1990s Image Gallery

The MSU Regional Science Center drew thousands of public school students to the site for prairie and ecology studies, becoming a prime educational opportunity -- and a recruiting magnet.	1991, MSU hosted a first-ever, one week educational conference on "Hispanic Cultures in the Red River Valley," attended by teachers of some seven school districts.	Record enrollments in the early 1990s challenged students to creatively fill and decorate dorm rooms.
Due to explosive growth in the late 80s, MSU revenue rose by some $10 million between 1988 and 1990. Student Affairs developed a detail plan to expand student services, with a remodeled Union and dorms, new activities, expanded service hours and entertainments.  Much of the plan was carried out before enrollment began to decline sharply in 1992.	Roland Dille carries off the Crystal Bowl, after the 1991 victory over Concordia.	Declining enrollment, matched with ever-rising costs, had students and faculty fearing for their futures.
	Anthropology professor Michael Michlovic demonstrated that the Red River Valley had a rich pre-settlement history, creating a new academic program in the process.	MSU students get their hands dirty at one of Michlovic's field excavations.
Tuition was not the only skyrocketing cost (Advocate cartoon, September, 1991).	Acquired in the expansion purchases, this home on 11th Street was remodeled and reopened as "Centennial House," setting used by the Alumni Association and the Hospitality Services Program.	Job uncertainty encouraged students to wait longer before selecting a major.  This 1992 photograph of the procession to Convocation was taken by MSU student Dawn J. Hyatt.
Originally a part of the Weld Hall auditorium, the stained glass memorial for World War I veterans was moved from storage in the 1990s and installed in the library.	In Fall 1993, the campus contemplated the impending retirement of Roland Dille.  After 26 years of Dille's presidency, who would take the reins?	Women's volleyball, mid-1990s.  (Click photo to view Volleyball program from 1994, when MSU women won the regional championship.)
Built in 1950, Ballard Hall required extensive remodeling in the 1990s to provide the modern amenities of cable television and internet access.	Heritage Dancers.	"Good News," a Straw Hat Players production in 1993.
Popular professor Carol Gaede (Speech and Theater) was sorely missed by students when she passed away after a long illness in 1994.  "Her zeal and energy inspired us all to do better," said one alumnus.	EuroSpring -- the university's study abroad program.	A standard offering in the Series for the Performing Arts, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet visited twice in the 1990s, but the booking cost was becoming a challenge.
Following an intensive search, the Presidential search committee selected Roland Barden, MSU's Vice-President of Academic Affairs, to succeed Roland Dille as president in 1994.	MSU football coach since 1969, and athletic director for 20 years, Ross Fortier retired in 1994.	Major changes in sports at MSU began in 1993-94 with the appointment of Katy Wilson as athletic director and the shuffling of funds to enhance women's sports.
MSU football fans, mid-1990s.	May 1993 was the last commencement conducted by Roland Dille as MSU President.	Inauguration of Roland Barden as MSU's 9th president.
Autumn, 1997.		The conversion of MSU classes from a quarter system to semesters would rest on the decisions of a committee guided by Bette Midgarden, former math professor and now the new Vice-President of Academic Affairs.
	The MSU "lawn chair lectures" series at the Science Center were popular.  Here, Professor Richard Pemble explains the prairie grass ecology that still exists along the Buffalo River.	Continual campus remodeling and repairs kept MSU staff workers busy through the decade.
Winter, 1998.	Computers -- the new 'best friend' of the 90s student -- required remodeling of classrooms and campus buildings.	Moving from Dean of Business to Vice-President of Academic Affairs, David Crockett (yes, a relative of the original) supervised construction of the Center for the Arts.
1997 Opening Academic Convocation.	Graduates, MSU High School (closed in 1971), at a 1990s reunion.	Heavy snow and sudden thaw led to massive flooding in 1997. Students and employees, making sandbags on campus and packing them along the Red River, helped save Fargo-Moorhead.
Murray Hall, the site of the growing New Center program.	MSU wrestling, Nemzek Field House.	From mat to state house: students contributed to the surprise election of Jesse (The Body) Ventura as Minnesota Governor in 1998.
Tom Tammaro taught writing in the New Center program before transferring to the English Department.	The first Student Academic Conference, 1999.	All buildings sink over time, but Neumaier Hall (above) was sinking unevenly, placing strain on windows and the foundation.  In 1999, the building was imploded (see file clip with media player).
Work at off-campus jobs inhibited sorority and fraternity activities, but reunions continued as always.	Scorch addresses crowd at MSU Homecoming.	Students peruse paintings at the Art Gallery, the Center for the Arts.
	Andrew Conteh (center), the recipient of the Case Teacher of the Year award, 1999.	Proposals to re-brand MSU's name at the end of the 1990s became fodder for jokes and cartoons.