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Perseverance Conquers All
The Reverend Eliphalet Nott was born June 25, 1773 in Connecticut. He became the fourth
president of Union College August 24, 1804 and held the post
until his death in 1866. His vision for Union College defined
the shape, breadth and direction of the institution well into
the twentieth century. On the occasion of the 225th anniversary
of his birth, we look back at those accomplishments that made
him both a nationally respected educator and innovator,
and one of the most beloved presidents ever to lead Union
College. Special thanks to Ellen Fladger, Betty Allen, and Special Collections, Schaffer library for all their assistance. All objects in the exhibition are on loan from Special Collections, Schaffer Library, Union College. -Rachel Seligman, Curator/Director
Eliphalet Nott was as multi-dimensional and distinctive as the Nott Memorial. Inventor, teacher, theologian, orator, and businessman, he was a man of many accomplishments and great vision. From introducing the modern languages (French) and the hard sciences into the curriculum, to having Joseph Jacques Ramee develop the first planned campus in America; from establishing engineering for the first time at the liberal arts college, to convincing the legislature to found a lottery that benefited Union (twice), as well as all of New York's colleges, Nott transformed both Union and higher education. In my mind, Eliphalet Nott is the best college president this nation has ever produced. His creativity, leadership, and ability, to carry out his plans propelled Union to the forefront of America's colleges and made an indelible mark on this nation's history. -Roger H. Hull, President, Union College
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