Francis S. Hoyt, 1857 May 19

Francis S. Hoyt was born on November 5, 1822 in Lyndon, Vermont. He received his bachelor's and master's degrees from Wesleyan University, and later became the principal of the Wesleyan Institute. In 1850, the 28 year old minister traveled from the east coast to replace Reverend Nehemiah Doane as principal and teacher of the Oregon Institute. He also served as a librarian for the territorial library and editor of the Pacific Christian Advocate. Hoyt was dedicated to meeting the needs of the Oregon Institute. In 1852, he wrote at length to the Methodist Mission Society about the need for quality teachers, teaching materials, and resources to provide a quality education. In 1853, he became Willamette University's first president. He held that role until 1860, when he became the professor of chemistry at Ohio Wesleyan. He also served as editor of the Western Christian Advocate, elder of his church, and Professor of Biblical Theology and Greek New Testament at Baldwin University. Hoyt died on January 21, 1912.

Alvin Waller was born in Abington, Pennsylvania on May 8, 1808. He arrived in Oregon aboard the Lausanne in 1840. He was part of the Methodist Mission's "Great Reinforcement" and helped establish the Oregon Institute and Willamette University. Waller later became the Agent for Willamette University. He raised funds to repair buildings, build fences, and erect University Hall, later renamed Waller Hall in his honor.