Elmira College: A Legacy of Academic Excellence and Innovation

Elmira College, a private institution nestled in Elmira, New York, boasts a rich history and a commitment to providing a transformative educational experience. Founded in 1855 as a college for women, it holds the distinction of being the oldest existing college granting degrees to women that were the equivalent of those given to men, a testament to its pioneering spirit. In 1969, Elmira College embraced coeducation, opening all its programs to male students and further solidifying its dedication to inclusivity.

The college's colors, purple and gold, are proudly displayed throughout its traditional campus, characterized by buildings showcasing Victorian and Collegiate Gothic architectural styles. Elmira College's campus is a blend of history and modernity, providing a unique and inspiring setting for learning and growth.

A Campus Steeped in History and Architectural Grandeur

Elmira College's campus is home to numerous buildings of historical and architectural significance, each with its own unique story to tell.

Cowles Hall: The Heart of Elmira College

Cowles Hall stands as the original building of the campus, a testament to the college's enduring legacy. Constructed in 1855 and designed by Farrar, the building features an octagonal center, seventy feet in diameter, and four arms in the shape of a Greek cross. The cornerstone, laid on July 6, 1854, during a formal ceremony, contained a copy of the college's charter and other significant documents. Initially serving as a dormitory, dining hall, and classroom, Cowles Hall played a central role in the early years of the college. In 1882, construction on the north arm of Cowles Hall was completed. On May 10, 1917, the building was dedicated to Augustus Cowles, the college's first president.

Gillett Memorial Hall: A Legacy of Music

Built in 1892 as a gift from Solomon Gillett, Gillett Memorial Hall originally served as the college's music building. It housed twenty-two teaching and practice rooms and pianos, providing a dedicated space for musical instruction and performance. The construction was proposed at a meeting in June 1891 and was completed the following year.

Read also: Discover Elmira College

Hamilton Hall: A Collegiate Gothic Masterpiece

Hamilton Hall, completed in June 1927, originally housed the college library, holding several thousand volumes previously owned by Jacob Fassett. It served as the main library until 1969 when the Gannett-Tripp Library was built. Hamilton Hall is "cited as one of the finest examples of English Collegiate Gothic architecture in America".

Murray Athletic Center: A Hub for Athletics

In January 1973, construction on the Murray Athletic Center was completed. Located several miles north of campus, the center is situated on two hundred thirty-five acres.

Tompkins Hall: A Dormitory with a Story

Built in 1928 during Lent's presidency, Tompkins Hall was constructed as a dormitory thanks to a dedicated fund drive. The building was named in honor of Sarah Wey Tompkins, the wife of Ray Tompkins, a financier in Elmira.

Alumni Hall: A Freshman Residence

Alumni Hall, a freshman dormitory built in 1959 near Cowles Hall, replaced Alumnae Hall, which was razed in 1977. It was briefly known as Main Street Dormitory in the late '70s and early '80s.

Anderson Hall: A Co-ed Dormitory

Anderson Hall, a co-ed freshman dormitory, was completed in 1960. It is named for Douglass Anderson, an Elmira industrialist and trustee.

Read also: Legacy of Elmira College

Columbia Hall: A Freshman Dorm

Located between Anderson Hall and the Gannett-Tripp Library, Columbia Hall serves as a freshman dorm.

Twin Towers: Modern Residence Halls

These residence halls were constructed in 1967 and 1968, providing additional housing options for students.

Meier Hall: A Modern Addition

Completed in 2010 at a cost of $32.8 million, Meier Hall is named for the twelfth President of Elmira College, Doctor Thomas Keith Meier. Located next to the Gannett-Tripp Library, it features Gothic style architecture similar to Tompkins Hall, Hamilton Hall, and the Speidel Gymnasium.

Harris Hall: An Academic Building

Constructed as an academic building for $175,000 in 1950, Harris Hall is named for Dean Martha Harris.

Kolker Hall: The Science Hub

Built in 1962, Kolker Hall serves as the science hall, providing laboratory and classroom space for science programs.

Watson Fine Arts: A Space for Creativity

Construction on Watson Fine Arts was finished in 1958. Today it is used primarily by the music and math departments. There are practice rooms for piano students and a small black box theatre. The student-run radio station WECW was originally located in this building on the third floor before it was moved to the Campus Center in the mid-80s. This building was named for Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J.

Gannett-Tripp Library: A Treasure Trove of Knowledge

The college library, built in 1969, houses more than 300,000 books, providing students with a wealth of resources for research and learning.

Carnegie Hall: A Legacy of Philanthropy

Constructed in 1911 with funds partially given by Andrew Carnegie, Carnegie Hall was originally designated as the science building. Today, it houses laboratories for the school's science and nursing programs. It is three stories tall and is located south of Gillett Memorial Hall and Alumni Hall. It underwent remodeling in 1963.

Fassett Commons: A Dining Tradition

In 1916, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Fassett donated $30,000 to the college for construction of a dining hall. It became the main dining hall in 1917.

Speidel Gymnasium/Emerson Hall: A Center for Athletics and Fitness

This building is the site of the gymnasium, originally built in 1956 and renovated forty years later. Near the gymnasium, one can find several athletic offices, two racquetball courts, the Locke Pool, and the college fitness center.

McGraw Hall: Administration Hub

Located on Park Place, McGraw Hall is the main administration building of Elmira College. It was built in 1961 and named for Harold W. McGraw, a former Chairman of Elmira College's Board of Trustees.

Curtis McGraw Bookstore: A Campus Resource

Initially opened in 1961 as a gift in the memory of Curtis W.

Campus Center: A Hub of Student Life

Opened in 1965, this building contains the college's dining hall along with MacKenzie's, a renovated bowling alley, classrooms and Student Affairs offices.

Mark Twain's Study: A Literary Landmark

This building is in the shape of an octagon, similar to Cowles Hall. Originally existing at Quarry Farm, it now stands adjacent to Cowles Hall. The study was donated to the college in 1952 by Ida Langdon, Mark Twain's niece.

The Observatory: A Glimpse into the Cosmos

For eighty years, Elmira College possessed an observatory built by Professor Charles Farrar. Professor Farrar began buying telescopes for the observatory in 1859, and construction began in August 1859. The observatory first opened for use in April 1860 under the control of the Elmira Academy of Sciences. Twenty years later, control was transferred to Elmira College. Students would gather in the observatory for "dome parties".

Athletics at Elmira College: Soaring to New Heights

Elmira College is a member of the NCAA, New York State Women's Collegiate Athletic Association (NYSWCAA), ECAC, NEHC, and Empire 8. Their mascot is the Soaring Eagle. Elmira College holds several NCAA Division III National Championships in Women's Ice Hockey as well as in NCA Competitive Cheerleading.

Notable Programs and Achievements

While specific program details are not provided in the given text, Elmira College's history and affiliations suggest a strong foundation in liberal arts, sciences, and pre-professional programs. The college's athletic achievements, particularly in women's ice hockey and competitive cheerleading, highlight its commitment to excellence in athletics.

A Commitment to Excellence

Elmira College's rich history, diverse campus architecture, and commitment to athletics all contribute to its unique identity. The college continues to provide its students with a high-quality education, preparing them for success in their chosen fields.

Noteworthy Points in Elmira College History

In 2016 the United States Department of Education determined the college had violated Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, for failure to promptly and equitably respond to complaints of sexual harassment and sexual violence.

Alexander MacKenzie was suggested as a possibility for Elmira's next president. He told the board that he was in the process of raising $100,000 with $53,000 already raised.

M. Harry Palmer, developer of the Avatar Course, a personal development system translated into 19 languages and taught in over 60 countries.

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