John A. Bascom – President – 1874-1887

Born in Genoa, New York on May 1, 1827

On January 21, 1874, the regents elected Bascom president, and he took office with the beginning of the spring term on March 31

Taught a special course for seniors on the importance of using their education to improve society

Died in Williamstown, Massachusetts on October 2, 1911

Main Hall was renamed after him, along with the hill it sits on, in 1920