Springfield College history

In 1888, the college began to offer a one-year course for graduates.

In 1889 faculty member Luther H. Gulick, pioneer in physical education and recreation in the United States, created the inverted equilateral triangle logo to represent spirit, mind, and body.

Chapter two begins late in 1890, when a recently-founded school in Chicago also took the same name as the YMCA Training School.

In order to differentiate the two, the Springfield school became the International YMCA Training School in 1891.

Gulick explained What the Triangle Means in 1894.

Former student William G. Morgan invented volleyball in 1895, adding to the illustrious record of Springfield as an innovative creation center of sports.

Starting in 1905, Springfield College has invited speakers to its commencement ceremonies, often awarding them an honorary Doctor of Humanics degree.

In 1910, Pratt Field was created.

In 1914, Locklin Hall was finished, just not called Locklin at that time.

In 1927, Alumni Hall, the biggest and most intricate of the dorms today, was built.

Most notably, in a Louisiana Purchase-type move, East Campus was purchased in 1928, then-known as the Lake Massasoit campsite.

Chapter five begins in 1937 and focuses on the integration and extension of its graduate department.

During this time, the school began referring to itself as Springfield College, but they were not officially incorporated as such until 1954.

In 1963, SC took another step in a progressive direction by allowing for women’s athletics on campus.

Lastly, before Olds gave up the job, he built International Hall in 1964.

The College seal was registered as a trademark with the United States Patent Office in 1968.

Marilyn Bevans was a champion marathon runner and the first Black American female to win the Maryland Marathon in 1977.

The Arts and Humanities Speaker Series has become a cornerstone for bringing diverse perspectives covering a range of topics to campus since 2014.

The staff of the Springfield College Center for Service and Leadership in 2021 led nine students through multiple community outreach service projects as part of the College’s alternative spring break program.