Lebanon Valley College

Lebanon Valley College, founded in 1866, stands as a testament to resilience and progressive education. From its humble beginnings in a single building, LVC quickly established itself as a beacon of learning in central Pennsylvania. Initially associated with the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, LVC is now affiliated with the United Methodist Church through a series of historical mergers. Remarkably, it is one of only four colleges that survived out of 34 founded by the United Brethren, showcasing its enduring strength and adaptability.

What truly sets Lebanon Valley College apart is its pioneering commitment to coeducation. Granted its charter in 1867, LVC can proudly claim to have been coeducational longer than any other college east of the Allegheny Mountains. While early curricula initially differed for men and women, the college demonstrated a progressive spirit, officially declaring by 1878 that there was no difference in ability between men and women to master college courses—a bold stance for its time. This dedication to equality in education has shaped its academic foundation.

Students at Lebanon Valley College, numbering around 1915, experience a close-knit and historically rich environment. Beyond the classrooms, early student life flourished with the establishment of literary societies like Philokosmian and Clionian, alongside mixed socials, parades, and annual traditions such as the Chestnut Picnic. These activities fostered a vibrant community spirit, which remains a cornerstone of the LVC experience today. Supported by an endowment of $0.1 billion and guided by its inspiring motto, "Libertas per Veritatem" (The truth shall set you free), Lebanon Valley College continues to provide an engaging and transformative educational journey.