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Whitworth Retro

By Julie Riddle '92

Colorful cover of the Expo '74 World's Fair souvenir program featuring the Spokane Clock Tower and Pavilion.In May, Spokane kicked off a citywide celebration marking the 50th anniversary of Expo '74. Here, we highlight two dynamos who spearheaded Whitworth's primary involvement in the world's fair that transformed downtown Spokane – and Whitworth's campus.

Five weeks before opening day, Carol (Siler) Rusk '55 began exploring ways to increase Whitworth's presence at the fair. She had just joined Whitworth'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 Whitworth 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 Whitworth to the world and brought the world to Whitworth.

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.)
  • Whitworth President Edward Lindaman served on the Expo '74 board and was the featured presenter at Expo's final symposium.
  • Whitworth science faculty members served on the fair's Environmental Symposia Committee.

This story appears in the spring 2024 issue of Whitworth Today magazine.

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