Introduction
Emory & Henry College is a private liberal arts institution located in Emory, Virginia. Founded in 1836, the college has a rich history and a vibrant campus culture. While the college is widely known for its academic excellence and commitment to community service, there are also many fun and interesting facts about Emory & Henry that you may not know. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most fascinating and unexpected facts about this unique institution.
Campus Traditions
One of the things that makes Emory & Henry College stand out is its rich campus culture, which is characterized by a variety of unique traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. These traditions are an important part of campus life and help to foster a strong sense of community among students, faculty, and staff.
One of the most famous campus traditions at Emory & Henry is the “March to the Monument.” This tradition takes place on the first day of classes each fall, and involves all new students marching from the campus center to the college’s historic monument. Along the way, students are greeted by upperclassmen who welcome them to the college and offer words of encouragement.
Another beloved campus tradition is the annual “Festival of Lessons and Carols,” which takes place during the holiday season. This event features a choir of students, faculty, and staff, as well as readings from the Bible and other sources. The festival is open to the public and draws visitors from all over the region.
Sports Success
Emory & Henry College may be a small liberal arts institution, but it has a strong athletic program that has enjoyed a great deal of success over the years. The college is a member of the NCAA Division III, and has a number of varsity teams that compete at the highest level of intercollegiate athletics.
One of the most successful sports programs at Emory & Henry is the men’s basketball team. The team has won multiple conference championships and has made several appearances in the NCAA Division III tournament. In 2012, the team made history by advancing to the Elite Eight for the first time in school history.
Another standout sports program at Emory & Henry is the women’s tennis team. The team has won multiple conference championships and has produced a number of All-American players over the years. In 2014, the team made history by advancing to the NCAA Division III tournament for the first time in school history.
Unique Majors
Emory & Henry College offers a wide range of academic programs, including majors in some unique and unexpected fields. These majors reflect the college’s commitment to providing a well-rounded liberal arts education that prepares students for success in a variety of careers.
One of the most unusual majors offered at Emory & Henry is “Outdoor Recreation.” This major is designed for students who are interested in pursuing careers in the outdoor recreation industry, and includes coursework in areas such as wilderness first aid, outdoor leadership, and environmental ethics.
Another unique major at Emory & Henry is “Equine Studies.” This major is designed for students who are passionate about horses and are interested in pursuing careers in the equine industry. The major includes coursework in areas such as equine science, stable management, and equine-assisted therapy.
Presidential Connections
Emory & Henry College has a strong connection to the United States presidency, with several former presidents having visited the campus over the years. These visits have left an indelible mark on the college and are an important part of its history.
One of the most famous presidential visits to Emory & Henry took place in 1891, when President Benjamin Harrison visited the college to deliver a speech. Harrison was the first sitting president to visit the college, and his visit helped to raise the profile of the institution.
Another notable presidential visit took place in 1947, when President Harry Truman visited Emory & Henry to dedicate a new library. Truman’s visit was a significant event for the college, and it helped to solidify its reputation as an institution of national importance.
In more recent years, Emory & Henry has continued to welcome presidential visitors. In 2015, former President Jimmy Carter visited the college to speak about his work with the Carter Center, a nonprofit organization that focuses on global health and human rights. Carter’s visit was a testament to the college’s ongoing commitment to public service and community engagement.
Beautiful Campus
One of the most striking things about Emory & Henry College is its beautiful campus. The college is located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and its picturesque setting is a source of inspiration for students, faculty, and staff alike.
The campus is home to a number of historic buildings, including the college’s iconic chapel, which was built in 1929. The chapel is a focal point of campus life and is a popular location for weddings, concerts, and other events.
Another beautiful feature of the Emory & Henry campus is the Holston River, which flows through the heart of the college. The river is a popular destination for students who enjoy kayaking, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
Commitment to Sustainability
Emory & Henry College is committed to sustainability and has taken a number of steps to reduce its environmental footprint. The college has implemented a number of initiatives designed to promote energy conservation, reduce waste, and promote sustainable living.
One of the most significant sustainability initiatives at Emory & Henry is the college’s solar array. The array, which was installed in 2014, is capable of generating 340 kilowatts of power and provides approximately 12 percent of the college’s total energy needs.
The college has also taken steps to reduce waste and promote recycling. In 2012, Emory & Henry implemented a single-stream recycling program, which has helped to divert thousands of pounds of waste from landfills each year.
Conclusion
Emory & Henry College is a unique and fascinating institution that has a rich history, a vibrant campus culture, and a strong commitment to academic excellence and community service. Whether you are interested in sports, sustainability, or unique academic programs, there is something for everyone at Emory & Henry. We hope that this blog post has provided you with some interesting insights into this remarkable institution, and that it has inspired you to learn more about all that Emory & Henry has to offer.
