Helen Julia Cowgill was born 1 December 1881 in Springfield, Illinois. Cowgill came to Oregon in 1890 and graduated in 1913 from Oregon Agricultural College with a BS degree in Domestic Science and Art. After teaching Domestic Science and Art at Harney County (Oregon) High School at Burns for one year, she began her career at OAC in 1914 as Assistant State 4-H Club Leader with the Extension Service. In 1916, she earned a second BS degree in Home Economics from OAC. In charge of the girls' 4-H work, Cowgill wrote many of the 4-H Circulars used by girls in their 4-H Projects. She became known as the "Mother of Oregon 4-H." Cowgill took a year's leave of absence to complete her Masters Degree, which she received from the University of Washington in 1931. She was a member of Phi Kappa Chi and the Epsilon Sigma Phi, serving as treasurer of the latter organization in 1943. Cowgill retired from Oregon State College in 1947 and was awarded emeritus status. In 1954 Cowgill was selected as a "Woman of Achievement" by Theta Sigma Phi, and the 1957 4-H Summer School publication 4-H Absolutely was dedicated to her. Cowgill died in Corvallis on 15 May 1959. In 1965 a tree and bench on the university campus were dedicated to her memory.
Bird Norman Hawley graduated with a degree in Agriculture in 1912. He was a member of the track, wrestling and football team. He was also captain of the football and track team. Photo was printed in the 1912 Orange Yearbook, page 82.
Photo was used in the 1915 Orange Yearbook, page 319. Dexter Smith graduated in 1914 from Oregon Agricultural College with a B.S. in Civil Engineering. Smith was an assistant professor until 1929. In 1929, Smith became involved with the Oregon State Highway Commission, spending the next nine years designing bridges. Smith helped design the new Tacoma Narrows Bridge and retired in 1957.
Eddy Elbridge Wilson graduated in 1889 with a B.S. From 1925-1940, Wilson was president then board member of the First National Bank of Corvallis. Wilson was also deeply involved with the community, working with the State Game Commission from 1935-1949 and the Corvallis Planning Commission from 1931-1941. At Oregon Agricultural College, Wilson served on the Board of Regents from 1906-1915 and 1924-1929. From 1925-1961, Wilson worked with the Memorial Union Board of Governors.
Eddy Elbridge Wilson graduated in 1889 with a B.S. From 1925-1940, Wilson was president then board member of the First National Bank of Corvallis. Wilson was also deeply involved with the community, working with the State Game Commission from 1935-1949 and the Corvallis Planning Commission from 1931-1941. At Oregon Agricultural College, Wilson served on the Board of Regents from 1906-1915 and 1924-1929. From 1925-1961, Wilson worked with the Memorial Union Board of Governors.
Fred Luse graduated from Oregon Agricultural College in 1909 with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. During his undergraduate years, Luse held positions in several organizations including YMCA vice president, Associate Editor of the NW Journal of English, and Captain of the ROTC Company G. Following graduation, Luse served as a YMCA secretary in Fresno, California and Chicago, Illinois.
John Eliphalet Smith was born on January 24, 1878 near McCoy in Polk County, Oregon. In 1902 Smith received his B.S. from OAC. His first wife was Julia McCullock of Salem, Oregon, who passed away in May 1930. He married a second time to Willetta Moor of Eugene, Oregon on August 30, 1932. Smith taught at OSC during the post-war period. He was one of the founders of the Benton County Pioneer Historical Society, and wrote a book and many articles on various historical subjects. Smith was also a Professor of Geology at many universities including the University of North Carolina (1912-1917) and Iowa State College (1917-1937).