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Coordinates: 37°40′42″N 97°21′58″W 37.678232000000001, -97.366123999999999

Friends University

• Location & Contact Information
  • Address & Directions:
    • 2100 W. University Street, Wichita, Kansas, United States of America
  • Telephone Numbers: 316-295-5000
  • Official Website: [1]
• History & Memorable Moments

Garfield University

The building now known as the Davis Administration Building was completed in September 1887 to house Garfield University. Garfield was an effort by the Christian Churches of Kansas led by Dr. W.B. Hendryx to build a Christian college in the Wichita area. Hendryx wanted to name the college after his good friend, President James Garfield. At the time, it was the largest educational institution west of the Mississippi river. ^[1]

Garfield University opened its doors for classes in 1887. The University had 500 students enrolled for the first year and 1,070 for the second year. After graduating its first and only senior class, Garfield University closed its doors in 1890 due to financial difficulties. The school was reorganized and opened again in March 1892 as Garfield Central Memorial University. It closed for good November 18, 1893. ^[1]

As crop failures and deaths made it difficult for pledges to be paid, the university floundered financially. Edgar Harding of Boston eventually became the owner of the property, and began putting out ads for someone to purchase it; James Davis of St. Louis, a Quaker, answered one of those ads. Davis had "proclaimed he would buy a college and give it to the Quakers with his first million dollars". After three visits to the building that would eventually be named after him, he began looking into purchasing the land. ^[1]

Becoming Friends University

On March 31, 1898, Davis had closed the purchase. Representatives were called in May of that year for a called meeting of the Kansas Yearly Meeting of Friends, because Davis wanted classes to begin that autumn and the meeting was not scheduled until October. The Friends unanimously decided to accept the offer , and Edmund Stanley (A Clerk of the Kansas Yearly Meeting) was recruited to serve as Friends University's first President. ^[1]

In October, at the scheduled meeting, Stanley reported that the school was opened on September 21, 1898, and that "In accordance with the purposes in organizing and maintaining a denominational institution for higher education, we are encouraging such movements as will cultivate and stimulate spiritual growth and development." He also acknowledged additional gifts from local citizens of Wichita (Davis included) in the form of works of art. Davis made one request at the donation of the land that the university be named Friend's University. The name has never changed, or ever been different, from Friends University, even though the university did not offer Master's degrees until the 1980s. ^[1]

53 students enrolled initially, of whom only 12 were ready for college work. A college of liberal arts and a preparatory department offered classes in Literature, History, Mathematics, Astronomy, Bible, German, Elocution, and oratory. Classes were also available in Piano, Voice, and Music Harmony and Theory. ^[1]

President Stanley shared the vision and future he saw for the University during the opening meeting: "The purpose of this school shall be to give to the world and to give our country a class of citizens that will be in every sense loyal citizens. Loyalty has in it more than we often think.... Loyalty means that mental training and discipline which makes the child think, the development which makes him strong in mind and body, strong in his moral nature, a full man in that intelligence which should direct the efforts of all men for conscientious, honorable and successful private life and citizenship." ^[1]

• Overview & Photographs

Prospective Students

Learning isn't a spectator sport, so get ready to take charge of your education at Friends University. The mission of our institution is to provide a high-quality undergraduate and graduate education that incorporates liberal arts instruction and professional studies within the context of Christian faith --- including courses offered in a broad range of delivery modes appropriate and as varied as the diverse population of students we serve.

Friends University also offers a unique blend of degree programs:

• Traditional programs for students just starting college, returning

to college or transferring from another institution

• A two-year degree program offered in the evenings
• Degree completion programs designed for working adults
• Graduate programs

To request for more information, visit [2].

• Admissions Tips
  • Required Examinations
  • Deadlines
  • Average High School Records of Accepted Applicants

New & Current Students

• Housing Tips
  • Dormitory and Residence
  • Off-campus housing
• Safety Tips
• Transportation
  • Carpool
• Financial Tips
• Campus Events
• Support Centers
  • Counseling
  • Campus Ministry
• Grading System
• Major Field of Study Tips
• Good Classes & Professors
• Groups & Organizations
• Fraternities & Sororities
• Career Tips

Alumni

• Benefits of Joining Alumni Association
• Chapters
• Alumni Directory
• Alumni Events
• Alumni in the News

Visitors

• Hotels Nearby
• Restaurant Recommendations
• Places of Worship
• Tours & Museums
• Library Access
• Sports Facility Access
• Future Campus Talks & Seminars of General Interest

Employee

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• Job Listing

External Links

References