Introduction
Wesleyan College is a historic liberal arts college for women located in Macon, Georgia. Founded in 1836, it is the first college in the world to grant degrees to women. Over the years, Wesleyan College has established itself as a leading institution for women’s education, and has a rich history filled with interesting facts and stories. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the fun facts about Wesleyan College that you may not know.
Fun facts about Wesleyan College
The First Women’s College
As mentioned earlier, Wesleyan College is the first college in the world to grant degrees to women. This historic milestone occurred in 1837, just a year after the college was founded. The first women to graduate from Wesleyan College were Catherine Brewer and Mary Ann Harris. Since then, the college has continued to provide women with an outstanding education, and has produced many notable alumnae.
Wesleyan College has also been recognized for its commitment to women’s education. In 2017, it was ranked as the #2 Best Women’s College in Georgia by Niche.com. The college has a strong tradition of empowering women and preparing them for leadership roles in their chosen fields.
The “Golden Rule” Building
One of the most iconic buildings on the Wesleyan College campus is the “Golden Rule” building. This building was originally constructed in 1928, and was named after the college’s motto, “Non nobis solum,” which translates to “Not for ourselves alone.” The building was later nicknamed the “Golden Rule” building because of the golden rule inscribed on the front of the building: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
The “Golden Rule” building is home to many of the college’s administrative offices, and is also used for special events and meetings. It is a popular spot for photos and is often featured in college promotional materials. The building’s unique architecture and historic significance make it a beloved landmark on the Wesleyan College campus.
Notable Alumnae
Wesleyan College has produced many accomplished alumnae who have made significant contributions in various fields. One of the most notable alumnae is Flannery O’Connor, a renowned American writer and essayist. O’Connor graduated from Wesleyan College in 1945, and went on to become one of the most important voices in American literature. Her works, which often dealt with themes of religion and morality, have had a lasting impact on the literary world.
Another notable alumna is Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of the Girl Scouts of the USA. Low graduated from Wesleyan College in 1886, and went on to establish the Girl Scouts in 1912. Her vision of creating an organization for young girls that emphasized character development, community service, and outdoor activities has impacted millions of girls and women around the world.
Campus Traditions
Wesleyan College has a number of unique traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. One of the most well-known traditions is the “Signing of the Ivy” ceremony, which takes place at the end of each academic year. During this ceremony, seniors sign a piece of ivy that is later planted on campus as a symbol of their time at Wesleyan College.
Another tradition is the “Big Sister, Little Sister” program, which pairs incoming freshmen with upperclassmen to help them adjust to college life. The program fosters a sense of community and sisterhood among Wesleyan College students, and is a beloved tradition on campus.
Wesleyan’s Campus
Wesleyan College’s campus is a beautiful and historic place, filled with lush greenery, stunning architecture, and interesting landmarks. One of the most unique features of the campus is the Hilltop Arboretum, which spans over 100 acres and includes over 70 different species of trees. The arboretum is used for research and education, and also provides a peaceful setting for students to study and relax.
Another notable landmark on the Wesleyan College campus is the Porter Family Memorial Fine Arts Building. This building was constructed in 1932 and is home to the college’s art and music programs. It features a beautiful auditorium that has hosted many concerts and performances over the years, as well as numerous art galleries and classrooms.
Wesleyan’s Athletic Programs
Wesleyan College has a strong athletic program that offers a variety of sports for students to participate in. The college is a member of the NCAA Division III and the USA South Athletic Conference. Some of the sports offered at Wesleyan College include basketball, cross country, soccer, softball, tennis, and volleyball.
One unique aspect of the college’s athletic program is the “Tri-Squad” program, which allows students to participate in three different sports during their time at Wesleyan College. This program encourages students to try new sports and stay active throughout their college career.
Wesleyan’s Commitment to Sustainability
Wesleyan College is committed to sustainability and has implemented numerous initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. The college has a recycling program, a community garden, and a green roof on one of its buildings. The green roof helps to reduce energy usage by insulating the building and absorbing rainwater.
In addition to these initiatives, Wesleyan College is also a member of the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment. This commitment involves reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainability on campus. Wesleyan College’s commitment to sustainability is an important aspect of its mission to prepare students to be responsible global citizens.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Wesleyan College is a historic and unique institution that has played an important role in women’s education. Its commitment to empowering women, fostering a sense of community, and promoting sustainability make it a valuable asset to the Macon community and the world. Whether you’re a student, alumna, or just a curious visitor, there’s no shortage of interesting facts and stories to discover at Wesleyan College.
