- - History

Education for Character since 1866

View our timeline of the last 156 years

1866

Chili Seminary

Established by Benjamin T. Roberts & opened in 1869

1885

Chesbro Seminary

The school was renamed A.M. Chesbrough Seminary

1893

B.T. Roberts Memorial Hall

Named in honor of B.T. Roberts and currently the home of Northeastern Seminary.

1893

Cox Hall

Named in honor of businessman Edward Cox. First public event held in Cox Hall was the funeral of B.T. Roberts in February 1893.

1921

President George W. Garlock

Served as President of Roberts & Seminary from 1921-1930

1926

The Arch

is gifted by the class of 1926

1933

President Merlin G. Smith

Served as President of Roberts & Seminary from 1933-1957

1935

Carpenter Hall

Named in honor of Adella P. Carpenter. A four story, 36,000 square foot building built in 1935 and updated in every way, now with geothermal energy system

1945

Roberts Junior College

The school was renamed Roberts Junior College

1949

Roberts Wesleyan College

A charter is obtained to provide a four-year curriculum and another name change to Roberts Wesleyan College

1962

DeBarr Residence

Named in honor of Anna & Duran DeBarr (Uncle Buck), Dir. Of Campus Services, bookstore, and College bus driver, 1971-1992.

1962

Mohnkern Residence

Named in honor of Donald Mohnkern, Registrar 1960-1992.

1962

Morrow Residence

Named in honor of Jean & Dave Morrow, Dir. Of Admissions & Dean of Students 1967-1982

1962

Sittig Residence

Named in honor of William Sittig, Chairman of Board of Trustees, and Ruth McIntyre Sittig, professor 1949-1983

1962

Whittingham Residence

Named in honor of Dorothy Whittingham, chair of Nursing Division, professor 1954-1986

1964

Hasting Center for Academics

Named in honor of Bob & Mary Hastings, friends of the college.

1964

Anderson Residence

Named in honor of Harry F. Anderson, professor and beloved coach, 1933-1976

1964

Magill Residence

Named in honor of Stanley R. Magill, professor 1947-1985.

1964

O'Brien Residence

Named in honor of John D. O'Brien, faculty 1931-1969

1964

Updyke Residence

Named in honor of Howard E. and Cora Updyke, literature professors, Academic Dean 1934-1969

1965

Presidents's Home

Current home built in 1965 under President Ellwood(Woody) & Beth Voller.

1965

Beeson Hall Residence

Named in honor of Lillian & J. Eslie Beeson, professor 1926-1967

1968

Miner Hall

Named in honor Burdette N. Miner, Chairman of Board of Trustees 1930's.

1968

Garlock Commons

Named in honor of President George W. Garlock. The Ellen Stowe Roberts dining room, named to honor the wife of B.T. Roberts is located within the commons.

1968

Smith Science Center

Named in honor of President Merlin G. Smith

1981

President William C. Crothers

Served as President of Roberts & Seminary from 1981-2002

1987

Voller Athletic Center

Named in honor of Ellwood A. Voller, President 1957-1968

1989

Dr. William Franklin "Billy" Graham, Jr.

Honorary Alumus

1990

U.S. Ambassador Kirk Wagar '90

United States Ambassador to Singapore

1992

Master's of Education degree

Master's level programs introduced, starting with Med

1996

Howard Stowe Roberts Cultural Life Center

Named in honor of Howard S. Roberts, great-grandson of B.T. & Ellen Roberts; decorated naval officer.

1996

Adams Residence

Named in honor of Jean & Paul L. Adams, President 1974-1981

1996

Dailey Residence

Named in honor of Florence & Alton Dailey, alumni Class of '23, business manager, trustee, and benefactors

1998

Northeastern Seminary

NES is chartered to provide theological education at Roberts Wesleyan College

2000

SIFE

Roberts Wesleyan College chapter of Students in Free Enterprise was formed

2001

September 11

Roberts responds to September 11 inside and outside classrooms to issue disaster relief

2001

Rinker Community Service Center

Named in honor of David & Leighan Roberts Rinker, a 5th generation decendent granddaughter of B.T. & Ellen Stowe Roberts; both trustees of the college.