Marking 175 Years
The Birth of Bucknell
Alumnus honors University’s heritage in state legislature
by Sherri Kimmel
Gene Yaw holding Citation
Photos: Chris Guerrisi; Special Collections/University Archives
" "
Sen. Gene Yaw ’65, P’15, who represents Pennsylvania’s 23rd District, with the Bucknell Resolution on Feb. 3.
A

shade shy of Feb. 5., the exact date of Bucknell’s 175th anniversary, the University was once again on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s legislative agenda.

On a frosty Feb. 3, Sen. Gene Yaw ’65, P’15 introduced a Senate Congratulatory Resolution in the ornate Harrisburg statehouse where Gov. Francis Shunk signed the original charter 175 years earlier.

“Since 1846, Bucknell University has pushed the boundaries of undergraduate education and actively shaped the world outside Lewisburg,” Yaw said. “As a Bucknell student myself, I had the opportunity to experience firsthand this university where liberal arts and professional programs complement each other. Bucknell educates students for a lifetime of critical thinking and strong leadership, and I am honored today to recognize the institution on this significant milestone.”

Yaw’s state Senate accolades were just a prelude to the anniversary, which was celebrated two days later with a proclamation from the Board of Trustees read at its winter meeting by Chair Chris O’Brien ’80, P’18, P’20. In part, the proclamation noted that this year “be designated for appreciation of the history of our institution. May its tradition of educating students to lead and serve for a lifetime continue for generations to come.”

Feb. 5 also saw the launch of a robust web page, go.bucknell.edu/175, which will be updated throughout the year with additional historical content. Among the features are collections of archival photos and history-related articles that have appeared in recent issues of Bucknell Magazine. Short clips from decades-old films of campus life also are on display.

Also highlighted on the site is the Board proclamation, as well as a video of Sen. Yaw reading the Senate Resolution. While celebrating many highlights of the University’s history and examples of its prominence, Yaw also spoke movingly about being the first of his family to attend college and reflected on lessons he learned about life and learning while attending the University. The senator won’t be the last of the Yaw line to benefit from Bucknell. In addition to his daughter, Mackenzie ’15, the legacy will soon extend to his granddaughter, Sam, who is enrolled in the Class of 2025.

While there will be no standalone celebration events of the anniversary this year due to uncertainties surrounding the pandemic, recognition of the milestone will be woven into other major events, such as Commencement, Reunion and Convocation. Bertrand Library will display four rotating exhibits throughout the year, and Bucknell Magazine will publish an article related to the University’s history in every issue this year and invites readers to contribute memories. (See adjacent sidebar.) Bucknell will also share glimpses of the past and anniversary content throughout the year on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter. Follow @BucknellU to join the celebration.

Timeline of Some Significant Moments in Bucknell’s History
Feb. 5, 1846
Pa. Gov. Shunk signs charter for the University at Lewisburg.
Aug. 20, 1851
First University Commencement held.
1864
Maung Shaw Loo, the first international student, receives his degree.
1875
Edward McKnight Brawley becomes the first Black graduate.
1885
Chella Scott becomes the first female graduate.
1886
The University is renamed in honor of benefactor William Bucknell.
1887
Orange and blue are chosen as the official colors.
1894
Bucknell offers its first engineering course, leading to a degree program in 1902 and college in 1962.
1897
“Dear Bucknell” is adopted as the alma mater.
1921
The first Homecoming is held.
1924
Helen Evelyn Fairfax is the first female Black graduate.
1935
Bucknell beats the University of Miami in the first Orange Bowl.
1943–46
Bucknell prepares commissioned officers for military service through V-12 Navy College Training Program.
Feb. 5, 1946
At Bucknell’s centennial, its notes of debt are burned.
1953
Four juniors participate in the first study abroad.
1957
Bucknell’s first computer is purchased.
1986
Women’s Resource Center established. The Race/Gender Resource Center follows a year later.
1988
Itzhak Perlman and the Philadelphia Orchestra are the first performers at the Weis Center.
2005
The Bucknell men’s basketball team upsets Kansas for the first NCAA Tournament win in University or Patriot League history.
2012
Bucknell launches WE DO, its most ambitious fundraising campaign, which raises more than $500 million.
2017
Freeman College of Management is established.
Feb. 5, 1846
Pa. Gov. Shunk signs charter for the University at Lewisburg.
Aug. 20, 1851
First University Commencement held.
1864
Maung Shaw Loo, the first international student, receives his degree.
1875
Edward McKnight Brawley becomes the first Black graduate.
1885
Chella Scott becomes the first female graduate.
1886
The University is renamed in honor of benefactor William Bucknell.
1887
Orange and blue are chosen as the official colors.
1894
Bucknell offers its first engineering course, leading to a degree program in 1902 and college in 1962.
1897
“Dear Bucknell” is adopted as the alma mater.
1921
The first Homecoming is held.
1924
Helen Evelyn Fairfax is the first female Black graduate.
1935
Bucknell beats the University of Miami in the first Orange Bowl.
1943–46
Bucknell prepares commissioned officers for military service through V-12 Navy College Training Program.
Feb. 5, 1946
At Bucknell’s centennial, its notes of debt are burned.
1953
Four juniors participate in the first study abroad.
1957
Bucknell’s first computer is purchased.
1986
Women’s Resource Center established. The Race/Gender Resource Center follows a year later.
1988
Itzhak Perlman and the Philadelphia Orchestra are the first performers at the Weis Center.
2005
The Bucknell men’s basketball team upsets Kansas for the first NCAA Tournament win in University or Patriot League history.
2012
Bucknell launches WE DO, its most ambitious fundraising campaign, which raises more than $500 million.
2017
Freeman College of Management is established.
Bucknell Constructed throughout the late 1950s
" "
Constructed throughout the late 1950s, William H. Coleman Hall is for named for the late Bucknell professor of English, dean and vice president.
Your Place in History
As we celebrate Bucknell’s 175th anniversary throughout 2021, we’re hoping our readers will pitch in. Please share your memories, in 300 words or fewer, about the campus reaction or your own response to a historic event while you were a student: 9/11, the Kennedy Assassination, Three Mile Island, the election of Barack Obama, the pandemic, etc. We’ll highlight select responses in the fall edition of Bucknell Magazine. Email us no later than June 21 at bmagazine@bucknell.edu or mail to Bucknell Magazine, One Dent Drive, Lewisburg, PA 17837.
Back to Full Issue
Table of Contents
Next Article