Wells College is a private liberal arts college located in Aurora, New York, along the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake. Founded in 1868, it is one of the oldest women’s colleges in the United States. Wells College has a rich history of providing a quality education to women and is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, gender equality, and social progress.
The college offers a wide range of undergraduate programs in various disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and the arts. Students at Wells College benefit from small class sizes and close faculty-student relationships, fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating learning environment.
Wells College’s historic campus is characterized by its picturesque architecture, with notable buildings like Main Building and Macmillan Hall. The scenic location on Cayuga Lake adds to the college’s appeal, offering opportunities for outdoor activities and recreational pursuits.
Wells College has a strong commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, with initiatives aimed at reducing the institution’s environmental footprint and promoting eco-conscious practices. As a longstanding women’s college with a rich history of empowering women through education, Wells College continues to uphold its mission of preparing students for leadership roles in an ever-changing world.
Wells College (1891 illustration)
Do you want to know more about Wells College? Let’s take a look at these 23 interesting facts about Wells College.
- Wells College was founded in 1868 by Henry Wells, a successful businessman and founder of American Express.
- It is located in the small village of Aurora in the picturesque Finger Lakes region of New York.
- Wells College is one of the few remaining women’s colleges in the United States.
- The college’s motto is “Habere et Dispertire” (To Have and To Share).
- The campus overlooks Cayuga Lake, one of the Finger Lakes, providing stunning views and recreational opportunities.
- The Wells College campus is listed on the National Register of Historic Places due to its significant historical and architectural value.
- The Main Building, a prominent campus landmark, houses administrative offices, classrooms, and the Wells College Bookstore.
- Wells College is known for its strong programs in the arts, particularly theater and visual arts.
- The Wells College Expressive Arts program integrates various art forms into the curriculum.
- The college offers a distinctive academic program known as “Wells 4-4-1,” where students take three courses in the fall and spring semesters and one during a month-long January term.
- The college has a strong tradition of sustainability and environmental stewardship, including the use of solar power.
- Wells College’s athletic teams are known as the Express and compete in the NCAA Division III.
- The college’s boathouse on Cayuga Lake is home to the Wells College crew team.
- Each year, Wells College hosts the Wells Book Arts Summer Institute, a renowned program for book arts enthusiasts.
- Wells College is home to the Long Library, which houses a substantial collection of books, archives, and special collections.
- The Wells Scholars Program offers competitive scholarships to incoming students who demonstrate outstanding academic and leadership potential.
- The Wells College Shakespeare Troupe presents annual performances of Shakespearean plays.
- The Wells College Greenhouse provides students with hands-on experience in horticulture and plant biology.
- The Aurora Inn, a historic lakeside hotel adjacent to campus, serves as a lodging option for visitors and guests.
- Wells College has a strong commitment to social justice and activism, with various campus organizations dedicated to these causes.
- The college’s weekly “Expresso Hour” features informal discussions and presentations by faculty and students.
- Wells College participates in the Cooperstown Program in American Folk Culture, offering students unique research opportunities.
- The Wells College community is known for its tight-knit and supportive atmosphere, fostering lifelong connections and a sense of belonging.
Nestled in the enchanting Finger Lakes region of New York, Wells College is not only one of the few remaining women’s colleges in the United States but also a place where students are empowered to excel academically and lead lives committed to social progress. With its breathtaking lakeside campus, commitment to sustainability, and strong programs in the arts and sciences, Wells College offers a unique and transformative educational experience. It fosters a vibrant community where students, faculty, and staff come together to explore, create, and advocate for positive change in the world. Wells College’s enduring legacy of empowering women through education and promoting the values of equity and inclusivity continues to inspire its students and the broader community.
