Introduction
Nestled in the charming suburb of Glenside, Pennsylvania, Arcadia University is a small, private university that offers a unique blend of liberal arts education and professional programs. Founded in 1853 as Beaver Female Seminary, the university has a rich history and a wealth of fascinating fun facts that make it stand out from other academic institutions. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most interesting fun facts about Arcadia University.
Fun facts about Arcadia University
The Campus
Arcadia University’s campus is spread over 76 acres and is home to a wide range of academic and residential buildings. Here are some fun facts about the campus that you may not know:
- A Castle on Campus:
One of the most distinctive buildings on Arcadia’s campus is the Grey Towers Castle, which was built in 1893 as a private residence for William Welsh Harrison. The castle was later used as a convalescent home for World War II veterans and was eventually purchased by Arcadia in 1929. Today, it serves as the university’s main administrative building, as well as a popular venue for weddings and events. - The Campoli Center:
The Kuch Center is one of the most popular buildings on Arcadia’s campus. Named after alumna and former basketball player Toni Kuch, the Kuch Center houses the university’s athletic facilities, including a gym, pool, and weight room. However, few people know that the building was originally built as an ice-skating rink in the 1960s, before it was later converted into a multi-purpose athletic center.
Academics
Arcadia University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, from the liberal arts to professional fields. Here are some fun facts about the university’s academics:
- The School of Education:
Arcadia’s School of Education is one of the oldest and most respected in the region. In fact, it was the first school in Pennsylvania to offer a master’s degree in education. Today, the School of Education offers a wide range of programs, from undergraduate degrees to doctoral programs, and is known for its innovative approach to teacher education. - The Genetic Counseling Program:
One of the most unique programs offered at Arcadia is the genetic counseling program. This program, which is housed in the Department of Biology, prepares students to become licensed genetic counselors who work with patients and families to provide information and support related to genetic disorders. Arcadia’s genetic counseling program is one of the top programs of its kind in the country and has a high job placement rate for graduates.
Student Life
Arcadia University is home to a diverse and active student community, with a wide range of clubs, organizations, and events. Here are some fun facts about student life at Arcadia:
- The Beaver:
Arcadia’s student newspaper, The Beaver, has been in publication since 1923. The paper is entirely student-run and covers a wide range of topics, from campus news to national and international events. The Beaver has won numerous awards for its journalism, including a Gold Crown Award from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association. - Study Abroad:
Arcadia University is known for its extensive study abroad program, which offers students the opportunity to study in over 80 countries around the world. In fact, over 70% of Arcadia students study abroad during their time at the university, which is one of the highest percentages of any American university. The university has also been ranked as one of the top 10 study abroad programs in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
Athletics
Arcadia University has a strong athletic program, with over 20 NCAA Division III sports teams. Here are some fun facts about athletics at Arcadia:
- The Knights:
Arcadia’s athletic teams are known as the Knights , and the mascot is a medieval knight named “Swoop.” The Knight is a fitting mascot for Arcadia, as it represents strength, determination, and courage.
- The Men’s Lacrosse Team: Arcadia’s men’s lacrosse team has a unique claim to fame: they were the first team in NCAA history to score a goal in a game played on a floating field. In 2018, the team played a game on a floating turf field on the Inner Harbor in Baltimore, Maryland, and scored the first goal in the game’s history.
Alumni
Arcadia University has a proud alumni community, with graduates who have gone on to achieve great things in a wide range of fields. Here are some fun facts about notable Arcadia alumni:
- Tina Fey: Tina Fey, one of the most famous comedians and actresses in the world, is an Arcadia alumna. Fey graduated from the university in 1992 with a degree in drama and has since gone on to create and star in numerous hit TV shows and movies, including 30 Rock and Mean Girls.
- Rachel Carson: Rachel Carson, the pioneering environmentalist and author of Silent Spring, also attended Arcadia University (then known as Beaver College) for two years in the 1920s. Carson’s work as a writer and scientist helped to spark the modern environmental movement and continues to inspire people around the world today.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Arcadia University is a fascinating institution with a rich history and a wealth of interesting fun facts. From its beautiful campus and innovative academic programs to its active student life and accomplished alumni, Arcadia has much to offer anyone who is interested in higher education. Whether you’re a current student, a prospective student, or just someone who loves learning about interesting facts, Arcadia is definitely worth exploring.