Introduction
Wilson College is one of the most prestigious liberal arts colleges in the United States. Established in 1869, it is located in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. The college is known for its academic excellence, beautiful campus, and rich history. However, there are some fun facts about Wilson College that you may not know. In this blog post, we will explore some of these interesting facts in detail.
The Origins of Wilson College
Wilson College was founded by two Presbyterian ministers, Rev. Tryon Edwards and Rev. James W. Dale. They established the college as a women’s college, and it was named after Sarah Wilson, a local woman who had donated funds to the college. The college started with just 16 students and four faculty members. Today, Wilson College has over 1,000 students and a faculty of more than 70.
The college has a strong commitment to providing a liberal arts education to women. It is one of the few colleges in the United States that continues to have a women’s college as its primary focus. However, Wilson College has also expanded its programs to include coeducational graduate and adult degree programs.
The Wilson College Campus
The Wilson College campus is spread over 300 acres of land and features stunning architecture and scenic views. The college is home to several historic buildings, including the Lenfest Commons, which was built in the early 1900s and is a beautiful example of Georgian Revival architecture.
Another notable building on campus is the Brooks Science Center, which was built in 1997 and features state-of-the-art laboratories and classrooms. The building is named after Elizabeth Brooks, a former biology professor at the college.
The campus also has several outdoor spaces, including the Fulton Farm, which is a working farm that provides fresh produce for the campus dining hall. The college also has several hiking trails and a lake, which is a popular spot for fishing and boating.
Wilson College Traditions
Wilson College has several unique traditions that have been passed down through generations of students. One of the most popular traditions is the Ivy Ceremony, which takes place every year during Commencement Weekend. During the ceremony, seniors are presented with a sprig of ivy, which symbolizes the growth and knowledge they have gained during their time at Wilson College.
Another popular tradition is the Christmas Candlelight Service, which is held every December. The service features a candlelit procession and traditional Christmas carols.
Wilson College also has several athletic traditions, including the annual Powderpuff football game, where the women’s soccer team plays against the field hockey team. The game is a fun and competitive event that brings together students from different sports teams.
Famous Wilson College Alumni
Wilson College has a long list of distinguished alumni who have made significant contributions to their fields. One notable alumna is Margaret Mead, a cultural anthropologist who studied the behavior of people in various societies around the world. Mead’s research challenged traditional notions of gender roles and influenced the feminist movement.
Another famous alumna is Judith Martin, better known as Miss Manners. Martin is a syndicated columnist and author who writes about etiquette and social norms. Her writing has been praised for its humor and wit.
Wilson College has also produced several notable politicians, including Carolyn Comitta, who served as the mayor of West Chester, Pennsylvania, and Kathleen Kane, who served as the Attorney General of Pennsylvania.
Wilson College Today
Today, Wilson College continues to provide a top-notch education to women and men. The college has expanded its programs to include a variety of graduate and adult degree programs, including a Master of Education program and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing.
The college also has a strong commitment to sustainability and has implemented several green initiatives, including a campus-wide recycling program and the use of solar panels to generate renewable energy. In addition, the college has a community garden that is open to students and the public, and hosts an annual Sustainability Week to promote environmental awareness.
Wilson College has also been recognized for its commitment to diversity and inclusion. The college has a strong support system for LGBTQ+ students, and offers resources and programming to promote diversity and inclusivity on campus.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Wilson College is a unique and special institution with a rich history and a commitment to providing a top-notch education to women and men. From its origins as a small women’s college to its current status as a thriving liberal arts institution, Wilson College has remained true to its mission of providing a transformative educational experience. Its stunning campus, unique traditions, and distinguished alumni make it a truly special place. Whether you are a current student, an alumna/alumnus, or simply someone interested in the history of higher education, Wilson College is a fascinating institution that deserves to be celebrated.
