Allegheny College
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| Allegheny College | |
| President | Richard J. Cook |
| School type | Private |
| Religious affiliation | Methodist |
| Founded | 1815 |
| Location | Main Campus: Meadville, Pennsylvania Branch Campuses: None |
| Enrollment | Approx. 2,000 |
| Faculty | 134 (full time) |
| Campus surroundings | Suburban |
| Campus size | 77 acres (31 ha) |
| Sports teams | Gators |
Allegheny College is a small, highly selective and private liberal arts college located in Meadville, Pennsylvania located 90 miles north of Pittsburgh and 90 miles east of Cleveland. Founded in April 1815 by Timothy Alden, Allegheny College was the first college west of the Appalachian Mountains and is among the oldest 1 percent of colleges and universities in the country. The college has been historically affiliated with the United Methodist Church when, following a period in 1833 during which the college was forced to close due to financial difficulties, the United Methodist Church provided the financial backing necessary to reopen. Despite the college's formal affiliation with the United Methodist Church, it welcomes members of all faiths and maintains a policy of non-discrimination.
Overview of History
The July 18,1815 publication of the Crawford County Messenger carries the first official mention of Allegheny College (then Alleghany College) in the form of an advertisement by founder Timothy Alden. The first class (comprised of four members) entered the college one year later, on July 4,1816. Following receipt of a charter from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1817, Alden continued to serve as President until 1831, when financial and enrollment problems forced his resignation.
The college's famous alumni include President William McKinley, journalist Ida Tarbell, Nine Inch Nails leader Trent Reznor, Academy Award winner Ben Burtt, and Pennsylvania Governor Raymond P. Shafer. In 1971, the movie Been Down So Long It Looks Like Up to Me, based on the novel by Richard Farina of the same name, was filmed on college grounds; the movie was a box office flop. Today, the college's undergraduate enrollment as of 2004-2005 is nearly 2,000 with an average class size of 16, representing 35 states and 15 countries with the class of 2008 being the largest in the college's history.
External links
- Allegheny College official website (http://www.allegheny.edu)
- Allegheny College Weekly Podcast (http://webtools.allegheny.edu/podcast)