Introduction to Student Handbook

Welcome From College President Docking
Welcome from SGA President Mason
Educational Mission
History
Landmarks, Legends, and Lore
Annual Traditional Events

This Student Handbook provides a wealth of information regarding campus life. Students are responsible for all the information contained in this handbook. The goal is to provide students with a resource guide regarding Adrian College. Please feel free to let the Student Affairs Office know if you have suggestions regarding this publication.

EDUCATIONAL MISSION

Adrian College is a challenging, caring, educational community where students from diverse backgrounds prepare for active, successful and responsible lives.

HISTORY

Adrian College evolved from a theological institute founded by the Wesleyan Methodist denomination at Leoni, Michigan, a small town east of Jackson, in 1845. In 1855 this institute united with the Leoni Seminary, a Methodist Protestant institution, to establish Michigan Union College.

Legend states that members of the College became concerned about the environment at Leoni, which was nicknamed "Whiskey Town." In 1859 this concern, and other circumstances, made it advisable to relocate or close. In the same year, Dr. Asa Mahan, pastor of the Plymouth Congregational Church in Adrian and a well-known educator, was encouraged by citizens of the community to establish a college. Mahan had served as the first president of Oberlin College and, previously, as an officer of Lane Theological Seminary in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Dr. Mahan and his colleagues invited the officials and supporters of the closing Michigan Union College to join in establishing the new college at Adrian. After the invitation was accepted, the story says, the library holdings were loaded on an ox-cart in March 1859, and transported the 60 miles to the campus site on the west side of Adrian.

On March 28, 1859, Adrian College was chartered by the Michigan legislature as a degree-granting institution with Dr. Mahan as its first president. Through a series of consolidations and denomination unifications, the College has maintained its relationship with The United Methodist Church.

For almost 100 years, the campus consisted of several brick buildings stretching along Madison Street. Most of what is now the campus was woods and fields. In the mid-1950s, the College, encouraged by the generosity of Ray W. Herrick, embarked in a building program which created the basis for the present campus.

Today, when students walk in the area bounded on the east by Madison Street and edged by Downs Hall, North Hall, Cornelius House and Herrick Tower, one will walk on the same ground that students hurried across in 1859 as they rushed to classes, meals and social events. Now, however, instead of a row of brick buildings, the campus incorporates 100 acres, 21 academic and service buildings and 10 residence halls.

LANDMARKS, LEGENDS AND LORE

Downs Hall is the only building remaining from Adrian’s original campus. Built in 1860 this building now houses the Stubnitz Art Gallery and the Downs Studio Theatre. The building has served several functions through the years. Local legend contends it is the home of the Downs Hall Ghost and tales of late-night footsteps and strange sounds are relayed by Adrian students.

The Rock Originally, according to the story, the rock was about three times larger because it was all above ground. The story claims that a transfer student from Albion and two friends decided in 1962 to do, "the biggest thing to hit Adrian that year!" Under cover of darkness they buried "the rock." Eventually part of it resurfaced and, today, the rock has been painted countless times.

The Cane Ceremony A few years ago the Office of Alumni Affairs polled alumni on their favorite memory of Adrian College. Topping the list was the Cane Ceremony, which follows commencement every spring. Grace Wells Haviland, president of the Class of 1921, carried the Shepherd’s Crook to the Mound during the first outdoor Cane Ceremony in the College’s history. Today, the ceremony is performed on the commencement stage and each year the graduating class affixes its colors to the Shepherd’s Crook. The president of the class then hands it to the president of the next graduating class.

Though the Cane Ceremony began in 1921, the cane itself - and the custom of affixing class colors to it - dates back to 1887. The date 1887 and the words Non Sine Labote (Climb Without Falling) are carved on the staff. The monument located in front of the Mound commemorates the Cane Ceremony. The monument was a gift to the College donated by the Class of 1987.

The "A" The Class of 1914 placed a structure at the front of campus near Madison Street. The large concrete "A" is traditionally reserved for engaged couples only.

The "Evergreen A" In 1983 Beta Beta Beta designed and planted the Evergreen A in front of the Chapel. Each spring before graduation, Beta Beta Beta with the help of members of the Biology Department, plants a circle of flowers around the "A."

Lincoln Statue A bronze statue in the library depicts young Abe Lincoln. The statue was donated in 1963 by Anna Hyatt Huntington, a famous equestrian sculptress, who formed a written friendship through letters exchanged with the late Ed Pellowe, former director of financial development for Adrian College. The Class of 1963 began a tradition of touching the tail of the horse for good luck. Mrs. Huntington was also responsible for Adrian’s acquisition of the seal rookery, which stands in Peelle Hall.

The Mound The Class of 1869 wanted to leave Adrian College a gift of unique distinction. Since money was hard to acquire during the days immediately following the Civil War, the class used the good earth for its memorial as a symbol of Adrian’s strength. They intended to erect a statue of Asa Mahan, the College’s first president; however, the funds did not materialize. The statue was never erected and the mound has stood since that day at the front of the campus.

The One Piece Threshold One of the oldest landmarks of the College is an old stone threshold now used as a seat near the entrance to North Hall. The step was originally placed in front of North Hall in December 1859.

The Outdoor Chapel Today the Adrian College Chapel is considered one of the finest worship centers in the Midwest. The building includes a grand organ and 16 stained glass windows, but prior to 1964 and the building of the chapel, the same space was occupied by a rustic outdoor "chapel in the woods" where outdoor services were held on rough benches. Students of 50 years ago fondly tell of spending quiet time in the lovely place.

South Hall Bell For more than 100 years, the College Bell hung in the cupola atop South Hall. It rang for classes, meals and daily chapel services, as well as for weddings, funerals, graduations and other special occasions. In 1960, South Hall was torn down to make way for the Herrick Carillon Tower. Placed inside the tower, the bell remained silent and was almost forgotten until the Class of 1984 donated funds to move the bell to a place near Shipman Library. The Class of 1999 provided funds to incorporate the bell into the entrance walkway of the renovated library.

The South Lawn Sign A more recent addition to the campus is the 1986 class gift - a small granite monument marking the south entrance to the campus. The sign was unveiled during the Cane Ceremony, which took place at the new construction.

ANNUAL TRADITIONAL EVENTS

Activities Fair is held at the beginning of the year, providing our student organizations with an opportunity to display and demonstrate what they have to offer for students.

Hispanic Heritage Month will be a time of exploring and honoring Latino people and cultures. Lectures, concerts and other special events, such as the Mambo Club, help educate us all about the contributions of Latinos and the continuing challenges that are faced by people of color in our society.

Greek Week is one of the highlights of the year for the fraternities and sororities. Throughout the week there are a number of activities for the Greeks including a games day, a community service project and the annual talent show.

Religious Awareness Week is a time to explore the reality and character of God and to celebrate the dignity of all people. A keynote visit by a major religious leader and special opportunities to engage spiritual issues highlight this week.

Homecoming is traditionally a time for our students to welcome home Adrian College alumni. Throughout the week the College is alive with king and queen coronation, special entertainment, parade, contests, games competition, Athletic Hall of Fame induction and Homecoming Worship.

Family Weekend, one of Adrian’s long-standing traditions, is scheduled in the fall. While on campus, family members experience campus life, evening programs featuring student performances and Sunday worship.

Festival of Lights Holiday Celebration will begin with Kwanzaa, a service of "Lessons and Carols," campus holiday party and numerous organizational events, making this a festive time on the campus.

Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration is the annual community/college recognition and remembrance of the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  No classes are held on this day.

Women’s Leadership Day (January) is designed to affirm and empower women students by increasing awareness of the issues/challenges facing them.

Black History Month (February) is a focused time about the history and culture of people of African descent. The month’s special emphasis includes displays, recitals, and lectures which help to acknowledge the contributions of African-Americans to our society.

Women’s History Month (March) is a time of exploring and honoring the history, accomplishments and issues of women. This month is celebrated through a series of programs, displays and other special events that acknowledge the contributions women make.

Sibs & Kids Weekend is scheduled during the spring semester and offers a variety of activities for visiting brothers, sisters as well as children of the faculty and staff.

The information in the Adrian College Student Handbook was the best available at the time of the most recent update. Please contact the Office of Student Affairs at 264-3142 to verify the information contained here.