Introduction
The University of Mount Union is a private liberal arts college located in Alliance, Ohio. Founded in 1846, it has a rich history and an array of interesting facts that make it stand out from other universities. In this blog post, we will explore some fun facts about the University of Mount Union, from its famous alumni to its unique campus traditions.
Fun facts about University of Mount Union
Notable Alumni
The University of Mount Union has produced several notable alumni who have made significant contributions in their respective fields. One of its most famous alumni is John D. Rockefeller, who is widely considered to be one of the wealthiest men in history. Rockefeller attended the university from 1855 to 1857, but he was forced to drop out due to his family’s financial difficulties. However, he remained committed to his education and went on to found Standard Oil Company, which made him one of the richest men in the world.
Another notable alumnus is Edwin J. Feulner, who is the founder and former president of The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank based in Washington, D.C. Feulner graduated from the University of Mount Union in 1962 and went on to earn his Ph.D. from the University of Edinburgh. He founded The Heritage Foundation in 1973 and served as its president until 2013.
Campus Traditions
The University of Mount Union has several unique campus traditions that have been passed down through generations of students. One of the most popular traditions is the “Pumpkin Drop,” which takes place during Homecoming Weekend. In this tradition, students drop pumpkins from the roof of the Hoover-Price Campus Center, and the goal is to see whose pumpkin survives the fall. The winner receives a prize, and the remaining pumpkins are donated to a local farm for animal feed.
Another tradition is the “Purple Plague,” which is a friendly competition between the first-year students and upperclassmen. The freshmen wear purple t-shirts with the words “I’m a plague” written on them, and they must try to “infect” as many upperclassmen as possible by tagging them with a purple sticker. The upperclassmen, on the other hand, wear white t-shirts and try to avoid getting tagged. The team with the most points at the end of the day wins bragging rights for the rest of the year.
Athletics
The University of Mount Union has a strong athletics program and is known for its successful football team, which has won 13 NCAA Division III national championships. The team’s success is due in part to its head coach, Larry Kehres, who coached the team for 27 years and led them to 11 national championships. Kehres was also inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2017.
The university also has a successful women’s soccer team, which has won two Ohio Athletic Conference championships and has made several appearances in the NCAA Division III tournament. In addition, the men’s basketball team has won 16 Ohio Athletic Conference championships and has made several appearances in the NCAA Division III tournament.
Campus Architecture
The University of Mount Union’s campus features several buildings with unique architecture, including Chapman Hall, which was built in 1900 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The building’s most distinctive feature is its clock tower, which stands at 100 feet tall and can be seen from all over campus. The tower was originally designed to serve as a fire escape, but it now serves as a symbol of the university’s history and tradition.
Another notable building is the Giese Center for the Performing Arts, which was built in 2007 and features a modern design with a curved roof and large windows that provide natural light. The center is home to the university’s music and theatre programs
Sustainability Efforts
The University of Mount Union is committed to sustainability and has implemented several initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. In 2010, the university installed a 400 kW wind turbine on campus, which generates approximately 10% of the university’s annual energy needs. The turbine has saved the university over $100,000 in energy costs and has reduced its carbon footprint by over 900 metric tons.
In addition to the wind turbine, the university has also implemented a recycling program, installed energy-efficient lighting, and upgraded its heating and cooling systems to improve energy efficiency. The university also has a student-led Environmental Club, which promotes sustainability on campus and in the community.
Study Abroad Programs
The University of Mount Union offers several study abroad programs, which provide students with the opportunity to study in a different country and gain valuable cultural experience. The university has partnerships with universities in over 25 countries, including England, Spain, Italy, and China.
One of the most popular study abroad programs is the “London Experience,” which is a semester-long program that allows students to study in London, England. The program includes courses in theatre, history, and literature, as well as cultural excursions to museums, theaters, and historic sites throughout the city.
Community Service
The University of Mount Union is committed to serving the local community and has several community service programs that allow students to give back. One of the most popular programs is the “Raider Relief” program, which provides assistance to families in need in the Alliance community. The program includes a food drive, a winter coat drive, and a Christmas gift drive, which help provide basic necessities and holiday gifts to families who may not be able to afford them.
The university also has a “Dukes to Diplomats” program, which provides opportunities for students to engage in community service and cultural exchange in foreign countries. The program partners with the U.S. Department of State and sends students to countries such as Cambodia, China, and Tanzania to teach English, provide medical care, and engage in other community service activities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the University of Mount Union has a rich history and an array of interesting facts that make it a unique and special place. From its notable alumni to its campus traditions, athletics programs, and sustainability efforts, the university has much to offer its students and the community. Its commitment to community service and study abroad programs also provide students with valuable opportunities to give back and gain cultural experience.