Introduction
Franklin and Marshall College, located in the heart of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is a private liberal arts college that was founded in 1787. This college is rich in history, with a legacy of academic excellence, and a commitment to providing a world-class education to its students. With its vibrant campus life, diverse student body, and wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities, Franklin and Marshall College has something for everyone. Whether you’re a prospective student, an alumni, or just curious about what makes this college so special, here are some fun facts about Franklin and Marshall College that you may not know.
Founding Fathers
Franklin and Marshall College was founded in 1787 by two of the nation’s Founding Fathers, Benjamin Franklin and John Marshall. Franklin and Marshall College was the first college in the United States to be named after two individuals, and the only college in the nation to be named after two Founding Fathers. Franklin and Marshall College was also the first college in the United States to offer a liberal arts curriculum.
Campus
Franklin and Marshall College’s campus is located in the heart of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and is spread across 73 acres of lush green space. The campus is home to over 40 academic and administrative buildings, including the iconic Old Main building, which was built in 1787. The college also has a number of historic sites on campus, such as the Franklin and Marshall College Cemetery and the historic Franklin and Marshall College Chapel.
Student Life
Franklin and Marshall College is home to a vibrant student life, with over 100 student organizations, including fraternities, sororities, and honor societies. The college also has a number of student-run publications, including the student newspaper, The College Reporter, and the literary magazine, The Franklinian. The college also boasts a wide range of extracurricular activities, including intramural sports, student government, and a variety of clubs and organizations.
Academics
Franklin and Marshall College offers a variety of academic programs, including bachelor’s degrees in the liberal arts, sciences, and business. The college also offers a number of pre-professional programs, such as pre-law and pre-medicine, as well as master’s degrees in several fields. The college also has a number of interdisciplinary programs, such as the Center for the Study of Race and Ethnicity and the Center for Global Studies.
Notable Alumni
Franklin and Marshall College has produced a number of notable alumni, including former U.S. President James Buchanan, former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Herman Wouk. The college also has a number of notable faculty members, including Nobel Prize-winning physicist Richard Feynman and Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Robert Frost.
Athletics
Franklin and Marshall College is a member of the NCAA Division III Centennial Conference and fields teams in a variety of sports, including basketball, lacrosse, soccer, and swimming. The college also has a number of club sports, such as rugby and ultimate frisbee. The college also has a number of intramural sports, such as flag football and volleyball.
Campus Traditions
Franklin and Marshall College has a number of campus traditions, including the annual Lantern Night ceremony, where the freshmen class is welcomed to the college with a candle-lit procession. The college also has a number of other traditions, such as the annual Homecoming celebration and the annual Commencement ceremony.
Community Service
Franklin and Marshall College is committed to community service, and encourages its students to get involved in a variety of service projects. The college has a number of student-run service organizations, such as the Franklin and Marshall College Community Service Corps, which works to provide volunteer opportunities to students. The college also has a number of partnerships with local organizations, such as the Lancaster City Alliance and the Lancaster County Food Bank.
Conclusion
Franklin and Marshall College is a private liberal arts college with a rich history and a commitment to providing a world-class education to its students. With its vibrant campus life, diverse student body, and wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities, Franklin and Marshall College has something for everyone. From its founding fathers to its notable alumni, Franklin and Marshall College is a unique institution with a lot to offer.