An exhibition in Kochel Center, “Behrend Begins,” featured the photography of Norman B. Patterson, who captured the full spectrum of life at Behrend during his thirty-seven years as a math professor and unofficial campus photographer.
In late October, more than 230 students, faculty, staff, and alumni came to the new Erie Hall to mark our 75th in person—literally.
In 1948, Mary Behrend had the idea to gift her family’s Glenhill Farm to Penn State to create a university presence in Erie. Imagine what she’d think of how her gift has grown.
- From 146 students in that first year to more than 3,300 learning on campus plus more than 950 online in Behrend programs offered through World Campus
- From single-year only courses to 100+ majors, minors, and certificates offered through four academic schools
- From a footprint defined by a farmhouse, outbuildings, and pastures to an 854-acre campus that is second in size only to University Park
- From a rural outpost to a major College of Penn State, fulfilling the University’s three-fold mission of education, research, and outreach in northwestern Pennsylvania and beyond
“Behrend Pride,” a temporary mural painted by Erie artist Ceasar Westbrook, features depictions of Glenhill Farmhouse, Wintergreen Gorge, and the silhouettes of four graduates standing arm-in-arm at commencement.
As we turn 75, it’s clear we have a lot to celebrate in our past—our people, our successes, our impact—and a lot to look toward in our future.
Faculty members who taught the first year at Behrend Center brought a focus on preparing students for success, on growing the college, and on meeting the needs of the community at the time. That focus has carried through the decades, shaping today’s academic portfolio of 100+ majors, minors, and certificates.
Faculty members who taught the first year at Behrend Center