Penn State University Archives

Penn State History

Significant Events in the Development of
The Pennsylvania State University - 1870s

1870

• Alumni Association organized; first president, Professor A. A. Breneman '66.

1871

• Dr. James Calder became fifth President; emphasized liberal arts studies; resigned, 1880.
• Women students admitted; six enrolled first year; first preceptress, Mary E. Butterfield, appointed.

1873

• First woman graduate, Rebecca Hannah Ewing.

1874

• School renamed The Pennsylvania State College.
• First part-time librarian, Professor William A. Buckhout, appointed.

1875

• Trustees increased from 13 to 23, adding the first trustees elected by alumni and engineering societies.

1879

• Period of legislative investigations began; criticism continued until President Atherton and Governor Beaver had established strong program by 1900.

1850s | 1860s | 1870s | 1880s | 1890s

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2000s

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