Central Washington University Office of Alumni Relations, Photographs and Negatives, circa 1890s-2006

The doors of the Washington State Normal School in Ellensburg opened in 1891. Mr. Benjamin Franklin Barge was the first principal of the school, which was founded to educate future elementary and junior high teachers. Classes were held at the Washington Public School until the normal school's first building, Barge Hall, opened in 1893. The normal school became Central Washington College of Education in 1937, Central Washington State College in 1961, and Central Washington University in 1977.

Founded in 1944, Central Washington University's Alumni Association provides opportunities for the continued connection between alumni and Central Washington University. The Alumni Association manages events and activities throughout the year, including reunions, homecoming, annual fundraising, Alumni Association scholarships and Distinguished Alumni Awards, Board meetings and workshops, the Central advisor program, tennis clinics, and miscellaneous gatherings.

The Alumni Association played an important role in the planning of Central Washington University's centennial celebrations, which occurred in 1991. Centennial events included drama performances, a ball and concert, academic symposia, and an alumni reunion. These events were organized by the Centennial Planning Committee, which was created by Dr. Donald Garrity in February 1987. Committee members were selected from across the campus community, including faculty, staff, alumni, students, administrators and emeriti faculty. Dr. Phil Dumas was selected to serve as committee chairman, but upon his resignation, Gail K. Jones assumed chairmanship.