Introduction
Huntington University is a small liberal arts institution located in Huntington, Indiana. Despite its small size, the university has a rich history and is known for its excellent academic programs. In this blog post, we’ll explore some fun facts about Huntington University that you may not have known before.
The University’s Founding
Huntington University was founded in 1897 as Central College. It was established by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, which is now known as the United Brethren Church. The college was originally located in Huntington, Indiana, but it later moved to Upland, Indiana, where it was renamed Huntington College. In 2005, the institution became Huntington University to better reflect its diverse academic programs and student body.
Famous Alumni
Huntington University has a number of notable alumni who have gone on to achieve success in various fields. Here are just a few:
Dan Quayle: Dan Quayle, the 44th Vice President of the United States, graduated from Huntington College in 1969. Before he became Vice President, Quayle served as a U.S. Representative and a U.S. Senator from Indiana.
Helen Gougar: Helen Gougar was the first woman to graduate from the Indiana Law School, which is now known as the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law. She graduated from Huntington College in 1875 and went on to become a prominent women’s rights advocate and suffragist.
Jeff Kinney: Jeff Kinney is the author of the popular “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” book series. He graduated from Huntington College in 1993 with a degree in computer science.
Greg Sparks: Greg Sparks is a former NFL linebacker who played for the Kansas City Chiefs and the Chicago Bears. He graduated from Huntington College in 1996.
Dr. Paul R. Cunningham: Dr. Paul R. Cunningham is a former NASA astronaut who graduated from Huntington College in 1963. He flew on two space shuttle missions, STS-33 and STS-44.
Chapel Services
One unique aspect of Huntington University is its mandatory chapel services. All full-time students are required to attend chapel services three times per week. Chapel services are held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and they feature a variety of speakers and worship leaders. Students can choose from multiple service times each day, so they can fit chapel attendance into their schedules.
Chapel services are an important part of the Huntington University community. They provide a time for students, faculty, and staff to come together for worship and reflection. Chapel services also help to reinforce the university’s Christian values and mission.
Huntington University Arboretum
The Huntington University Arboretum is a beautiful 60-acre nature preserve located on the university’s campus. The arboretum features over 1,200 trees and shrubs, as well as several miles of walking trails. It’s a popular destination for students, faculty, and members of the community who want to enjoy the beauty of nature.
The Huntington University Arboretum is also a valuable educational resource. It provides opportunities for students to study ecology, botany, and other natural sciences. The arboretum is home to several rare and endangered species of plants, so it’s an important site for conservation and preservation efforts.
The Forester Village
The Forester Village is a unique housing option for Huntington University students. It’s a small community of tiny houses located on the edge of campus. The tiny houses are designed to be affordable and sustainable, and they’re a popular choice for students who want to live off-campus.
The Forester Village is more than just a place to live, though. It’s also a community where students can come together and support one another. Residents of the Forester Village have access to community gardens, a fire pit, and other amenities that promote social interaction and a sense of belonging.
The tiny houses in the Forester Village are designed to be environmentally friendly. They’re equipped with energy-efficient appliances and use solar power to generate electricity. The village also features rain barrels and other sustainable features that reduce the environmental impact of student housing.
The Merillat Centre for the Arts
The Merillat Centre for the Arts is a testament to Huntington University’s commitment to the arts. It’s a valuable resource for students, faculty, and members of the community who are passionate about music, theater, and the visual arts.
Huntington University’s Mascot
Huntington University’s mascot is the Forester, which is a nod to the university’s location in the heart of the Hoosier National Forest. The Forester is a strong and proud symbol of the university’s commitment to academic excellence, spiritual growth, and service to others.
The Forester is a beloved figure on campus, and students can often be seen wearing Forester gear around campus and in the community. The university’s athletic teams are also known as the Foresters, and they compete in the Crossroads League, which is a conference of NAIA schools in the Midwest.
Conclusion
Huntington University is a special place that has a rich history and a commitment to academic excellence, spiritual growth, and service to others. From its famous alumni to its beautiful arboretum, there’s so much to love about Huntington University. Whether you’re a student, a faculty member, or a member of the community, Huntington University is a welcoming and inspiring place that’s worth exploring.