Introduction to Adrian College
Educational Mission
Adrian College, a liberal arts college in the United Methodist tradition, is committed to the pursuit of truth and dignity of all people. Through active and creative learning in a supportive community, undergraduate and graduate students are challenged to achieve excellence in their academic, personal, and professional lives, and to contribute to a more socially just society.
Statement of Principles
The Foundation of Adrian College
Adrian College was founded as a Methodist institution. It is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, espoused a Christian faith that embraced a social consciousness. In the nineteenth century, American Methodists founded many liberal arts colleges. Asa Mahan, the first president of Oberlin College in Ohio, became the founding president of Adrian College in 1859. Like John Wesley, he opposed slavery and believed in what he called “the power of action.” Although its students and faculty come from many religious backgrounds, the College encourages all members of the community to struggle with moral and spiritual value questions growing out of the College’s United Methodist heritage of commitment to Christian traditions and values, concern for peace and justice and an ecumenical understanding of human spiritual experience. Because of its Methodist traditions, Adrian College has been open from its inception to men and women from all backgrounds. The College continues its commitment to creating a community that reflects human diversity. It is therefore actively inclusive, seeking to attract students, faculty and staff from segments of the population that have not been fully represented in higher education.
Ribbons of Excellence
In 1887 the graduating seniors at Adrian College presented a cane in the form of a shepherd’s crook to the officers of the junior class. Symbolic of leadership and carved with the Latin motto for “No victory without work,” the cane has been handed down every year by the graduating class. Each class has also attached a ribbon to the cane with the names of its graduates listed on the ribbon. In 2007, the academic community at Adrian College adopted the idea of the ribbons to represent its standards of excellence. From the long-standing tradition of the ribbons attached to the shepherd’s crook at graduation, these new ribbons of excellence have been developed to support the College’s mission statement. Just as the Latin inscription on the cane suggests, these ribbons of excellence cannot be achieved without hard work: Caring for humanity and the world
- Learning throughout a lifetime
- Thinking critically
- Crossing boundaries and disciplines
- Developing creativity
Caring for humanity and the world Making socially responsible decisions; providing service to local and global communities; interacting positively with persons of diverse cultures and backgrounds.
Learning throughout a lifetime Continuing to ask important questions; pursuing knowledge in each new age; remaining open to new learning experiences.
Thinking critically Developing critical habits of mind; exploring multiple points of view; raising thoughtful questions, identifying problems and solutions.
Crossing boundaries and disciplines Developing literacy in multiple fields; personifying the liberal arts experience; making connections across disciplines.
Developing creativity Engaging in creative arts; developing creative talents and skills; recognizing and employing figurative expression.
