32 Interesting Facts about Kenyon College

Kenyon College is a prestigious liberal arts institution located in Gambier, Ohio. Founded in 1824, it is one of the oldest private colleges in the United States. The college is known for its picturesque campus, which features stunning Gothic architecture and a serene setting in the rolling hills of central Ohio. This idyllic setting has often been compared to the fictional town of “Hogsmeade” from the Harry Potter series.

Academically, Kenyon College is renowned for its rigorous liberal arts curriculum. The college offers a wide range of majors and minors, with a strong emphasis on critical thinking, writing, and intellectual exploration. The small class sizes foster close relationships between students and faculty, encouraging active engagement and discussion in the classroom.

Kenyon College has a vibrant and diverse student body, with a commitment to inclusivity and diversity. The campus community is known for its creative and intellectual atmosphere, with a strong tradition of fostering a love for the arts, literature, and culture. The college also boasts a thriving literary scene, with the Kenyon Review, a renowned literary magazine, being one of its standout publications.

Kenyon College has a strong commitment to community service and engagement. The college encourages students to be active citizens and make a positive impact in the world. Overall, Kenyon College is celebrated for its academic excellence, beautiful campus, and its nurturing of a rich intellectual and creative environment for its students.

Kenyon College

Kenyon College (Wikimedia)

To know more about Kenyon College, let’s take a look at these 32 interesting facts about Kenyon College.

  1. Kenyon College was founded in 1824 and is one of the oldest private colleges in Ohio.
  2. The college is located in Gambier, Ohio, a small village in Knox County.
  3. The campus is often referred to as “The Hill” due to its hilly terrain and picturesque setting.
  4. Kenyon College’s campus features stunning Gothic architecture, reminiscent of an English countryside.
  5. The college is home to Peirce Hall, one of the largest collegiate dining halls in the United States.
  6. Kenyon College has a rich literary tradition and has produced numerous renowned writers and poets.
  7. The Kenyon Review, a prominent literary magazine, is published by the college and has featured works by well-known authors.
  8. The college’s most famous literary alumnus is author John Green, known for books like “The Fault in Our Stars.”
  9. Kenyon’s mascot is the “Lords” for men’s teams and the “Ladies” for women’s teams.
  10. The college competes in NCAA Division III athletics, and its teams are part of the North Coast Athletic Conference.
  11. Kenyon College’s athletic facilities include a state-of-the-art athletic center, tennis courts, and a swimming pool.
  12. The Kenyon College campus covers approximately 1,000 acres and includes woodlands and hiking trails.
  13. The Kokosing Gap Trail, a popular biking and hiking trail, runs through the college’s campus.
  14. The Brown Family Environmental Center at Kenyon is dedicated to the study and preservation of the environment.
  15. Kenyon College is affiliated with the Episcopal Church, but it welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds.
  16. The campus is home to a unique feature known as the “Gund Commons,” a modern building juxtaposed with the college’s historic architecture.
  17. Kenyon’s annual “Studio Hop” event allows students to showcase their artwork in various studios across campus.
  18. The college is known for its tradition of “Matriculation,” a ceremony where first-year students sign the Matriculation Book to officially join the Kenyon community.
  19. “The Horn Gallery” serves as an on-campus venue for art exhibitions, performances, and concerts.
  20. Kenyon College has a strong tradition of a cappella singing groups, including “The Chasers” and “The Ransom Notes.”
  21. The Brown Family Environmental Center at Kenyon offers opportunities for students to engage in ecological research and conservation efforts.
  22. The Kenyon Farm is a student-run initiative that promotes sustainable agriculture and provides fresh produce to the campus community.
  23. Kenyon College has a strong focus on experiential learning, with opportunities for internships, research, and study abroad programs.
  24. The college offers over 50 majors and minors, including traditional liberal arts disciplines and interdisciplinary programs.
  25. The Kenyon Institute hosts various cultural and intellectual events, bringing notable speakers to campus.
  26. Kenyon College’s “First-Year Experience” program helps new students transition to college life and academics.
  27. The college has a strong commitment to community service, and students engage in volunteer work through programs like “The Kenyon Engaged Citizens Program.”
  28. The Kenyon College Bookstore is a popular spot for students to purchase textbooks, apparel, and gifts.
  29. The “K-Card” is the college’s identification card, used for access to various campus facilities and services.
  30. Kenyon College has a tradition known as “Lantern Night,” where graduating seniors pass lanterns to incoming first-year students, symbolizing the passing of knowledge.
  31. The “Kenyon Thrill” is a popular student-run blog that covers campus news, events, and student life.
  32. Kenyon College is known for its strong sense of community, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to fostering a lifelong love of learning among its students.

Kenyon College stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of a liberal arts education, offering a rich tapestry of academic excellence, artistic expression, and a close-knit community in a picturesque setting. Its commitment to fostering intellectual curiosity, creativity, and community engagement has made it a cherished institution for generations of students. Whether one is drawn to the Gothic spires, the literary traditions, or the vibrant campus culture, Kenyon College continues to inspire and shape the lives of its students, instilling in them a lifelong passion for learning and a deep appreciation for the transformative power of education.