Moving History Forward: NIJC experienced growth, stability
North Idaho Junior College main buildings in 1964 with Kildow Hall on left, Lee Hall in the middle and Christenson Gym on right.
NIJC Auto Shop building completed in 1962. An auto-body and fender repair course was offered for the first time in 1963.
A 1966 photo of the NIJC Administration Building, center, with windows. Kildow Library with brick and ivy on left. Planting ivy to grow on Lee Hall was done by the 1950 faculty and intended to be a lasting legacy. It reportedly came from their alma maters (The Gathering Place, p. 52).
Editor's note: Originally published in the Kootenai Chronicles, Coeur d’Alene Press, Aug. 14, 2000.
The 1960s was a period of growth and stability for North Idaho Junior College in the areas of enrollment, facilities, programs and competition.
The college enrollment was 463 in 1960. By the end of the decade the enrollment increased to 1,115. The faculty more than doubled from 26 to 54. The college budget went from $375,000 to over $1 million. Tuition went from $60 per semester to $110 for district residents.
Several new buildings were added to the NIJC campus during the 1960s. In the fall of 1961, a 6,136-square-foot student union was completed. The new building was dedicated to Ann B. Edminster, an active member of the board of trustees since 1939. A library/classroom wing, an industrial arts building and a new auto mechanics building was completed in 1962. The library was named in honor of G.O. Kildow. In 1963, NIJC's first student dormitory was added to the campus. The two-story building was designed to house 100 students, 50 men and 50 women.
In the fall of 1965, a 7,557-square-foot addition to the Edminster Student Union was completed. The new addition increased the dining accommodations and had a new bookstore, game room and lounge.
During the 1960s, several new courses and vocational programs were added to the curriculum. An auto body and fender repair course was offered for the first time in 1963. Other additions included a two-year technical drafting and design program, a machine shop course, a forestry technology course and a distributive education program.
NIJC also developed a strong music, debate and basketball program during the 1960s. The band program, under the direction of Jim Burns, and the vocal program under the leadership of Louis Kelly, became very active in the area. The A Cappella Choir and Cardinal Chorale gave concerts throughout the Northwest.
Under the direction of Richard Hyneman, the debate team became one of the top collegiate teams in the Northwest. Coach Rolly Williams and the NIJC Cardinals had several outstanding seasons during the 1960s. In the 1965-66 season they posted a record of 26 wins, 1 loss and 1 tie. The Cardinals won the district title and participated in the national tourney.
All of this was done under direction of three different presidents: G.O. Kildow, who began his tenure as president in 1944, served until his death in 1962; Perry A. Christianson became the next president and served until his retirement in 1968; and Barry G. Schuler was appointed president in 1968 and continued to serve for the next 19 years.
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The Museum of North Idaho has reopened for the season. Hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The newest exhibition “Gadgets Galore! Transforming the American Household” is on display for a short time only. Come see it before it’s gone on May 22.
