Goshen College was founded in 1894 as the Elkhart Institute of Science, Industry and the Arts, a private preparatory school to provide the opportunity for Mennonite and other young people to further their education. Soon afterwards, the Mennonite Church took over its operation, and by 1900 the school so flourished that new facilities were needed. Business and civic leaders from the city of Goshen convinced school leaders of the benefits of relocating to the southern edge of their growing town, and ground was broken on a wheat field near train tracks that could conveniently transport students to the new campus.
From its inception, Goshen College has been known for its high ideals and energetic vision, inspired by a deep desire to prepare students as engaged church leaders and responsible world citizens. Soon after establishing the Goshen campus in 1903, President Noah Byers suggested a college motto that has stood the test of time: “Culture for Service.” This motto has inspired generations of students to follow the example of Jesus as they equip themselves for lives of service. Each year during Homecoming Weekend, several alumni are presented with “Culture for Service” awards, honoring significant contributions in serving society and church.
In 2002, the college re-articulated the values that have long been woven into the cultural fabric of the institution: We are a Christ-centered community committed to passionate learning, global citizenship, compassionate peacemaking and servant-leadership.
A sense of vibrant connectedness to the larger world has been integral to the college since its beginnings, when three students were sent to India for mission and famine relief work in 1898. One of the college’s distinctive features is its Study-Service Term (SST) program, which was started in 1968 as a cutting-edge international education program, built on the experiences of many faculty members who had lived, studied and served abroad.
Since then, more than 7,100 students and 230 faculty members have journeyed to 22 countries significantly different from the United States through the semester-long, immersion experience of SST, which features the uncommon combination of cultural education and service-learning. And in 2006, the college brought its global perspective closer to home by creating the Center for Intercultural Teaching and Learning to develop an intercultural learning environment to benefit all students and to strengthen efforts in recruiting and retaining Latino and other minority students.
Today, more than 20,000 Goshen College alumni, reside throughout the world in more than 85 countries, and the campus has expanded to 135 acres with 18 major buildings. The college now offers 36 majors and 37 minors of academic study, with quality professional programs and facilities. In addition to academic programs, co-curriculars, internships, athletics and religious life programs offer students rich and balanced opportunities for personal, intellectual, spiritual, physical, social and professional growth.
The college that has long been guided by a Christian theology of earthkeeping and good stewardship of both environmental and financial resources. Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center of Goshen College annually hosts more than 7,000 school children for educational programs on its 1,189-acre natural sanctuary. In 2008 its ecological field station – Rieth Village – received the 42nd Platinum rating in the country from the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program. The college offers an undergraduate major in environmental science and a master’s degree in environmental education. And in 2007, President Jim Brenneman signed the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment to work toward a carbon neutral campus.
Much has changed since the college’s beginnings, but the familiar sound of train whistles brings a reminder that many things remain the same. Goshen College – rooted in the Anabaptist tradition of answering Christ’s call to reconciliation, community and service in the world – is thriving as a liberal arts college pursuing exceptional academic inquiry.
Goshen College has four dormitories, apartment living, and several small group houses. Outside the original quadrangle, Goshen's current campus has not been the result of a single master plan; rather the campus has evolved eclectically from building to building as the institution grew. Four-year residency was typical until the mid-1970s, when a growing student enrollment prompted school officials to forgo building new dormitories and allow upperclassmen to live off campus. In 2005, Goshen College announced its plan to return to four-year residency. With more students on campus, the school has spent over $10 million building and renovating dorms.
The Roman Gingerich Recreation and Fitness Center is a $7 million facility constructed in 1994 with three full-sized basketball courts, four racquetball courts, a 200 meter indoor track, (formerly) swimming pool (for recreational swimming only) and hot tub, climbing wall, and weight room. The fitness center is open to all students and staff, and is used by community members as well.
The $24 million Music Center, completed in October 2002, has become regionally renowned for its design and acoustics. The Music Center consists of several main sections: Sauder Concert Hall, Rieth Recital Hall, the Art Gallery, and various classrooms, practice rooms and offices. Several highlights are a central recording studio, MIDI labs, and Taylor and Boody Opus 41, a 1600-pipe tracker pipe organ, the first in the world with tempering based on alumnus Bradley Lehman's research of Johann Sebastian Bach's notation. The facility was designed by Mathes Brierre Architects (design architects), Schmidt Associates (architects of record), and TALASKE (acoustics and audio consultants
Goshen, Indiana is known as the Maple City because of its many maple trees. The city offers many diverse cultural, educational, employment and recreational opportunities. Most notably, we maintain our small town values and charm while offering a multitude of activities and experiences often found in nearby larger cities.
It is also a “City on the Go”! On the First Friday of every month – throughout the year – businesses, artists, and entertainers throw a party (with great attendance) in downtown Goshen. Hours are generally from 5 to 9 p.m.
Traditional Residence Halls
The residence halls are often the place where students first meet friends, come together as a group with other students and begin to feel a sense of belonging. All full-time single students younger than 25 are welcome to live in one of four traditional residence halls. Each hall houses men and women on separate floors.
Student Apartments
Apartments offer increased independence and flexibility within the campus context. Each student apartment on Goshen’s campus has its own kitchen, living area, bathroom and separate bedrooms, while some feature unique lofts and spiral staircases. This option is available for older students.
Intentional Living Communities
Intentional Living Communities offers an opportunity to deepen friendships in a largely self-governing environment. Students apply for housing together as a group, and groups are chosen based on several criteria. This option is available for third and fourth year students.
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United States
10 courses
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