Susquehanna University - 1895 to 1939

Hassinger Memorial Hall was built in 1922 as a men's dormitory. Its name recognizes the contribution of Martin Hassinger, a Board member from Middleburg, PA, and subsequent contributions from his family after his death. In the background of the photo is the Warner Athletic field and the Power Plant.

Kappa Delta Pi was established in 1916. This photograph of the sorority is from the 1919 Lanthorn. In 1950, Kappa Delta Pi joined Kappa Delta.

The Ladies' Choral Club was started in 1921 under the direction of Miss Wentzel. It was organized to promote music appreciation and education.

As the University developed, new student organizations were often formed. One such organization was the Ladies String Instrument Club as shown in the 1905 Lanthorn.

May Day festivities featured dancing, singing, pageants, and crowning of the Queen. This photo shows May Queen Mary LaHaza in 1933.

Josephine Pifer was chosen as May Queen in 1934.

The first recorded SU basketball game was in 1900.The first basketball team was formed in 1902.The earlier games were played on a stage at Town Hall. After the Alumni Gymnasium was built in 1903, the games were held there. This photo of the team was taken in the Alumni Gymnasium in 1905.

Susquehanna University Men's Track Team was started in the Spring of 1901. The first coach was J.S. Blank. The team's first "contest" was held at the campus athletic field on June 19, 1901. Its first intercollegiate track meet was held May 30, 1902. Some of the events at the first track event were the 100 yard dash, long and high jump, pole vault and shot put.

The sundial on Seibert's front lawn was placed there to celebrate the School's fiftieth anniversary.

The groundbreaking for Seibert Memorial Hall was held on September 25, 1901. The Hall was named for Samuel Seibert of Hagerstown, Maryland. The student newspaper reported that all of the school's coeds participated in turning soil at the groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate that the building would serve as the women's dormitory. Seibert Hall also held social parlors, an art room, and a recital hall. The Hall was equipped for electricity which was turned on in 1907 when the town's electrical plant began to operate. The tennis courts in front of Seibert's lawn were built in 1904.

Frederick Stevens started the a capella Motet Choir with eight singers in 1933. By 1936, the Choir had 40 singers with a few adults supplementing the student membership. The Choir brought excellent publicity to the University for the high quality of its singing. The Motet Choir had an ambitious tour schedule, but the tour's cost exceeded its revenues. Partially due to high cost, the Motet Choir was discontinued in 1940. Pictured is a photo of the Motet Choir leaving for a tour. Also, pictured from left to right are Fred Stevens, Motet Choir Conductor, his wife Sara, and the Motet Choir Manger Paul Overbo.

Pictured is a photo of the 1935 Motet Choir. The original group of 8 members in 1933 grew to 40 during the peak period of the Club's existence. This photo features 27 members.