Event Detail

Principal Harry DeWitt DeGroat (1912)

Dr. Harry DeWitt DeGroat was the third principal of the Cortland State Normal School, serving for thirty-one years from 1912 until 1943. A native of Owego, New York, he received his B.A. from Williams College in 1894, after which he spent one year as a math and science teacher at Howe Grammar School in Indiana (later known as Howe Military Academy). From there he served as Vice-Principal of Gouverneur High School and also taught math for four and a half years. In 1904, Dr. DeGroat was named Inspector of Schools of Greater New York and Long Island, and in 1909 was appointed Assistant Chief in the examinations division of the State Education Department. On May 6, 1912, DeGroat was elected as Principal by Cortland’s Local Board.  

Under Principal DeGroat, the school experienced a number of changes. In 1925, Cortland transitioned from a two-year school to a three-year school and then in 1938, to a four-year school. In 1942, his title as Principal changed to President. In 1923, the school created a Physical Education program, becoming the first Normal School in New York State to do so. He also served the school during a trying period that followed the devastating fire that destroyed the school’s original downtown building. DeGroat worked with members of the community to hold classes in churches and downtown buildings until a new building was able to be built.

Harry DeGroat made a large imprint on the college, establishing a number of customs and traditions.  Illumination Night was an event that welcomed the community to an open house that featured a brightly lit Old Main. On Honor Day students were given awards.  Moving Up Day featured a ceremony for the departing class to pass on symbolic items to the class below them.  The Principal’s Appointment was an award that DeGroat gave to the year’s most outstanding student.  DeGroat also commissioned the school’s Alma Mater, which is still used today.  Under his leadership, the school’s ban on dancing ended and regular dances were held at the school. In a tribute to their retiring president, students in the Didascalicon: “A wise and understanding leader under whose competent command the forces of C.S.T.C. have marched on to reach even higher goals – an able general whose friendly and sympathetic guidance has inspired us all – an executive who, after thirty-one years of devoted service, has merited from all of his subordinates loyalty – esteem – and affection.”  In his honor, South Hall was renamed DeGroat Hall in honor of him in 1951.

Sources: Ralston, Cortland Standard, Achieve Biography