Messenger - Vol. 1, No. 3, Page 2
Spring 1992
University of Delaware Annual Report
Selected historical highlights

1743

     The history of the University of Delaware begins when colonial
     scholar and Presbyterian clergyman the Rev. Dr. Francis Alison
     opens a school in his home in New London, Pa.


1769

     Thomas Penn, son of William Penn, charters the Academy of Newark,
     formerly Francis Alison's school.


1777

     The Academy closes when the British army marches through Newark
     en route to Philadelphia. The school reopens three years later.


1833

     Newark College gains its charter and merges with the Academy of
     Newark. The Academy retains the option to separate again if the
     college ceases operations.


1834

     Newark College opens in Old College Hall, with proceeds from a
     state lottery. Two departments, the "academical and the
     collegiate," share the building.


1843

     Newark College changes its name to Delaware College.


1859

     Delaware College closes due to financial problems and the
     impending Civil War.


1869

     Academy of Newark officially separates itself from the college as
     the 1833 charter allows.


1870

     Delaware College reopens as a state land-grant college with funds
     provided by the Morrill Land-Grant College Act of 1862.


1904

     Charles W. Bush becomes Delaware's first Rhodes Scholar.


1914

     The Women's College of Delaware opens as a coordinate institution
     with Delaware College.


1921

     University of Delaware is adopted as the name of the combined
     institutions of Delaware College and Women's College.


1923

     University of Delaware initiates the nation's first study-abroad
     experience.


1938

     Coeducation is permitted with conditions in senior and junior
     classes.


1944

     Coeducation, already expanded as an emergency war measure, is
     adopted as permanent policy.


1948

     First African-American students enter the University of Delaware.


1976

     The University's College of Marine Studies is designated one of
     only 18 sea-grant colleges.


1991

     University of Delaware is one of only 13 universities nationwide
     to become a space-grant institution via a NASA grant.