2008 Woodie Awards
WCU changes throughout the years
By Jenn Halligan
Issue date: 11/19/07 Section: Features
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Among college students, Bryn Mawr College is known for their famous buildings, Temple University is known for their Japanese campus, Swarthmore College is known for its high cost and Ursinus College is known for living in a town ironically called "Collegeville." Never fear, WCU students, West Chester University is known for its history.
Although it says on the paraphernalia that West Chester University was established in 1871, the school has existed since 1812 as West Chester Academy. In 1871, it became West Chester Normal School and focused on training teachers.
The first class of the Normal School consisted of 160 students, which is a far cry from the class of 2011's 1,900 students.
In 1927, our university became West Chester State Teachers' College and was one of the first colleges to give bachelor's degrees in teacher education.
Finally, in 1983, our university became what it is known as today, West Chester University of Pennsylvania when it was initiated into the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.
The oldest building on campus is Recitation Hall, which houses the College of Education and was built in 1892. Ruby Jones Hall is a close second by being built in 1899.
Our home has seen several wars, featured speakers such as Adam Sandler, Jimmy Carter, Elie Wiesel, Jimmy Fallon, Maya Angelou and Pat Croce and has been a vital part of Pennsylvania's history.
Also, WCU is on the list of National Historical places. The buildings on this list include Philips Memorial Building, Ruby Jones Hall, Recitation Hall and the Old Library for their historical significance.
Some students may be aware of the Frederick Douglass study lounge on the third floor of Sykes Student Union. This is named after him because Douglass often visited West Chester, and made his last speech on Feb. 1, 1895, on campus.
In 1974, the females of West Chester University made progress because of the establishment of the Women's Center. Following in 1976, a women's studies major was available to the students of West Chester University. Now the Women's Center promotes gender equality in all students.
Although it says on the paraphernalia that West Chester University was established in 1871, the school has existed since 1812 as West Chester Academy. In 1871, it became West Chester Normal School and focused on training teachers.
The first class of the Normal School consisted of 160 students, which is a far cry from the class of 2011's 1,900 students.
In 1927, our university became West Chester State Teachers' College and was one of the first colleges to give bachelor's degrees in teacher education.
Finally, in 1983, our university became what it is known as today, West Chester University of Pennsylvania when it was initiated into the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.
The oldest building on campus is Recitation Hall, which houses the College of Education and was built in 1892. Ruby Jones Hall is a close second by being built in 1899.
Our home has seen several wars, featured speakers such as Adam Sandler, Jimmy Carter, Elie Wiesel, Jimmy Fallon, Maya Angelou and Pat Croce and has been a vital part of Pennsylvania's history.
Also, WCU is on the list of National Historical places. The buildings on this list include Philips Memorial Building, Ruby Jones Hall, Recitation Hall and the Old Library for their historical significance.
Some students may be aware of the Frederick Douglass study lounge on the third floor of Sykes Student Union. This is named after him because Douglass often visited West Chester, and made his last speech on Feb. 1, 1895, on campus.
In 1974, the females of West Chester University made progress because of the establishment of the Women's Center. Following in 1976, a women's studies major was available to the students of West Chester University. Now the Women's Center promotes gender equality in all students.
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