Lycoming college: a timeline
1811
Chartered on April 2, 1811, the Williamsport Academy – Lycoming’s predecessor institution – is founded.
1839
The Academy moves to the “hill.” For $2,392, 1¾ acres of land just north of borough limits are purchased. A plain, brick, three-story building that will become the west wing of Old Main is constructed.
1848
The Academy is purchased by the Methodist Church and opens on Sept. 14, as Williamsport Dickinson Seminary, a preparatory school for Dickinson College.
1855
Old Main is completed.
1869
Ownership of the Seminary is transferred to the Preachers’ Aid Society.
1885
A reference library is started, several scholarships are established, the athletic field is leveled and a grandstand with seating for 1,000 is constructed on the Quad.
1890
Electricity is introduced to Old Main.
1895
Bradley Hall, a conservatory of art and music, is built.
1912-55
A gymnasium, Clarke Chapel, Memorial Hall, Rich Hall, the John W. Long Library, Fine Arts Building and a President’s residence are added.
1929
The first junior college courses are offered, and the school is renamed to Williamsport Dickinson Junior College.
1931
There are 280 students enrolled.
1935
The school becomes the first fully-accredited private junior college in Pennsylvania.
1947
The institution becomes a four-year, degree-granting college of liberal arts, and the name Lycoming College is officially chosen.
1949
The first baccalaureate degrees are conferred.
1957
The Flock Brewery bottling building is converted into a science hall. The Tour Choir embarks on its first overseas tour to England and Scotland.
1962
Enrollment increases to 1,200.
1963
A new football stadium is completed.
1968
The Academic Center opens.
1975
The first Christmas Candlelight Service is held.
1979
Lamade Gym opens.
1989
Dr. James E. Douthat becomes the 14th president of the College.
1990
The Heim Building opens and the Institute for Management Studies is established.
1996-98
A new campus entrance and intramural fields are added on Market Street. The Shangraw Athletic Complex opens.
1997
The Class of 2001 is the first to enter campus through the David B. Sykes Gate during New Student Convocation.
2000
The Carnegie Foundation classifies Lycoming as a national liberal arts college.
2004-07
The Recreation Center, Honors Hall and The Commons open.
2010
Lycoming is recognized as a Tier 1 institution by U.S. News & World Report.
2011
Lycoming hold its Bicentennial Charter Day celebration April 2.