Hampden-Sydney College
Encyclopedia
Hampden–Sydney College is a liberal arts college
for men
located in Hampden Sydney
, Virginia
, United States
. Founded in 1775, Hampden–Sydney is the oldest private charter college in the Southern U.S.
, the last college founded before the American Revolution
, and one of only three four-year, all-men's liberal arts colleges in the United States
.
Along with Wabash College
and Morehouse College
, Hampden–Sydney is one of only three remaining traditional all-male colleges in the U.S.. The school's mission is to "form good men and good citizens in an atmosphere of sound learning." As such, Hampden–Sydney has one of the strictest honor codes of any college or university. Upon entering as a student, each man pledges that he will not lie, cheat, steal, nor tolerate those who do; this pledge is binding for life. The pledge takes place during a ceremony. This simply-worded code of behavior applies to the students on or off campus. The honor-code system is student-run, allowing for a trial of peers, adjudicated by a court of students. Notably, a separate Code of Student Conduct covers "behavioral" infractions such as attempting to drink underage that do not rise to the level of an honor offense (which only arise if deception or theft is involved). Thus, in effect, a two-tier system of student discipline is maintained; Code of Student Conduct policies (regarding things like parking or drinking) are enforced by the Dean of Students' Office while the Honor Code system (with more serious penalties for lying, cheating, or stealing) is maintained by the students themselves.
Every student must prepare for and pass the Rhetoric Proficiency Exam, which requires passing a three-hour essay that is graded upon coherence of argument, quality of argument, style in which the argument is presented, and grammatical correctness. To prepare, the college requires each student to pass two Rhetoric classes that are usually taken the first two semesters a student is at Hampden–Sydney. The Rhetoric requirement is the same for students who decide to major in the humanities as those who follow a course of studies in economics. After graduating, many alumni have stated that the Rhetoric Program was the most valuable aspect in the Hampden–Sydney education, ensuring that no matter what else they chose to do, at least they could write about it.
, was born in Pequea
, Pennsylvania
. He graduated as a valedictorian from the College of New Jersey
in 1769, and he went on to study theology and philosophy under John Witherspoon
, whose daughter he married on 28 June 1775. In his mid-twenties, working as a missionary in Virginia
, Smith persuaded the Hanover Presbytery to found a school east of the Blue Ridge, which he referred to in his advertisement of 1 September 1775 as “an Academy in Prince Edward...distinguished by the Name of HAMPDEN-SIDNEY" The school, not then named, was always intended to be a college-level institution; later in the same advertisement, Smith explicitly likens its curriculum to that of the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University
). “Academy” was a technical term used for college-level schools not run by the established church.
Classes at Hampden–Sydney began in temporary wooden structures on November 10, 1775, on the eve of American Independence, moving into its three-story brick building early in 1776. The College has been in continuous operation since that date, meaning that college has operated under the British, Confederate, and United States flags. In fact, classes have only been canceled twice: for a Civil War
skirmish on campus, and for a hurricane that knocked a tree into a dormitory building.
Despite the difficult and financially-strapped first years resulting from the Revolutionary War, the College survived with sufficient viability to be granted a charter by the Virginia General Assembly in 1783 — the oldest private charter in the South. Patrick Henry
, then Governor of Virginia
, encouraged the passage of the charter, and wrote into it an oath of allegiance to the new republic
, required of all professors.
Presumably under the influence of his mentor and father-in-law Witherspoon, Smith named the college for two English champions of liberty, John Hampden
(1594–1643) and Algernon Sydney
(1622–1683). Hampden lost his life in the battle of Chalgrove Field during the English Civil War
. Sydney, who wrote "Discourses Concerning Government," was beheaded by order of Charles II
following his (unproven) implication in a failed attempt to overthrow the king. These proponents of religious and civil liberties were much admired by the founders of the College, all of whom were active supporters of the cause of American independence.
The college was founded by alumni of Princeton University. Both Patrick Henry, who did not attend any college, and James Madison
, a Princeton alumnus, were elected trustees in the founding period before classes began. Smith hired his brother, John Blair Smith
, and two other recent Princeton graduates to teach at Hampden–Sydney College. Samuel Stanhope Smith would later become President of Princeton University. John Blair Smith would become the second president of Hampden–Sydney, and later the first president of Union College
.
Hampden–Sydney became a thriving college while located in southside Virginia, which led to expansion. In 1812, the Union Theological Seminary was founded at Hampden–Sydney College. The Seminary was later moved to Richmond, Virginia
and is currently the Union Theological Seminary & Presbyterian School of Christian Education
. In 1838, the medical department of Hampden–Sydney College was founded—the Medical College of Virginia, which is now the MCV Campus of Virginia Commonwealth University
. During this time, the College constructed new buildings using Federal-style architecture with Georgian touches. This is the style of architecture still used on the campus.
At the onset of the American Civil War
, Hampden–Sydney students formed a company in the Virginia Militia. The Hampden–Sydney students did not see much action but rather were “captured, and...paroled by General George B. McClellan
on the condition that they return to their studies."
During World War II
, Hampden–Sydney College was one of 131 colleges and universities nationally that took part in the V-12 Navy College Training Program
which offered students a path to a Navy commission.
On May 11, 1964, Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy
visited Hampden–Sydney College to speak with students.
, the historic location of the college’s founding. The campus is host to numerous federal style buildings. Part of the campus has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places
as a historic district
.
, a pep band, and multiple social fraternities. There are also volunteer groups such as Habitat for Humanity and Rotaract
.
The college campus is also home to a unique volunteer fire department, The Hampden–Sydney Volunteer Fire Department, which provides fire suppression service and non-transport basic life support
EMS
to Prince Edward County
and the college, as well as assisting the town of Farmville Fire Department with fire suppression at nearly all working fires within the town limits on a regular basis. HSVFD, Company 2, is located on the south end of campus near the water tower and the physical plant. Contrary to popular belief, and despite its location and the fact that 90% of the membership comes from college faculty, staff, and students, the fire department is, in fact, not affiliated with the college.
Union-Philanthropic Literary Society (UPLS) is the oldest student organization at Hampden–Sydney College. Established on September 22, 1789, it is the nation's second oldest literary and debating society still in existence today.
is one of the longest-running college rivalries in the United States. "The Game" is often referred to as the oldest small-school football rivalry in the South. Athletic events involving the two schools are fiercely competitive, and the week prior to "The Game" between Hampden–Sydney and Randolph-Macon is known as "Beat Macon Week."
. Beta Theta Pi used Atkinson Hall (built 1834) as a fraternity house when it came to campus in 1850 possibly making it the first fraternity house in North America.
In addition to the social and professional fraternities listed above, Hampden–Sydney also has chapters of Pi Sigma Alpha
, the National Political Science Honor Society; Phi Beta Kappa, the Academic Honor Society; Omicron Delta Kappa
, a national leadership honor society and Alpha Psi Omega
, a national honors society for theatre arts.
, the Carpenter Dormitories (X and Y), and the Whitehouse Quadrangle. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors have the option of living in any of the other dorms that they choose (these additional residences include Carpenter Z, the Hampden House Units, Venable Hall
, Alphabet Dormitories B through F, and the Blake Apartments). Fraternity houses are available for members and the chapter president and several specialty houses - usually organized around a club, sports team, or other student group - are available. The Elliott House is reserved for Honor Students who choose to live there. Although an overwhelming majority of students live on campus or in campus-owned housing, the school does permit a small number of students (usually upperclassmen) to live off-campus. In addition, some students also rent rooms in local campus homes.
ranked Hampden–Sydney #4 in its 2010 ranking of the best private colleges in the South. It ranked #6 among Forbes 20 best colleges in the South.
ranks Hampden–Sydney in their list of "Best 361 Colleges" in the following categories:
Hampden–Sydney was also rated as the preppiest
school in America, according to The Official Preppy Handbook.
Liberal arts colleges in the United States
Liberal arts colleges in the United States are certain undergraduate institutions of higher education in the United States. The Encyclopædia Britannica Concise offers a definition of the liberal arts as a "college or university curriculum aimed at imparting general knowledge and developing general...
for men
Men's colleges in the United States
Men's colleges in the United States are primarily undergraduate, Bachelor's degree-granting single-sex institutions that admit men exclusively. The most noted men's colleges are traditional liberal arts colleges, though the majority are institutions of learning for those preparing for religious...
located in Hampden Sydney
Hampden Sydney, Virginia
Hampden Sydney is a census-designated place in Prince Edward County, Virginia, United States. The population was 1,264 at the 2000 census...
, Virginia
Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia , is a U.S. state on the Atlantic Coast of the Southern United States. Virginia is nicknamed the "Old Dominion" and sometimes the "Mother of Presidents" after the eight U.S. presidents born there...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. Founded in 1775, Hampden–Sydney is the oldest private charter college in the Southern U.S.
Southern United States
The Southern United States—commonly referred to as the American South, Dixie, or simply the South—constitutes a large distinctive area in the southeastern and south-central United States...
, the last college founded before the American Revolution
American Revolution
The American Revolution was the political upheaval during the last half of the 18th century in which thirteen colonies in North America joined together to break free from the British Empire, combining to become the United States of America...
, and one of only three four-year, all-men's liberal arts colleges in the United States
Men's colleges in the United States
Men's colleges in the United States are primarily undergraduate, Bachelor's degree-granting single-sex institutions that admit men exclusively. The most noted men's colleges are traditional liberal arts colleges, though the majority are institutions of learning for those preparing for religious...
.
Overview
Hampden–Sydney enrolls 1,106 students from 30 states and several foreign countries, and emphasizes a rigorous and traditional liberal arts curriculum.Along with Wabash College
Wabash College
Wabash College is a small, private, liberal arts college for men, located in Crawfordsville, Indiana. Along with Hampden-Sydney College and Morehouse College, Wabash is one of only three remaining traditional all-men's liberal arts colleges in the United States.-History:Wabash College was founded...
and Morehouse College
Morehouse College
Morehouse College is a private, all-male, liberal arts, historically black college located in Atlanta, Georgia. Along with Hampden-Sydney College and Wabash College, Morehouse is one of three remaining traditional men's colleges in the United States....
, Hampden–Sydney is one of only three remaining traditional all-male colleges in the U.S.. The school's mission is to "form good men and good citizens in an atmosphere of sound learning." As such, Hampden–Sydney has one of the strictest honor codes of any college or university. Upon entering as a student, each man pledges that he will not lie, cheat, steal, nor tolerate those who do; this pledge is binding for life. The pledge takes place during a ceremony. This simply-worded code of behavior applies to the students on or off campus. The honor-code system is student-run, allowing for a trial of peers, adjudicated by a court of students. Notably, a separate Code of Student Conduct covers "behavioral" infractions such as attempting to drink underage that do not rise to the level of an honor offense (which only arise if deception or theft is involved). Thus, in effect, a two-tier system of student discipline is maintained; Code of Student Conduct policies (regarding things like parking or drinking) are enforced by the Dean of Students' Office while the Honor Code system (with more serious penalties for lying, cheating, or stealing) is maintained by the students themselves.
Every student must prepare for and pass the Rhetoric Proficiency Exam, which requires passing a three-hour essay that is graded upon coherence of argument, quality of argument, style in which the argument is presented, and grammatical correctness. To prepare, the college requires each student to pass two Rhetoric classes that are usually taken the first two semesters a student is at Hampden–Sydney. The Rhetoric requirement is the same for students who decide to major in the humanities as those who follow a course of studies in economics. After graduating, many alumni have stated that the Rhetoric Program was the most valuable aspect in the Hampden–Sydney education, ensuring that no matter what else they chose to do, at least they could write about it.
History
The college's founder and first president, Samuel Stanhope SmithSamuel Stanhope Smith
Samuel Stanhope Smith was a Presbyterian minister, founding president of Hampden-Sydney College and the seventh president of the College of New Jersey from 1795 to 1812. His stormy career ended in his enforced resignation...
, was born in Pequea
Pequea, Pennsylvania
Pequea, Pennsylvania is an unincorporated community located in Martic Township in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The zip code is 17565.-See also:*Pequea Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania*Pequea Creek*Pekowi...
, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
. He graduated as a valedictorian from the College of New Jersey
Princeton University
Princeton University is a private research university located in Princeton, New Jersey, United States. The school is one of the eight universities of the Ivy League, and is one of the nine Colonial Colleges founded before the American Revolution....
in 1769, and he went on to study theology and philosophy under John Witherspoon
John Witherspoon
John Witherspoon was a signatory of the United States Declaration of Independence as a representative of New Jersey. As president of the College of New Jersey , he trained many leaders of the early nation and was the only active clergyman and the only college president to sign the Declaration...
, whose daughter he married on 28 June 1775. In his mid-twenties, working as a missionary in Virginia
Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia , is a U.S. state on the Atlantic Coast of the Southern United States. Virginia is nicknamed the "Old Dominion" and sometimes the "Mother of Presidents" after the eight U.S. presidents born there...
, Smith persuaded the Hanover Presbytery to found a school east of the Blue Ridge, which he referred to in his advertisement of 1 September 1775 as “an Academy in Prince Edward...distinguished by the Name of HAMPDEN-SIDNEY" The school, not then named, was always intended to be a college-level institution; later in the same advertisement, Smith explicitly likens its curriculum to that of the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University
Princeton University
Princeton University is a private research university located in Princeton, New Jersey, United States. The school is one of the eight universities of the Ivy League, and is one of the nine Colonial Colleges founded before the American Revolution....
). “Academy” was a technical term used for college-level schools not run by the established church.
Classes at Hampden–Sydney began in temporary wooden structures on November 10, 1775, on the eve of American Independence, moving into its three-story brick building early in 1776. The College has been in continuous operation since that date, meaning that college has operated under the British, Confederate, and United States flags. In fact, classes have only been canceled twice: for a Civil War
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
skirmish on campus, and for a hurricane that knocked a tree into a dormitory building.
Despite the difficult and financially-strapped first years resulting from the Revolutionary War, the College survived with sufficient viability to be granted a charter by the Virginia General Assembly in 1783 — the oldest private charter in the South. Patrick Henry
Patrick Henry
Patrick Henry was an orator and politician who led the movement for independence in Virginia in the 1770s. A Founding Father, he served as the first and sixth post-colonial Governor of Virginia from 1776 to 1779 and subsequently, from 1784 to 1786...
, then Governor of Virginia
Governor of Virginia
The governor of Virginia serves as the chief executive of the Commonwealth of Virginia for a four-year term. The position is currently held by Republican Bob McDonnell, who was inaugurated on January 16, 2010, as the 71st governor of Virginia....
, encouraged the passage of the charter, and wrote into it an oath of allegiance to the new republic
Republic
A republic is a form of government in which the people, or some significant portion of them, have supreme control over the government and where offices of state are elected or chosen by elected people. In modern times, a common simplified definition of a republic is a government where the head of...
, required of all professors.
Presumably under the influence of his mentor and father-in-law Witherspoon, Smith named the college for two English champions of liberty, John Hampden
John Hampden
John Hampden was an English politician, the eldest son of William Hampden, of Hampden House, Great Hampden in Buckinghamshire, John Hampden (ca. 15951643) was an English politician, the eldest son of William Hampden, of Hampden House, Great Hampden in Buckinghamshire, John Hampden (ca. 15951643)...
(1594–1643) and Algernon Sydney
Algernon Sydney
Algernon Sidney or Sydney was an English politician, republican political theorist, colonel, and opponent of King Charles II of England, who became involved in a plot against the King and was executed for treason.-Early life:Sidney's father was Robert Sidney, 2nd Earl of Leicester, a direct...
(1622–1683). Hampden lost his life in the battle of Chalgrove Field during the English Civil War
English Civil War
The English Civil War was a series of armed conflicts and political machinations between Parliamentarians and Royalists...
. Sydney, who wrote "Discourses Concerning Government," was beheaded by order of Charles II
Charles II of England
Charles II was monarch of the three kingdoms of England, Scotland, and Ireland.Charles II's father, King Charles I, was executed at Whitehall on 30 January 1649, at the climax of the English Civil War...
following his (unproven) implication in a failed attempt to overthrow the king. These proponents of religious and civil liberties were much admired by the founders of the College, all of whom were active supporters of the cause of American independence.
The college was founded by alumni of Princeton University. Both Patrick Henry, who did not attend any college, and James Madison
James Madison
James Madison, Jr. was an American statesman and political theorist. He was the fourth President of the United States and is hailed as the “Father of the Constitution” for being the primary author of the United States Constitution and at first an opponent of, and then a key author of the United...
, a Princeton alumnus, were elected trustees in the founding period before classes began. Smith hired his brother, John Blair Smith
John Blair Smith
John Blair Smith was born in Pequea, Pennsylvania, on June 12, 1756, the son of the Rev. Robert Smith, who ran an academy there. John Blair Smith was valedictorian of the Class of 1773 at the College of New Jersey, now Princeton University...
, and two other recent Princeton graduates to teach at Hampden–Sydney College. Samuel Stanhope Smith would later become President of Princeton University. John Blair Smith would become the second president of Hampden–Sydney, and later the first president of Union College
Union College
Union College is a private, non-denominational liberal arts college located in Schenectady, New York, United States. Founded in 1795, it was the first institution of higher learning chartered by the New York State Board of Regents. In the 19th century, it became the "Mother of Fraternities", as...
.
Hampden–Sydney became a thriving college while located in southside Virginia, which led to expansion. In 1812, the Union Theological Seminary was founded at Hampden–Sydney College. The Seminary was later moved to Richmond, Virginia
Richmond, Virginia
Richmond is the capital of the Commonwealth of Virginia, in the United States. It is an independent city and not part of any county. Richmond is the center of the Richmond Metropolitan Statistical Area and the Greater Richmond area...
and is currently the Union Theological Seminary & Presbyterian School of Christian Education
Union Theological Seminary & Presbyterian School of Christian Education
Union Presbyterian Seminary, located on the near north side of the city of Richmond, Virginia, is a theological seminary of the Presbyterian Church...
. In 1838, the medical department of Hampden–Sydney College was founded—the Medical College of Virginia, which is now the MCV Campus of Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Commonwealth University is a public university located in Richmond, Virginia. It comprises two campuses in the Downtown Richmond area, the product of a merger between the Richmond Professional Institute and the Medical College of Virginia in 1968...
. During this time, the College constructed new buildings using Federal-style architecture with Georgian touches. This is the style of architecture still used on the campus.
At the onset of the American Civil War
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
, Hampden–Sydney students formed a company in the Virginia Militia. The Hampden–Sydney students did not see much action but rather were “captured, and...paroled by General George B. McClellan
George B. McClellan
George Brinton McClellan was a major general during the American Civil War. He organized the famous Army of the Potomac and served briefly as the general-in-chief of the Union Army. Early in the war, McClellan played an important role in raising a well-trained and organized army for the Union...
on the condition that they return to their studies."
During World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, Hampden–Sydney College was one of 131 colleges and universities nationally that took part in the V-12 Navy College Training Program
V-12 Navy College Training Program
The V-12 Navy College Training Program was designed to supplement the force of commissioned officers in the United States Navy during World War II...
which offered students a path to a Navy commission.
On May 11, 1964, Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy
Robert F. Kennedy
Robert Francis "Bobby" Kennedy , also referred to by his initials RFK, was an American politician, a Democratic senator from New York, and a noted civil rights activist. An icon of modern American liberalism and member of the Kennedy family, he was a younger brother of President John F...
visited Hampden–Sydney College to speak with students.
Campus
The College has expanded from its original small cluster of buildings on 100 acres (0.4 km²) to a campus of over 1300 acres (5.25 km²). Before 2006, the college owned 660 acres (2.7 km²). In February 2006, the college purchased 400 acres (1.6 km²) which include a lake and Slate Hill PlantationPlantation
A plantation is a long artificially established forest, farm or estate, where crops are grown for sale, often in distant markets rather than for local on-site consumption...
, the historic location of the college’s founding. The campus is host to numerous federal style buildings. Part of the campus has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
as a historic district
Historic district (United States)
In the United States, a historic district is a group of buildings, properties, or sites that have been designated by one of several entities on different levels as historically or architecturally significant. Buildings, structures, objects and sites within a historic district are normally divided...
.
Culture
As one of only a few higher educational institutions for men, and being older than the nation in which it is located, Hampden–Sydney College has a unique culture. Students are also issued a copy of To Manner Born, To Manners Bred: A Hip-pocket Guide to Etiquette for the Hampden–Sydney Man, which covers everything from basic manners, how to greet and introduce people, how to respond to invitations, how to dress, the difference between a black tie and white tie event, how to choose a wine, etc. The college publishes the book as a useful tool for existing successfully in a variety of social settings.Clubs and organizations
According to the Hampden–Sydney College website, there are over 40 clubs on campus. Each club is run by the students, and the clubs come in a large variety. For example, there are political clubs, sports clubs, religious clubs, a student-run radio stationWWHS-FM
WWHS-FM is a variety formatted broadcast radio station licensed to and serving Hampden Sydney, Virginia. WWHS-FM is owned and operated by Hampden-Sydney College.-Programming:WWHS broadcasts student created programming from its studios in Hampden Sydney...
, a pep band, and multiple social fraternities. There are also volunteer groups such as Habitat for Humanity and Rotaract
Rotaract
Rotaract originally began as a Rotary International youth programme in 1968 and has now grown into a major Rotary-sponsored organisation of over 8,700 clubs spread around the world and 200,000 + members. It is a service, leadership and community service organisation for young men and women between...
.
The college campus is also home to a unique volunteer fire department, The Hampden–Sydney Volunteer Fire Department, which provides fire suppression service and non-transport basic life support
Basic life support
Basic life support is the level of medical care which is used for patients with life-threatening illnesses or injuries until the patient can be given full medical care at a hospital. It can be provided by trained medical personnel, including emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and by...
EMS
Emergency medical services
Emergency medical services are a type of emergency service dedicated to providing out-of-hospital acute medical care and/or transport to definitive care, to patients with illnesses and injuries which the patient, or the medical practitioner, believes constitutes a medical emergency...
to Prince Edward County
Prince Edward County, Virginia
Prince Edward County is a county located in the Commonwealth of Virginia. As of 2010, the population was 23,368. Its county seat is Farmville.-Formation and County Seats:...
and the college, as well as assisting the town of Farmville Fire Department with fire suppression at nearly all working fires within the town limits on a regular basis. HSVFD, Company 2, is located on the south end of campus near the water tower and the physical plant. Contrary to popular belief, and despite its location and the fact that 90% of the membership comes from college faculty, staff, and students, the fire department is, in fact, not affiliated with the college.
Union-Philanthropic Literary Society (UPLS) is the oldest student organization at Hampden–Sydney College. Established on September 22, 1789, it is the nation's second oldest literary and debating society still in existence today.
Athletics
Hampden–Sydney's rivalry with Randolph-Macon CollegeRandolph-Macon College
Randolph–Macon College is a private, co-educational liberal arts college located in Ashland, Virginia, United States, near the capital city of Richmond. Founded in 1830, the school has an enrollment of over 1,200 students...
is one of the longest-running college rivalries in the United States. "The Game" is often referred to as the oldest small-school football rivalry in the South. Athletic events involving the two schools are fiercely competitive, and the week prior to "The Game" between Hampden–Sydney and Randolph-Macon is known as "Beat Macon Week."
Greek life
For freshmen, rush begins in the first semester and pledging takes place in the spring. If a student chooses not to rush and/or pledge as a freshman, sophomores and juniors may pledge in the fall or spring. Roughly 34% of the student body is involved in Greek lifeFraternities and sororities
Fraternities and sororities are fraternal social organizations for undergraduate students. In Latin, the term refers mainly to such organizations at colleges and universities in the United States, although it is also applied to analogous European groups also known as corporations...
. Beta Theta Pi used Atkinson Hall (built 1834) as a fraternity house when it came to campus in 1850 possibly making it the first fraternity house in North America.
- Kappa SigmaKappa SigmaKappa Sigma , commonly nicknamed Kappa Sig, is an international fraternity with currently 282 active chapters and colonies in North America. Kappa Sigma has initiated more than 240,000 men on college campuses throughout the United States and Canada. Today, the Fraternity has over 175,000 living...
, KΣ - Sigma Alpha EpsilonSigma Alpha EpsilonSigma Alpha Epsilon is a North American Greek-letter social college fraternity founded at the University of Alabama on March 9, 1856. Of all existing national social fraternities today, Sigma Alpha Epsilon is the only one founded in the Antebellum South...
, ΣΑΕ - Phi Gamma DeltaPhi Gamma DeltaThe international fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta is a collegiate social fraternity with 120 chapters and 18 colonies across the United States and Canada. It was founded at Jefferson College, Pennsylvania, in 1848, and its headquarters are located in Lexington, Kentucky, USA...
, Phi Gam - Kappa Alpha OrderKappa Alpha OrderKappa Alpha Order is a social fraternity and fraternal order. Kappa Alpha Order has 124 active chapters, 3 provisional chapters, and 2 commissions...
KA - Sigma NuSigma NuSigma Nu is an undergraduate, college fraternity with chapters in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Sigma Nu was founded in 1869 by three cadets at the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Virginia...
, ΣN - Beta Theta PiBeta Theta PiBeta Theta Pi , often just called Beta, is a social collegiate fraternity that was founded in 1839 at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, USA, where it is part of the Miami Triad which includes Phi Delta Theta and Sigma Chi. It has over 138 active chapters and colonies in the United States and Canada...
, ΒΘΠ - Theta ChiTheta ChiTheta Chi Fraternity is an international college fraternity. It was founded on April 10, 1856 as the Theta Chi Society, at Norwich University, Norwich, Vermont, U.S., and was the 21st of the 71 North-American Interfraternity Conference men's fraternities.-Founding and early years at Norwich:Theta...
, ΘX - Pi Kappa AlphaPi Kappa AlphaPi Kappa Alpha is a Greek social fraternity with over 230 chapters and colonies and over 250,000 lifetime initiates in the United States and Canada.-History:...
, ΠKA (inactive) - Sigma ChiSigma ChiSigma Chi is the largest and one of the oldest college Greek-letter secret and social fraternities in North America with 244 active chapters and more than . Sigma Chi was founded on June 28, 1855 at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio when members split from Delta Kappa Epsilon...
, ΣX - Lambda Chi AlphaLambda Chi AlphaLambda Chi Alpha is one of the largest men's secret general fraternities in North America, having initiated more than 280,000 members and held chapters at more than 300 universities. It is a member of the North-American Interfraternity Conference and was founded by Warren A. Cole, while he was a...
, ΛΧΑ - Chi PhiChi PhiThe Chi Phi ' Fraternity is an American College Social Fraternity that was established as the result of the merger of three separate organizations that were each known as Chi Phi. The oldest active organization that took part in the union was originally founded in 1824 at Princeton...
, XΦ (Colonizing) - Alpha Chi SigmaAlpha Chi SigmaAlpha Chi Sigma is a professional fraternity specializing in the field of chemistry. It has both collegiate and professional chapters throughout the United States consisting of both men and women and numbering more than 63,400 members...
, AXΣ
In addition to the social and professional fraternities listed above, Hampden–Sydney also has chapters of Pi Sigma Alpha
Pi sigma alpha
Pi Sigma Alpha , the National Political Science Honor Society, is the only honor society for college and university students of political science in the United States. Its purpose is to recognize and promote high academic achievement in the field of political science...
, the National Political Science Honor Society; Phi Beta Kappa, the Academic Honor Society; Omicron Delta Kappa
Omicron Delta Kappa
Omicron Delta Kappa, or ΟΔΚ, also known as The Circle, or more commonly ODK, is a national leadership honor society. It was founded December 3, 1914, at Washington & Lee University in Lexington, Virginia, by 15 student and faculty leaders. Chapters, known as Circles, are located on over 300...
, a national leadership honor society and Alpha Psi Omega
Alpha Psi Omega
Alpha Psi Omega National Theatre Honor Society is an American recognition honor society recognizing participants in collegiate theatre. The Alpha Cast was founded at Fairmont State College on August 12, 1925 by professor Paul F...
, a national honors society for theatre arts.
Housing
Freshmen are required to live in one of three dorms that are set aside for freshmen. These dorms are Cushing HallCushing Hall
Cushing Hall is a dormitory at Hampden-Sydney College in southside Virginia. Built in sections from 1822–1833, Cushing Hall is the oldest four story dormitory still in use in the United States...
, the Carpenter Dormitories (X and Y), and the Whitehouse Quadrangle. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors have the option of living in any of the other dorms that they choose (these additional residences include Carpenter Z, the Hampden House Units, Venable Hall
Venable Hall
Venable Hall is a dormitory at Hampden-Sydney College in southside Virginia. Built in sections from 1824–1830, Venable Hall is the second oldest dormitory on Hampden-Sydney's campus...
, Alphabet Dormitories B through F, and the Blake Apartments). Fraternity houses are available for members and the chapter president and several specialty houses - usually organized around a club, sports team, or other student group - are available. The Elliott House is reserved for Honor Students who choose to live there. Although an overwhelming majority of students live on campus or in campus-owned housing, the school does permit a small number of students (usually upperclassmen) to live off-campus. In addition, some students also rent rooms in local campus homes.
Presidents of Hampden–Sydney College
The following is a list of the Presidents of Hampden–Sydney College from its opening in 1775 until the present.- Samuel Stanhope SmithSamuel Stanhope SmithSamuel Stanhope Smith was a Presbyterian minister, founding president of Hampden-Sydney College and the seventh president of the College of New Jersey from 1795 to 1812. His stormy career ended in his enforced resignation...
, 1775–1779 - John Blair SmithJohn Blair SmithJohn Blair Smith was born in Pequea, Pennsylvania, on June 12, 1756, the son of the Rev. Robert Smith, who ran an academy there. John Blair Smith was valedictorian of the Class of 1773 at the College of New Jersey, now Princeton University...
, 1779–1789 - Drury Lacy, 1789–1797 (Vice President and Acting President during first part of tenure)
- Archibald Alexander, 1797–1806
- William S. Reid, 1897 (Vice President and Acting President)
- Moses Hoge, 1807–1820
- Jonathan CushingCushing HallCushing Hall is a dormitory at Hampden-Sydney College in southside Virginia. Built in sections from 1822–1833, Cushing Hall is the oldest four story dormitory still in use in the United States...
, 1820–1835 (Acting President 1820–21) - George A. Baxter, 1835 (Acting President)
- Daniel Lynn Carroll, 1835–1838
- William Maxwell, 1838–1845
- Patrick J. Sparrow, 1845–1847
- S. B. Wilson, 1847 (Acting President)
- F. S. Sampson, 1847–1848 (Acting President)
- Charles Martin, 1848–1849 (Acting President)
- Lewis W. Green, 1849–1856
- Albert L. Holladay, 1856 (Appointed, but died before taking office)
- Charles Matin, 1856–1857 (Acting President)
- John M. P. Atkinson, 1857–1883
- Richard McIlwaine, 1883–1904
- James R. Thornton, 1904 (Acting President)
- W. H. Whiting, Jr., 1904–1905 (Acting President)
- J. H. C. Bagby, 1905 (Acting President)
- James Gray McAllister, 1905–1908
- W. H. Whiting, Jr., 1908–1909
- Henry Tucker Graham, 1909–1917
- Ashton W. McWhorter, 1917–1919 (Acting President)
- Joseph Dupuy EgglestonJoseph Dupuy EgglestonJoseph DuPuy Eggleston was an American educator, the 7th president of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University , and the 27th president of Hampden-Sydney College...
, 1919–1939 - Edgar Graham Gammon, 1939–1955
- Joseph Clarke Robert, 1955–1960
- Thomas Edward Gilmer, 1960–1963
- Walter Taylor Reveley II, 1963–1977
- Josiah Bunting IIIJosiah Bunting IIIJosiah Bunting III is an American educator. He has been a military officer, college president, and an author and speaker on education and Western culture.-Biography:...
, 1977–1987 - James Richard Leutze, 1987–1990
- John Scott Colley, 1990–1991 (Provost and Acting President)
- Ralph Arthur Rossum, 1991–1992
- Samuel V. WilsonSamuel V. WilsonLieutenant General Samuel Vaughan Wilson , aka "General Sam", completed his active military career in the fall of 1977, having divided his service almost equally between special operations and intelligence assignments...
, 1992–2000 - Walter M. Bortz IIIWalter M. Bortz IIIWalter Michael Bortz III was an educator and higher education administrator. He served as the president of Hampden-Sydney College, located in Hampden Sydney, Virginia, from July 2000 until June 30, 2009.-Education and degrees:...
, 2000–2009 - Christopher B. HowardChristopher B. Howard-Education:1987 graduate of Plano Senior High School, where he helped the '86 football team win a Texas State Championship. Howard is a 1991 distinguished graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, earning a bachelor of science in political science. While at the Academy, he served as his...
, 2009—
Forbes
ForbesForbes
Forbes is an American publishing and media company. Its flagship publication, the Forbes magazine, is published biweekly. Its primary competitors in the national business magazine category are Fortune, which is also published biweekly, and Business Week...
ranked Hampden–Sydney #4 in its 2010 ranking of the best private colleges in the South. It ranked #6 among Forbes 20 best colleges in the South.
The Princeton Review
The Princeton ReviewThe Princeton Review
The Princeton Review is an American-based standardized test preparation and admissions consulting company. The Princeton Review operates in 41 states and 22 countries across the globe. It offers test preparation for standardized aptitude tests such as the SAT and advice regarding college...
ranks Hampden–Sydney in their list of "Best 361 Colleges" in the following categories:
| Rank | List | Category |
|---|---|---|
| #3 | LGBT-unfriendly | Demographics |
| #18 | Lots of Beer | Social Scene |
| #7 | Professors Get High Marks | Academic |
| #8 | Most Accessible Professors | Academic |
| #2 | Most Conservative Students | Parties |
Hampden–Sydney was also rated as the preppiest
Preppy
Preppy, preppie, or prep refers to a modern, widespread United States clique, often considered a subculture...
school in America, according to The Official Preppy Handbook.