Aztec Timeline: A Chronology of All Things San Diego State > 1890

1895

Mrs. O.J. Stough pledges land and buildings to the State of California for a new school of higher education at Pacific Beach.  Legislators introduce and pass a state bill in support of this venture, but Governor Budd vetoes it.

1897

The State Normal School of San Diego--the precursor to San Diego State College and University--is founded when Governor Budd signs a bill appropriating $50,000 for the institution.  The following day, the San Diego Union proclaims, “Normal School is For Sure:… There was universal rejoicing over the news.” (March 13, 1897)

1898

Rowing becomes the institution’s first major sport as San Diego Normal School establishes six rowing crews, five female and one male.

The first classes of the San Diego Normal School meet in temporary downtown quarters while the future campus is under construction at Park and El Cajon Boulevards. (November 1, 1898)

1899

San Diego Normal School offers its first classes at the main campus in University Heights.