Principia College

Last updated
Principia College
MottoAs The Sowing, The Reaping
Type Private liberal arts college
Established1912;112 years ago (1912)
Religious affiliation
 Church of Christ, Scientist
Endowment $696.2 million (2020) [1]
President Daniel Norton
Administrative staff
120
Students348 (fall 2023) [2]
Location
Elsah
,
Illinois
,
United States

38°56′56″N90°20′56″W / 38.94889°N 90.34889°W / 38.94889; -90.34889
Campus Rural, 2,500 acres (10 km2), 2,600 acres (1,100 ha)
Mascot Panther, Thunder Chicken (Rugby)
Colors Blue and gold
Website www.principiacollege.edu
Principia College wordmark.jpg
Principia's campus sits on the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River. Principia from air.jpg
Principia's campus sits on the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River.

Principia College (Principia or Prin) is a private liberal arts college in Elsah, Illinois. It was founded in 1912 by Mary Kimball Morgan with the purpose of "serving the Cause of Christian Science." [3] "Although the College is not affiliated with the Christian Science Church, the practice of Christian Science is the cornerstone of campus life." [4] [5]

Contents

Principia sits on bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River between Alton and Grafton in the Metro East region of Southern Illinois, thirty miles north of St. Louis. A portion of the school's 2,500-acre (1,000 ha) campus is a designated National Historic Landmark District, for its many buildings and design by architect Bernard Maybeck.

History

Although Principia College was born out of The Principia, founded by Mary Kimball Morgan in 1898, the name Principia was not adopted until 1898. [6] As Morgan's school grew, the founder of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy, approved The Principia's reference as a Christian Science school. [6] Emerging from the Principia Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools founded between 1898 and 1906, Principia College was established with a purpose of "serving the Cause of Christian Science through appropriate channels open to it as an educational institution." [7] [8] The college, however, has no official affiliation with the Christian Science Church and Christian Science is not taught as a subject, but its principles form the basis of community life at Principia. [9] The first Upper School class graduated in 1906 and it is from this class that a junior college was established, whose first alumni graduated in 1917. Principia College has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1923. [10]

Architect Bernard Maybeck was commissioned to design a new college campus in Elsah, Illinois. By 1931, ground was broken on what would become his largest commission. [11] [12]

On the Principia College grounds is Eliestoun House, designed by Alexander Wadsworth Longfellow Jr. and completed in 1890. When Principia began moving to Elsah, guests stayed there, including Mary Kimball Morgan and Bernard Maybeck. [13]

In 1934, Principia College graduated its first class as a full four-year institution. In 1935, the college was officially moved to its present-day location in Elsah. The Principia College campus was once considered as the site for the United States Air Force Academy though ultimately the Air Force chose a location in Colorado Springs, Colorado, instead.

On April 19, 1993, about 300 acres (120 ha) of the campus was designated a National Historic Landmark by the United States Department of the Interior. The year 1998 marked centennial celebrations by the school.

In the 21st century, the school's enrollment size has declined due to the dwindling number of Christian Scientists. [14]

Campus

Principia College Chapel Principia-chapel-LARGE2.jpg
Principia College Chapel

Housing and student life facilities

Buck House Buck House.jpg
Buck House
Mistake House Mistake House.jpg
Mistake House

There are ten student dormitories on campus: Anderson Hall, Rackham Court, Howard House, Sylvester House, Buck House, Brooks House, Ferguson House, Joe McNabb, Lowrey House, and Clara McNabb. The first six mentioned were designed by former University of California, Berkeley professor and AIA Gold Medal winner Bernard Maybeck in 1935, as was the campus' chapel. [15] Maybeck attempted to use different architectural styles and building techniques for each of these dormitories and for the chapel. In an effort to ensure success with his designs and materials, he experimented with them through the creation of a small building known affectionately by Principians as the "Mistake House." [16] In celebration of the 2018 Illinois Bicentennial, the Principia College Campus was selected as one of the Illinois 200 Great Places [17] by the American Institute of Architects Illinois component (AIA Illinois).

Organization and administration

Principia had an endowment of $696.2 million as of June 2020, [18] giving it one of the highest endowments of any U.S. institution. [19] The endowment size declined by more than $100 million in the decade prior to 2018. [14]

Academics

Principia College offers twenty-seven majors in the liberal arts and sciences. The college does not currently offer a graduate program. The most popular majors include mass communication, biology, sociology, anthropology, studio and fine art, and business administration. [20] [21]

Principia offers Study Abroad & Field Programs, International Student Programs, Conferences, and International Student Experiences. [22] [23]

In their 2019 rankings, U.S. News & World Report ranked Principia #83 (up from #139 in 2014) among all National Liberal Arts Colleges, and #5 in the category of "Best Value Schools". As of 2019, Principia College's annual tuition costs were $29,470, with additional costs of $11,610 for room and board (99% of freshmen lived on campus in 2018–2019). In 2017, the school had an acceptance rate above 90%. [24]

Student life

Interior of the chapel, 2007 Principia College (2151777737).jpg
Interior of the chapel, 2007

Principia College has a diverse student composition and amount of organizations given its size. 20% of its students are international and represent thirty countries on six of the world's seven continents. [25] [ failed verification ] The college has forty student clubs and organizations, among these the Euphrates and Leadership institutes. [25] [26] The Public Affairs Conference at the college is one of oldest student-led conferences in America and has been held annually since 1939. [27] The Principia College Speaker Series has featured former United States President Barack Obama, statesman and retired four-star general Colin Powell, former United States president George H. W. Bush, former United States president Jimmy Carter, author and poet Maya Angelou, David McCullough, Elie Wiesel, actor and director Robert Duvall, Val Kilmer, Coretta Scott King, and Margaret Thatcher. [28] In addition to the Public Affairs Conference, Principia College holds an International Perspectives Conference with a focus on global issues such as human rights in Africa. [29]

Technology

Of the technological programs present at Principia College, most prevalent and distinguished is its study in solar energy. The college has competed in solar car world events since 1995 and finished second in the North American Solar Challenge of 2008 and seventh in the World Solar Challenge of 2009. [30]

Athletics

Principia College teams participate as a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association's Division III in the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC). The Principia Panther is the official mascot of Principia College and has been since its change from the Indian in 1984. [6] There are currently fourteen varsity athletic teams at Principia College of which men's sports are baseball, basketball, cross country, soccer, tennis, track & field, and rugby; and women's sports include basketball, cross country, soccer, softball, tennis, track & field and volleyball. [25]

In 1983, the women's tennis team won the NCAA Division III national championship. [6]

In 2013, the men's rugby team won the first ever Open Division USA Rugby 7s Collegiate National Championship, beating the University of Wisconsin-Stout 27–12 in the championship match. [31]

In 2022, the men's rugby team completed an undefeated season by winning the Division II National Collegiate Rugby Championship XVs title, defeating Indiana University of Pennsylvania 47–16 in the championship match. [32]

Notable alumni

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Elsah, Illinois</span> Village in Illinois, United States

Elsah is a village in Jersey County, Illinois. As of the 2020 census, the village had a total population of 519. Michael Pitchford is the village's current acting mayor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Houghton University</span> Christian liberal arts University in Houghton, New York, U.S.

Houghton University is a private Christian liberal arts college in Houghton, New York. Houghton was founded in 1883 by Willard J. Houghton and is affiliated with the Wesleyan Church. Houghton serves roughly 1000 students and has 54 degree majors for primarily undergraduate students.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Freed–Hardeman University</span> Private university in Henderson, Tennessee, U.S.

Freed–Hardeman University is a private university associated with the Churches of Christ and located in Henderson, Tennessee. It is primarily undergraduate and residential. The university also serves some commuting, part-time and adult students on-campus and through distance-learning programs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bridgewater College</span> Private college in Bridgewater, Virginia, US

Bridgewater College is a private liberal-arts college in Bridgewater, Virginia. Established in 1880, Bridgewater College admitted both men and women from the time of its founding and was the first four-year liberal arts college in Virginia to do so. Approximately 1,800 students are enrolled.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">North Park University</span> Christian university in Chicago, Illinois, US

North Park University is a private Christian university in Chicago, Illinois. It was founded in 1891 by the Evangelical Covenant Church. It is located on Chicago's north side and enrolls more than 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Westminster University (Utah)</span> Private university in Salt Lake City, Utah, US

Westminster University is a private university in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States. It was founded in 1875 and comprises four schools.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Clarke University</span> Catholic university in Dubuque, Iowa, US

Clarke University is a private Catholic university in Dubuque, Iowa. It was founded in 1843 as St. Mary's Female Academy by Mother Mary Frances Clarke, foundress of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

SUNY Broome Community College is a public community college in Broome County, New York. It is part of the State University of New York (SUNY). The college was founded in 1946 and has gone through several name changes. The school is located in the Town of Dickinson, just north of the City of Binghamton, New York. The college had a 2010 enrollment of over 6,000 students and has alumni of over 41,000.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Concordia University, St. Paul</span> Private Lutheran university in St. Paul, Minnesota

Concordia University, St. Paul, is a private university in Saint Paul, Minnesota. It was founded in 1893 and enrolls nearly 5,900 students. It is a member of the Concordia University System, which is operated by the second-largest Lutheran church body in the United States, the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. The school was a two year college until 1964. The present name Concordia University, St. Paul was adopted in 1997.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bernard Maybeck</span> American architect

Bernard Ralph Maybeck was an American architect in the Arts and Crafts Movement of the early 20th century. He worked primarily in the San Francisco Bay Area, designing public buildings, including the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, and also private houses, especially in Berkeley, where he lived and taught at the University of California. A number of his works are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Faulkner University</span> Christian university in Montgomery, Alabama, US

Faulkner University is a private Christian university in Montgomery, Alabama. It is affiliated with the Churches of Christ.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rocky Mountain College</span> Private college in Billings, Montana, US

Rocky Mountain College is a private college in Billings, Montana, United States. It offers 50 liberal arts and professional majors in 24 undergraduate disciplines. As of 2013, the college had 1,069 enrolled students. RMC is affiliated with the United Methodist Church, the Presbyterian Church (USA), and the United Church of Christ.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thomas College</span> Private college in Waterville, Maine, US

Thomas College is a private college in Waterville, Maine, United States. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. As of fall 2019 Thomas College enrolled 1,949 students; 1,819 were undergraduate students and 130 were graduate students.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Misericordia University</span> Catholic university in Dallas, Pennsylvania, US

Misericordia University is a private Catholic university in Dallas, Pennsylvania, United States. It was founded by the Religious Sisters of Mercy in 1924 as College Misericordia; in 2007 it became a university and changed its name. The university offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees as well as post-master's and post-bachelor's certificates. The university operates a campus in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where it offers an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in partnership with Orbis Education.

Gateway Seminary ("GS") is a Baptist theological institute based in Ontario, California with campus in Fremont, California, Phoenix, Arizona, Vancouver, Washington, and Centennial, Colorado. It is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention.

Defiance College is a private college located in Defiance, Ohio and affiliated with the United Church of Christ. The campus includes eighteen buildings and access to the 200-acre (80.9 ha) Thoreau Wildlife Sanctuary. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, but the college has been on probation since 2023 for concerns with one out of the eighteen accreditation criteria.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Principia</span> Educational organization for Christian Scientists

The Principia is an educational institution for Christian Scientists located on two campuses in the St. Louis, Missouri metropolitan area of the United States. Principia School, located in Town and Country, West St. Louis County, serves students from early childhood through high school, and Principia College, located about thirty miles away, is on the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River in Elsah, Illinois.

Butler Stevens Sturtevant was an American landscape architect.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Principia College Historic District</span> Historic district in Illinois, United States

The Principia College Historic District is a National Historic Landmark District encompassing the central portion of the campus of Principia College in Elsah, Illinois. The campus master plan, as well as eleven of its buildings, are important late designs of architect Bernard Maybeck, best known for his influential architecture in the American West. The Principia was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1993, and was also placed on the National Register of Historic Places that same year.

Mary Kimball Morgan was an American educator and the founder of The Principia, a K–12 school in St. Louis, Missouri, and Principia College, a four year college in Elsah, Illinois.

References

  1. ↑ As of June 30, 2020. U.S. and Canadian Institutions Listed by Fiscal Year 2020 Endowment Market Value and Change in Endowment Market Value from FY19 to FY20 (Report). National Association of College and University Business Officers and TIAA. February 19, 2021. Retrieved February 20, 2021.
  2. ↑ "Principia College" . Retrieved August 9, 2023.
  3. ↑ Mary Kimball Morgan, Education at The Principia, The Principia Corporation, 2000, p. 227.
  4. ↑ "Christian Science". Principia College. 2022. Retrieved February 4, 2022.
  5. ↑ "Spiritual Life: Deepen Your Understanding of God". Principia College. 2022. Retrieved February 4, 2022.
  6. 1 2 3 4 The Principia. "History of Principia". Web. The Principia. Retrieved 17 April 2013.
  7. ↑ Mary Kimball Morgan. Education at The Principia.
  8. ↑ "Mission, Values, and Principles". Web. The Principia. Retrieved 17 April 2013.
  9. ↑ "Spiritual Life at Principia College". principiacollege.edu. January 15, 2012.
  10. ↑ The Higher Learning Commission Archived 2015-01-28 at the Wayback Machine . Retrieved January 23, 2015.
  11. ↑ The Principia. "Maybeck". Web. The Principia. Retrieved 17 April 2013.
  12. ↑ "Housing at Principia College".
  13. ↑ "History of Eliestoun" . Retrieved February 4, 2022.
  14. 1 2 Bogan, Jesse (March 4, 2018). "Guarding tradition: Principia has lots of money but few Christian Scientists to fill classrooms". St. Louis Post-Dispatch . Retrieved 30 June 2021.
  15. ↑ McCoy, Esther (1960). Five California Architects. New York: Reinhold Publishing Corporation. ASIN   B000I3Z52W.
  16. ↑ "National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination". National Park Service. Retrieved 11 November 2022.
  17. ↑ Waldinger, Mike (January 30, 2018). "The proud history of architecture in Illinois". Springfield Business Journal. Retrieved 30 January 2018.
  18. ↑ As of June 30, 2020. U.S. and Canadian Institutions Listed by Fiscal Year 2020 Endowment Market Value and Change in Endowment Market Value from FY19 to FY20 (Report). National Association of College and University Business Officers and TIAA. February 19, 2021. Retrieved February 20, 2021.
  19. ↑ U.S. and Canadian 2020 NTSE Participating Institutions Listed by Fiscal Year 2020 Endowment Market Value, Percentage Change in Market Value from FY19 to FY20, and FY20 Endowment Market Values Per Full-time Equivalent Student (Report). National Association of College and University Business Officers and Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America. April 22, 2021. Retrieved June 29, 2021.
  20. ↑ Best College – US News (2012). "Principia College". Web. U.S. News & World Report LP. Retrieved 19 April 2013.
  21. ↑ Grove, Allen (2012). "Principia College profile". Web. About.com. Retrieved 19 April 2013.
  22. ↑ The Principia. "Abroads & Fields". Web. the Principia. Retrieved 17 April 2013.
  23. ↑ The Principia. "Clubs & Organizations". Web. the Principia. Retrieved 17 April 2013.
  24. ↑ "U.S. News & World Report – Principia College Page".
  25. 1 2 3 The Principia. "Fast Facts". Web. The Principia. Retrieved 17 April 2013.
  26. ↑ The Principia. "Institutes". Web. The Principia. Retrieved 17 April 2013.
  27. ↑ The Principia. "Public Affairs Conference". Web. The Principia. Retrieved 17 April 2013.
  28. ↑ The Principia. "Speakers and Events". Web. The Principia. Retrieved 17 April 2013.
  29. ↑ The Principia. "International Perspectives Conference". Web. The Principia. Retrieved 17 April 2013.
  30. ↑ Weich, Susan (2 November 2011). "Solar car team from tiny Principia College competes in world race". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Retrieved 17 April 2013.
  31. ↑ Wise, Chad (24 November 2013). "Principia takes first Men's Open Division Championship at College 7s" . Retrieved 27 November 2013.
  32. ↑ "Principia (DII) and Cal Poly Humboldt (Small College) win National Championships".
  33. ↑ "Robert Bruegmann".
  34. ↑ "77 North Washington Street, The Atlantic Online, June 1997". The Atlantic . June 1997. Archived from the original on 2012-10-25. Retrieved 2017-03-11.
  35. ↑ "Principia College".
  36. ↑ "Peter Horton Biography". Web Yahoo! Movies. Yahoo! Inc. Retrieved 2008-10-16.
  37. ↑ Steinberg, Avi (March 31, 2005). "Mindy Jostyn, 48; voice, talent treasured by fans, music stars". The Boston Globe.
  38. ↑ [mlssoccer.com/players/Kipp-keller-x1023/ "Kipp Keller"].{{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help)
  39. ↑ "Miye Matsukata papers | Collection: AAA.matsmiye". sova.si.edu.
  40. ↑ "Ngozi Mwanamwambwa Asinga | Alumni". www.principiaalumni.org. Retrieved 2017-07-07.
  41. ↑ "ROUSSELOT, John Harbin, (1927–2003)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1774–present. United States Congress . Retrieved 2008-10-16.
  42. ↑ Hevesi, Dennis (2010-08-26). "David Rowland, Maker of a Tidily Stacked Chair, Dies at 86". The New York Times. ISSN   0362-4331 . Retrieved 2023-11-25.
  43. ↑ "SHAYS, Christopher H., (1945 - )". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1774–present. United States Congress . Retrieved 2008-10-16.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.