Macalester College: A History of Global Citizenship and Academic Excellence

Macalester College, a private liberal arts college in Saint Paul, Minnesota, boasts a rich history rooted in Presbyterian values, a commitment to internationalism, and a dedication to fostering global citizenship. Founded in 1874, the college has evolved from its religious origins to become a diverse and academically rigorous institution.

The Founding and Early Years

Macalester College was founded by Edward Duffield Neill in 1874 with help from the Presbyterian Church in Minnesota. Neill, a prominent figure in Minnesota's early development, sought to establish a college that would offer both academic quality and strong values to prepare future leaders. Originally named Baldwin College and affiliated with the Baldwin School, the institution was renamed Macalester College in honor of Charles Macalester, a Philadelphia businessman and philanthropist who made a significant donation. Macalester donated a hotel, the Winslow House, as the first permanent classroom building.

The college's early years were marked by financial challenges. However, the arrival of James Wallace in 1887 proved pivotal. Wallace, a classical scholar, joined the faculty and quickly rose to become president. He stabilized the college's finances through tireless fundraising efforts and established a strong liberal arts curriculum, forever changing the future of Macalester College. Figures like George Dayton, James J. James Wallace’s son and daughter-in-law, Dewitt and Lila Wallace, followed to become some of Macalester’s most generous and consistent donors.

A Commitment to Internationalism and Multiculturalism

Macalester's commitment to internationalism dates back to 1893, when it admitted its first international student. In the 1930s, the curriculum expanded to include international law and additional world languages. This commitment was further solidified in 1950 when Macalester became the first college in Minnesota to fly the United Nations flag, a symbol of its dedication to international harmony.

Multiculturalism has also been a long-standing value at Macalester. Catharine Lealtad became the college's first African American graduate in 1915, followed by Esther Suzuki as its first Japanese American graduate in 1946. In 1969, Macalester joined the Expanded Educational Opportunities (EEO) program, further demonstrating its commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Read also: Alumni Leadership and Service

Academic Development and Innovation

Throughout its history, Macalester has continuously evolved its academic programs to meet the changing needs of its students and the world. In its earlier years, Macalester focused heavily on religion and the sciences. The curriculum expanded to include the arts when women were admitted in 1893, with a school of music opening soon after.

During the presidency of Charles Turck (1939-1958), the college shifted toward a more religiously welcoming atmosphere and focused on preparing students for various vocational programs. In the 1960s, under President Harvey M. Rice, Macalester strengthened its faculty, enhanced its academic program, and increased its visibility, attracting students from across the nation and around the world.

Today, Macalester offers 39 majors, 40 minors, and 11 concentrations, with students also having the option to design their own major. The college emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, critical thinking, and the development of strong analytical, writing, and speaking skills.

Civic Engagement and Community Involvement

Macalester has a long-standing commitment to civic engagement and community involvement. In 1968, the Volunteer Service Program moved from Chaplaincy to Career Planning & Placement Office. In 1971, the Volunteer Service Program was renamed the Community Involvement Program (CIP) and was active in linking service learning with academic learning. In 1988, the Community Service Office (CSO) was created to provide more administrative support beyond Maction.

The college links academic learning to community involvement through various programs and initiatives. Macalester is one of 360 institutions that have been awarded the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification for excellence in civic engagement.

Read also: Explore Macalester's Achievements

Sustainability Efforts

Macalester is committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship. In 2009, the college opened Markim Hall, a LEED Platinum building that houses the school's Institute for Global Citizenship. The building uses 45% less water and 75% less energy than a typical Minnesota building.

Recent sustainability efforts have highlighted the intersection of social justice and climate change at Macalester. The college has set a goal to be carbon neutral by 2025.

Campus Life and Traditions

Macalester offers a vibrant campus life with a wide range of extracurricular activities and traditions. Students can participate in sports teams, campus clubs, and organizations. The student newspaper, the Mac Weekly, has published student work since 1914. WBOM (now WMCN) became Minnesota's first campus radio station in 1948.

In honor of its Scottish roots, the college offers free bagpipe lessons to any interested student and has an official tartan plaid. The college has a pipe band consisting of around 20 students, alumni, and community members. Bagpipes are performed at significant college events and are heard when applicants open their acceptance letters. Macalester's athletic teams are nicknamed the Scots. Macalester is a member of the NCAA Division III Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) in all sports. Macalester Athletics compete in the Leonard Center, which opened in August 2008. The $45 million facility encompasses 175,000 square feet and includes a 200-meter track, a natatorium, a fitness center, several multipurpose rooms, and a health and wellness center.

Notable Alumni

Macalester has produced a distinguished array of alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields. Notable alumni include:

Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations
Danai Gurira, actress
Joan Adams Mondale, former Second Lady of the United States
Walter Mondale, former Vice President of the United States
Tim O'Brien, author
John S. Campbell, founder of Malt-O-Meal Company
Members of the music groups Sounds of Blackness and Hüsker Dü

The History Department at Macalester

The History Department at Macalester College offers a wide range of courses covering various historical eras, geographic areas, and thematic issues. The department emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, critical thinking, and the development of strong analytical, writing, and speaking skills.

The department participates in the honors program, and students working on honors projects must take HIST 490 in the fall of their senior year. The department also offers independent study options in the form of tutorials, independent projects, internships, and preceptorships.

The History Department seeks to serve an array of educational goals for both majors and non-majors. Skills and perspectives developed through a history major, augmented by internship opportunities, prepare students for positions in professions such as teaching, law, business, international relations, and library and archival work; they may also contribute broadly to building successful careers in government, business, and the nonprofit sector.

Acknowledgment of Dakota Land

Macalester College acknowledges that it is situated on the ancestral homeland of the Dakota people, particularly the Sisseton and Wahpeton bands, who were forcibly exiled from the land because of aggressive and persistent settler colonialism. The college makes this acknowledgment to honor the Dakota people, ancestors and descendants, as well as the land itself. The college also acknowledges the role that academic history has played and continues to play in silence, oppression, and cultural genocide.

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