Introduction
Swarthmore College is a private liberal arts college located in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1864, the college is well known for its academic excellence and its commitment to social justice and sustainability. Swarthmore is also home to a diverse student body and faculty, making it one of the most diverse colleges in the country. Whether you are a student, faculty, or visitor, you are sure to find something to love about Swarthmore. Here are some fun facts about Swarthmore College that you may not know.
History
Swarthmore College was founded in 1864 by a group of Quakers who wanted to create a school that would provide a quality education for students of all backgrounds. The college was named after Swarthmore Hall, the religious meeting place for the Quakers in the area. Swarthmore Hall still stands today, and is home to the college’s Friends Historical Library.
Swarthmore College was the first college in the United States to offer a concentration in Peace and Conflict Studies and the first to offer a major in Environmental Studies. The college is also home to the Lang Center for Civic and Social Responsibility, which is dedicated to educating students about social justice and sustainability.
Campus
The Swarthmore College campus is located on a 500-acre arboretum, with over 2,000 species of plants and trees. The campus is also home to several historic buildings, including the iconic Parrish Hall, which was designed by renowned architect Frank Furness in 1871. The college also boasts a number of modern facilities, including a state-of-the-art library, a student center, and a performing arts center.
Academics
Swarthmore College is known for its rigorous academic standards and its commitment to interdisciplinary learning. The college offers a wide range of majors, from the traditional liberal arts disciplines to more specialized fields such as engineering, computer science, and business. Swarthmore is also home to a number of research centers, including the Lang Center for Civic and Social Responsibility and the Swarthmore College Peace Collection.
Student Life
Swarthmore College is home to a vibrant student body, with students from all over the world. The college offers a wide range of activities and organizations for students to get involved in, from student government to a cappella groups. The college also hosts a number of cultural events, including the annual Swarthmore Music and Arts Festival.
Athletics
Swarthmore College is home to a number of varsity sports teams, including baseball, basketball, cross country, lacrosse, soccer, softball, squash, swimming, tennis, track and field, and volleyball. The college also offers a number of intramural sports, such as flag football, ultimate frisbee, and dodgeball.
Alumni
Swarthmore College has a long list of distinguished alumni, including Nobel Prize winners, Pulitzer Prize winners, and Academy Award winners. Notable alumni include former United States President Jimmy Carter, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, and actor and comedian Stephen Colbert.
Conclusion
Swarthmore College is a private liberal arts college with a long and distinguished history. The college is well known for its academic excellence and its commitment to social justice and sustainability. Swarthmore is also home to a diverse student body and faculty, making it one of the most diverse colleges in the country. Whether you are a student, faculty, or visitor, you are sure to find something to love about Swarthmore.”