History
Union College, founded in 1795, is the oldest nondenominational college in the country and the first college chartered by the New York State Board of Regents.
In his inaugural address in 1796, President John Blair Smith said: “Men (students) of diverse religious convictions, having set aside faction and division, are united in governing this institution and in spreading the benefits of the college, which is auspiciously called Union College.”
Union has a unique history of developing a premier module for diverse living and learning experiences. More recently, with the establishment of the Minerva Houses, Union has become a pioneer of integrating diverse and global topics as part of the academic, social and personal development of students. Stephen Ainlay, Union College’s 18th President, endorsed the 2007 Strategic Plan which includes designing and implementing institutional structures focusing on diversity goals. Under President Ainlay’s direction Union College is committed to developing a campus community that focuses on global and diverse initiatives and emphasizes the intellectual significance of the diverse perspectives of faculty, students, administrators and staff. In 2008, the Office of Campus Diversity and the Office of Multicultural Affairs were established to assist the campus community with achieving the goals of the Strategic Plan and enhancing the mission of Union College.
Graphic Designed by Radim Tkadlec
1st International Culture Week 2009
Organized by Lukas Jancok