Once Essential Sites Have Been Replaced
With the college now a university, Patterson on January 15, 1910 resigned his position to become President Emeritus of the University. Patterson's successor was chosen from one the board of trustees, Henry Stites Barker, chief justice of the Kentucky Court of Appeals. Barker brought to the University a relaxed atmosphere unknown under Patterson. The enrollment and financial support grew, a graduate school was established, and the agriculture department was expanded. The name of the institution was again changed, this time to the University of Kentucky (in 1916). In 1917, the trustees accepted a recommendation by a survey commission that Barker be retired, and he resigned immediately.
Frank L. McVey's position was made somewhat difficult by the strain of World War I, in progress when he came to UK in 1917. There was a threatened passage of an anti-evolution law, which could have impaired freedom to teach, and the war had brought on the great depression. Although McVey was faced by these problems, the University saw great progress. The value of the property of the campus increased from $1,750,000 in 1917 to $4,000,000 in 1931. Three boys' dorms and one women's dormitory were erected during his administration, and McVey Hall was opened in February, 1929, made possible by the economic ability of the president through the saving of University funds.
"Mr. Basketball", Adolph Rupp, lays the cornerstone for Memorial Coliseum in February, 1949. Next to him is President H. L. Donovan.
At the century's turn a boating date is enjoyed by a UK couple on the site of the present Student Center.
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