Living Yearbook: Student media archivist looks at CSU history

November 5, 2020

As a history major, I have always thought there is a lot to learn by studying the past — not just in studying wars and the historical figures who fought them but in studying everyday people and events.

When I first started at The Collegian, I became infatuated — some may say obsessed — with the collection of “Silver Spruce” yearbooks. These yearbooks offered a glimpse into life and campus 20, 40 and even 100 years ago. Through all the changes in student life, fashion and academia this past century, one thing has remained constant: growth.

Despite the Spanish flu of 1918 and the years following, Colorado State University persevered. In the years surrounding World War II, classes persisted, offering stability in an unstable world. In the height of paranoia during the Cold War, we were building dorms and classrooms on campus.

I believe the greatest teacher and comforter is history: It shows us that we are not alone in feeling troubled and stressed about the future. All these feelings and thoughts going through my head led me to create this project highlighting the growth of CSU through the years. As you look through the images and note the changes to our campus, remember that in uncertain times, growth has persisted.

Featured below is a collection of photos from our past and my modern rendition of those photos.

Ammons Hall in 1961 and present day.

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The Collegian staff 1983 and present day.

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The Lory Student Center in 1961 and present day.

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Andy Warhol sculptures 1987 and present day.

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Guggenheim Hall 1921 and present day.

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The Plaza in 1983 and present day.

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Luke Bourland can be reached at photoarchive@rockymountainstudentmedia.com or on Twitter @magungo44.

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About the Contributor

Luke Bourland, Photo Director

Luke Bourland is a history major from Durham, Connecticut. Bourland is studying history in hopes of going to law school in the fall 2022 semester after graduation. In terms of which law school Bourland wants to go to, he likes to joke, "I will attend anywhere that'll have me!" Bourland has been taking pictures recreationally for most of his life but did not officially join The Collegian until the beginning of his sophomore year in 2019. Bourland originally joined The Collegian to develop his skills and to photograph out of his comfort zone. During his time at The Collegian, Bourland has held positions such as freelance photographer, media archivist, assistant photo editor, photo editor and finally, photo director. As the photo director, it is Bourland's job to make sure the paper is accompanied with beautiful pictures alongside the photo editor. Bourland has photographed events ranging from speeches and galas to football and basketball games. In his free time, Bourland is an avid golfer, fly-fisherman and still loves to take pictures recreationally. Differing from the style of photography at The Collegian, Bourland enjoys slowing down and shooting landscapes and portraits on film. Bourland first learned how to develop film with a friend in the bathrooms of Corbett Hall, stuffing towels under the doors to avoid any light leaking in. No matter where life takes Bourland, he hopes that photography will always be there along the ride.

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