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Wikipedia

Widener University

Widener University is a private university in Chester, Pennsylvania. The university has three other campuses: two in Pennsylvania (Harrisburg and Exton) and one in Wilmington, Delaware.

Widener University
MottoMens Sana In Corpore Sano
(Sound Mind in Sound Body)
TypePrivate
Established1821; 202 years ago (1821) (The Bullock School for Boys)
1862 (College)
Endowment$90.0 million (2020)[1]
PresidentDr. Stacey Robertson
Academic staff
326 full-time
Students6,464[2]
Undergraduates3,204 (2,790 day, 414 evening)
Postgraduates3,260 (1,598 law students)
Location,
U.S.

39°51′39″N 75°21′18″W / 39.8607°N 75.3551°W / 39.8607; -75.3551Coordinates: 39°51′39″N 75°21′18″W / 39.8607°N 75.3551°W / 39.8607; -75.3551
CampusUrban, 108 acres (44 ha)
Colors   Widener blue & gold
NicknamePride (introduced in 2006), formerly the Pioneers and the Cadets (when PMC)
Sporting affiliations
Division III (MAC)
Websitewww.widener.edu

Founded as The Bullock School for Boys in 1821, the school was established in Wilmington, Delaware. It became The Alsop School for Boys from 1846 to 1853, and then Hyatt's Select School for Boys from 1853 to 1859. Military instruction was introduced in 1858, and the school changed its name in 1859 to Delaware Military Academy. It moved to Pennsylvania in 1862 and became Chester County Military Academy. It was known as Pennsylvania Military College after 1892 and adopted the Widener name in 1972.

About 3,300 undergraduates and 3,300 graduate students attend Widener in eight degree-granting schools. The university offers associate, baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral degrees in areas ranging from traditional liberal arts to professional programs. It is classified among "Doctoral/Professional Universities" and a "Community Engagement Institution".

History

Widener University was founded in 1821 as the Bullock School for Boys preparatory school in Wilmington, Delaware, by John Bullock. Bullock operated the school until 1846 when it was sold to Samuel Alsop and renamed the Alsop School for Boys. In 1853, the school was sold to Theodore Hyatt and renamed the Hyatt's Select School for Boys,[3] and again in 1859 to the Delaware Military Academy.[4] In 1862, the school moved to West Chester, Pennsylvania. By act of assembly on April 8, 1862, the Pennsylvania legislature incorporated the school as a university under the name of Chester County Military Academy.[5] In 1865, the school moved to Chester, Pennsylvania, and occupied the building which would become the Old Main building of the Crozer Theological Seminary. By 1868, the school outgrew the Crozer Old Main building and relocated to its current location.[6]

From 1892 to 1966, the school was known as Pennsylvania Military College (PMC) and was under the direction of General Charles Hyatt. PMC was once one of the nation's senior military colleges. In 1869, Pennsylvania Military College was the first school to have a U.S. Army detail stationed at the school and to receive federal arms for training. In 1904, the school was recognized on the first list of distinguished institutions published by the U.S. War Department. In 1923, "American March King" John Philip Sousa wrote and dedicated "The Dauntless Battalion" march to PMC's President (Colonel Charles E. Hyatt), the faculty and the cadets of PMC. Sousa had been presented with an honorary doctor of music degree by the college in 1920, and he was impressed by the cadet cavalry horsemen.[3]

In 1966, the school changed its name again to PMC Colleges, which incorporated Pennsylvania Military College as well as Penn Morton College, which had a non-military, co-educational curriculum. The school expanded the Chester campus from 25 acres to 90 acres.[7] Graduate programs were introduced in 1966,[8] and female students were first enrolled in 1967.[9]

In 1972, the institution was renamed Widener College to honor the memory of Eleanor Elkins Widener, the maternal grandmother of Fitz Eugene Dixon Jr., a generous supporter of the organization over four decades and a member of the prominent Widener family of Philadelphia.[10] The Corps of Cadets disbanded, although an Army ROTC program was retained. The Widener University School of Law was acquired in 1975, which was split in 2015 to become two separate law schools: one on the Delaware campus and another in Harrisburg – Widener University Commonwealth Law School. In recognition of its comprehensive offerings, Widener College became Widener University in 1979. Today, Widener is a four-campus university offering more than 80 programs of study.

Architecture

 
The Manor House on the campus of Widener University built by Jonathan Edwards Woodbridge in 1888

The Manor House was designed and built by Jonathan Edwards Woodbridge in 1888 at 14th and Potter Street. It was a wedding gift to his wife, Louise Deshong, and was originally named "The Louise". It was modeled after the late 19th-century English country manor style and is unique for its hand-made brick construction.

The house was given to the city of Chester as a home for young women. In 1976, Widener University purchased the home for use as a student residence.[11] It later became home to the Phi Sigma Sigma sorority.[12] The home is currently used by Widener University as a student dormitory.[13]

The Old Main and Chemistry Building were listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.[14]

Timeline

Throughout its long history, the university has undergone several name changes. The following table details the various names Widener has held over the years as well as any significant organizational changes that occurred during each period.

1821–1846 The Bullock School for Boys, founded by John Bullock in Wilmington, Delaware
1846–1853 The Alsop School for Boys
1853–1859 Hyatt's Select School for Boys
  • 1858: military instruction introduced
1859–1862 Delaware Military Academy
1862–1892 Pennsylvania Military Academy
1892–1966 Pennsylvania Military College (also known as PMC)
1966–1972 PMC Colleges (for Pennsylvania Military College and Penn Morton College, the civilian component)
  • 1966: offered nursing program with College of Nursing of Crozer Foundation; first women admitted; first graduate program introduced (engineering)
  • 1970: School of Nursing starts
1972–1979 Widener College
  • 1972: Corps of Cadets disbanded, academic programs organized into 4 schools: Arts & Sciences, Engineering, Nursing, and Management
  • 1975: Acquired Delaware Law School
  • 1976: Delaware Campus opens as part of merger with Brandywine Junior College
1979–present Widener University
  • 1980: University College program (undergraduate evening school) starts
  • 1981: School of Hotel and Restaurant Management opens (renamed School of Hospitality Management in 1996)
  • 1989: Harrisburg Campus opens
  • 1993: School of Human Service Professions begins
  • 2004: Exton Campus opens
  • 2006: Metropolitan Hall and the Wellness Center are added to the main facilities in Chester
  • 2011: Founders Hall is built to house the School of Nursing and the Oskin Leadership Institute
  • 2012: School of Education, Innovation & Continuing Studies created through the merger of the Center for Education and University College
  • 2013: Freedom Hall opens; Informatics, communication studies, and computer information systems have state-of-the-art technology to work with
  • 2015: The School of Hospitality Management and the School of Education, Innovation, and Continuing Studies merge to create the School of Education, Hospitality, and Continuing Studies.
  • 2015: Widener University School of Law – which used to be one school, sitting on two university campuses becomes Widener University Delaware Law School in Wilmington and Widener University Commonwealth Law School in Harrisburg.

Campuses

Widener consists of four campuses, the Main Campus in Chester, Pennsylvania, plus campuses in Wilmington, Delaware, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and Exton, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1866 after the school moved to Chester, the 108-acre (0.44 km2) main campus consists of over 100 buildings and serves all undergraduate day students as well as Continuing Studies, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) students, and graduate students. Widener's graduate programs include business, education, engineering, nursing, social work, physical therapy, and clinical psychology.

The School of Law, which opened in 1976 on the Delaware Campus, consists of 16 buildings across 40 acres (160,000 m2) and is 12 miles (19 km) from the Main Campus. It contains the School of Law as well as the Legal Education Institute. Some classes for Continuing Studies students and graduate business students are also held here. The 21-acre (85,000 m2) Harrisburg Campus, opening in 1989, contains the Widener University Commonwealth Law School and has graduate programs in nursing and social work held there. In July 2015, Widener School of Law, which used to be one school sitting on the Delaware and Harrisburg campuses, split to become Widener University Delaware Law School in Wilmington and Widener University Commonwealth Law School in Harrisburg.

Starting in 2004, the Exton Campus was added to Widener's growing institution. It is located in a business park 25 miles (40 km) from the Main Campus. It primarily serves Continuing Studies students and contains Widener's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), which provides continuing education programs for retired adults.

Academics

Widener's academic offerings include over 50 undergraduate majors, 40 minors, and more than 30 graduate programs of study. Widener has an undergraduate student to faculty ratio of 12:1 with 90% of the full-time faculty having doctorates or the highest degree in their field.[2] In addition, 60% of all classes contain less than 20 students.[15]

Libraries and museums

 
 
Child Feeding her Pets (1872) painting by Gaetano Chierici from the Widener University Alfred O. Deshong Collection

The Wolfgram Memorial Library contains 242,000 volumes, 175,000 microfilms, 12,000 audio-visual materials and 1,960 serial subscriptions.[4]

In 1979, Widener University leased and restored the Deshong Art Museum located on Edgemont Avenue in Chester. The Deshong Art Museum was built in 1914 after the death of the art collector and wealthy industrialist Alfred O. Deshong left his trust and land to the city of Chester.[16] Deshong donated over 300 pieces of art to the museum including carved Japanese ivory figures, Chinese carved hard stone vessels and 19th century American and European paintings.[16]

Over the years, the museum fell into disrepair and in July 1984 the trustees that managed the art museum dissolved the trust. The Asian and impressionistic art collection were given to Widener University and are displayed in their permanent collection.[17][18]

The PMC Museum highlights the legacy of the Pennsylvania Military Academy of Cadets with exhibits of sabres, uniforms, scrapbooks, newspapers and yearbooks.[19]

Rankings and classifications

In 2013, Widener was named a finalist for the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll Presidential award – one of only 14 institutions in the nation to receive that honor. The university has made the honor roll every year since its inception in 2006. The 2018 Best Colleges list from U.S. News & World Report ranked Widener as tied for 192nd among 311 national universities, with a score of 32 out of 100.[20] It also ranked Widener's undergraduate engineering program 103rd among all 200 programs whose highest engineering degree is a bachelor's or master's.[21] Out of the 262 national universities ranked, Widener is 55th in the category "Highest Proportion of Classes Under 20 Students".[15] The 2008 U.S. News & World Report's Best Graduate Schools ranks several of Widener's graduate programs: clinical psychology → #145,[22] health care management → #49,[23] nursing → #141,[24] physical therapy → #173,[25] and social work → #140.[26]

Athletics

Widener has 22 varsity teams (11 for men and 11 for women) participating in Division III within the MAC Commonwealth of the Middle Atlantic Conferences (MAC). Formerly known as the Pioneers, their nickname changed to the Pride in the Fall of 2006 after a student poll.[27] Widener sports teams include:

Athletic achievements

The football team has had recent success winning the MAC championship in 2012 and an "Elite 8" appearance in the Division III Playoffs, the ECAC Southwest Bowl in 2011,[29] and the ECAC South Atlantic Bowl in 2005.[30] Its greatest success has been winning the NCAA Division III National Championship in 1977 and 1981 under long-time coach Bill Manlove and reaching the semi-finals in 1979, 1980, and 2000. Widener also reached the quarterfinals of the tournament in 2012 before losing to eventual NCAA D-III National Champion, Mount Union, by a lopsided 72–17 score.[31] In 2014, the team again won the MAC championship and eventually lost in the NCAA Division III tournament in the "Elite Eight" to Linfield by a score of 45–7.[32] Additionally, Widener football has won 17 MAC championships, the most of any team in the conference. Billy "White Shoes" Johnson played for Widener in the early 70s. He went on to be an all-pro NFL player and was selected to the NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team as well as the College Football Hall of Fame.

The men's basketball team has won 15 MAC titles and appeared in the NCAA Division III Tournament 17 times, advancing to the "Sweet 16" in 1987 and 2006, the "Final 4" in 1985, and the championship game in 1978.[31] The men's lacrosse team has appeared in the NCAA Tournament 8 times since 2000 and has won 12 MAC titles since 1996.[31] The men's swimming team has won 12 MAC titles since 1994.[31]

Athletic facilities

The Schwartz Athletic Center is home to basketball, swimming, indoor track, and volleyball. It houses a newly renovated 25-yard (23 m) by 25 meter 10-lane competition swimming pool, squash/racquetball courts, and administrative offices for the athletic department. Schwartz is also home to the new Wellness Center, opened in April 2006 to provide the faculty, staff, and students with additional recreational and fitness opportunities. In addition to exercise equipment, the Wellness Center provides fitness classes and a 24-foot (7.3 m) rock climbing wall.

Opening in 1994, Leslie C. Quick Jr. Stadium seats over 4,000 people and has a turf playing field surrounded by an 8-lane track. The stadium houses the football, soccer, men's lacrosse, and outdoor track & field teams. In addition, Edith R. Dixon Field, opening in 2005, houses the women's field hockey and lacrosse teams. It sports an artificial turf, lighting, and a scoreboard. The field is also used for the intramural teams.

In Fall 2019, the Esports Arena in the basement of University Center opened for the inaugural season of the esports program. The arena includes 26 top-of-the-line gaming PCs and serves as both a practice and competition space for the athletes.[33]

The Philadelphia Eagles held their summer training camp on Widener's campus between 1973 and 1979. The 2006 movie Invincible depicts the campus during the Eagles' 1976 summer training camp.[34] Since 2006, the Philadelphia Soul have held practices at Widener as well.

Student life

Enrollment

Widener enrolls approximately 6,300 total students including 3,600 undergraduate, 1,700 graduate students, and 1,000 law school students. Among full-time undergraduate students, the male/female ratio is about 0.8:1 (44% male, 56% female). 48% of undergraduates choose to live on the Main Campus while the remaining students live off-campus or commute. Approximately 54% of all full-time undergraduates are from Pennsylvania with 45% coming from the rest of the country (predominantly Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Virginia), and 1% of students originating from outside the U.S.[35] The acceptance rate for undergraduate applicants in fall 2013 was 65.5%.[36]

Student clubs and events

The university has over 100 student clubs including honor societies, religious organizations, media groups, and special interest clubs. Greek Week, Spring Carnival, and Homecoming are among the popular events on campus.[37] Graduate students are currently not allowed to participate in club sports activities.

Media is big on Widener's campus. The Blue&Gold: Widener University's Student Media Site was established in spring 2013. This outlet for student reporting has been growing ever since, telling the news and giving students a voice on campus. TV Club is Widener's student-run television program. WDNR is the student-run campus radio station that plays a variety of music including hip-hop, rock, metal, and punk.

Fraternity and sorority life

Widener has six fraternities and six sororities.[38] Approximately 12% of all undergraduates are members.[37] Widener's Greek organizations include:

Community

Widener is one of only 22 colleges that is a member of Project Pericles, an organization promoting social responsibility and addressing civic apathy among students. It is classified as a Community Engagement Institution.[39]

Widener has several initiatives aimed at benefiting the surrounding community. These include:

  • Pennsylvania Small Business Development Center — The school opened the center in 2006 to provide consulting and educational programs to local small businesses and entrepreneurs. It is one of only 18 in the state and one of 3 in the Philadelphia region (with Temple University and University of Pennsylvania).
  • Philadelphia Speakers Series — Since 2004, Widener has sponsored this series which has had such notable speakers as Steve Wozniak, Henry Kissinger, Walter Cronkite and Dave Barry.
  • University Technology Park — A joint project started in 1999 between the university and Crozer-Keystone Health System to foster small business opportunities focusing on health care, science and technology. It currently consists of two buildings (with three more planned) on 20 acres (81,000 m2) and is located directly in between the Main Campus and Crozer-Keystone Medical Center.
  • Widener University Observatory — The observatory has free public telescope viewings throughout the school year hosted by the physics and astronomy department.

Charter school

In 2006, the university established a new charter school near the Chester campus to serve local residents from kindergarten to grade 5. Named the Widener Partnership Charter School, the school utilizes the university's programs in education, social work, nursing, and clinical psychology. This collaboration involves the participation of Widener faculty and students to not only provide educational support but also provide additional assistance outside of school through counseling and health services.

Classes in the charter school started in September 2006, enrolling 50 students in both kindergarten and grade 1. The school continued to add a new grade each year until grade 8 had been reached, surpassing the initial expectations of the project.

Chester revitalization project

A $50 million revitalization project was started in 2007. The project, named University Crossings, included the addition of a hotel, bookstore, coffee shop, restaurant, and apartments. The project is expected to have an overall economic impact of $1 million to Chester, as well as creating 100 new jobs.[40]

In 2017, Widener University purchased the Taylor Memorial Arboretum in Nether Providence Township about 1 mile north of the Chester campus. The university purchased the site from BNY Mellon bank and plans to use the nature reserve for research and hands-on learning opportunities for citizen science projects.[41]

Notable alumni

As of 2011, there were 59,018 total living alumni.[2]


References

  1. ^ As of June 30, 2020. U.S. and Canadian Institutions Listed by Fiscal Year 2020 Endowment Market Value and Change in Endowment Market Value from FY19 to FY20 (Report). National Association of College and University Business Officers and TIAA. February 19, 2021. Retrieved February 20, 2021.
  2. ^ a b c . Widener University. Archived from the original on 2011-09-28. Retrieved 2011-11-09.
  3. ^ a b "Our History". www.pennsylvaniamilitary.college.org. Retrieved 27 September 2018.
  4. ^ a b American Universities and Colleges, 19th Edition. Santa Barbara, California: Praeger. 2010. p. 1182. ISBN 978-0-313-36609-3. Retrieved 23 September 2018.
  5. ^ Ashmeade, Henry Graham (1884). History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Philadelphia: L.H. Everts & Co. p. 350. Retrieved 6 June 2017.
  6. ^ Jordan, John W. (1914). A History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, and Its People. New York: Lewis Historical Publishing Company. p. 465. Retrieved 26 September 2018.
  7. ^ "Pennsylvania Military College – or how Widener became Widener". www.phillyhistoryphotos.com. Retrieved 23 September 2018.
  8. ^ "National Historic Landmarks & National Register of Historic Places in Pennsylvania" (Searchable database). CRGIS: Cultural Resources Geographic Information System. Note: This includes Thomas Carnwath and Nancy M. Steele (October 1977). "National Register of Historic Places Inventory Nomination Form: Old Main and Chemistry Building" (PDF). Retrieved 2012-01-06.
  9. ^ Coulter, John A. (2017). Cadets on Campus: History of Military Schools of the United States. College Station, Texas: Texas A&M University Press. ISBN 9781623495213. Retrieved 23 September 2018.
  10. ^ "Old Main and Annex". www.hcap.artstor.org. Retrieved 23 September 2018.
  11. ^ "Deshong Family". www.widener.edu. Retrieved 27 April 2018.
  12. ^ "The Manor House". www.widener.edu. Retrieved 26 April 2018.
  13. ^ Brown, Katie O'Halloran. "Conspicuous Cadet at New Market – The life and legacy of VMI's Jonathan E. Woodbridge". www.militaryimages.atavist.com. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
  14. ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
  15. ^ a b "America Best Colleges 2010: National Universities: Highest Proportion of Class Under 20". U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved 2010-09-02.
  16. ^ a b Schaefer, Mari A. "Pieces from Deshong collection go on display at Widener". www.philly.com. Retrieved 6 January 2018.
  17. ^ Waltzer, Jim. "The Fight to Bring Chester Back From the Brink". www.mainlinetoday.com. Retrieved 6 January 2018.
  18. ^ "Permanent Collection". www.widener.edu. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
  19. ^ "PMC Museum". www.widener.edu. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
  20. ^ "Best Colleges 2018: National Universities". U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved 2018-04-13.
  21. ^ "Best Colleges 2018: Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs". U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved 2018-04-13.
  22. ^ "America Best Graduate Schools 2008: Health: Clinical Psychology". U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved 2007-03-30.
  23. ^ "America Best Graduate Schools 2008: Health: Healthcare Management (Master's)". U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved 2007-03-30.
  24. ^ "America Best Graduate Schools 2008: Health: Nursing (Master's)". U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved 2007-03-30.
  25. ^ "America Best Graduate Schools 2008: Health: Physical Therapy". U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved 2007-03-30.
  26. ^ "America Best Graduate Schools 2008: Health: Social Work (Master's)". U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved 2007-03-30.
  27. ^ . Widener University. Archived from the original on 2007-10-01. Retrieved 2007-03-31.
  28. ^ "Esports Introduced As 24th Varsity Program". www.widener.edu. Retrieved 2020-09-17.
  29. ^ "Widener Tallies 14–7 Victory for Southwest Championship". Eastern College Athletic Conference. Retrieved 2007-03-10.[dead link]
  30. ^ "Widener Wins ECAC South Atlantic Championship Bowl". Eastern College Athletic Conference. Retrieved 2007-03-10.[dead link]
  31. ^ a b c d "Conference Champs and Postseason Appearances". Widener University. Retrieved 2010-06-13.
  32. ^ "Season Ends For No. 10 Football With 45–7 Loss to Linfield in the Elite Eight". www.widenerpride.com. Retrieved 2016-09-22.
  33. ^ DeGeorge, Matthew. "Overwatch final in Philly underscores esports' growth". The Delaware County Daily Times. Retrieved 2020-09-17.
  34. ^ . Delaware County Daily Times. Archived from the original on 2007-04-28. Retrieved 2007-04-27.
  35. ^ "Widener University: Student Body". U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved 2012-05-07.
  36. ^ "Rankings". colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com. Retrieved 2019-05-15.
  37. ^ a b "Widener University: Extracurriculars". U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved 2007-04-24.
  38. ^ "Widener University – Greek Life". Retrieved 2014-10-09.
  39. ^ . The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Archived from the original on 2007-02-04. Retrieved 2007-03-10.
  40. ^ "Economic Development". www.widener.edu. Retrieved 6 May 2018.
  41. ^ Babay, Emily. "Widener University take over Taylor Memorial Arboretum". www.philly.com. Retrieved 29 September 2018.
  42. ^ David Lane Powers, Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Accessed September 9, 2007.

External links

  • Official website

widener, university, private, university, chester, pennsylvania, university, three, other, campuses, pennsylvania, harrisburg, exton, wilmington, delaware, mottomens, sana, corpore, sano, sound, mind, sound, body, typeprivateestablished1821, years, 1821, bullo. Widener University is a private university in Chester Pennsylvania The university has three other campuses two in Pennsylvania Harrisburg and Exton and one in Wilmington Delaware Widener UniversityMottoMens Sana In Corpore Sano Sound Mind in Sound Body TypePrivateEstablished1821 202 years ago 1821 The Bullock School for Boys 1862 College Endowment 90 0 million 2020 1 PresidentDr Stacey RobertsonAcademic staff326 full timeStudents6 464 2 Undergraduates3 204 2 790 day 414 evening Postgraduates3 260 1 598 law students LocationChester Pennsylvania U S 39 51 39 N 75 21 18 W 39 8607 N 75 3551 W 39 8607 75 3551 Coordinates 39 51 39 N 75 21 18 W 39 8607 N 75 3551 W 39 8607 75 3551CampusUrban 108 acres 44 ha Colors Widener blue amp goldNicknamePride introduced in 2006 formerly the Pioneers and the Cadets when PMC Sporting affiliationsDivision III MAC Websitewww wbr widener wbr eduFounded as The Bullock School for Boys in 1821 the school was established in Wilmington Delaware It became The Alsop School for Boys from 1846 to 1853 and then Hyatt s Select School for Boys from 1853 to 1859 Military instruction was introduced in 1858 and the school changed its name in 1859 to Delaware Military Academy It moved to Pennsylvania in 1862 and became Chester County Military Academy It was known as Pennsylvania Military College after 1892 and adopted the Widener name in 1972 About 3 300 undergraduates and 3 300 graduate students attend Widener in eight degree granting schools The university offers associate baccalaureate master s and doctoral degrees in areas ranging from traditional liberal arts to professional programs It is classified among Doctoral Professional Universities and a Community Engagement Institution Contents 1 History 1 1 Architecture 1 2 Timeline 2 Campuses 3 Academics 3 1 Libraries and museums 3 2 Rankings and classifications 4 Athletics 4 1 Athletic achievements 4 2 Athletic facilities 5 Student life 5 1 Enrollment 5 2 Student clubs and events 5 3 Fraternity and sorority life 6 Community 6 1 Charter school 6 2 Chester revitalization project 7 Notable alumni 8 References 9 External linksHistory Edit Old Main and Chemistry Building Widener University was founded in 1821 as the Bullock School for Boys preparatory school in Wilmington Delaware by John Bullock Bullock operated the school until 1846 when it was sold to Samuel Alsop and renamed the Alsop School for Boys In 1853 the school was sold to Theodore Hyatt and renamed the Hyatt s Select School for Boys 3 and again in 1859 to the Delaware Military Academy 4 In 1862 the school moved to West Chester Pennsylvania By act of assembly on April 8 1862 the Pennsylvania legislature incorporated the school as a university under the name of Chester County Military Academy 5 In 1865 the school moved to Chester Pennsylvania and occupied the building which would become the Old Main building of the Crozer Theological Seminary By 1868 the school outgrew the Crozer Old Main building and relocated to its current location 6 From 1892 to 1966 the school was known as Pennsylvania Military College PMC and was under the direction of General Charles Hyatt PMC was once one of the nation s senior military colleges In 1869 Pennsylvania Military College was the first school to have a U S Army detail stationed at the school and to receive federal arms for training In 1904 the school was recognized on the first list of distinguished institutions published by the U S War Department In 1923 American March King John Philip Sousa wrote and dedicated The Dauntless Battalion march to PMC s President Colonel Charles E Hyatt the faculty and the cadets of PMC Sousa had been presented with an honorary doctor of music degree by the college in 1920 and he was impressed by the cadet cavalry horsemen 3 In 1966 the school changed its name again to PMC Colleges which incorporated Pennsylvania Military College as well as Penn Morton College which had a non military co educational curriculum The school expanded the Chester campus from 25 acres to 90 acres 7 Graduate programs were introduced in 1966 8 and female students were first enrolled in 1967 9 In 1972 the institution was renamed Widener College to honor the memory of Eleanor Elkins Widener the maternal grandmother of Fitz Eugene Dixon Jr a generous supporter of the organization over four decades and a member of the prominent Widener family of Philadelphia 10 The Corps of Cadets disbanded although an Army ROTC program was retained The Widener University School of Law was acquired in 1975 which was split in 2015 to become two separate law schools one on the Delaware campus and another in Harrisburg Widener University Commonwealth Law School In recognition of its comprehensive offerings Widener College became Widener University in 1979 Today Widener is a four campus university offering more than 80 programs of study Architecture Edit The Manor House on the campus of Widener University built by Jonathan Edwards Woodbridge in 1888 The Manor House was designed and built by Jonathan Edwards Woodbridge in 1888 at 14th and Potter Street It was a wedding gift to his wife Louise Deshong and was originally named The Louise It was modeled after the late 19th century English country manor style and is unique for its hand made brick construction The house was given to the city of Chester as a home for young women In 1976 Widener University purchased the home for use as a student residence 11 It later became home to the Phi Sigma Sigma sorority 12 The home is currently used by Widener University as a student dormitory 13 The Old Main and Chemistry Building were listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 14 Timeline Edit Throughout its long history the university has undergone several name changes The following table details the various names Widener has held over the years as well as any significant organizational changes that occurred during each period 1821 1846 The Bullock School for Boys founded by John Bullock in Wilmington Delaware1846 1853 The Alsop School for Boys1853 1859 Hyatt s Select School for Boys 1858 military instruction introduced1859 1862 Delaware Military Academy1862 1892 Pennsylvania Military Academy 1862 relocated from Wilmington to West Chester Pennsylvania 1868 relocated to present location in Chester Pennsylvania1892 1966 Pennsylvania Military College also known as PMC 1966 1972 PMC Colleges for Pennsylvania Military College and Penn Morton College the civilian component 1966 offered nursing program with College of Nursing of Crozer Foundation first women admitted first graduate program introduced engineering 1970 School of Nursing starts1972 1979 Widener College 1972 Corps of Cadets disbanded academic programs organized into 4 schools Arts amp Sciences Engineering Nursing and Management 1975 Acquired Delaware Law School 1976 Delaware Campus opens as part of merger with Brandywine Junior College1979 present Widener University 1980 University College program undergraduate evening school starts 1981 School of Hotel and Restaurant Management opens renamed School of Hospitality Management in 1996 1989 Harrisburg Campus opens 1993 School of Human Service Professions begins 2004 Exton Campus opens 2006 Metropolitan Hall and the Wellness Center are added to the main facilities in Chester 2011 Founders Hall is built to house the School of Nursing and the Oskin Leadership Institute 2012 School of Education Innovation amp Continuing Studies created through the merger of the Center for Education and University College 2013 Freedom Hall opens Informatics communication studies and computer information systems have state of the art technology to work with 2015 The School of Hospitality Management and the School of Education Innovation and Continuing Studies merge to create the School of Education Hospitality and Continuing Studies 2015 Widener University School of Law which used to be one school sitting on two university campuses becomes Widener University Delaware Law School in Wilmington and Widener University Commonwealth Law School in Harrisburg Campuses EditWidener consists of four campuses the Main Campus in Chester Pennsylvania plus campuses in Wilmington Delaware Harrisburg Pennsylvania and Exton Pennsylvania Founded in 1866 after the school moved to Chester the 108 acre 0 44 km2 main campus consists of over 100 buildings and serves all undergraduate day students as well as Continuing Studies Osher Lifelong Learning Institute OLLI students and graduate students Widener s graduate programs include business education engineering nursing social work physical therapy and clinical psychology The School of Law which opened in 1976 on the Delaware Campus consists of 16 buildings across 40 acres 160 000 m2 and is 12 miles 19 km from the Main Campus It contains the School of Law as well as the Legal Education Institute Some classes for Continuing Studies students and graduate business students are also held here The 21 acre 85 000 m2 Harrisburg Campus opening in 1989 contains the Widener University Commonwealth Law School and has graduate programs in nursing and social work held there In July 2015 Widener School of Law which used to be one school sitting on the Delaware and Harrisburg campuses split to become Widener University Delaware Law School in Wilmington and Widener University Commonwealth Law School in Harrisburg Starting in 2004 the Exton Campus was added to Widener s growing institution It is located in a business park 25 miles 40 km from the Main Campus It primarily serves Continuing Studies students and contains Widener s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute OLLI which provides continuing education programs for retired adults Academics EditWidener s academic offerings include over 50 undergraduate majors 40 minors and more than 30 graduate programs of study Widener has an undergraduate student to faculty ratio of 12 1 with 90 of the full time faculty having doctorates or the highest degree in their field 2 In addition 60 of all classes contain less than 20 students 15 Libraries and museums Edit Alfred O Deshong Memorial Child Feeding her Pets 1872 painting by Gaetano Chierici from the Widener University Alfred O Deshong Collection The Wolfgram Memorial Library contains 242 000 volumes 175 000 microfilms 12 000 audio visual materials and 1 960 serial subscriptions 4 In 1979 Widener University leased and restored the Deshong Art Museum located on Edgemont Avenue in Chester The Deshong Art Museum was built in 1914 after the death of the art collector and wealthy industrialist Alfred O Deshong left his trust and land to the city of Chester 16 Deshong donated over 300 pieces of art to the museum including carved Japanese ivory figures Chinese carved hard stone vessels and 19th century American and European paintings 16 Over the years the museum fell into disrepair and in July 1984 the trustees that managed the art museum dissolved the trust The Asian and impressionistic art collection were given to Widener University and are displayed in their permanent collection 17 18 The PMC Museum highlights the legacy of the Pennsylvania Military Academy of Cadets with exhibits of sabres uniforms scrapbooks newspapers and yearbooks 19 Rankings and classifications Edit In 2013 Widener was named a finalist for the President s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll Presidential award one of only 14 institutions in the nation to receive that honor The university has made the honor roll every year since its inception in 2006 The 2018 Best Colleges list from U S News amp World Report ranked Widener as tied for 192nd among 311 national universities with a score of 32 out of 100 20 It also ranked Widener s undergraduate engineering program 103rd among all 200 programs whose highest engineering degree is a bachelor s or master s 21 Out of the 262 national universities ranked Widener is 55th in the category Highest Proportion of Classes Under 20 Students 15 The 2008 U S News amp World Report s Best Graduate Schools ranks several of Widener s graduate programs clinical psychology 145 22 health care management 49 23 nursing 141 24 physical therapy 173 25 and social work 140 26 Athletics EditWidener has 22 varsity teams 11 for men and 11 for women participating in Division III within the MAC Commonwealth of the Middle Atlantic Conferences MAC Formerly known as the Pioneers their nickname changed to the Pride in the Fall of 2006 after a student poll 27 Widener sports teams include Men s and Women s varsity basketball cross country lacrosse soccer swimming indoor track and field outdoor track and field volleyball and golf Men s varsity baseball and football Women s varsity field hockey and softball Co ed Varsity esports 28 Club sports men s ice hockey men s rugby union women s rugby and cheerleadingAthletic achievements Edit The football team has had recent success winning the MAC championship in 2012 and an Elite 8 appearance in the Division III Playoffs the ECAC Southwest Bowl in 2011 29 and the ECAC South Atlantic Bowl in 2005 30 Its greatest success has been winning the NCAA Division III National Championship in 1977 and 1981 under long time coach Bill Manlove and reaching the semi finals in 1979 1980 and 2000 Widener also reached the quarterfinals of the tournament in 2012 before losing to eventual NCAA D III National Champion Mount Union by a lopsided 72 17 score 31 In 2014 the team again won the MAC championship and eventually lost in the NCAA Division III tournament in the Elite Eight to Linfield by a score of 45 7 32 Additionally Widener football has won 17 MAC championships the most of any team in the conference Billy White Shoes Johnson played for Widener in the early 70s He went on to be an all pro NFL player and was selected to the NFL 75th Anniversary All Time Team as well as the College Football Hall of Fame The men s basketball team has won 15 MAC titles and appeared in the NCAA Division III Tournament 17 times advancing to the Sweet 16 in 1987 and 2006 the Final 4 in 1985 and the championship game in 1978 31 The men s lacrosse team has appeared in the NCAA Tournament 8 times since 2000 and has won 12 MAC titles since 1996 31 The men s swimming team has won 12 MAC titles since 1994 31 Athletic facilities Edit The Schwartz Athletic Center is home to basketball swimming indoor track and volleyball It houses a newly renovated 25 yard 23 m by 25 meter 10 lane competition swimming pool squash racquetball courts and administrative offices for the athletic department Schwartz is also home to the new Wellness Center opened in April 2006 to provide the faculty staff and students with additional recreational and fitness opportunities In addition to exercise equipment the Wellness Center provides fitness classes and a 24 foot 7 3 m rock climbing wall Opening in 1994 Leslie C Quick Jr Stadium seats over 4 000 people and has a turf playing field surrounded by an 8 lane track The stadium houses the football soccer men s lacrosse and outdoor track amp field teams In addition Edith R Dixon Field opening in 2005 houses the women s field hockey and lacrosse teams It sports an artificial turf lighting and a scoreboard The field is also used for the intramural teams In Fall 2019 the Esports Arena in the basement of University Center opened for the inaugural season of the esports program The arena includes 26 top of the line gaming PCs and serves as both a practice and competition space for the athletes 33 The Philadelphia Eagles held their summer training camp on Widener s campus between 1973 and 1979 The 2006 movie Invincible depicts the campus during the Eagles 1976 summer training camp 34 Since 2006 the Philadelphia Soul have held practices at Widener as well Student life EditEnrollment Edit Widener enrolls approximately 6 300 total students including 3 600 undergraduate 1 700 graduate students and 1 000 law school students Among full time undergraduate students the male female ratio is about 0 8 1 44 male 56 female 48 of undergraduates choose to live on the Main Campus while the remaining students live off campus or commute Approximately 54 of all full time undergraduates are from Pennsylvania with 45 coming from the rest of the country predominantly Delaware Maryland New Jersey New York and Virginia and 1 of students originating from outside the U S 35 The acceptance rate for undergraduate applicants in fall 2013 was 65 5 36 Student clubs and events Edit The university has over 100 student clubs including honor societies religious organizations media groups and special interest clubs Greek Week Spring Carnival and Homecoming are among the popular events on campus 37 Graduate students are currently not allowed to participate in club sports activities Media is big on Widener s campus The Blue amp Gold Widener University s Student Media Site was established in spring 2013 This outlet for student reporting has been growing ever since telling the news and giving students a voice on campus TV Club is Widener s student run television program WDNR is the student run campus radio station that plays a variety of music including hip hop rock metal and punk Fraternity and sorority life Edit Widener has six fraternities and six sororities 38 Approximately 12 of all undergraduates are members 37 Widener s Greek organizations include Fraternities Alpha Tau Omega Phi Delta Theta Tau Kappa Epsilon Kappa Sigma Theta Chi and Theta Delta Sigma Co ed Sororities Alpha Kappa Alpha Zeta Phi Beta Delta Phi Epsilon Phi Sigma Sigma Sigma Sigma Sigma and Alpha Omega EpsilonCommunity EditWidener is one of only 22 colleges that is a member of Project Pericles an organization promoting social responsibility and addressing civic apathy among students It is classified as a Community Engagement Institution 39 Widener has several initiatives aimed at benefiting the surrounding community These include Pennsylvania Small Business Development Center The school opened the center in 2006 to provide consulting and educational programs to local small businesses and entrepreneurs It is one of only 18 in the state and one of 3 in the Philadelphia region with Temple University and University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia Speakers Series Since 2004 Widener has sponsored this series which has had such notable speakers as Steve Wozniak Henry Kissinger Walter Cronkite and Dave Barry University Technology Park A joint project started in 1999 between the university and Crozer Keystone Health System to foster small business opportunities focusing on health care science and technology It currently consists of two buildings with three more planned on 20 acres 81 000 m2 and is located directly in between the Main Campus and Crozer Keystone Medical Center Widener University Observatory The observatory has free public telescope viewings throughout the school year hosted by the physics and astronomy department Charter school Edit In 2006 the university established a new charter school near the Chester campus to serve local residents from kindergarten to grade 5 Named the Widener Partnership Charter School the school utilizes the university s programs in education social work nursing and clinical psychology This collaboration involves the participation of Widener faculty and students to not only provide educational support but also provide additional assistance outside of school through counseling and health services Classes in the charter school started in September 2006 enrolling 50 students in both kindergarten and grade 1 The school continued to add a new grade each year until grade 8 had been reached surpassing the initial expectations of the project Chester revitalization project Edit A 50 million revitalization project was started in 2007 The project named University Crossings included the addition of a hotel bookstore coffee shop restaurant and apartments The project is expected to have an overall economic impact of 1 million to Chester as well as creating 100 new jobs 40 In 2017 Widener University purchased the Taylor Memorial Arboretum in Nether Providence Township about 1 mile north of the Chester campus The university purchased the site from BNY Mellon bank and plans to use the nature reserve for research and hands on learning opportunities for citizen science projects 41 Notable alumni EditAs of 2011 there were 59 018 total living alumni 2 Benjamin P Ablao Jr independent filmmaker and actor Dawn Marie Addiego New Jersey state senator 2010 2022 Richard Alloway Pennsylvania state senator 2006 2019 Jesse Matlack Baker Pennsylvania State Representative for Delaware County 1889 1892 Pennsylvania State Senator for the 9th district 1893 1897 Peter J Barnes III New Jersey Superior Court judge former state senator Truxtun Beale diplomat Aimee Belgard New Jersey superior court judge Edward M Bernstein attorney philanthropist politician and television talk show host Dan Borislow entrepreneur and sports team owner David J Brightbill Pennsylvania state senator from 1982 to 2006 Chris A Brown New Jersey state senator Michael A Brown member of the Council of the District of Columbia Irving J Carr U S Army Major General John H Carrington North Carolina state senator 1995 2005 Frederick J Chiaventone US Army 73 Lieutenant Colonel historian award winning novelist screenwriter Mark B Cohen member Pennsylvania General Assembly 1974 2016 Clarence C Combs Jr polo player Carolyn Comitta member of the Pennsylvania State Senate first female Mayor of West Chester Pennsylvania member of Pennsylvania House of Representatives 2017 2020 Drew Crompton political consultant William J Crow member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives 1947 1949 Bryan Cutler member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives List of speakers of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives since 2020 Tom Deery College Football Hall of Fame inductee 1998 Joseph DeFelice former chair of the Philadelphia Republican Party and Trump appointee Cecil B DeMille legendary Hollywood director Joe Fields New York Jets all pro center Ericka Hart sex educator writer and model Frederic E Humphreys first American military pilot Billy White Shoes Johnson 1974 NFL 75th Anniversary All Time Team College Football Hall of Fame inductee 1996 Jamarr Johnson basketballer Brendan Kehoe author of Zen and the Art of the Internet A Beginner s Guide and software developer Benjamin Ralph Kimlau Chinese American World War II hero 1938 1942 Walter Francis Layer Pennsylvania State Representative for Delaware County 1947 1948 Marine Corps Colonel John Linder Mayor of Chester Pennsylvania Phil Martelli former St Joseph s University head basketball coach Don McGahn White House Counsel Matthew McGrory world s tallest actor Sylvanus Morley archaeologist Patrick J Murphy Member of the United States House of Representatives from Pennsylvania 2007 2011 acting United States Secretary of the Army 2016 Burt Mustin actor Gus the Fireman on Leave it to Beaver D Lane Powers 1915 represented New Jersey s 4th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives from 1933 to 1945 42 Charles F B Price Lieutenant General of the United States Marines Legion of Merit awardee Leslie C Quick Jr founder Quick amp Reilly Inc Pat Quinn former NHL Coach and General Manager Barbara Bohannan Sheppard Mayor of Chester Pennsylvania Gerald J Spitz Pennsylvania State Representative for the 162nd district 1977 1984 Brent Staples 1973 New York Times editorial writer and author of Parallel Time Bill Stern newsreel and sports commentator Brian Tierney publisher of The Philadelphia Inquirer and the Philadelphia Daily News John H Tilelli Jr 1963 United States Army four star general Dan Yemin musicianReferences Edit As of June 30 2020 U S and Canadian Institutions Listed by Fiscal Year 2020 Endowment Market Value and Change in Endowment Market Value from FY19 to FY20 Report National Association of College and University Business Officers and TIAA February 19 2021 Retrieved February 20 2021 a b c Quick Facts Widener University Archived from the original on 2011 09 28 Retrieved 2011 11 09 a b Our History www pennsylvaniamilitary college org Retrieved 27 September 2018 a b American Universities and Colleges 19th Edition Santa Barbara California Praeger 2010 p 1182 ISBN 978 0 313 36609 3 Retrieved 23 September 2018 Ashmeade Henry Graham 1884 History of Delaware County Pennsylvania Philadelphia L H Everts amp Co p 350 Retrieved 6 June 2017 Jordan John W 1914 A History of Delaware County Pennsylvania and Its People New York Lewis Historical Publishing Company p 465 Retrieved 26 September 2018 Pennsylvania Military College or how Widener became Widener www phillyhistoryphotos com Retrieved 23 September 2018 National Historic Landmarks amp National Register of Historic Places in Pennsylvania Searchable database CRGIS Cultural Resources Geographic Information System Note This includes Thomas Carnwath and Nancy M Steele October 1977 National Register of Historic Places Inventory Nomination Form Old Main and Chemistry Building PDF Retrieved 2012 01 06 Coulter John A 2017 Cadets on Campus History of Military Schools of the United States College Station Texas Texas A amp M University Press ISBN 9781623495213 Retrieved 23 September 2018 Old Main and Annex www hcap artstor org Retrieved 23 September 2018 Deshong Family www widener edu Retrieved 27 April 2018 The Manor House www widener edu Retrieved 26 April 2018 Brown Katie O Halloran Conspicuous Cadet at New Market The life and legacy of VMI s Jonathan E Woodbridge www militaryimages atavist com Retrieved 19 July 2018 National Register Information System National Register of Historic Places National Park Service July 9 2010 a b America Best Colleges 2010 National Universities Highest Proportion of Class Under 20 U S News amp World Report Retrieved 2010 09 02 a b Schaefer Mari A Pieces from Deshong collection go on display at Widener www philly com Retrieved 6 January 2018 Waltzer Jim The Fight to Bring Chester Back From the Brink www mainlinetoday com Retrieved 6 January 2018 Permanent Collection www widener edu Retrieved 19 July 2018 PMC Museum www widener edu Retrieved 19 July 2018 Best Colleges 2018 National Universities U S News amp World Report Retrieved 2018 04 13 Best Colleges 2018 Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs U S News amp World Report Retrieved 2018 04 13 America Best Graduate Schools 2008 Health Clinical Psychology U S News amp World Report Retrieved 2007 03 30 America Best Graduate Schools 2008 Health Healthcare Management Master s U S News amp World Report Retrieved 2007 03 30 America Best Graduate Schools 2008 Health Nursing Master s U S News amp World Report Retrieved 2007 03 30 America Best Graduate Schools 2008 Health Physical Therapy U S News amp World Report Retrieved 2007 03 30 America Best Graduate Schools 2008 Health Social Work Master s U S News amp World Report Retrieved 2007 03 30 Widener University Announces New Mascot Widener University Archived from the original on 2007 10 01 Retrieved 2007 03 31 Esports Introduced As 24th Varsity Program www widener edu Retrieved 2020 09 17 Widener Tallies 14 7 Victory for Southwest Championship Eastern College Athletic Conference Retrieved 2007 03 10 dead link Widener Wins ECAC South Atlantic Championship Bowl Eastern College Athletic Conference Retrieved 2007 03 10 dead link a b c d Conference Champs and Postseason Appearances Widener University Retrieved 2010 06 13 Season Ends For No 10 Football With 45 7 Loss to Linfield in the Elite Eight www widenerpride com Retrieved 2016 09 22 DeGeorge Matthew Overwatch final in Philly underscores esports growth The Delaware County Daily Times Retrieved 2020 09 17 Reel deal for these longtime Iggles fans Delaware County Daily Times Archived from the original on 2007 04 28 Retrieved 2007 04 27 Widener University Student Body U S News amp World Report Retrieved 2012 05 07 Rankings colleges usnews rankingsandreviews com Retrieved 2019 05 15 a b Widener University Extracurriculars U S News amp World Report Retrieved 2007 04 24 Widener University Greek Life Retrieved 2014 10 09 Carnegie Selects Colleges and Universities for New Elective Community Engagement Classification The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching Archived from the original on 2007 02 04 Retrieved 2007 03 10 Economic Development www widener edu Retrieved 6 May 2018 Babay Emily Widener University take over Taylor Memorial Arboretum www philly com Retrieved 29 September 2018 David Lane Powers Biographical Directory of the United States Congress Accessed September 9 2007 External links Edit Philadelphia portal Pennsylvania portal Education portalOfficial website Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Widener University amp oldid 1131074684, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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