The first Commencement was in 1875 with Linda Ninde Dorland graduating. Commencement typically lasted all day starting with the Baccalaureate, and ending either with the President or a professor hosting the Commencement Dinner. In later years, it…
Eating clubs were formed at Penn prior to the creation of a dining hall. The food served however was not always the best. A sarcastic article was published in the Chronicle listing the foods frequently served at the clubs: dressing, pieplant sauce,…
Penn's Y.M.C.A. began in 1882, and its Y.W.C.A. began in 1884. The main objectives of the Y.M. and Y.W. were to hold prayer meetings, maintain Bible study, encourage individual efforts, support mission enterprises, and contribute to the betterment of…
Penn College was founded by Quakers, who believed education to be a necessity in their lives, but public schooling had not yet come to Iowa in the late 19th Century. Oskaloosa seemed like the perfect location for a Quaker college due to the two…
Edwin McGrew and his Family. Commercial Professor 1893-95, Principal of Penn Academy 1895-97, President of Penn College 1917-28 and 36-42, and President Emeritus 1942-55.
