The State Legislature approved a new chemistry building for the campus in 1961 and construction began in 1963. The building was constructed north of Ladd Hall at the cost of $1 million ($700,000 from the State and $268,000 from two federal grants). The new chemistry building was a welcomed addition to the Chemistry Department since it ranked only behind the Universities of Texas and California in graduating students with a Master of Science degree in chemistry. The building was also welcomed because it would provide additional space for students pursuing their Ph. D.--offered at NDSU since 1959 (Fargo Forum, July 8, 1963). The building was completed in the summer of 1964 and provided the Chemistry Department with an additional 38,000 square feet. The building was dedicated as Dunbar Laboratories on May 28, 1965 in honor of Ralph E. Dunbar, Dean of Chemistry from 1943 to 1960.
Dunbar was born on August 22, 1895 on a farm near Platte, South Dakota. He graduated from Dakota Wesleyan University in 1921. Upon graduation, Dunbar served as a chemistry teacher and principal at Britton, South Dakota. In 1925, he returned to Dakota Wesleyan to serve as chair of the chemistry department. Dunbar remained in this position until 1936. During his tenure at Dakota Wesleyan, Dunbar earned his Master of the Arts Degree from Columbia University (1926) and his Doctor of Philosophy degree in organic and physical chemistry from the University of Wisconsin (1933). Dunbar joined the NDAC faculty in 1937 as professor of organic chemistry. He became acting Dean of the School of Chemical Technology in 1943 after the departure of Dr. Leo Carrick and was appointed Dean in 1945. Dr. Dunbar served as Dean until 1960 when he died suddenly of a heart attack while at home.
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University Archives, 701-231-8914 Published by the University Archives, NDSU Last Updated: 8/27/04 |