St. Lawrence University
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
|
St. Lawrence University |
|
|---|---|
| Motto | Fides et Veritas |
| Established | 1856 |
| Type | Private |
| President | Daniel F. Sullivan '65 |
| Faculty | 167 full-time, 23 part-time |
| Undergraduates | approx. 2,100 |
| Postgraduates | 133 |
| Location | Canton, NY, USA |
| Campus | Rural |
| Colors | Scarlet and Brown |
| Mascot | Saints |
| Website | www.stlawu.edu |
St. Lawrence University is a private, four-year liberal arts college located in the village of Canton in Saint Lawrence County, New York. Founded in 1856, it is the oldest coeducational university in the state of New York. It has roughly 2000 undergraduate and 100 graduate students, about equally split between male and female.
Contents |
[edit] History
Though St. Lawrence today is non-denominational, it was founded in 1856 by leaders of the Universalist Church, who were seeking to establish a seminary somewhere west of New England and were enthusiastically courted by the citizens of Canton. The church almost did not place the school in Canton, however; as they felt that students may be exposed to too much "excitement" within the village limits in 1856. The denomination, which has since merged with the Unitarian faith, was part of the liberal wing of Protestantism, championing such ideas as critical thinking and gender equality—attributes that surfaced in the new seminary, which was progressive in its teaching philosophy and coeducational from the beginning.
The University as it exists today was created as a "Preparatory Department" to provide a foundation for theological study. That department became today's liberal arts University, while the seminary closed in 1965 with the Unitarian/Universalist consolidation.
Early in the 20th century, the University's graduate program in education came into being; it has since served hundreds of North Country school teachers and administrators. Following a difficult period during the Great Depression and World War II, the student body increased quickly, and with it the physical plant. A four-building campus serving around 300 students in the early 1940s became a 30-building campus serving 2000 students within 25 years, partly through acquisition of the adjacent state school of agriculture campus when that facility relocated across town. The mid-60s also saw the birth of one of St. Lawrence's nationally known programs: its international programs.
The University has embarked upon another facilities upgrade program that aims to take advantage of the electronic revolution in higher education, as well as a curriculum reform to tailor its educational programs to the demands of the next millennium. The campus Student Center was completed in the Spring of 2004 and serves as the school's hub at the center of campus. The Johnson Hall of Science opened in the Fall of 2007, and expanded learning and lab space in several science disciplines, notably Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Neuroscience, and Psychology. The Noble Center, formerly used as a student center, is now undergoing major renovations to double the space available for the arts. A new Center for Arts Technology opened in January 2007.
[edit] Academics
In total there are 35 majors available and 36 minors. St. Lawrence has 3+2 engineering programs run jointly with seven other colleges, and a 4+1 MBA at Clarkson University.
The following departmental majors are available: Anthropology, Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, English, Environmental Studies, Fine Arts, French, Geology, German, Global Studies, Government, History, Neuroscience, Mathematics, Modern Languages, Music, Performance and Communications Arts, Philosophy, Physics, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology, Spanish. Combined majors are available with the following: African Studies, Asian Studies, and Canadian Studies. The following interdisciplinary majors are offered: Mathematics/Computer Science, Biology/Physics, Economics/Mathematics, Geology/Physics. An Environmental Studies major can be combined with any of the following majors: Anthropology, Biology, Chemistry, Economics, English, Geology, Government, Philosophy, Psychology, and Sociology. Self-designed and double majors are also available.
Minors are offered in the following subjects: African Studies, Anthropology, Applied Statistics, Asian Studies, Biology, Canadian Studies, Caribbean & Latin American Studies, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, Education, English, European Studies, Film Studies, Fine Arts, French, Gender Studies, Geology, German, Global Studies, Government, History, Mathematics, Music, Native American Studies, Outdoor Studies, Performance and Communication Arts, Philosophy, Physics, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology, Spanish, Sports Studies & Exercise Science, and US Cultural & Ethnic Studies. Self-designed minors, and double minors are available.
St. Lawrence offers an extensive Study Abroad program that nearly half the student body takes part in. Abroad programs operate in Australia, Austria, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Denmark, England, France, India, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Spain and Trinidad.
Although St. Lawrence is very internationally focused, the institution does not hold on to talented foreign professors. Dr. Michael Kemper is the most notable professor lost by St. Lawrence.
[edit] Activities
St. Lawrence hosts more than 100 student activities groups. St. Lawrence is home to the second oldest collegiate Outing Club in the nation. The club annually sends students to climb the top peaks of the Adirondacks during "Peak Weekend". St. Lawrence's former WCAD was among the first college radio stations in the United States, and continues today as KSLU. 2007 will be the 25th anniversary of Peak Weekend!
Theme Cottages are a popular housing option at St. Lawrence. The goal of the Women's Resource Center is to raise awareness of gender issues on and off campus. WRC members, or "Dub Girls", are trained as sexual assault advocates and create education programs to promote safe sexual practices. They combat sexism and other forms of discrimination. The WRC also works in cooperation with The Pink Triangle. The Pink Triangle theme cottage, established in 2003 by the campus LGBT group, is an LGBT resource center. This cottage is a dedicated group of students who work with the campus to end discrimination of LGBT students, to combat heterosexism, and to provide safe-space for LGBT and LGBT-questioning students. The Greenhouse is home to many environmentally conscious students. Students in the Greenhouse (commonly referred to as "the G-Spot") live in an environmentally responsible manner. The Habitat for Humanity theme cottage houses students that activily work with the local chapter and national office of Habitat for Humanity. The themes often organized campus-wide "theme parties" - whether it be an "80s prom" or "anything-but-clothes" party.
Established in 1993 as a student-run coffeehouse, the Java Barn is a well-known venue among touring bands on the East Coast. In 2006 the music venue moved to the former Winning Health Center, where it now maintains a more central location on campus.
The Greek System now consists of four sororities and one fraternity chapter, with one currently under suspension until 2008. In 1997 the school had five sororities and seven fraternities. The current state of Greek participation levels are substantially lower than in past years, due in part to liability issues and national chapter concerns over various alcohol and code violations.
[edit] Fraternities
Current:
- Alpha Tau Omega, 1882-Present. Irving Bacheller is an Alpha Tau Omega alumnus.
Past:
- Beta Theta Pi, 1875-2005
- Phi Kappa Sigma, 1959-2006
- Phi Sigma Kappa, 1902-2004. Daniel Sullivan, current University President, is a Phi Sigma Kappa alumnus.
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon, ????-1999
- Sigma Chi, ????-1998
- Sigma Pi, 1931-2002
[edit] Sororities
Current:
- Delta Delta Delta, 18?? - Present
- Chi Omega, 1981-Present
- Kappa Delta Sigma, 1969-Present
- Kappa Kappa Gamma, 18?? - Present
Past:
- Pi Beta Phi, ????-1994
- Alpha Delta Pi, ????-1982
[edit] Athletics
The University is a member of the Liberty League Athletic Conference, and has ECACHL Division I Hockey Teams. The Skating Saints Men's team has twice played for Division I national championships (1961, 1988), while the women were runners up in 2001 and made it to the Frozen Four in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007. The Men's soccer program went undefeated at 22-0 to capture the 1999 Division III soccer championship, and women's basketball narrowly was defeated in the 2002 NCAA Women's Division III Basketball Championship. The Men's Squash team was the 2007 Summers trophy winner at CSA Nationals.
[edit] The campus
The 1,000 acre (4 km²) campus is located on the south side of the Village of Canton. The main developed area consists on only 20% of the total campus area, and is centered along Park Street. The population consists of 98% Caucasian , 2.1% black, and other ethnicities, with a rising population of Asians [citation needed]. Most of this area is a "walking campus" that is off-limits to motorized vehicles (except security vehicles that will try to run you over). Parking lots are located on the edge of campus and cross campus traffic is limited to Park Street (north-south) and Romoda Drive and University Avenue (east-west). Roads such as Park Street, Hillside Avenue, College Street, Lincoln Street, and Maple Street connect the school to downtown Canton and main roads such as US Route 11, NY Route 68, NY Route 310, and County Route 27. The University maintains 30 academic residential, sports and other buildings.
CAMPUS BUILDINGS
Student Center Opened in January 2004, the new student center is home to the offices for the Department of Student Life, the Career Services offices, Campus Mail Room, Northstar Pub / Jack's Snack Shop, Student Financial Services, and several student club offices. Also here are a game area, lounge, and the Winston Room (a multi-purpose venue for movies, guest speakers, and other events.)
Owen D. Young Library Built in 1959, expanded in 1980, and renovated in 1999-2000, this is the main campus library. Features include the Munn Writing Center, the "treehouse" study areas, two public computer labs, and a 24-hour study room. Is a member of the ConnectNY interlibrary loan system.
Gunnison Chapel The stone chapel, from whose bell-tower the University bells ring every day at 5pm, was constructed in 1926. It is the site of many religious and spiritual services, and formal assemblies. Its larger stained glass windows depict scenes and academic majors at St. Lawrence, and the smaller, head-height, windows depict historical figures who have influenced the university and world in some way, including Emily Dickinson and Gandhi. The largest of all stained glass windows is in the rear of the chapel, over the entrance and reads a famous quote from one of the school's founders: "We have lit a candle in the wilderness that will never be extinguished."
Richardson Hall The oldest building on campus, constructed in 1856 when the University was Chartered. It is home to the English Department and the Religious Studies Department. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Piskor Hall Originally owned by SUNY Canton, the St. Lawrence obtained this building in the 1980s. It too is listed on the National Reigster of History Places and is named after Frank P. Piskor, one of St. Lawrence's most beloved Presidents. This building is currently home to the History, Philosophy, Anthropology and Sociology Departments.
Herring-Cole Hall The University's original library, this building was built in 1870, and expanded in 1903. Since being replaced as library by ODY Library, this building is now used primarily as a study area and reading room. It is also home to the University Archives, and is the site of some smaller formal ceremonies and guest lectures.
Hepburn Hall Originally built as a science building in 1926, the keynote speaker at its dedication was Marie Curie. Today, it is home to the departments of Government and Economics. It is also home to an auditorium. It is is derelict.
Carnegie Hall Constructed in 1906 with funds from Andrew Carnegie, this building is the home of the International Studies Program, and the Department of Modern Languages.
Atwood Hall Built in 1954, Atwood Hall is home to the Education Department and the University's graduate programs.
Vilas Hall The University's main administration building, built in 1965.
Augsbury Physical Education Complex, Newell Field House and Stafford Fitness Center along with outdoor facilities, comprise one of the best collegiate athletic venues in the nation. All facilities have been built or renovated since 1998.
Appleton Arena is a 3,000-seat multi-purpose arena. It is home to the St. Lawrence University Skating Saints ice hockey team. It was named for Judge Charles W. Appleton, class of 1897, the main benefactor of the arena. It opened January 20, 1951, and was remodeled in the late 1970s and early 1980s to its current configuration
Sara Johnson Hall of Science is scheduled to be completed in Fall '08. Seeking LEEDS certification, this building is Phase I of a multiple $70 million construction/upgrade project of the entire science facilities.
[edit] Notable alumni
The University has a number of notable graduates including:
[edit] Acting
- Kirk Douglas, most famous role was the lead in Spartacus. Nominated for three Academy Awards, for his roles in Champion, The Bad and the Beautiful and Lust for Life. Father of Michael Douglas.
- Martha MacCallum, anchor with FOX News Channel. Hosts "The Live Desk with Martha MacCallum."
- Viggo Mortensen, appeared in several films, most notably The Lord of the Rings film trilogy and A History of Violence.
[edit] Athletics
- Gregory J. Carvel (1993): an assistant coach with the Ottawa Senators of the NHL.
- Dave Jennings (1974), All-Pro punter for the New York Giants of the National Football League, now a radio analyst for the Giants.
- Mike Keenan, current GM for the Florida Panthers, coached the 1994 Stanley Cup winning New York Rangers.
- Jacques Martin, coach of the Florida Panthers. Also an assistant coach of the Gold-Medal winning Canadian men’s hockey team at the 2002 Winter Olympics
- “Prince Hal” Schumacher (1933): He signed as a pitcher with the New York Giants while still a student, and enjoyed a long and stellar career with them.
- Gina Kingsbury (2004) won an Olympic Gold medal with Team Canada in Women's Ice Hockey at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy.
- Ray Shero (1984) is the current GM of the Pittsburgh Penguins hockey team.
- Brian McFarlane (1955), Canadian television sportscaster.
- Mike Barnett, Current GM of NHL's Phoenix Coyotes, former NHL player and sports agent
- Greg Sutton (soccer) (1999), Current goalkeeper for Toronto FC and Canadian national soccer team.
- Gary Croteau (1968) NHL Left Wing from 1969-1980 primarily with California Golden Seals and Colorado Rockies
- Jamie Baker (1989) Scored 150 points (71 goals, 79 assists) in 404 career NHL games with the Quebec Nordiques, San Jose Sharks , Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs. Currently a radio and TV commentator for the San Jose Sharks.
- Emmett Davis (1981), head men's basketball coach at Colgate University
- Catherine Day Phillips - Thoroughbred racehorse trainer
[edit] Business
- James W. “Jay” Ireland (1977), President of NBC Universal Television Stations
- Owen D. Young, Headed General Electric (GE), founded the Radio Corporation of America (RCA)
- Jeffrey H. Boyd (1978): President and chief executive officer of Priceline.com
- Holton D. Robinson (1886): Born in Massena, he invented stronger suspension bridge cable, and built such famous spans as the Manhattan Bridge, the San Francisco Bay Bridge,
[edit] Literature
- Irving Bacheller, pioneered the idea of newspaper syndication and wrote the first best-seller of the 20th century, Eben Holden, based on his memories of growing up in the Canton/Pierrepont vicinity.
- Lorrie Moore.
- Tom Chiarella, Magazine Writer, Fiction Editor Esquire Magazine
[edit] Music
- J.K. Gannon '24, wrote "I'll Be Home for Christmas" and the school's alma mater[1].
- Grace Potter, lead singer of the Hollywood Records recording group Grace Potter and the Nocturnals[2]
[edit] Politics
- Susan Collins, current United States senator of Maine
- Richard E. Hecklinger (1965): Former U.S. Ambassador to Thailand, current U.S. Ambassador to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in Paris.
- Joseph Lekuton, elected to the Kenyan Parliament in 2006.
- Peter Michael Pitfield, Canadian politician. Held several prominent positions in Canadian national government, including Senator, Clerk of the Privy Council (considered second in importance to the Prime Minister) and Secretary to the Cabinet
- Owen D. Young American industrialist, businessman, lawyer, Democratic candidate for President in 1932 and diplomat at the Second Reparations Conference in 1929.
- Ronald Stafford New York State senator; Stafford Fitness Center is named after him.
- George H. Winner, Jr., Current New York State senator
[edit] Religion / Philosophy
- Olympia Brown (1863), the first woman to graduate from a regularly established theological school. In the same year she also became the first woman to achieve full ministerial standing recognized by a denomination (Universalist). She was also the co-founder of the New England Woman Suffrage Association and the president of the Federal Suffrage Association.
[edit] Science
- Albert P. Crary, pioneer polar geophysicist and glaciologist and the first person to set foot on both the North and South Poles. The Crary Mountains (76 degrees 48' S, 117 degrees 40' W) and the Crary Ice Rise in the Antarctic are named for him.
[edit] External links
|
|
|---|
| Brown • Clarkson • Colgate • Cornell • Dartmouth • Harvard • Princeton • Quinnipiac • Rensselaer • St. Lawrence • Union • Yale |
|
|
|
|---|---|
| Full members | Clarkson • Hamilton • Hobart • RPI • Rochester • St. Lawrence • Skidmore • Union • Vassar • William Smith |
| Associate members | U.S. Merchant Marine (football) • Susquehanna (football) • WPI (football) |
