Park (Old Main has two identical markers- one in front and one in the back). We have done our best to provide you with an online guide to all of these markers at University Park. You can choose between the Standard (a frames-capable browser is required) and interactive Java-enabled Guides and the Index of Markers. The Java-enabled tour and Index of Markers may take a little time to load, so please be patient.To call attention to the historical importance of Schwab Auditorium and other University landmarks, and to events and people- including President Atherton and Professor Pattee- the Office of University Relations has begun installing a series of commemorative markers. An initial group of eleven was in place by the end of the summer [of 1990] and attracted a lot of attention from students, faculty and visitors.
"As far as I know, we're the first university to implement a series of historical markers on a systematic basis," explains Roger L. Williams '73, [then] assistant vice president and executive director of University relations. "We want to show that Penn State has a rich heritage and that it's hardly a newcomer to academic greatness."
The Penn State Alumni Association is providing financial support for the project. By last November [1990], nine more markers were erected at University Park and one at the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. More are planned over the next several years.
Williams points to a growing popular interest in the University's past. Recent years have witnesses a steady flow of graduate theses and other printed materials, for example, that have examined various aspects of Penn State's development. Slide shows and other audiovisual presentations on such topics as student life also have been greeted warmly. More than 4,000 persons visit Pattee Library's Penn State Room each year, making it one of the busiest university archives in the nation.
"Aside from identifying campus landmarks, the historical markers showcase some of the profound scientific and intellectual achievements of our time," Williams declares. "Penn State has been a major contributor to the march of progress. And if you think the first 135 years were impressive, just hold onto your hat!"
-by Michael Bezilla