Hartwick College
Oneonta, NY
Quick Facts
“Ad Altiora Semper "Ever Upwards"”
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About Hartwick College
Hartwick College: A historic liberal arts foundation with deep roots in New York.
Hartwick College, with a history stretching back to the late 18th century, offers a unique educational journey. Its origins trace to the legacy of Lutheran minister John Christopher Hartwick, whose 1796 will led to the establishment of a seminary in his name the following year. This institution evolved to become the first Lutheran seminary in America, incorporated by the New York State Legislature in 1816 as a classical academy and theological seminary near Cooperstown.
The college made a significant move to its current location in Oneonta in 1928, transitioning from a seminary to a four-year college. This relocation was supported by a land donation from the City of Oneonta, and marked a new chapter in its development. The college was granted a permanent charter from the New York Board of Regents in 1931, solidifying its commitment to higher education.
Today, Hartwick College operates without religious affiliation, having ended its ties to the Lutheran Church in 1968. Prospective students and their families will find a campus rich in history, including Bresee Hall, the oldest building on campus, designed by renowned architect John Russell Pope and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Hartwick continues to build for the future, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to educational excellence through successful capital campaigns, securing over $34 million in its latest endeavor.
Key Highlights
- ✦Traces its history to a 1796 will of John Christopher Hartwick, leading to a seminary's establishment in 1797.
- ✦Incorporated in 1816 as the first Lutheran seminary in America, also functioning as a classical academy.
- ✦Moved to its present Oneonta campus in 1928, transforming into a four-year college.
- ✦Bresee Hall, the oldest campus building, was designed by noted architect John Russell Pope and built in 1928.
- ✦Bresee Hall was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2004.
- ✦Ended its religious affiliation with the Lutheran Church in 1968, operating independently since.
- ✦Secured over $34 million in its latest capital campaign in 2016, exceeding its $32 million goal.
Timeline
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