According to the authors of NDSCS: 100 Years of Excellence, the origin of this name is obscure but that in an early issue of the annual it was explained as an Indian word for Ascience.@
However, there also is a story that 2 wily students, Max Lauder and Arnold Forbes had neglected to actually research any real Indian word for science. In order to cover up their blunder, they contrived the word AAggy-Wassy@, which later became the easier form Agawasie.
After publishing the Agawasie for three years, it was discontinued from 1917 through 1920 because of World War I. Again in 1943 and 1944 the yearbook was reduced in size and made a softcover instead of the more usual hardcover edition.
Financing the annual varied from the sale of candy, proceeds from the Penny Carnival, student activity fees, nominal sale price, and solicited advertisements. The arrival of the annual became a day for celebration, and the annual Agawasie Day Picnic was started.
Publishing an annual yearbook was discontinued in 2004, but the day for celebration continues as Agawasie Day.
Information from the NDSCS College Archives at Mildred Johnson Library, compiled by Karen Chobot, Director.
