Adrian College

Adrian College

Type	Private
Established	1859
Endowment	$37.8 million
President	Jeffery Docking
Academic staff	82
Students	1600 (all undergraduate)
Location	Adrian , MI , USA
Campus	Small town, 100 acres (0.4 km²)
Colors	Black and Gold
Nickname	Bulldogs
Mascot	Bruiser
Website	www.adrian.edu

Adrian College is a private, co-educational liberal arts college related to the United Methodist Church and located in the city of Adrian in the U.S. state of Michigan.

Location

Herrick Tower

The school is situated approximately 45 minutes from Ann Arbor and Toledo, Ohio, and 90 minutes from Detroit. The college is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and as of 2010 has an enrollment of approximately 1600 students. Its campus is situated on approximately 100 acres (0.4 km²) and features both newly constructed facilities with modern designs and historic buildings recognized for their past, such as Downs Hall, home of the college's Stubnitz art gallery and theater program.

History

The college had its origin as a theological institute founded by Wesleyan Methodists at Leoni, Michigan in 1845. This institution merged with Leoni Seminary, another Methodist school, in 1855 to form Michigan Union College. In 1859, that institution closed and its assets were transferred to Adrian to establish Adrian College. The college was chartered by the Michigan Legislature on March 28, 1859, under the first President of the College, abolitionist Asa Mahan. In the early stages of the American Civil War the College volunteered itself as a base for the formation of Michigan regiments for the Union side. The current Valade Hall building sits on the site of the former base camp for these soldiers.

Mission

Herrick Chapel

Adrian College has a long history of social activism, which is highlighted in its mission statement. The Statement reads as follows:

Adrian College, a liberal arts College in the United Methodist tradition, is committed to the pursuit of truth and to the dignity of all people. Through active and creative learning in a supportive community, students are challenged to achieve excellence in their academic, personal, and professional lives, and to contribute to a more socially just society.

Landmarks, Legends, & Lore

Downs Hall Built in 1860, Downs is the only building remaining from Adrian's original campus. The structure now houses the Stubnitz Art Gallery and the Downs Hall Theatre. The building has served several functions through the years. Local legend contends it is the home of the Downs Hall Ghost, and students tell tales of late-night footsteps and strange sounds.

The "A" The class of 1914 placed a large concrete "A" at the front of campus near Madison Street. The structure is traditionally reserved for engaged couples only.

The Mound The class of 1869 wanted to leave Adrian College a gift of unique distinction. Since money was hard to acquire during the days immediately following the Civil War, the class used the good earth for its memorial as a symbol of Adrian's strength. They intended to erect a statue of Asa Mahan, the College's first president; however, the funds did not materialize. The statue was never erected and the mound has stood since that day at the front of the campus.

The One Piece Threshold One of the oldest landmarks of the College is an old stone threshold now used as a seat near the entrance to Valade Hall. The step was originally placed in front of Valade Hall in December 1859.

South Hall Bell For more than 100 years, the College Bell hung in the cupola atop South Hall. It rang for classes, meals and daily chapel services as well as weddings, funerals, graduations and other special occasions. In 1960, South Hall was torn down to make way for the Herrick Carillon Tower. Placed inside the tower, the bell remained silent and was almost forgotten until the Class of 1984 donated funds to move the bell to a place near Shipman Library. The Class of 1999 provided funds to incorporate the bell into the entrance walkway of the renovated library.

The Rock Originally, according to the story, the rock was about three times larger because it was all above ground. The story claims that a transfer student from Albion and two friends decided in 1962 to do, "the biggest thing to hit Adrian that year!" Under the cover of darkness, they buried it. Eventually, part of it resurfaced. Students have painted it countless times with varying messages and themes.

The Cane Ceremony A few years ago, the Alumni Office polled alumni on their favorite memory of Adrian College. Topping the list was the Cane Ceremony, which follows commencement every spring. Grace Wells Haviland, president of the class of 1921, carried the Shepherd's Crook to the Mound during the fist outdoor Cane Ceremony in the College's history. Today, the ceremony is performed on the commencement stage and each year the graduation class affixes its colors to the Shepherd's Crook. These colored ribbons are imprinted with the names of each graduate from the class. The president of the class then hands it to the president of the next class.

Though the Cane Ceremony began in 1921, the cane itself - and the custom of affixing class colors to it - dates back to 1887. The date 1887 and the words Non Sine Labote (Climb Without Falling) are carved on the staff. The monument located in front of the Mound commemorates the Cane Ceremony. It was a gift to the College from the Class of 1987.

The Outdoor Chapel The rustic outdoor "chapel in the woods" was located where the Adrian College Chapel now sits. Outdoor services were held on rough benches. Students of 50 years ago warmly tell of spending quiet time in the lovely place. Source

150th Anniversary

In 2009 Adrian College celebrated its 150th anniversary, 1859–present, the celebration was to recognize the success and the traditions of this college.

The Senior Class President, Zachary Hamilton, and Senior Class Vice-President Stephen Kish, presented Adrian College with a Time Capsule on behalf of the Class of 2009. It was buried next to the clock-tower and is to be opened in 50 years. The time capsule has various contents including different technologies and newspapers of this generation. Source

Academics

Shipman Library

Valade Hall

Adrian College offers over 40 majors and pre-professional programs. Majors: Accounting & Business

     • Management
     • Marketing
     • Economics
     • International Business and Studies

Art & Design

     • Studio Art
     • Art Education
     • Arts Management

Biology, Chemistry, Communication Arts & Sciences

     • Media Arts
     • Journalism

Economics, English, Environmental Science/Studies, Exercise Science / Physical Education

     • Athletic Training

Geology (formerly Earth Science), History, Interior Design, International Studies, Mathematics, Modern Languages & Cultures, Music

     • Performance
     • Music Education
     • Musical Theatre
     • Arts Administration

Philosophy / Religion, Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, & Criminal Justice, Teacher Education, Theatre

Minors: Art History, Computer Information Systems, Public Relations, Women's Studies

Pre-professional Programs: Pre-art Therapy Program, Pre-architecture Program, Pre-engineering Program, Pre-health Science, Pre-seminary Program, Pre-law Program Source

Study Abroad Program

Adrian College offers a wide variety of study abroad opportunities. Whether you want to go abroad for as much as a whole academic year, or just for a couple of weeks; we’ll help you figure out what works best for you!

Traditional Study for a semester or year in: France, Spain, Germany, Japan, China, England, Australia, New Zealand, India, Mexico, Italy, Hong Kong, Argentina South Korea, Austria, Greece, South Africa, and more!

May/Summer Term All of our traditional programs offer May and Summer Study Abroad opportunities. In addition Adrian College offers the following programs: Oxford Study Abroad Program, and York Study Abroad.

May Tour Travel to a variety of destinations for 1–2 weeks, experiencing the sights and sounds, history and culture of the Old World. Past May Tours have included Egypt, Italy, Greece, France, Denmark, and more! Source

Institutes

Adrian College's Institutes integrate theoretical and practical learning in distinctive and challenging ways. They are intended for students who desire academic work focused in a specialty area. Students and faculty affiliated with the Institutes will engage in ongoing dialog and collaborate on initiatives - developing integrated research projects, engaging in public service, as well as learning from alumni or friends of the College who agree to act as professional mentors and advisors.

The institutes include: Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies- The purpose of the Institute is not to just to help business students become entrepreneurs but rather help address some of the general disconnect between ideas and business creation. We would strive to provide a forum and an opportunity for students from different fields, no matter what their major is, who may be interested in bringing an idea, a product, or even just talent to the market, to share those ideas and built the necessary required foundations.

Institute for Health Studies- A key mission of the Institute for Health Studies is to position our students to secure their academic, professional and personal goals. To accomplish this result, we seek opportunities for the scientific and liberal arts to inform each other, for students to develop the capacity for innovation, to practice critical assessment of risk and risk taking, and to find that combination of focus and flexibility that permits life and career satisfaction.

Institute for Study Abroad- See above.

Institute for Ethics- The mission of the Institute of Ethics is to create awareness of the ethical dimensions to academic fields of study and to promote its discussion on campus. One task of the Institute is to provide faculty and students with the necessary background and tools to integrate ethical questions into their courses.

George Romney Institute for Law and Public Policy- The George Romney Institute for Law and Public Policy will work to weave legal and public policy considerations into the academic fabric of Adrian College. Specifically, the Institute will enhance pre-law and graduate opportunities for students, increase opportunities to study legal and policy issues, bring speakers to campus, promote interdisciplinary exploration of law and public policy and explore the opportunities for practitioners and academics to work together on these issues. Source

Athletics

Adrian College athletic teams, nicknamed the Bulldogs, are part of the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association and the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III. The men's NCAA Division III hockey team is a member of the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association. The men's lacrosse team is part of the Midwest Lacrosse Conference. Adrian College is the third college or university to offer women's hockey as a varsity sport in the state of Michigan. Adrian College offers the following varsity sports:

• Baseball
• Basketball (Men / Women)
• Bowling (Women)
• Cheerleading (Co-ed)
• Cross Country (Men/Women)
• Dance Squad
• Football
• Equestrian
• Golf (Men / Women)
• Ice hockey (Men / Women)
• Lacrosse (Men / Women)
• Soccer (Men / Women)
• Softball
• Synchronized skating
• Tennis (Men / Women)
• Track & Field (Men/Women)
• Volleyball (Women)

Expansion

Adrian recently expanded its athletic programs, in the 2007-2008 Academic Year NCAA Division III men's and women's ice hockey was added along with mens Division I and Division 3 club hockey, synchronized skating and NCAA Division III men's and women's lacrosse. The Bulldog's lacrosse program, is the first varsity program in MI since the induction of Title IX. Women's bowling was added for the 2008-2009 year.

Men's ice hockey

The men's Division III team received national attention on the eve of Selection Sunday of the 2007-2008 season on ESPN's "The Sports Reporters" as Mitch Albom, columnist from the Detroit Free Press, used his closing remarks to highlight the remarkable ride of the hockey team's season (their first at the NCAA level). The team finished 26-3 and did not make the NCAA Division III Tournament. The 2008 Baseball team won the Mideast Regional championship claiming the first regional title in the program's history and for any team at Adrian College. They are also the first representative team from the MIAA in the national tournament.

Football

For more information, see List of Adrian Bulldogs head football coaches

College football has been a part of the history of Adrian college since 1892, when Hillsdale College defeated Adrian by a score of 56–0. The first head football coach on record was E. E. Tarr in 1903. Since then, the program has won 16 conference championships, the first in 1911 and the most recent in 1997. The current coach is Jim Deere who took over in 2010.

Intramural sports

Intramurals are also a part of Adrian College and the athletic department. Some of the intramural teams include: Flag Football, 5-on-5 Basketball, Coed Volleyball League, Broomball, Coed slow Pitch Softball, 7-on-7 Soccer, 8-on-8 Dodgeball, 6-on-6 Wiffleball, and 3-0n-3 Basketball. Source

Renaissance Project

On June 30, 2005, Stanley P. Caine retired after 16 years as president of Adrian College. The next day, Jeffrey Docking became Adrian College's 17th president, after serving as a Vice President at Washington and Jefferson College in Washington, Pennsylvania. Since arriving at Adrian, Docking has introduced many plans to revitalize Adrian College and its campus, including construction of new buildings, renovation of old ones, and programs related to athletics such as the construction of a new Arrington Ice Arena. Many of these initiatives are grouped under his "Renaissance Project".

Docking's initiatives and related changes, however, have caused some controversy. The decision to introduce mandatory four-year residency for all students "to raise funds" is a departure from previous policies. At a town hall-style meeting between students and administration concerning the drastic changes in housing policy, the Dean of Student Life declared that the new policy was essential because Adrian College had been in imminent danger of closing, thus rendering any Adrian degree "worthless." In contrast, deposits for fall, 2007 exceeded 550 by July, 2007. Freshmen and transfer enrollment will likely exceed 400 for fall, 2009.

Renaissance II has begun with a focus on academic enhancements. An all-college retreat in August, 2008 in Dearborn was used to help set priorities for new inititatives, such as a series of institutes. The goal of Renaissance II s to enhance the academics at Adrian College to better prepare students for excellence and success in the ever changing world. The college is making renovations and expansions to the Science, Business, Visual Arts, and Performing Arts departments. Source

Greek Life

Greek life is present on campus, with five nationally recognized fraternities that include: Alpha Tau Omega, Phi Kappa Sigma, Theta Chi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon and Tau Kappa Epsilon. There are also three nationally recognized sororities, Alpha Phi, Alpha Sigma Alpha, Chi Omega, and a local sorority Delta Nu Kappa. Source

Fight song

Hail Adrian! -Hail, hail to Adrian- the home of the black and gold!- cheer, cheer for Adrian- lift your voices, proud and bold,- "Go, dawgs go!" - Fight, fight for Adrian- and champions again we will be!- our heros will score, and the crowd will roar,- "Another bulldog victory!"

The fight song was written but our own 1980's Adrian alum Darin McNabb. The fight song made its debut on October 6, 2007 when the Adrian College football team took on Olvet College in a tight battle for that homecoming evening. Source

Bruiser

Bruiser the Bulldog is a live mascot that Adrian College adopted on December 14, 2009. Bruisers hometown is Bristow, OK and was born on Sept 20, 2009. His care taker is Adrian's own Janine Grier, his official introduction to the college was on Jan 22, 2010 at the Men's Varsity Hockey Game. Bruiser had his first birthday this past September. Source

Notable alumni

• Lucien Baker United States Senator from Kansas (1866)
• John E. Bird, member of the Michigan Supreme Court (1892)
• James Laird Nebraska Republican politician
• Deena Katz, American Certified Financial Planner (1972)
• Rube Kisinger, right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball
• John Maulbetsch, All-American football halfback at Adrian College (1911)
• Mike Rogers, U.S. Representative from the Michigan (1985)
• Henry C. Smith, politician from the U.S. state of Michigan (1878)
• Virgil Bernero, mayor of Lansing and the 2010 Democratic nominee for Governor in Michigan (1986)

Other distinguished alumni include La-Z-Boy CEO Kurt Darrow.

External links

• Official website