Original Rarick Hall
Initially called the Agricultural High School Building, and later known as the Industrial Building, the first Rarick Hall was constructed in 1912. This building was razed in 1978 and a new 117,661 gross square foot building, also named Rarick Hall, was completed on the same site at the northeast corner of campus in 1981. The building presently provides classroom and office space and Tiger Tots Nurtury Center, a children's daycare facility.
The building honors Dr. Clarence Edmund Rarick, who served as university president during the difficult times of the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl. Professor C. E. Rarick began his association with the university when he was hired by President Lewis in 1919 to direct the rural education program.
Dr. Rarick was appointed acting president on October 28, 1933, during the illness of President Lewis. He was appointed president on November 30, 1934, and served until his death on August 1, 1941. The Board of Regents named the remodeled Industrial Building in honor of former President Rarick on September 9, 1952.
(The photos of the original Rarick Hall were retrieved from University Archives, Forsyth Library, Fort Hays State University. Appreciation is extended to David Obermayer for supplying this information.)