By Ciara Perez, News Reporter | iSkyCreations - News & Media (ISC)
Published September 30th, 2024
Lamson College, once known as Lamson Junior College, was a key player in Arizona’s educational history. For over a century, it provided career-focused training to thousands of students, helping them build successful careers in business, healthcare, and beyond. But Lamson’s story is about more than just its achievements—there’s a rich legacy of growth, challenges, and the people who shaped its history, like the beloved Harry Merritt. This is the tale of Lamson College’s rise and eventual closure, and the lasting mark it left on Arizona’s landscape.
The Vision of Edmon M. Lamson: Where It All Began
Did you know Lamson College was founded way back in 1889 by a man named Edmon M. Lamson? He wasn’t always known as “Colonel,” but over the years, his contributions to Arizona earned him the title. He was one of the 60 original pioneers of the state, and at a time when transportation often meant a long trip on horseback or by foot, Lamson’s vision was ahead of its time.
Seeing the need for practical education, Colonel Lamson created a school that offered specialized training in shorthand, bookkeeping, and other essential skills. And because many students came from far-off places, he even established a dormitory so they could stay and study without the grueling commute.
Did you know Lamson College started in a modest house which then turned into several houses before moving to a larger building as the student body grew?
Lamson didn’t just provide education—he believed in hands-on training. He’d set up simulations based on students' career paths. For example, aspiring bank tellers would participate in mock bank scenarios to practice real-world skills. This practical approach helped set Lamson College apart from other schools at the time.
Did you know that the college moved multiple times, from downtown Phoenix to the Tri-City Mall in Mesa, before finally landing in Tempe? Each move brought more opportunities to serve students from across the state. Programs expanded beyond business skills to include criminal justice, healthcare, and even technology. At one point they even had 5 campuses.
Lamson’s reputation became so deeply rooted in Arizona’s history that the Phoenix Public Library dedicated a special section called "The Arizona Room" to showcase the state’s pioneers, including Colonel Lamson. And that wasn’t the only legacy connected to the college—Rose Mofford, Arizona's first female governor, was a Lamson graduate. In her honor, the Rose Mofford Library was established in Hayden Plaza. Mofford’s rise from secretary to governor is a perfect example of Lamson’s commitment to preparing students for success.
Harry Merritt: The Man Who Made Lamson More Than a School
If Lamson College had a heart and soul, it would have been Harry Merritt.
Did you know that Harry started as a student at Lamson, studying accounting? He was a hard worker, juggling eight classes at once—while most students stuck to just three. His commitment didn’t go unnoticed. One day, Harry was stopped in the hallway by Mr. Dennis DelValle, who asked him what he thought of the school. By the end of the conversation, Harry was hired as a janitor and bookstore employee, taking on responsibilities while continuing his studies.
Harry’s dedication only grew from there. He was known for helping other students, and when instructors were absent, he’d take over teaching the class. Eventually, the campus director offered him a full teaching position. Harry wasn’t just teaching, though—he was running the bookstore, locking up the campus, and even handling building maintenance.
Over the years, Harry literally saved Lamson College.
Did you know he put out five fires during his time there? In one instance, he responded to a bathroom fire at the Tri-City Mall campus, dousing the flames from floor to ceiling before it could spread. On another occasion, he arrived early to work to find five fire trucks at the building after a light ballast had exploded in a room filled with typewriters. The fire had destroyed seven rooms, but Harry and his team worked all night to restore the classrooms so that students could return the next day.
Love and Legacy at Lamson
It wasn’t all work for Harry at Lamson. It’s where he met his future wife, Antoinette (Toni), who was a student in one of his classes. They first connected over a math class, and soon after, Toni asked Harry to help fix a friend’s motorcycle. One dinner invitation later, they were smitten. Their relationship moved quickly, and on a drive one day, the conversation turned to marriage. Toni said, “I haven’t been asked yet,” and Harry proposed on the spot. They were married soon after and shared 25 happy years together before Toni’s passing. Harry lovingly says they’ve now been "married for 36 years in heaven." Harry to this day still wears his wedding ring around his neck.
Harry Merritt & Toni MerrittPhoto byHarry Merritt & Toni Merritt
The Decline and Closure of Lamson College
Despite its long history and deep community ties, Lamson College faced challenges that many for-profit institutions couldn’t overcome.
Did you know that Lamson closed its doors in the mid-2010s? The rise of online education and increased competition from public institutions made it difficult for Lamson to stay afloat. Strict regulations on for-profit schools also played a role in its downfall.
At its peak, Lamson had five campuses across Arizona and produced graduates who went on to become notable figures, including three Arizona governors: Rose Mofford, Rawghlie C. Stamford, and Raúl H. Castro. But like many career colleges, Lamson struggled to maintain enrollment and keep up with changing educational trends.
A Lasting Legacy
Although Lamson College is no longer around, its legacy continues.
Did you know that generations of Arizonans got their start at Lamson, thanks to its practical, hands-on approach? People like Harry Merritt embodied the spirit of the college—dedicated, hard-working, and committed to helping others succeed. Also the dedication of the Faculty and Staff.
Harry worked at Lamson for 30 years before retiring, but his impact on the school was undeniable. Whether he was teaching, cleaning, or putting out literal fires, Harry was always there for the students and staff. Even after the college closed, the lessons he taught and the community he helped build remain in the memories of those who knew him.
Conclusion: A Story of Service and Dedication
Lamson College’s history is a testament to the power of education and the people who dedicate their lives to it.
Did you know that from its founding by Edmon M. Lamson in 1889 to its closure more than a century later, Lamson played a pivotal role in Arizona’s growth? Figures like Harry Merritt, who gave so much of themselves to the college, ensured that Lamson would be remembered long after its doors closed.
Though Lamson College is no longer with us, its contributions to the community live on through the countless lives it touched. It’s a story of dedication, resilience, and the enduring value of practical education.
Sources:
Harry Merritt - A long-time staff member at Lamson College, Harry Merritt played a pivotal role in the school's operations for over 30 years. His firsthand accounts, including his journey from student to janitor and eventually to instructor, as well as his experiences managing crises like campus fires, are drawn from personal stories and historical documentation tied to his work at the college. His memories offer invaluable insight into the inner workings of Lamson during its most challenging times.
Phoenix Public Library: The Arizona Room - The Phoenix Public Library houses "The Arizona Room," a special section dedicated to the state’s pioneers and historical milestones, including Colonel Edmon M. Lamson and his contributions to the founding of Lamson College. This source provides historical context and highlights the school’s early roots in the Arizona educational system.
Arizona State Archives - Historical records and archival material related to Lamson College’s establishment, expansion, and eventual closure are preserved at the Arizona State Archives. This repository offers detailed information on Lamson College’s impact on Arizona's development, including mentions of notable alumni such as Governor Rose Mofford.
"A Century of Arizona Governors" by Marshall Trimble - This book covers the histories of Arizona’s governors, including Lamson College alumni Rose Mofford, Rawghlie C. Stanford, and Raúl H. Castro. It highlights the important role the college played in shaping some of the state’s top political leaders.
The Arizona Republic Archives - Articles from The Arizona Republic chronicled the growth of Lamson College, its various campus relocations, and its eventual closure. This source offers a public record of the institution's influence in Arizona’s educational and professional landscape over the years.
That is not the Lamson college I attended, I got ripped off by them. I took the computer network technician class. had 5 different teachers in 1 semester, and they all keep quitting along with my classmates. I stuck it out. I was the only one to finish the class. I was the last one to take that class. Right after I finished, they canceled the CNT class. I was supposed to get job placement also. all I got was sorry we didn't have anyone to help right now. then they closed and moved somewhere else. now I have a hefty student loan that I can barely pay. should be a law against scam schools.
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