The History of Penn University

The History of Penn University

The University of Pennsylvania, commonly known simply as ‘UPenn’ or Penn University, is a private Ivy League university established more than 250 years ago, and boasting a rich history spanning four centuries. Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, UPenn currently ranks as the 16th best university in the world and is known for its wide selection of graduate programmes. Find out more about UPenn’s rich history in this guide.

The Founding of Penn University

The University of Pennsylvania was founded in 1755 through the charter for the ‘College of Philadelphia’.

Key Figures in the Establishment

Benjamin Franklin was a very important figure in the history of UPenn as he organised a group of citizens to help form a board for a public academy in Philadelphia. Penn’s library began in 1750 with generous donations from Lewis Evans and Benjamin Franklin himself.

In 1765, John Morgan founded the first medical school in the United States at Penn University which was modelled after the University of Edinburgh’s Medical School.

Early Vision and Mission

Franklin, future founding father of the United States, had aimed to train young people for leadership in areas of business, government and public service which was rather innovative for the time. Franklin wished for a more modern curriculum in liberal arts, however, Penn’s first provost, William Smith disagreed and turned the curriculum back to a more traditional style.

Pennsylvania University in the Colonial and Revolutionary Eras

Throughout the latter part of the 18th century, the British occupied Philadelphia during the Philadelphia campaign. However, in the revolutionary war the British abandoned this post, leaving College Hall, the only building of UPenn at the time as the meeting place for the Second Continental Congress in 1778. Therefore, Penn’s campus was briefly established as one of the earliest capitals of the United States!

In 1779, the college was officially renamed as the ‘University of the State of Pennsylvania’ which made it the first institution in America to adopt the name ‘University’.

Pennsylvania University in the 19th Century

The 19th century brought about changes to UPenn with a change and expansion in campus, increased diversity of students enrolled and the development of new schools and curriculums.

Curriculum Reform and Expansion

At the very start of the century, UPenn’s campus moved to Ninth Street in Philidephia and into the Presidential Mansion which was set up while Philadelphia was the U.S. capital. In 1872, the university moved once again to West Philadelphia where it has since remained. During this time a number of fraternity houses and dormatories were built in addition to America’s first student union building.

The 1800’s brought about the development of many new schools for UPenn including the world’s first collegiate business school, the Wharton School, the Law School, the School of Engineering & Applied Science, the School of Veterinary Medicine and the School of Fine Arts.

This time also brought about changes in the university’s admissions policy with the first African Americans enrolled in 1879 and the first women enrolled in 1880.

Penn University’s Role in the American Civil War

At least 200 Union Army officers and 80 Confederate officers were Penn alumni, however, the largest contribution of UPenn to the Civil War was through the university’s medical school. Being the first U.S. medical school, a high proportion of surgeons who served in the war were educated at Penn, an estimated 800 surgeons in the Union forces and more than 500 in the Confederate forces.

Pennsylvania University in the 20th Century

In the 1900s, UPenn set their sights on attracting international students, as well as vast expansion in investment and research following the second world war.

During the early years of the 20th century, steps were taken to attract a more diverse cohort of students from around the world. This included spreading brochures in Spanish speaking countries and hiring its first Foreign Mission Secretary. By 1921, UPenn had students from at least 50 different foreign countries and territories.

UPenn in World War I

During the Great War, UPenn’s campus was partially converted to house the nation’s Navy, and a military training program was established on the grounds. The government also established the Student’s Army Training Corps which directed training at Penn Students who joined the first Student Battalion. Base Hospital No. 20 was also established in France to treat injured soldiers

UPenn in World War II

During World War Two, a staggering 17,000 members of Penn university served in the armed forces, with 362 giving up their lives in battle. Following the attack on Pearl Harbour, military training programmes were once again established on campus. Additionally, the 20th General Hospital was organised by Penn University which served eight times as many patients as in WWI and in various parts of the world.

Following the second World War, the G.I. Bill was established which led to a large number of students enrolling at the university and Penn’s cohort further exploded with government investment in the university’s research and training.

Pennsylvania University’s Influence in the 21st Century

In the 21st century, UPenn continues to be a world leading institution in research and education, however, the past two decades have also brought about some challenges and controversies.

Research and pioneering discoveries continue to keep UPenn in scientific headlines, for example, with the discovery of the planet Kepler-186f, the development of a new HIV test and advancements in CRISPR treatment.

Challenges and Controversies

In 2022, calls for tenure Amy Wax, UPenn Law School professor, to be revoked after she said the country is “better off with fewer Asians”, however, an investigation recommended sanctions including a one year suspension at half pay.

Since October 2023, there have been tensions on campus between pro-Palestine and pro-Israeli groups. Protests condemning Israeli military strikes against Gaza citizens have taken place throughout 2024 with 6 UPenn students being arrested in May while attempting to occupy a school building.

Forward-thinking Initiatives

The University of Pennsylvania has set up many campus initiatives to tackle climate change and meet their sustainability action plan and has achieved a 45% reduction in campus emissions since 2009.

UPenn is also committed to contributing to research that will benefit the world. Additionally, the medical school’s initiative ‘Serving a Changing World’ aims to shape the future of healthcare in a rapidly changing world, a five year plan which started in 2023.

Looking to Study at Penn University?

At Dukes, we provide support for applications to various universities across the world, including The University of Pennsylvania. Our programs offer personalised guidance, and strategic advice to strengthen your UPenn application. 

Looking to study at Penn University? Check out our comprehensive guide How to get into Penn in 2024 .

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