Bucknell University
West Chillisquaque Township, Northumberland County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Organized in 1846 as the University at Lewisburg by the Baptist Church. Named Bucknell University in 1886, honoring William Bucknell, donor and trustee. Degrees first conferred upon women students in 1885.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Founded by Pennsylvania Baptists in 1846 as the University at Lewisburg, this institution grew along the Susquehanna into a respected center of learning. In 1885 it conferred its first degrees on women students, and the following year it was renamed Bucknell University to honor benefactor William Bucknell, a devoted donor and trustee. From modest religious beginnings it became one of the state's enduring liberal arts universities.
Why it matters
Bucknell's early admission of women to full degrees reflects the broadening of American higher education in the nineteenth century, when learning slowly opened beyond its traditional bounds.
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Related people
- · William Bucknell
Themes & tags
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