Diversity Timeline 1870s

1740-1997

College and the Schools of Medicine, Law, Engineering, and Auxiliary Medicine

Monday, January 1, 1872

The College and the Schools of Medicine, Law, Engineering, and Auxiliary Medicine moved to the new West Philadelphia campus.

Gertrude Klein Peirce and Anna Lockhart Flanigen

Saturday, January 1, 1876

Gertrude Klein Peirce and Anna Lockhart Flanigen enrolled in the Towne Scientific School, known today as the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, as special students. They were the first women permitted to enroll in college courses at Penn, but they were not admitted in degree granting programs.

Department of Music

Monday, January 1, 1877

A Department of Music was created and accepted six women as part of a two-year program.

William Adger

Wednesday, January 1, 1879

The first African-American students enrolled at Penn: William AdgerJames BristerNathan Mossell.

The first Japanese student, Tosni Imadate, graduated from the College.