Lake Erie College history

They purchased 13 acres of land for $4,175, and the cornerstone for the new school was laid on July 4, 1857.

The institution, originally known as Lake Erie Female Seminary, first offered classes in 1859, with 137 students initially enrolling.

The first class graduated in 1860.

In 1898, the coursework was modified to qualify students for a college degree instead of a seminary diploma, and the school changed its name to Lake Erie Seminary and College.

Over 40 years, the seminary raised standards, finally delivering a college degree. It took on the official name of Lake Erie College in 1908 when a charter was passed.

Helen Rockwell Morley Memorial Music Building, opened in 1927, still shines – its classic Greek design, Corinthian pillars, seating for more than 1,000, and four-manual E.M. Skinner organ with 5,000 pipes.

To further assist local residents, Lake Erie College implemented evening classes in 1935.

In 1954, Lake Erie College became the first institution of higher education in the United States to require a term abroad for its students.

In 1967, Lake Erie added a School of Equine Studies to its equestrian riding program developed by Laddie Andahazy, an influential horseman who founded the Cleveland Grand Prix.

A special exhibit of Modern art signaled the opening of Royce Hall for the Fine and Performing Arts in 1970.

In 1985, Lake Erie College became coeducational, merging Garfield Senior College with Lake Erie College for Women, and men were admitted officially as students.

In 2006, more than one thousand students attended Lake Erie College, with over three-quarters of the students being women.

Current (2019) enrollment is 1,200 students.