Pennsylvania State University, or Penn State as it’s commonly known, is a renowned public research university with a rich history and many unique attributes.
As one of the largest universities in the United States, Penn State has accumulated an array of interesting facts over its 165+ years of existence.
From its world-famous Berkey Creamery to its record-breaking student philanthropy, Penn State is full of surprises.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the most fascinating and little-known facts about this iconic institution.
Whether you’re a current student, alumni, or simply curious about one of America’s top universities, these insights will give you a deeper appreciation for all that Penn State has to offer.
History of Pennsylvania State University
Pennsylvania State University, founded on February 22, 1855, began as the Farmers’ High School of Pennsylvania.
It became the state’s sole land-grant institution in 1863 under the Morrill Land-Grant Act.
The name changed to the Agricultural College of Pennsylvania in 1862, and then to Pennsylvania State College in 1874.
Significant growth occurred in the 20th century, with enrollment reaching 5,000 by 1936 and becoming The Pennsylvania State University in 1953.
Today, it encompasses multiple campuses and is a leader in research and education, serving a diverse student body across Pennsylvania and beyond.
With that said let’s have a look at some interesting facts about Pennsylvania State University;
1. Penn State was founded in 1855 as the Farmers’ High School of Pennsylvania.
2. It became the state’s sole land-grant institution in 1863 under the Morrill Land-Grant Act.
3. The name changed to the Agricultural College of Pennsylvania in 1862, and then to Pennsylvania State College in 1874.
4. Penn State became The Pennsylvania State University in 1953.
5. The university has 24 campuses and 5 special-mission schools across Pennsylvania.
6. The University Park campus is the largest, with over 45,000 students.
7. Penn State has the largest dues-paying alumni association in the world.
8. The university offers over 160 majors across its campuses.
9. Research expenditures at Penn State exceeded $753 million in 2009.
10. Penn State’s athletics teams compete in Division I of the NCAA as the Nittany Lions.
11. The Nittany Lion mascot was chosen by the student body in 1906.
12. Beaver Stadium is the 4th largest stadium in the world.
13. The Nittany Lion statue is the 2nd most photographed object in Pennsylvania.
14. The original school colors were pink and black, chosen by the student body.
15. The current school colors are blue and white.
16. The Berkey Creamery is the largest university creamery in the world.
17. Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, founders of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, took a course on ice cream making at Penn State’s creamery.
18. On football Saturdays, Penn State is the 3rd most populous city in Pennsylvania.
19. THON is the world’s largest student-run philanthropy, raising over $13 million in 2014.
20. The student body includes a diverse population, with first-generation students making up one-fourth of the total.
21. Over 17,000 adult learners are enrolled at Penn State.
22. The university’s core values are Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community.
23. Since its founding, Penn State has conferred more than 863,636 degrees.
24. It ranks in the top 1 percent of universities worldwide.
25. Penn State has the largest alumni network in the nation.
26. The College of Medicine is located in Hershey.
27. The university acquired hundreds of acres of surrounding land under President Eric A. Walker (1956–1970).
28. The Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center was established in 1967 with a $50 million gift.
29. The Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport joined Penn State in 1989.
30. The Dickinson School of Law became part of Penn State in 2000.
31. In 2003, Penn State had the second-largest impact on the Pennsylvania economy of any organization.
32. The Grand Destiny campaign from 1996 to 2003 raised over $1.3 billion for the university.
33. The alma mater song lyrics were revised in 1975 to be gender-neutral.
34. Total enrollment in 2009–10 was approximately 94,300 across all campuses and online.
35. Penn State is considered one of the “Public Ivies,” comparable to Ivy League schools.
36. The athletics teams have won 30 national championships.
37. The Nittany Lion is an eastern mountain lion, with “Nittany” referring to the local Mount Nittany.
38. The university’s annual economic impact on Pennsylvania exceeds $17 billion.
39. Penn State offers over 150 undergraduate majors and 160 graduate programs.
40. The university’s endowment and similar funds total over $2.03 billion.
41. Notable alumni include Nobel Prize winners, astronauts, and Fortune 500 CEOs.
42. Cooperative Extension programs serve agriculture, rural life, and agri-business in all of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties.
43. The Division of Continuing Education reaches over 100,000 students annually.
44. The university has been supported by committed elected officials who invest in higher education.
45. Alumni have made significant contributions in various fields, including business, science, media, and public service.
46. The university is dedicated to helping students reach their highest goals.
47. Penn State’s history chronicles the trials and triumphs in building an academic institution.
48. Progress at the university has been made possible by the efforts of presidents, trustees, faculty, staff, and alumni.
Conclusion
Pennsylvania State University stands as a beacon of academic excellence, innovation, and community spirit.
With a rich history spanning over 165 years, it has grown from a small agricultural school into one of the largest and most respected universities in the nation.
The diverse array of programs, a vibrant student body, and a commitment to research and philanthropy underscore its significant impact on both local and global scales.
From the spirited traditions of the Nittany Lions to groundbreaking research initiatives, Penn State continues to shape the lives of its students and the communities it serves.
As we reflect on these fascinating facts, it becomes clear that Penn State is not just an institution of higher learning; it is a thriving community dedicated to excellence, discovery, and making a difference in the world.
