President's Letter

On September 8, 2004, the College kicked off a celebration of its 150th anniversary. Since 2001, the Sesquicentennial Planning Committee has been busy planning a diverse group of activities and events to mark this great occasion.

The Sesquicentennial Planning Committee has adopted a quotation from the letters of Emily Dickinson for its theme: "We turn not older with years, but newer every day." As the theme implies, much has changed at the College since 15 candidates for admission showed up for the opening day of classes on October 1, 1855 .

The College was chartered during the birth of America's commitment to public education. Founded as The New Jersey State Normal School, the College was the first teacher training school and the first publicly funded higher education institution in the state of New Jersey.

This institution has evolved in scope and scale far beyond the imagination of the founding fathers. In our great history we have changed our name (five times), our campus (from North Clinton Avenue to Hillwood Lakes), and our academic offerings. Our first students came for the purpose of preparation as teachers. Today, some of the highest achieving students from across the state and region come to the College to study in a wide range of liberal arts and professional studies programs.

What has not changed is the spirit that is at our core. The College remains focused on sound scholarship, intellectual achievement, service to our community, and celebration of diversity. Our Sesquicentennial celebration is a chance for all of us to renew our values.

As this celebration belongs to everyone who has been a part of making this college the fine institution it is today, the Sesquicentennial Planning Committee and I invite you, our students, alumni, faculty, staff, emeriti, and members of our extended community, to share in this spectacular celebration.

R. Barbara Gitenstein
President