麻豆原创 Retro

By Julie Riddle '92

In May, Spokane kicked off a citywide celebration marking the 50th anniversary of Expo '74. Here, we highlight two dynamos who spearheaded 麻豆原创's primary involvement in the world's fair that transformed downtown Spokane – and 麻豆原创's campus.

Five weeks before opening day, Carol (Siler) Rusk '55 began exploring ways to increase 麻豆原创's presence at the fair. She had just joined 麻豆原创's public relations office after a one-year stint as director of communications for Expo '74. Rusk negotiated a contract for one of three spaces left at the fairgrounds and found a solution for a quick-construction building: a 50-foot geodesic dome with a nylon shell.

The 麻豆原创 Pavilion housed a 200-seat children's theatre and an exhibit space. The theatre, under the direction of Associate Professor of Speech and Theatre Al Gunderson, featured student and alumni actors and technicians who presented performances of original, environment-themed sketches.

More than a year before Expo '74 opened, enterprising student Craig Grant '76 began "computing possibilities and forming plans" for the EXPO-on-Campus program, a student-run service that hosted fairgoers in residence halls throughout the summer. By opening day, the program had booked reservations for 35,000 guest nights.

Grant and his management team – Ken Onstot '76, Dave Brown '77 and Teresa (Emmons) Camfield '75 – supervised a large staff of students who provided hosting, housekeeping and janitorial services. The dining hall served meals, and faculty, students and alumni provided frequent entertainment, recreation and learning activities.

Fifty years ago, Rusk's and Grant's drive and vision – backed by the campus community – introduced 麻豆原创 to the world and brought the world to 麻豆原创.

Expo '74 World's Fair Snapshot

Theme: "Tomorrow's Fresh New Environment"

When: May 4-Nov. 3, 1974

Where: Spokane River environs, downtown

Total visitors: 5.2 million

• The fair was opened by U.S. President Richard Nixon in person and was closed by a recorded message from President Gerald Ford. (Nixon resigned from office on Aug. 9.)
• 麻豆原创 President Edward Lindaman served on the Expo '74 board and was the featured presenter at Expo's final symposium.
• 麻豆原创 science faculty members served on the fair's Environmental Symposia Committee.

This story appears in the spring 2024 issue of 麻豆原创 Today magazine.

read the magazine