Elmira College
Let’s dive in!
Elmira Female College, by Tomlinson, C., fl. 1874-1890
Elmira College, a private institution in Elmira, New York, was established in 1855 as an educational establishment for women, holding the distinction of being the first of its kind to award degrees to women equivalent to those given to men. The college opened its doors to students of all genders in 1969. As of 2023, it boasts an enrollment of around 657 students.
The college’s campus, known for its Victorian and Collegiate Gothic architecture. Moreover, adorned with its official colors of purple and gold. These colors symbolize the women’s suffrage movement and the iris, the official flower of the college.
Daughters of the American Revolution – Presentation of flag to Elmira College by Chemung Chapter (Elmira, New York) Chapter on September, 29, 1917 https://archive.org/details/daughtersofameriv52daug/page/98
One of the notable features of the campus is the octagonal study where the renowned author Mark Twain penned classics such as “A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court” and “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.”
College Observatory.
Furthermore, the college also oversees Quarry Farm, a significant site for the Clemens family and a research hub for Twain scholars. Additionally, Elmira College hosts the International Conference on Mark Twain Studies every four years.
Historically, Elmira College has been recognized for setting a high standard in women’s education from its inception, as noted by historian Thomas Woody.
In recent years, Elmira College has experienced variations in enrollment, with figures declining from a peak of nearly 1,200 students in 2014 to under 850. The college offers a unique six-week Spring Term, where students can take elective courses or participate in study abroad programs. It also faced challenges in 2016 when the U.S. Department of Education found violations of Title IX related to handling sexual harassment and violence complaints.
Elmira College is active in athletics, participating in various associations and conferences. The college has announced the addition of men’s and women’s wrestling programs and has achieved NCAA Division III National Championships in Women’s Ice Hockey and Competitive Cheerleading.
The campus is also notable for its historic and architecturally significant buildings, including Cowles Hall, the original campus structure with an octagonal center; Gillett Memorial Hall, initially a music building; Hamilton Hall, formerly the main library; and the Murray Athletic Center, a unique geodesic-domed complex. The college also has several residence halls, each with its unique history and purpose, and various academic buildings that cater to different departments and student needs.
Additionally, Elmira College’s facilities include the Gannett-Tripp Library, home to the Mark Twain Archive; Carnegie Hall, housing science and nursing labs; Fassett Commons, the main dining hall; Speidel Gymnasium/Emerson Hall, containing athletic and theatre facilities; McGraw Hall, the administration building; the President’s Home. Lastly, now an admissions and financial aid office; the Campus Center, with dining and student services; Clarke Health Center; Mark Twain’s Study, a historic site; and the Lowman Greenhouse.