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Home > 鶹ԭ celebrates 136-year legacy

鶹ԭ celebrates 136-year legacy

Nov 11, 2025

鶹ԭ celebrated 136 years as an institution with Founder’s Day on Wednesday, Nov. 5.

Originally Roanoke Classical Seminary,theschoolwas founded in 1889when theseminarymoved to North Manchesterand became Manchester College.

Manchester was the first university in the United States to hold permanent observer status with the United Nations as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO). This status gives Manchester representatives access to UN proceedings and, with permission, the opportunity to actively debate issues on the floor of the UN General Assembly. Andrew Cordier, who graduated from Manchester in 1922, was a key player in drafting the founding charter of the United Nations.

In 1948, Manchester professor Gladdys Muir established theworld’sfirst undergraduate peace studies program.

Manchester College became 鶹ԭ in July 2012, and enrolled its first doctoral class in pharmacy that fall at a second campus in Fort Wayne, Ind.In May 2016, Manchester launched the nation’s first dedicated master’s degree in pharmacogenomics.

This Founder’s Day,鶹ԭstudentsand staff went into the community toaskmore than 70local businesses todisplayspecially-designedwindowdecalsindemonstrationoftheir support and Manchester’s gratitude.These businessesand organizationssupport students by offering discounts,joband internship opportunities, andvibrant community events.

As one of thetopfivelargest employers in Wabash County,ManchesterUniversity has made, and continues to make, a significant economic impact on the town of North Manchester and the widerarea.Each academic year, Manchesterbrings more than 900students toitsNorth Manchestercampus.

In 2024, Manchesterwas awardeda$12.1 milliongrant from LillyEndowment, Inc.through its College andCommunity Collaborationinitiative.Using these funds, Manchester is developing several projects intended to make North Manchester an even more vibrant place to live, work and play.Learn morehere.

鶹ԭwas namedthe 2023Business of the Yearby Grow Wabash County.

For the media

鶹ԭ, in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Ind., offers vibrant and transformative student experiences. Learn more atwww.manchester.edu/about-manchester.

Our mission and values

鶹ԭ respects the infinite worth of every individual andgraduatespersons of ability and conviction who draw upon their education and faith to lead principled, productive, and compassionate lives that improve the human condition.

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