Campus grows in student body, activities and buildings over Westfield State’s first 175 years.
Karen Canary knows a thing or two when it comes to Westfield State’s history. In addition to being an alum of the class of ’95, Canary is a library assistant responsible for the archives that hold the keys to unlock the University’s vibrant past and document its present endeavors.
“I would say that the biggest change on campus over the years is that the number of buildings has grown significantly,” Canary says. “We have grown from a few rooms in the Barre Town Hall to a thriving campus with many dorms, lots of academic space, food service areas and parking lots.”
When the Barre Normal school opened in 1839, classes were held in the town hall. From there, The Westfield Normal School opened in 1844 at the Westfield Academy on Broad Street in Westfield. The campus was moved to Western Avenue in 1956.
Campus life
While extracurricular activities were limited in Westfield State’s early years, students still found ways to let loose and have fun in between classes. They formed a variety of different clubs, including the Mandolin Club, for mandolin players, and the Debate and Glee clubs.
Students now have many options for spending their down time, in organizations with an academic focus, such as the English and Business clubs, for instance, to the hobby-based options, including Night Owls, an a capella singing group, and Dance Company to the more diverse Queer/Straight Alliance and Muslim Student Organization.
Canary says another change in campus life is the number of opportunities for student and faculty travel.
“The international programs that we offer are another big difference for students,” Canary says. “It was rare that anyone traveled very far in the 1800s. Now our students travel out of the country and do things that our ancestors could only dream of.”
The International Programs Office hosts the University’s exchange and international students and manages National Student Exchange, International Student Exchange, Study Abroad and Short-Term Study Abroad programs that offer students the opportunity to study in countries around the world for an academic year, a semester or for a two- to three-week faculty-led course.
Construction and renovations
The University has gone through major renovations and construction projects since it first came to Western Avenue. Recent renovations include the 39,000 square foot Tim and Jeanne’s dining commons, which now accommodates 500 students; an expanded wellness center with new equipment and a group exercise room; and improvements to the library. University Hall, a new on-campus housing building, is set to open this fall.
“The new library is such a pleasant, comfortable space for students now,” Canary says. “The lighting is much better, as well as the new, updated décor. There are more new computers for students as well as more printers. Additionally, there is more quiet space for study now. The instructional classroom is larger. There are six study rooms that students can use for group study. These are a new addition to the library and are very popular.”
“The University archives now has environmental controls,” Canary says. “This climate control system keeps the archives at a constant temperature and humidity level. The system provides a good environment for the archival materials for many years to come. This will mean access for the future generations.”
Westfield State now
Westfield State has classrooms in seven buildings and a growing number of on- and off-campus housing. With just 20 students in its first class, the University now educates 4,600 undergraduate day students with a 17:1 faculty to student ratio.
What hasn’t changed in 175 years? The fact that Westfield State features hard-working, dedicated faculty and staff who are committed to creating an enriching learning environment for current and future students.
“It’s the people that make Westfield State a very special place to work,” Canary says. “I have enjoyed the many people that I have had the pleasure to encounter here.”
