Panel Discussion: The Land Grant Act at 150: An Historical Perspective

Thursday, September 6, 2012, Noon-1:00 p.m.
Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library

Abraham Lincoln signed the Morrill Land Grant Act on July 2, 1862. The Act authorized states to sell federal land scrip in order to establish an endowment to support one or more schools in their states where:

“…the leading object shall be, without excluding other scientific and classical studies and including military tactics, to teach such branches of learning as are related to agriculture and mechanic arts (engineering)…in order to promote the liberal and practical education of the industrial classes in several pursuits and professions of life.”

As Pennsylvania’s Land Grant institution, Penn State has a distinguished history of educational service to the Commonwealth. This panel discussion will focus on the educational legacy of the Penn State pioneers of Land Grant education, Evan Pugh and George Atherton.




Speakers:
•        Roger Geiger, Penn State University, Distinguished Professor, Higher Education will discuss the overall impact of the 1862 Land Grant Act

•        Kristen Yarmey, Digital Services Librarian, University of Scranton will discuss Evan Pugh’s role in the establishment of Penn State as Pennsylvania’s Land Grant Institution

•        Roger Williams, Penn State University, Executive Director, Alumni Association will discuss the role George Atherton played in the development of the 2nd Land Grant Act, 1890

This panel discussion complements an exhibition currently on display in the Special Collections Library (104 Paterno Library) entitled The Land Grant Act at 150.