The 1990s were a period of rapid technological advances across the world, which transformed Elizabethtown College and higher-education campuses across the nation. Etown entered the decade well-equipped to face these new demands due to several major improvements to facilities, none more significant than the construction of the new High Library that was dedicated on Sept. 22, 1990.
The College ended the decade with a significant milestone celebration of Etown’s centennial in 1999, concluding its first century with 65 majors and minors and a student body of more than 1,500 Blue Jays.
A Look Through the Decade
- 1990 – The High Library is dedicated on Sept. 22.
- 1992 – Student Directed Learning Center programs (SDLC) were established, allowing groups of students to live together and create, organize, and participate in a service-learning project.
- 1992 – On Dec. 3, a mutual expectations committee made up of members of the College and the Church of the Brethren committee produced a Statement of Basic Understanding, formally breaking any legal ties between the church and the school.
- 1992 – The V. Lester Schreiber Senior Townhouse Quadrangle is dedicated on Oct. 24, named after the former chairman of the Board of Trustees.
- 1993 – The Board of Trustees amend the College’s articles of incorporation to give the board sole power to elect its members.
- 1994 – Nearly 400 students participate in the inaugural Into the Streets program.
- 1994 – John H. Leaman is named the College’s first Rhodes Scholar.
- 1994 – Judge Judy is honored as an honorary degree recipient during the College’s 91st Commencement ceremony.
- 1996 – Leffler Chapel & Performance Center is dedicated on Jan. 26, named after former Trustee Carlos R. Leffler and his wife Georgiana E. Leffler.
- 1996 – On Oct. 2, Republican presidential candidate Bob Dole visits campus, bringing more than 3,000 visitors to the College.
- 1996 – Swimmer Jackie Zimmerman ’99 becomes the program’s first female All-American, eventually graduating as the most decorated student-athlete in College history as a six-time All-American and a 17-time Middle Athletic Conference Champion.
Snapshots of the Decade
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- Dwight Evans’ 70, Judge Judith Sheindlin and Clifford Huffman ’47, honorary doctorate recipients, May 1994
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- High Library dedication, 1990
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- Moving of the books from Zug Memorial Library to the new High Library, 1990
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- Construction of the Annenberg Center attached to the Baugher Student Center, 1990s
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- Rider Memorial Hall demolition, July 1991
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- Construction of the V. Lester Schreiber Quadrangle, 1992
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- Aerial Photo of Leffler Chapel Construction, 1990s
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- Alumnus Grand Marshall John Seaman ’95 at the Centennial Celebration kickoff, April 17, 1999
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- Commencement, 1998
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- Students pose for a picture at Junior-Senior, 1991
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- Homecoming soccer game, 1993
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- Founders Residence Hall residents following a pie-a-student event, 1990s
Throughout Elizabethtown College’s 125th anniversary year, follow along as we share 125 compelling stories about the College’s defining moments, alumni stories, and fun facts since our founding in 1899 at etown.edu.