Friday, March 6, 2026
The CSC Eagle Newspaper – Chadron, NE
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The CSC Eagle Newspaper – Chadron, NE
Editorial

CSC has seen many amazing events, people

Eagle Staff

It is not often that an individual can be present to participate in centennial celebrations of any kind.

While we do have smaller anniversaries, they are usually more somber ones like 9/11 or less personal kinds like Google’s 13th birthday.

Fortunately the celebration of the 100 year anniversary of the founding of Chadron State College is a great opportunity to show spirit of our humble institution.

The fact that this is a local endeavor and not a far away milestone makes it all the more personal.

We have much to celebrate this year. We have a college that, despite its size and location, offers plenty to students in academic, athletic, and social opportunities. Such opportunities used to be far fewer in number in 1911, back when there were only two buildings and no nice gardens or grass.

Starting with the early college presidents, Joseph Sparks (1911-1916), Robert I. Elliot (1916-1940), and Wiley G. Brooks (1941-1954), the college grew in size and status and drew an almost ever-growing student body and enrollment. Even during the Great Depression, enrollment was secure and construction of new buildings and facilities continued.

During the past 100 years, the college has enrolled a fair number of famous and important people, such as Nobel Prize-winning physicist and Manhattan Project worker, Val Logsdon Fitch (at CSC until he was drafted in 1943). Other notables include NFL football player Danny Woodhead and Togiola Tulafono, Governor of American Samoa.

Also during the past century the college as escaped sure destruction. The July 2006 Spotted Tail wildfire, sparked by a lightening strike  and fueled by dry grass and trees in Chadron State Park, came dangerously close to engulfing the campus. So close was the fire that C-hill was scorched, but the college survived and stands intacts today.

So while you are participating in the dress themes, winning prizes, watching the games, and enjoying the fireworks, just remember how far this college has come from its humble origins.

Happy 100th Birthday CSC!