Bismarck Junior College, Campus Schafer Heights 1960's

Bismarck Junior College, Campus Schafer Heights "BJC moved from the 3rd floor of Bismarck High to 900 Boulevard Avenue on the state capitol grounds in 1955. A local initiative by the Bismarck Chamber of Commerce had resulted in the Legislature approving the sale of 15 acres for $6,000 to give BJC this new building. A local mill levy funded construction but, after four years, both the college and state government needed more space, and BJC once again sought a new campus site. In 1959, the future home of Bismarck Junior College was open prairie atop a high bank overlooking the Missouri River. Local entrepreneur and businessman, Harold Schafer, had a barn there for his horses, which grazed the windy, rolling sweep of pasture and farmland. Schafer heard about the need to expand Bismarck’s growing community college and donated 70 acres that year for a campus. On May 19, 1960, Schafer turned the first shovelful of dirt on what was called Schafer Heights. He and BJC d ean Sidney J. Lee spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony, where a large number of seated spectators formed a backdrop behind the podium flanked by a large American flag. Among the attendees was Gov. John E. Davis." Bismarck State College Connections. 17.2. August 2013. pg. 14