Susquehanna University

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Susquehanna University
Susquehanna University Original Seal.png
Former names
Missionary Institute of the Evangelical Lutheran Church (1858–1895)
Susquehanna Female College (1858–1973)
MottoAchievement, Leadership, Service
Type Private liberal arts college
Established1858;167 years ago (1858)
Accreditation MSCHE
Religious affiliation
 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Academic affiliations
 Annapolis Group AAC&U ACE CIC CUR NAICU
Endowment $223.2 million (2024) [1]
President Jonathan D. Green
Academic staff
226 [2]
Undergraduates 2,239 [3]
Location
Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania
,
United States
CampusSmall college town
297 acres (120 ha)
Colors Orange and maroon
  
Nickname River Hawks
Sporting affiliations
 NCAA Division III - Landmark Conference
MascotBenny the Hawk
Website www.susqu.edu
Susquehanna University logo.png
Susquehanna University

Susquehanna University is a private liberal arts college in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, United States. [4] [5] Its name is derived from the original Susquehannock settlers of the region. Founded in 1858 as a missionary institute, it became a four-year liberal arts college in 1895. It is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. In addition to an arts and sciences focus, Susquehanna has a business school, master's degrees in education, and joint-degree programs in engineering and for a Master of Business Administration.

Contents

The academic programs are within the four schools of the arts, humanities, natural and social sciences, and the AACSB International-accredited Sigmund Weis School of Business. Susquehanna University enrolls more than 2,200 undergraduate students from 33 states and 23 countries, [6] and maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 12 to 1.

History

Founding and early years

The Missionary Institute's first building, known as Selinsgrove Hall Missionary Institute - Selinsgrove Hall by M.R. Hemperley circa 1863.jpg
The Missionary Institute's first building, known as Selinsgrove Hall

The institution was founded by Benjamin Kurtz, its first president. Having already assisted in the founding of Gettysburg Seminary, Kurtz wanted to create another institution to serve American Lutheranism.

Kurtz's mission was to "educate men for the gospel ministry ... who cannot take a full course of training adapted to their age and circumstances." The American Lutherans of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, provided 50 students, pledged $22,000, and offered the provisional use of its church facilities. [7] However, they stipulated that the institute be expanded to a junior college and that a sister college for women also be formed. [8]

Drawing of the Susquehanna Female College Drawing of the Susquehanna Female College, circa 1859.jpg
Drawing of the Susquehanna Female College

On September 1, 1858, the Missionary Institute of the Evangelical Lutheran Church and Susquehanna Female College were established and legally recognized 23 days later. It had two departments: the theology department and the classical department. In 1873, the sister college disbanded and the institute became co-educational.

The institute officially became known as Susquehanna University in 1895. [9]

20th century

The 20th century brought many changes. The institution had recently begun offering bachelor degrees and changed its name to reflect that. [10] In 1903, the board approved Susquehanna’s colors, orange and maroon. [11]

By the 1920s, student enrollment skyrocketed, accommodations were refurbished and the campus expanded, and academic departments and offerings were enhanced. [12]

Academics

Susquehanna University Graduation, 1951 Susquehanna-university-graduation-common-history.jpg
Susquehanna University Graduation, 1951

Susquehanna University is devoted primarily to undergraduate education. It is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. [13] Susquehanna has a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1 with 93% of full-time faculty holding a doctorate or highest equivalent degree. [14]

The institution offers more than 100 majors, minors and programs [15] and allows students to design their own major, complete a double degree, or start undeclared. [16] Susquehanna offers pre-professional programs in pre-law, pre-veterinary medicine and teaching, and coordinates degrees with several other universities. [17] [18] [19] In 2016, an average of 96% of graduates were enrolled in graduate school or employed within six months of graduation. [20]

Organization and administration

Susquehanna University consists of four schools: School of the Arts, School of Humanities, School of Natural and Social Sciences, and the Sigmund Weis School of Business.

Selinsgrove Hall, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is the oldest building on campus. Selinsgrove hall.jpg
Selinsgrove Hall, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is the oldest building on campus.

Rankings

PublicationRankYearReferences
Wall Street Journal 191st best college in the United States2026 [21]
U.S. News & World Report 96th best liberal arts college in the United States2026 [22]
U.S. News & World Report 38th best value school in the United States2026 [23]
Forbes 25th best private schools with generous aid in the United States2026 [24]
New York Times 71st top U.S. college for students’ economic diversity2024 [25]
Money Best Colleges in America2025 [26]
Princeton Review "Best 391 Colleges" in the United States2026 [27]
Princeton Review "Best Green Colleges" in the United States2025 [28]
Princeton Review "Best Mid-Atlantic Schools" in the United States2026 [29]

Study abroad

The GO Program, as part of a school policy adopted in 2009, requires all Susquehanna students go off-campus for cross-cultural learning. Students have a choice between GO Short programs of 2–3 weeks or semester-long GO Long programs. [30] In 2013, the GO Program was awarded the Andrew Heiskell Award for Innovation in International Education [31]

Campus

Kurtz Lane Susquehanna University path.jpg
Kurtz Lane

The Susquehanna University campus spans 297 acres (120 ha) in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania. There are more than 50 buildings on campus, primarily in the style of Georgian architecture. The campus has four buildings that are Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-certified (LEED) by the U.S. Green Building Council: two residence halls, the Natural Sciences Center, and the Admission House. [32]

Seibert Hall, listed on the National Register of Historic Places Seibert.jpg
Seibert Hall, listed on the National Register of Historic Places

Students are guaranteed housing all four years, and nearly all students live on campus. [33] [34]

Selinsgrove and Seibert halls

Selinsgrove Hall is a 3+1⁄2-story brick structure constructed in 1858 in the Italianate style. The roof features a wooden cupola and the structure was previously featured on the institution's logo. Seibert Hall is a 2+1⁄2-story brick structure constructed in 1902 in a restrained Colonial Revival style. [35] Both Selinsgrove Hall and Seibert Hall, were listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. [36]

Admission House Admissionhouse.jpg
Admission House

Admission House

In 2017, the institution dedicated a $7 million space to welcome prospective students and families. According to the Susquehanna's website, Admission House was funded through contributions from the board of trustees. [37] Unlike most other buildings on campus, the Admission House has a white facade instead of a naturally red-brick exterior. The 15,500-square-foot (1,440 m2) building was designed by architect Peter Bohlin of Bohlin Cywinski Jackson as a modern take on a barn. [37]

Susquehanna University solar array Solar array.jpg
Susquehanna University solar array

Natural Sciences Center

The Natural Sciences Center is a $32-million academic building that houses Susquehanna’s biology, chemistry, earth and environmental science, neuroscience, ecology, health care studies, and pre-professional programs. [38] It received Silver LEED certification. [38] The 81,000-square-foot (7,500 m2) building was dedicated in 2010. [39]

Solar array

In 2018, Susquehanna University completed a 14-acre (5.7 ha) solar array with WGL Energy to supply 30 percent of the institution's electricity. At the time, it was the largest college- or university-sponsored solar array in Pennsylvania, and one of the largest solar projects in the Commonwealth. The 12,000-panel array is estimated to produce over 5,300 megawatt hours (MWh) of electricity per year. [40]

Student life

Susquehanna University offers more than 150 student clubs and organizations, a variety of honor societies and professional organizations, and 13 Greek organizations, including four National Panhellenic Conference sororities, one National Pan-Hellenic Council sorority, one National Interfraternity Music Council fraternity for women, four Interfraternity Council fraternities, one National Pan-Hellenic Council fraternity, one National Interfraternity Music Council fraternity, and the Alpha Phi Omega co-ed service fraternity. [41]

Traditions

First-Year Students' Move In Day welcomes first-year students by sending team members to help carry new students' belongings into their dorm rooms. Many faculty and staff assist. [42]

Thanksgiving Dinner is held prior to students leaving for Thanksgiving vacation. Students are served a turkey dinner by faculty, staff, and the president. [43]

Christmas Candlelight Service is held in Weber Auditorium with songs, readings, and prayers. [44]

'Twas the Night Before Christmas sees students come to the campus center dressed in their pajamas and indulge in cookies and cocoa while enjoying a reading of the classic Christmas tale. [45]

Clubs and organizations

Academic interest

There are a variety of academic clubs and organizations in the fields of business, education, music, sciences, foreign languages, and communications. [46]

Publications and media

  • Writing majors have publication opportunities in the student-run Essay Magazine (for non-fiction) [47] and Rivercraft (for fiction, poetry, and art) [48] in addition to the writing departments' annual magazine, The Susquehanna Review, which seeks submissions from undergraduate writing majors internationally. [49]
  • Topic specific student publications include Sanctuary, a literary magazine that features sci-fi and fantasy; Flagship, a publication that features creative work and photography that focuses on students' GO program experiences; and The Squirrel, a student-run newspaper that offers a humorous, critical, and constructive perspective on the news. [50]
  • The institution's student-run newspaper, The Quill, covers campus events, activities, and athletics, and provides a forum for the opinions of members of the campus community. [51]
WQSU radio station Wqsu.jpg
WQSU radio station
  • WQSU , The Pulse, is the institution's 12,000-watt radio station, making it the third most powerful college radio station and the tenth most powerful non-commercial radio station in Pennsylvania. Broadcasts can be heard at a 70-mile radius, which is approximately one-third of the state of Pennsylvania. The station is operated by students, faculty and staff as well as community volunteers, and features a wide variety of music and talk programs including regularly scheduled news broadcasts. [52]
  • The Lanthorn is Susquehanna's yearbook. [53]

Performing arts

In addition to the student-run clubs and organizations that focused on music and dance, many ensembles are sponsored and count toward major or elective credit requirements. [54]

The University Choir, Chorale, and Chamber Singers are the three vocal performance groups open to all students by audition, and the instrumental offerings (many of which are also open to all students through an audition process) range from small ensembles to pep bands to the University Symphonic Band. [55]

Religious life

There are eight religious life organizations at Susquehanna. In addition, students as well as the general public have the opportunity to attend Lutheran services held Sunday mornings on campus. [56]

Athletics

Susquehanna River Hawks wordmark Susquehanna hawks mark.png
Susquehanna River Hawks wordmark

Susquehanna competes in 23 varsity sports in Division III of the NCAA. All sports compete as part of the Landmark Conference with other Northeastern colleges. [57]

Susquehanna is also a member of the All-Atlantic Region Track & Field Conference. [58] Cheerleading is Susquehanna's 24th varsity team. [59]

The athletics complex includes a 51,000-square-foot (4,700 m2) field house, 3,500-seat Amos Alonzo Stagg Field at Doug Arthur Stadium, Douglas Arthur '49 Field, Clyde H. Jacobs Fitness Center, 1,100-seat Orlando W. Houts Gymnasium, a natatorium with a 25-yard swimming and diving pool, tennis courts, racquetball courts, and Sassafras Softball Field and a multipurpose field. [60]

Men's sportsWomen's sports
BaseballBasketball
BasketballCross Country
Cross CountryField Hockey
FootballGolf
GolfLacrosse
LacrosseSoccer
SoccerSoftball
SwimmingSwimming
TennisTennis
Track and Field†Track and Field†
Volleyball
† – Track and field includes both indoor and outdoor.
Stagg Field at Arthur Stadium for football, and track and field Arthur Stadium.jpg
Stagg Field at Arthur Stadium for football, and track and field

In 2022, Susquehanna won the Landmark Conference President's Trophy for the best overall athletics program, which is based on conference regular-season and postseason competition. It was the fifth time Susquehanna won the trophy, tying it with Moravian University, as one of two conference teams to most often win the trophy since it was created in 2008. [61]

The football team competes in two annual trophy contests. The Goal Post Trophy goes to the winner of the annual football game with rival Juniata College. [62] [63] Susquehanna football also plays Lycoming College for The Stagg Hat Trophy. [64]

In October 2015, Susquehanna University's board of trustees elected to replace the Crusaders nickname and mascot. [65] On April 2, 2016, the University announced River Hawks as the new nickname. [66] “Benny the Hawk” was introduced on October 29, 2016 as the new mascot. [67]

Notable alumni

Notable faculty and administration

References

  1. ↑ "U.S. and Canadian 2024 NCSE Participating Institutions Listed by Fiscal Year 2024 Endowment Market Value, Change in Market Value from FY23 to FY24, and FY24 Endowment Market Values Per Full-time Equivalent Student" (XLSX). National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO). February 12, 2025. Archived from the original on February 12, 2025. Retrieved February 12, 2025.
  2. ↑ "Required: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System". January 29, 2022. Archived from the original on January 29, 2022. Retrieved January 29, 2022.
  3. ↑ "Required: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System". January 29, 2022. Archived from the original on January 29, 2022. Retrieved January 29, 2022.
  4. ↑ "Susquehanna University - Profile, Rankings and Data". U.S. News & World Report . Archived from the original on 2022-08-08. Retrieved 2022-08-08.
  5. ↑ Roberts, Ken Schwencke, Mike Tigas, Sisi Wei, Alec Glassford, Andrea Suozzo, Brandon (2013-05-09). "Susquehanna University - Nonprofit Explorer". ProPublica. Archived from the original on 2022-08-08. Retrieved 2022-08-08.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  6. ↑ "Required: Fact Sheet" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on November 23, 2016. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  7. ↑ Housley, Donald (2007). Susquehanna University 1858-2000: A Goodly Heritage. Cranbury, NJ: Associated University Presses. p. 18. ISBN   978-1-57591-112-0.
  8. ↑ Housley, Donald (2007). Susquehanna University 1858-2000: A Goodly Heritage. Cranbury, NJ: Associated University Presses. pp. 18–19. ISBN   978-1-57591-112-0.
  9. ↑ Housley, Donald (2007). Susquehanna University 1858-2000: A Goodly Heritage. Cranbury, NJ: Associated University Presses. pp. 29–30. ISBN   978-1-57591-112-0.
  10. ↑ Housley, Donald (2007). Susquehanna University 1858-2000: A Goodly Heritage. Cranbury, NJ: Associated University Presses. pp. 105–125. ISBN   978-1-57591-112-0.
  11. ↑ Housley, Donald (2007). Susquehanna University 1858-2000: A Goodly Heritage. Cranbury, NJ: Associated University Presses. p. 120. ISBN   978-1-57591-112-0.
  12. ↑ Housley, Donald (2007). Susquehanna University 1858-2000: A Goodly Heritage. Cranbury, NJ: Associated University Presses. pp. 157–165. ISBN   978-1-57591-112-0.
  13. ↑ "Provost's Office". www.susqu.edu. Archived from the original on January 5, 2018. Retrieved January 4, 2018.
  14. ↑ "Susquehanna University - At A Glance" . Retrieved October 3, 2025.
  15. ↑ "Majors and Minors". www.susqu.edu. Archived from the original on January 31, 2022. Retrieved January 31, 2022.
  16. ↑ "Undeclared Pre-Major". www.susqu.edu. Archived from the original on January 31, 2022. Retrieved January 31, 2022.
  17. ↑ "Majors and Minors at Susquehanna". www.susqu.edu. Archived from the original on January 31, 2022. Retrieved January 31, 2022.
  18. ↑ "Engineering 3+2 Programs". www.susqu.edu. Archived from the original on January 31, 2022. Retrieved January 31, 2022.
  19. ↑ "Susquehanna Partners with University in Cyprus on New 4+1 MBA". October 26, 2021. Archived from the original on April 22, 2022. Retrieved April 22, 2022.
  20. ↑ "Success After Susquehanna". www.susqu.edu. Archived from the original on January 5, 2018. Retrieved January 4, 2018.
  21. ↑ "Wall Street Journal/Pulse College Rankings 2026". 2026. Retrieved October 3, 2025.
  22. ↑ "Best Colleges – National Liberal Arts Colleges Rankings". U.S. News & World Report. 2026. Archived from the original on December 21, 2021. Retrieved October 3, 2025.
  23. ↑ "Best Colleges – National Liberal Arts Colleges Rankings". U.S. News & World Report. 2026. Archived from the original on December 21, 2021. Retrieved October 3, 2025.
  24. ↑ "25 Private Schools With Generous Financial Aid". Forbes. 2026. Retrieved October 3, 2025.{{cite magazine}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  25. ↑ "The Top U.S. Colleges With the Greatest Economic Diversity". 2023. Retrieved September 19, 2023.
  26. ↑ "The Best Colleges in America 2025". 2025. Retrieved October 3, 2025.
  27. ↑ "Best 391 Colleges". The Princeton Review. 2026. Archived from the original on January 31, 2022. Retrieved October 3, 2025.
  28. ↑ "Best 390 Colleges". The Princeton Review. 2025. Archived from the original on January 31, 2022. Retrieved September 6, 2024.
  29. ↑ "Best 391 Colleges". The Princeton Review. 2026. Archived from the original on January 31, 2022. Retrieved October 3, 2025.
  30. ↑ "Study Away and Service Learning". Archived from the original on April 15, 2017. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  31. ↑ "Institute of International Education". Institute of International Education. Archived from the original on April 3, 2013. Retrieved March 27, 2013.
  32. ↑ "Facility Will Supply 30 Percent of University's Electricity Needs". December 18, 2017. Archived from the original on March 5, 2022. Retrieved April 28, 2022.
  33. ↑ "Living on Campus". Archived from the original on April 23, 2022. Retrieved April 22, 2022.
  34. ↑ "Facilities". Archived from the original on April 23, 2022. Retrieved April 22, 2022.
  35. ↑ Philip Bareiss and Mark Blake (March 1978). "National Register of Historic Places Inventory — Nomination Form: Selinsgrove Hall and Seibert Hall" (PDF). Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission . Retrieved October 20, 2009.[ dead link ]
  36. ↑ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places . National Park Service. March 13, 2009.
  37. 1 2 "Susquehanna Dedicates New Admission House". May 17, 2017. Archived from the original on March 5, 2022. Retrieved April 22, 2022.
  38. 1 2 "School of Arts and Sciences Facilities". Archived from the original on August 20, 2013. Retrieved June 4, 2013.
  39. ↑ "Susquehanna University - Natural Sciences Center". Archived from the original on June 19, 2012. Retrieved July 16, 2012.
  40. ↑ "WGL Energy and Susquehanna University Partner to Develop 14-Acre Solar Array in Pennsylvania". December 18, 2017. Archived from the original on April 28, 2022. Retrieved April 28, 2022.
  41. ↑ "Clubs and Organizations". Archived from the original on November 23, 2016. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  42. ↑ "Traditions". Archived from the original on November 23, 2016. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  43. ↑ "Thanksgiving Dinner". Archived from the original on November 23, 2016. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  44. ↑ Housley, Donald (2007). Susquehanna University 1858-2000: A Goodly Heritage. Cranbury, NJ: Associated University Presses. p. 359. ISBN   978-1-57591-112-0.
  45. ↑ "Poster: The Night before Christmas Storytelling". Blough-Weis Library, Susquehanna University. Archived from the original on October 21, 2014. Retrieved October 21, 2014.
  46. ↑ "Academic Interest Clubs". Archived from the original on November 23, 2016. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  47. ↑ "Essay". Archived from the original on November 23, 2016. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  48. ↑ "Rivercraft". Archived from the original on November 23, 2016. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  49. ↑ "Susquehanna Review". Archived from the original on November 23, 2016. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  50. ↑ "Topic Specific Publications". Archived from the original on November 23, 2016. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  51. ↑ "The Quill". Archived from the original on 23 November 2016. Retrieved 22 November 2016.
  52. ↑ "WQSU". Archived from the original on November 23, 2016. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  53. ↑ "The Lanthorn". Archived from the original on November 23, 2016. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  54. ↑ "Performing Arts". Archived from the original on August 8, 2022. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  55. ↑ "Performance Opportunities". Archived from the original on November 23, 2016. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  56. ↑ "Religious and Spiritual Life". Archived from the original on November 23, 2016. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  57. ↑ "Landmark Conference". Archived from the original on February 10, 2022. Retrieved January 31, 2022.
  58. ↑ "All-Atlantic" . Retrieved September 8, 2023.
  59. ↑ "Cheerleading - Susquehanna University Athletics". Susquehanna University. Archived from the original on January 31, 2022. Retrieved January 31, 2022.
  60. ↑ "Facilities - James W. Garrett Sports Complex - Susquehanna University Athletics". Susquehanna University. Archived from the original on February 4, 2022. Retrieved February 4, 2022.
  61. ↑ "Landmark Presidents' Trophy". Landmark Conference. Archived from the original on June 28, 2016. Retrieved June 6, 2022.
  62. ↑ "Goal Post Trophy Stays In Selinsgrove As Football Hammers Juniata, 65-0". Susquehanna University. November 13, 2021. Archived from the original on April 22, 2022. Retrieved April 22, 2022.
  63. ↑ "LOCAL CONNECTIONS: Wallenpaupack grad Palazzi passes Susquehanna to "Goal Post" win". The Scranton Times-Tribune . September 19, 2009. Archived from the original on July 19, 2011. Retrieved April 19, 2010.
  64. ↑ "Lycoming Tops SU, 37-23, Keeps 'Stagg Hat'". Susquehanna University. September 19, 2009. Archived from the original on February 9, 2025. Retrieved February 9, 2025.
  65. ↑ Krize, Nikki (October 27, 2015). "Susquehanna University Drops 'Crusader' from Nickname". WNEP. Archived from the original on January 5, 2018. Retrieved January 4, 2018.
  66. ↑ Deklinski, Larry (April 2, 2016). "Susquehanna University announces new nickname". The News-Item . Archived from the original on April 15, 2016. Retrieved January 4, 2018.
  67. ↑ "The River Hawks Have Landed - Susquehanna University". October 30, 2016. Archived from the original on January 31, 2022. Retrieved January 31, 2022.
  68. ↑ "The return of Jay Feaster to Lightning org". 2 July 2014. Archived from the original on 9 April 2019. Retrieved 27 June 2020.

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