Pennsylvania, University of

From Encyclopediak

Pennsylvania, University of, at Philadelphia 1791. This university had its origin in a charitable school founded in 1740 and raised to the grade of an academy in 1751. In 1755 the academy was changed to the College and Academy of Philadelphia. During the turbulent times between 1760 and the close of the Revolutionary War, the institution continued with varying degrees of prosperity. In 1779 the Legislature of Pennsylvania, because of certain restrictions that had been imposed upon the College of the Church of England, made a new charter and placed all the rights and properties of the college with a new board, designated as the Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania. Ten years later the property was restored to the old board, and in 1791 an act was passed consolidating the old college with the new university under its present title. It maintains all departments usually found in a great university it is endowed and in addition receives aid from the state. It was the first American university to undertake systematic work in science, engineering and technology. All its departments maintain high standards. The enrollment exceeds 13,547.