View source for Susquehanna University

{{Short description|Private university in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, U.S.}}
{{Use American English|date=September 2025}}
{{Infobox university
 | name                   = Susquehanna University
 | former_names           = Missionary Institute of the Evangelical Lutheran Church (1858–1895)<br />Susquehanna Female College (1858–1973)
 | image_name             = Susquehanna_University_Original_Seal.png
 | image_size             = 150px
 | caption                = 
 | motto                  = Achievement, Leadership, Service
 | established            = {{start date and age|1858}}
 | endowment              = $223.2 million (2024)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/nacubo1-nacubo-prd-dc8b/media/Nacubo/Documents/EndowmentFiles/2024-NCSE-Endowment-Market-Values-for-US-and-Canadian-Institutions-FINAL-Feb-12-2025.xlsx |title=U.S. and Canadian 2024 NCSE Participating Institutions Listed by Fiscal Year 2024 Endowment Market Value, Change in Market Value from FY23 to FY24, and FY24 Endowment Market Values Per Full-time Equivalent Student |date=February 12, 2025 |publisher=National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) |access-date=February 12, 2025 |format=XLSX |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250212074654/https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/nacubo1-nacubo-prd-dc8b/media/Nacubo/Documents/EndowmentFiles/2024-NCSE-Endowment-Market-Values-for-US-and-Canadian-Institutions-FINAL-Feb-12-2025.xlsx |archive-date=February 12, 2025 |url-status=live }}</ref>
 | type                   = [[Private college|Private]] [[Liberal arts colleges in the United States|liberal arts college]]
 | academic_affiliations  = [[Annapolis Group]] [[American Association of Colleges and Universities|AAC&U]] [[American Council on Education|ACE]] [[Council of Independent Colleges|CIC]] [[Council on Undergraduate Research|CUR]] [[National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities|NAICU]]
 | religious_affiliation  = [[Evangelical Lutheran Church in America]]
 | accreditation          = [[Middle States Commission on Higher Education|MSCHE]]
 | president              = [[Jonathan D. Green]]
 | city                   = [[Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania]]
 | country                = United States
 | undergrad              = 2,239<ref>{{cite news |title=Required: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System |date=January 29, 2022 |access-date=January 29, 2022 |url=https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=susquehanna&s=all&id=216278#general |archive-date=January 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220129215250/https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=susquehanna&s=all&id=216278#general |url-status=live }}</ref>
 | faculty                = 226<ref>{{cite news |title=Required: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System |date=January 29, 2022 |access-date=January 29, 2022 |url=https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=susquehanna&s=all&id=216278#general |archive-date=January 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220129215250/https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=susquehanna&s=all&id=216278#general |url-status=live }}</ref>
 | campus                 = Small [[college town]]<br /> {{convert|297|acre|ha}}
 | athletics_affiliations = [[National Collegiate Athletic Association|NCAA]] [[Division III (NCAA)|Division III]] - [[Landmark Conference]]
 | colors                 = Orange and maroon<br />{{Color box|#FF6A14}} {{Color box|#651C32}}
 | nickname               = River Hawks
 | mascot                 = Benny the Hawk
 | website                = {{URL|https://www.susqu.edu}}
 | logo                   = [[File:Susquehanna University logo.png|250px]]
}}

'''Susquehanna University''' is a private [[Liberal arts colleges in the United States|liberal arts college]] in [[Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania]], United States.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Susquehanna University - Profile, Rankings and Data |url=https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/susquehanna-university-3369 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808051617/https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/susquehanna-university-3369 |archive-date=2022-08-08 |access-date=2022-08-08 |website=[[U.S. News & World Report]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Roberts |first=Ken Schwencke, Mike Tigas, Sisi Wei, Alec Glassford, Andrea Suozzo, Brandon |date=2013-05-09 |title=Susquehanna University - Nonprofit Explorer |url=https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/231353385 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808051754/https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/231353385 |archive-date=2022-08-08 |access-date=2022-08-08 |website=ProPublica |language=en}}</ref> Its name is derived from the original [[Susquehannock]] settlers of the region. Founded in 1858 as a missionary institute, it became a four-year liberal arts college in 1895. It is affiliated with the [[Evangelical Lutheran Church in America]]. In addition to an arts and sciences focus, Susquehanna has a [[business school]], [[Master of Education|master's degrees in education]], and joint-degree programs in [[Engineering education|engineering]] and for a [[Master of Business Administration]].

The academic programs are within the four schools of the [[Art school|arts]], [[humanities]], [[Natural science|natural]] and [[Social science|social sciences]], and the [[Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business|AACSB International]]-accredited Sigmund Weis [[Business education|School of Business]]. Susquehanna University enrolls more than 2,200 undergraduate students from 33 states and 23 countries,<ref>{{cite news |title=Required: Fact Sheet |access-date=November 22, 2016 |url=https://www.susqu.edu/Documents/about/fact-sheet-2015-16.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123052800/https://www.susqu.edu/Documents/about/fact-sheet-2015-16.pdf |archive-date=November 23, 2016 }}</ref> and maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 12 to 1.

==History==

===Founding and early years===

[[Image:Missionary Institute - Selinsgrove Hall by M.R. Hemperley circa 1863.jpg|thumb|left|The Missionary Institute's first building, known as Selinsgrove Hall]]

The institution was founded by [[Benjamin Kurtz]], its first president. Having already assisted in the founding of [[Gettysburg Seminary]], Kurtz wanted to create another institution to serve American Lutheranism.

Kurtz's mission was to "educate men for the gospel ministry ... who cannot take a full course of training adapted to their age and circumstances." The American Lutherans of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, provided 50 students, pledged $22,000, and offered the provisional use of its [[Church (building)|church]] facilities.<ref>{{cite book |title=Susquehanna University 1858-2000: A Goodly Heritage |last=Housley |first=Donald |year=2007 |publisher=Associated University Presses |location=Cranbury, NJ |isbn=978-1-57591-112-0 |page=18 }}</ref> However, they stipulated that the institute be expanded to a [[junior college]] and that a [[sister college]] for women also be formed.<ref>{{cite book |title=Susquehanna University 1858-2000: A Goodly Heritage |last=Housley |first=Donald |year=2007 |publisher=Associated University Presses |location=Cranbury, NJ |isbn=978-1-57591-112-0 |pages=18–19 }}</ref>

[[Image:Drawing of the Susquehanna Female College, circa 1859.jpg|thumb|right|Drawing of the Susquehanna Female College]]
On September 1, 1858, the '''Missionary Institute of the Evangelical Lutheran Church''' and '''Susquehanna Female College''' were established and legally recognized 23 days later. It had two departments: the theology department and the [[Classics|classical]] department. In 1873, the sister college disbanded and the institute became [[mixed-sex education|co-educational]].

The institute officially became known as '''Susquehanna University''' in 1895.<ref>{{cite book |title=Susquehanna University 1858-2000: A Goodly Heritage |last=Housley |first=Donald |year=2007 |publisher=Associated University Presses |location=Cranbury, NJ |isbn=978-1-57591-112-0 |pages=29–30 }}</ref>

===20th century===

The 20th century brought many changes. The institution had recently begun offering [[bachelor degrees]] and changed its name to reflect that.<ref>{{cite book |title=Susquehanna University 1858-2000: A Goodly Heritage |last=Housley |first=Donald |year=2007 |publisher=Associated University Presses |location=Cranbury, NJ |isbn=978-1-57591-112-0 |pages=105–125 }}</ref> In 1903, the board approved Susquehanna’s colors, orange and maroon.<ref>{{cite book |title=Susquehanna University 1858-2000: A Goodly Heritage |last=Housley |first=Donald |year=2007 |publisher=Associated University Presses |location=Cranbury, NJ |isbn=978-1-57591-112-0 |page=120 }}</ref>

By the 1920s, student enrollment skyrocketed, accommodations were refurbished and the campus expanded, and academic departments and offerings were enhanced.<ref>{{cite book |title=Susquehanna University 1858-2000: A Goodly Heritage |last=Housley |first=Donald |year=2007 |publisher=Associated University Presses |location=Cranbury, NJ |isbn=978-1-57591-112-0 |pages=157–165 }}</ref>

==Academics==
[[File:Susquehanna-university-graduation-common-history.jpg|thumb|Susquehanna University Graduation, 1951]]
Susquehanna University is devoted primarily to [[undergraduate education]]. It is accredited by the [[Middle States Commission on Higher Education]].<ref name="susqu.edu">{{cite web|title=Provost's Office|url=https://www.susqu.edu/about-su/our-leadership/provosts-office|website=www.susqu.edu|access-date=January 4, 2018|archive-date=January 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180105123153/https://www.susqu.edu/about-su/our-leadership/provosts-office|url-status=live}}</ref> Susquehanna has a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1 with 93% of full-time faculty holding a doctorate or highest equivalent degree.<ref>{{cite web|title=Susquehanna University - At A Glance |url=https://www.susqu.edu/about/at-a-glance/|access-date=October 3, 2025}}</ref>

The institution offers more than 100 [[Academic major|majors]], minors and programs<ref>{{cite web|title=Majors and Minors|url=https://www.susqu.edu/academics/majors-and-minors/|website=www.susqu.edu|access-date=January 31, 2022|archive-date=January 31, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131165039/https://www.susqu.edu/academics/majors-and-minors/|url-status=live}}</ref> and allows students to design their own major, complete a [[double degree]], or start undeclared.<ref>{{cite web|title=Undeclared Pre-Major|url=https://www.susqu.edu/academics/majors-and-minors/undeclared-pre-major/|website=www.susqu.edu|access-date=January 31, 2022|archive-date=January 31, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131165038/https://www.susqu.edu/academics/majors-and-minors/undeclared-pre-major/|url-status=live}}</ref> Susquehanna offers pre-professional programs in [[pre-law]], [[Veterinary education|pre-veterinary medicine]] and teaching, and coordinates degrees with several other universities.<ref>{{cite web|title=Majors and Minors at Susquehanna|url=https://www.susqu.edu/academics/majors-and-minors/|website=www.susqu.edu|access-date=January 31, 2022|archive-date=January 31, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131165039/https://www.susqu.edu/academics/majors-and-minors/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Engineering 3+2 Programs|url=https://www.susqu.edu/academics/majors-and-minors/engineering-3-plus-2-programs/|website=www.susqu.edu|access-date=January 31, 2022|archive-date=January 31, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131165037/https://www.susqu.edu/academics/majors-and-minors/engineering-3-plus-2-programs/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Susquehanna Partners with University in Cyprus on New 4+1 MBA|url=https://www.susqu.edu/live/news/1340-susquehanna-partners-with-university-in-cyprus-on|date=October 26, 2021|access-date=April 22, 2022|archive-date=April 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220422212450/https://www.susqu.edu/live/news/1340-susquehanna-partners-with-university-in-cyprus-on|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2016, an average of 96% of graduates were enrolled in graduate school or employed within six months of graduation.<ref>{{cite web|title=Success After Susquehanna|url=https://www.susqu.edu/admission-and-aid/discover-susquehanna/success-after-susquehanna|website=www.susqu.edu|access-date=January 4, 2018|archive-date=January 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180105123206/https://www.susqu.edu/admission-and-aid/discover-susquehanna/success-after-susquehanna|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Organization and administration===

Susquehanna University consists of four schools: School of the Arts, School of Humanities, School of Natural and Social Sciences, and the Sigmund Weis School of Business.

[[File:Selinsgrove hall.jpg|thumb|alt=Three-story red brick building with arched windows|Selinsgrove Hall, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is the oldest building on campus.]]

===Rankings===

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Publication
!Rank
!Year
!References
|-
|[[Wall Street Journal]]
|191st best college in the United States
|2026
||<ref>{{cite news|year=2026|title=Wall Street Journal/Pulse College Rankings 2026|url=https://www.wsj.com/rankings/college-rankings/best-colleges-2026|access-date=October 3, 2025}}</ref>
|-
| [[U.S. News & World Report]]
| 96th best liberal arts college in the United States
| 2026
|<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/susquehanna-university-3369 |title=Best Colleges – National Liberal Arts Colleges Rankings |magazine=U.S. News & World Report |year=2026 |access-date=October 3, 2025 |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221192409/https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/susquehanna-university-3369 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| [[U.S. News & World Report]]
| 38th best value school in the United States
| 2026
|<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/susquehanna-university-3369 |title=Best Colleges – National Liberal Arts Colleges Rankings |magazine=U.S. News & World Report |year=2026 |access-date=October 3, 2025 |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221192409/https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/susquehanna-university-3369 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| [[Forbes]]
| 25th best private schools with generous aid in the United States
| 2026
|<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.forbes.com/top-colleges/ |title=25 Private Schools With Generous Financial Aid |magazine=Forbes |year=2026 |access-date=October 3, 2025 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|[[New York Times]]
|71st top U.S. college for students’ economic diversity 
|2024
||<ref>{{cite news|year=2023|title=The Top U.S. Colleges With the Greatest Economic Diversity |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/09/07/magazine/college-access-index.html|access-date=September 19, 2023}}</ref>
|-
| [[Money (magazine)|Money]]
| Best Colleges in America
| 2025
|<ref>{{cite news|year=2025|title=The Best Colleges in America 2025|url=https://money.com/best-colleges/|access-date=October 3, 2025}}</ref>
|-
| [[Princeton Review]]
| "Best 391 Colleges" in the United States
| 2026
|<ref>{{cite web |title=Best 391 Colleges |url=https://www.princetonreview.com/college-rankings/best-colleges |publisher=The Princeton Review |year=2026 |access-date=October 3, 2025 |archive-date=January 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131192637/https://www.princetonreview.com/college-rankings?rankings=best-387-colleges |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| [[Princeton Review]]
| "Best Green Colleges" in the United States 
| 2025
|<ref>{{cite web |title=Best 390 Colleges |url=https://www.princetonreview.com/college-rankings/green-guide |publisher=The Princeton Review |year=2025 |access-date=September 6, 2024 |archive-date=January 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131192638/https://www.princetonreview.com/college-rankings/green-guide |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| [[Princeton Review]]
| "Best Mid-Atlantic Schools" in the United States
| 2026 
|<ref>{{cite web |title=Best 391 Colleges |url=https://www.princetonreview.com/college-rankings/best-colleges |publisher=The Princeton Review |year=2026 |access-date=October 3, 2025|archive-date=January 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131192637/https://www.princetonreview.com/college-rankings?rankings=best-387-colleges |url-status=live }}</ref>
|}

===Study abroad===

The GO Program, as part of a school policy adopted in 2009, requires all Susquehanna students go off-campus for cross-cultural learning. Students have a choice between GO Short programs of 2–3 weeks or semester-long GO Long programs.<ref name="Study Away and Service Learning">{{cite web|url=https://www.susqu.edu/academics/study-abroad|title=Study Away and Service Learning|access-date=November 22, 2016|archive-date=April 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170415180204/https://www.susqu.edu/academics/study-abroad|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2013, the GO Program was awarded the [[Andrew Heiskell Award]] for Innovation in International Education<ref name="GO">{{cite web|title=Institute of International Education|url=http://www.iie.org/Who-We-Are/IIENetwork-Membership/Heiskell-Awards/Internationalizing-Campus|publisher=Institute of International Education|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130403031049/http://www.iie.org/Who-We-Are/IIENetwork-Membership/Heiskell-Awards/Internationalizing-Campus|archive-date=April 3, 2013|access-date=March 27, 2013}}</ref>

==Campus==
[[Image:Susquehanna University path.jpg|thumb|left|alt=People waking on a paved road with trees lining both sides|Kurtz Lane]]
The Susquehanna University campus spans {{convert|297|acre|ha}} in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania. There are more than 50 buildings on campus, primarily in the style of [[Georgian architecture]]. The campus has four buildings that are [[Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design]]-certified (LEED) by the U.S. Green Building Council: two residence halls, the Natural Sciences Center, and the Admission House.<ref name="LEED">{{cite web|url=https://www.susqu.edu/live/news/612-susquehanna-wgl-partner-on-14-acre-solar-array|title=Facility Will Supply 30 Percent of University's Electricity Needs|date=December 18, 2017|access-date=April 28, 2022|archive-date=March 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220305063130/https://www.susqu.edu/live/news/612-susquehanna-wgl-partner-on-14-acre-solar-array|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Seibert.jpg|thumb|right|alt=Two-and-a-half-story red-brick building with a large porch with six Roman Doric columns and orange and maroon banners on each end |Seibert Hall, listed on the National Register of Historic Places]]
Students are guaranteed housing all four years, and nearly all students live on campus.<ref name="Housing and Dining">{{cite web|url=https://www.susqu.edu/campus-life/living-on-campus/|title=Living on Campus|access-date=April 22, 2022|archive-date=April 23, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220423000329/https://www.susqu.edu/campus-life/living-on-campus/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="facilities">{{cite web|url=https://www.susqu.edu/campus-life/our-campus-and-location/facilities/|title=Facilities|access-date=April 22, 2022|archive-date=April 23, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220423000328/https://www.susqu.edu/campus-life/our-campus-and-location/facilities/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Selinsgrove and Seibert halls===
Selinsgrove Hall is a {{frac|3|1|2}}-story brick structure constructed in 1858 in the [[Italianate architecture|Italianate]] style. The roof features a wooden [[cupola]] and the structure was previously featured on the institution's logo. Seibert Hall is a {{frac|2|1|2}}-story brick structure constructed in 1902 in a restrained [[Colonial Revival architecture|Colonial Revival]] style.<ref name="arch">{{cite web|title=National Register of Historic Places Inventory &mdash; Nomination Form: Selinsgrove Hall and Seibert Hall|url=http://www.arch.state.pa.us/pdfs/H000846_01B.pdf|author=Philip Bareiss and Mark Blake|date=March 1978|publisher=[[Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission]]|access-date=October 20, 2009}}{{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> Both [[Selinsgrove Hall and Seibert Hall]], were listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]] in 1979.<ref name="nris">{{NRISref|2009a}}</ref>

[[File:Admissionhouse.jpg|thumb|left|alt=Building with a painted white facade over the red-brick exterior|Admission House]]

===Admission House===
In 2017, the institution dedicated a $7 million space to welcome prospective students and families. According to the Susquehanna's website, Admission House was funded through contributions from the board of trustees.<ref name="Admission House">{{cite web|url=https://www.susqu.edu/live/news/259-susquehanna-dedicates-new-admission-house|title=Susquehanna Dedicates New Admission House|date=May 17, 2017|access-date=April 22, 2022|archive-date=March 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220305094843/https://www.susqu.edu/live/news/259-susquehanna-dedicates-new-admission-house|url-status=live}}</ref> Unlike most other buildings on campus, the Admission House has a white facade instead of a naturally red-brick exterior. The {{convert|15500|sqft|m2|adj=on}} building was designed by architect Peter Bohlin of [[Bohlin Cywinski Jackson]] as a modern take on a [[barn]].<ref name="Admission House"/>[[File:Solar array.jpg|thumb|left|alt=Green field with 12,000 solar panels|Susquehanna University solar array]]
===Natural Sciences Center===
The Natural Sciences Center is a $32-million academic building that houses Susquehanna’s [[biology]], [[chemistry]], [[environmental science|earth and environmental science]], [[neuroscience]], [[ecology]], health care studies, and pre-professional  programs.<ref name="Susquehanna Science Center">{{cite web|url=http://www.susqu.edu/academics/7511.asp|title=School of Arts and Sciences Facilities|access-date=June 4, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130820030447/http://www.susqu.edu/academics/7511.asp|archive-date=August 20, 2013}}</ref> It received Silver LEED certification.<ref name="Susquehanna Science Center" /> The {{convert|81000|sqft|m2|adj=on}} building was dedicated in 2010.<ref>{{cite web|title=Susquehanna University - Natural Sciences Center|url=http://www.susqu.edu/natural-sciences-center.asp|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120619060031/http://www.susqu.edu/natural-sciences-center.asp|archive-date=June 19, 2012|access-date=July 16, 2012}}</ref>

===Solar array===
In 2018, Susquehanna University completed a {{Convert|14|acre|adj=on}} solar array with [[WGL Holdings|WGL Energy]] to supply 30 percent of the institution's electricity. At the time, it was the largest college- or university-sponsored solar array in Pennsylvania, and one of the largest solar projects in the Commonwealth. The 12,000-panel array is estimated to produce over 5,300 megawatt hours (MWh) of electricity per year.<ref>{{cite web|title=WGL Energy and Susquehanna University Partner to Develop 14-Acre Solar Array in Pennsylvania|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171218005106/en/WGL-Energy-and-Susquehanna-University-Partner-to-Develop-14-Acre-Solar-Array-in-Pennsylvania|url-status=dead|date=December 18, 2017|access-date=April 28, 2022|archive-date=April 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220428211607/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171218005106/en/WGL-Energy-and-Susquehanna-University-Partner-to-Develop-14-Acre-Solar-Array-in-Pennsylvania}}</ref>

== Student life ==
Susquehanna University offers more than 150 student clubs and organizations, a variety of honor societies and professional organizations, and 13 Greek organizations, including four [[National Panhellenic Conference]] sororities, one [[National Pan-Hellenic Council]] sorority, one National Interfraternity Music Council fraternity for women, four [[North American Interfraternity Conference|Interfraternity Council]] fraternities, one [[National Pan-Hellenic Council]] fraternity, one National Interfraternity Music Council fraternity, and the [[Alpha Phi Omega]] co-ed service fraternity.<ref name="Student Life">{{cite web|url=https://www.susqu.edu/campus-life/student-activities-and-programs/clubs-and-organizations|title=Clubs and Organizations|access-date=November 22, 2016|archive-date=November 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123054225/https://www.susqu.edu/campus-life/student-activities-and-programs/clubs-and-organizations|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Traditions===
First-Year Students' Move In Day welcomes first-year students by sending team members to help carry new students' belongings into their dorm rooms. Many faculty and staff assist.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.susqu.edu/about-su/history-and-traditions/move-in-day|title=Traditions|access-date=November 22, 2016|archive-date=November 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123053831/https://www.susqu.edu/about-su/history-and-traditions/move-in-day|url-status=live}}</ref>

Thanksgiving Dinner is held prior to students leaving for Thanksgiving vacation. Students are served a turkey dinner by faculty, staff, and the president.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.susqu.edu/about-su/history-and-traditions/thanksgiving-dinner|access-date=November 22, 2016|title=Thanksgiving Dinner|archive-date=November 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123054514/https://www.susqu.edu/about-su/history-and-traditions/thanksgiving-dinner|url-status=live}}</ref>

Christmas Candlelight Service is held in Weber Auditorium with songs, readings, and prayers.<ref>{{cite book |title=Susquehanna University 1858-2000: A Goodly Heritage |last=Housley |first=Donald |year=2007 |publisher=Associated University Presses |location=Cranbury, NJ |isbn=978-1-57591-112-0 |page=359 }}</ref>

'Twas the Night Before Christmas sees students come to the campus center dressed in their pajamas and indulge in cookies and cocoa while enjoying a reading of the classic Christmas tale.<ref>{{cite web|title=Poster: The Night before Christmas Storytelling|url=http://contentdm1.accesspa.org/cdm/ref/collection/asvbw00-09/id/64|publisher=Blough-Weis Library, Susquehanna University|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141021014041/http://contentdm1.accesspa.org/cdm/ref/collection/asvbw00-09/id/64|archive-date=October 21, 2014|access-date=October 21, 2014}}</ref>

===Clubs and organizations===

====Academic interest====
There are a variety of academic clubs and organizations in the fields of business, education, music, sciences, foreign languages, and communications.<ref name="Academic interest">{{cite web|url=https://www.susqu.edu/campus-life/student-activities-and-programs/clubs-and-organizations/academic-clubs-and-honor-societies|title=Academic Interest Clubs|access-date=November 22, 2016|archive-date=November 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123054030/https://www.susqu.edu/campus-life/student-activities-and-programs/clubs-and-organizations/academic-clubs-and-honor-societies|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Publications and media====

*Writing majors have publication opportunities in the student-run ''Essay Magazine'' (for non-fiction)<ref name="Essay">{{cite web|url=https://www.susqu.edu/campus-life/student-activities-and-programs/clubs-and-organizations/publications-and-media-clubs|title=Essay|access-date=November 22, 2016|archive-date=November 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123052532/https://www.susqu.edu/campus-life/student-activities-and-programs/clubs-and-organizations/publications-and-media-clubs|url-status=live}}</ref> and ''Rivercraft'' (for fiction, poetry, and art)<ref name="Rivercraft">{{cite web|url=https://www.susqu.edu/campus-life/student-activities-and-programs/clubs-and-organizations/publications-and-media-clubs|title=Rivercraft|access-date=November 22, 2016|archive-date=November 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123052532/https://www.susqu.edu/campus-life/student-activities-and-programs/clubs-and-organizations/publications-and-media-clubs|url-status=live}}</ref> in addition to the writing departments' annual magazine, ''The Susquehanna Review'', which seeks submissions from undergraduate writing majors internationally.<ref name="The Susquehanna Review">{{cite web|url=https://www.susqu.edu/campus-life/student-activities-and-programs/clubs-and-organizations/publications-and-media-clubs|title=Susquehanna Review|access-date=November 22, 2016|archive-date=November 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123052532/https://www.susqu.edu/campus-life/student-activities-and-programs/clubs-and-organizations/publications-and-media-clubs|url-status=live}}</ref>
*Topic specific student publications include ''Sanctuary'', a literary magazine that features sci-fi and fantasy; ''Flagship'', a publication that features creative work and photography that focuses on students' GO program experiences; and ''The Squirrel'', a student-run newspaper that offers a humorous, critical, and constructive perspective on the news.<ref name="Publications">{{cite web|title=Topic Specific Publications|url=https://www.susqu.edu/campus-life/student-activities-and-programs/clubs-and-organizations/publications-and-media-clubs|access-date=November 22, 2016|archive-date=November 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123052532/https://www.susqu.edu/campus-life/student-activities-and-programs/clubs-and-organizations/publications-and-media-clubs|url-status=live}}</ref>
*The institution's student-run newspaper, ''The Quill'', covers campus events, activities, and athletics, and provides a forum for the opinions of members of the campus community.<ref name="The Quill">{{cite web|title=The Quill|url=https://www.susqu.edu/campus-life/student-activities-and-programs/clubs-and-organizations/publications-and-media-clubs|access-date=22 November 2016|archive-date=23 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123052532/https://www.susqu.edu/campus-life/student-activities-and-programs/clubs-and-organizations/publications-and-media-clubs|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Wqsu.jpg|thumb|alt=Two arched windows with orange and maroon decals and text that reads WQSU, The Pulse, 88.9|[[WQSU]] radio station]]
*[[WQSU]]''',''' The Pulse, is the institution's 12,000-watt radio station, making it the third most powerful college radio station and the tenth most powerful non-commercial radio station in Pennsylvania. Broadcasts can be heard at a 70-mile radius, which is approximately one-third of the state of Pennsylvania. The station is operated by students, faculty and staff as well as community volunteers, and features a wide variety of music and talk programs including regularly scheduled news broadcasts.<ref name="The Pulse">{{cite web|title=WQSU|url=https://www.susqu.edu/campus-life/student-activities-and-programs/clubs-and-organizations/publications-and-media-clubs|access-date=November 22, 2016|archive-date=November 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123052532/https://www.susqu.edu/campus-life/student-activities-and-programs/clubs-and-organizations/publications-and-media-clubs|url-status=live}}</ref>
*''The Lanthorn'' is Susquehanna's yearbook.<ref name="The Lanthorn">{{cite web|title=The Lanthorn|url=https://www.susqu.edu/campus-life/student-activities-and-programs/clubs-and-organizations/publications-and-media-clubs|access-date=November 22, 2016|archive-date=November 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123052532/https://www.susqu.edu/campus-life/student-activities-and-programs/clubs-and-organizations/publications-and-media-clubs|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Performing arts====
In addition to the student-run clubs and organizations that focused on music and dance, many ensembles are sponsored and count toward major or elective credit requirements.<ref name="Performing Arts">{{cite web|title=Performing Arts|url=https://www.susqu.edu/campus-life/student-activities-and-programs/clubs-and-organizations/performing-arts-clubs|access-date=November 22, 2016|archive-date=August 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808052220/https://www.susqu.edu/campus-life/student-activities-and-programs/clubs-and-organizations/performing-arts-clubs/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The University Choir, Chorale, and Chamber Singers are the three vocal performance groups open to all students by audition, and the instrumental offerings (many of which are also open to all students through an audition process) range from small ensembles to pep bands to the University Symphonic Band.<ref name="Performance Opportunities">{{cite web|title=Performance Opportunities|url=https://www.susqu.edu/academics/majors-and-minors/department-of-music/performance-opportunities|access-date=November 22, 2016|archive-date=November 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123054731/https://www.susqu.edu/academics/majors-and-minors/department-of-music/performance-opportunities|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Religious life ====
There are eight religious life organizations at Susquehanna. In addition, students as well as the general public have the opportunity to attend Lutheran services held Sunday mornings on campus.<ref name="Religious Life">{{cite web|title=Religious and Spiritual Life|url=https://www.susqu.edu/campus-life/student-activities-and-programs/clubs-and-organizations/religious-and-spiritual-life-clubs|access-date=November 22, 2016|archive-date=November 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123053826/https://www.susqu.edu/campus-life/student-activities-and-programs/clubs-and-organizations/religious-and-spiritual-life-clubs|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Athletics==
[[File:Susquehanna hawks mark.png|thumb|180px|Susquehanna River Hawks wordmark]]
Susquehanna competes in 23 [[Varsity team|varsity]] sports in [[NCAA Division III|Division III]] of the [[National Collegiate Athletic Association|NCAA]]. All sports compete as part of the [[Landmark Conference]] with other [[Northeastern United States|Northeastern]] colleges.<ref>{{cite web|title=Landmark Conference|url=https://www.landmarkconference.org/landing/index|access-date=January 31, 2022|archive-date=February 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220210205341/https://www.landmarkconference.org/landing/index|url-status=live}}</ref>

Susquehanna is also a member of the All-Atlantic Region Track & Field Conference.<ref>{{cite web|title=All-Atlantic|url=https://www.aartfc.org/members/|access-date=September 8, 2023}}</ref> [[Cheerleading]] is Susquehanna's 24th varsity team.<ref>{{cite web|title=Cheerleading - Susquehanna University Athletics|url=https://suriverhawks.com/sports/cheerleading|access-date=January 31, 2022|publisher=Susquehanna University|archive-date=January 31, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131195042/https://suriverhawks.com/sports/cheerleading|url-status=live}}</ref>

The athletics complex includes a {{convert|51000|sqft|m2|adj=on}} field house, 3,500-seat [[Amos Alonzo Stagg]] Field at Doug Arthur Stadium, Douglas Arthur '49 Field, Clyde H. Jacobs Fitness Center, 1,100-seat Orlando W. Houts Gymnasium, a [[natatorium]] with a 25-yard swimming and diving pool, tennis courts, racquetball courts, and Sassafras Softball Field and a multipurpose field.<ref name="suriverhawks.com">{{cite web|title=Facilities - James W. Garrett Sports Complex - Susquehanna University Athletics|url=https://suriverhawks.com/facilities/james-w-garrett-sports-complex/9|access-date=February 4, 2022|publisher=Susquehanna University|archive-date=February 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220204215245/https://suriverhawks.com/facilities/james-w-garrett-sports-complex/9|url-status=live}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"; style= "float:right"
! width= 150px style="{{CollegePrimaryStyle|Susquehanna River Hawks|border=1|color= white }}"| Men's sports
! width= 150px style="{{CollegePrimaryStyle|Susquehanna River Hawks|border=1|color= white }}"| Women's sports
|-
| Baseball || Basketball
|-
| Basketball || Cross Country
|-
| Cross Country || Field Hockey 
|-
| Football || Golf
|-
| Golf || Lacrosse 
|-
| Lacrosse || Soccer
|-
| Soccer || Softball
|-
| Swimming || Swimming
|-
| Tennis || Tennis
|-
| Track and Field<sup>†</sup> || Track and Field<sup>†</sup>
|-
|  || Volleyball
|-
| colspan="2" style="{{CollegePrimaryStyle|Susquehanna River Hawks|border=1|color= white }}" | {{small|† – Track and field includes both indoor and outdoor.}}
|}

[[File:Arthur Stadium.jpg|thumb|left|alt=field in foreground and scoreboard in the background with stadium seating on each side|Stagg Field at Arthur Stadium for football, and track and field]]
In 2022, Susquehanna won the Landmark Conference President's Trophy for the best overall athletics program, which is based on conference regular-season and postseason competition. It was the fifth time Susquehanna won the trophy, tying it with [[Moravian University]], as one of two conference teams to most often win the trophy since it was created in 2008.<ref>{{cite web|title=Landmark Presidents' Trophy|url=https://www.landmarkconference.org/honors/presidentscup/index|access-date=June 6, 2022|publisher=[[Landmark Conference]]|archive-date=June 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160628085138/http://landmarkconference.org/honors/presidentscup/index|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The football team competes in two annual trophy contests. The Goal Post Trophy goes to the winner of the annual football game with rival [[Juniata College]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Goal Post Trophy Stays In Selinsgrove As Football Hammers Juniata, 65-0|url=https://suriverhawks.com/news/2021/11/13/goal-post-trophy-stays-in-selinsgrove-as-football-hammers-juniata-65-0.aspx|date=November 13, 2021|access-date=April 22, 2022|publisher=Susquehanna University|archive-date=April 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220422214433/https://suriverhawks.com/news/2021/11/13/goal-post-trophy-stays-in-selinsgrove-as-football-hammers-juniata-65-0.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="goalpost">{{cite news|title=LOCAL CONNECTIONS: Wallenpaupack grad Palazzi passes Susquehanna to "Goal Post" win|url=https://thetimes-tribune.com/sports/local-connections-wallenpaupack-grad-palazzi-passes-susquehanna-to-goal-post-win-1.255824|date=September 19, 2009|newspaper=[[The Scranton Times-Tribune]]|access-date=April 19, 2010|archive-date=July 19, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719024956/http://thetimes-tribune.com/sports/local-connections-wallenpaupack-grad-palazzi-passes-susquehanna-to-goal-post-win-1.255824|url-status=dead}}</ref> Susquehanna football also plays [[Lycoming College]] for The Stagg Hat Trophy.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lycoming Tops SU, 37-23, Keeps 'Stagg Hat'|url=https://suriverhawks.com/news/2009/9/19/9_19_2009_857.aspx|date=September 19, 2009|access-date=February 9, 2025|publisher=Susquehanna University|archive-date=February 9, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250209080622/https://suriverhawks.com/news/2009/9/19/9_19_2009_857.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref>

In October 2015, Susquehanna University's board of trustees elected to replace the Crusaders nickname and mascot.<ref>{{cite web|last=Krize|first=Nikki|title=Susquehanna University Drops 'Crusader' from Nickname|url=http://wnep.com/2015/10/27/susquehanna-university-drops-crusader-from-nickname/|date=October 27, 2015|access-date=January 4, 2018|publisher=[[WNEP-TV|WNEP]]|archive-date=January 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180105180406/http://wnep.com/2015/10/27/susquehanna-university-drops-crusader-from-nickname/|url-status=live}}</ref> On April 2, 2016, the University announced River Hawks as the new nickname.<ref>{{cite news|last=Deklinski|first=Larry|title=Susquehanna University announces new nickname|url=http://www.newsitem.com/news/2016-04-02/Breaking_News/Susquehanna_University_announces_new_nickname.html|date=April 2, 2016|newspaper=[[The News-Item]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415080715/http://www.newsitem.com/news/2016-04-02/Breaking_News/Susquehanna_University_announces_new_nickname.html|archive-date=April 15, 2016|access-date=January 4, 2018}}</ref> “Benny the Hawk” was introduced on October 29, 2016 as the new mascot.<ref>{{cite web|title=The River Hawks Have Landed - Susquehanna University|url=https://www.susqu.edu/live/news/1030-the-river-hawks-have-landed|date=October 30, 2016|access-date=January 31, 2022|archive-date=January 31, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131195047/https://www.susqu.edu/live/news/1030-the-river-hawks-have-landed|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Notable alumni==
<!--DO NOT add anyone to this list who is not the subject of that person's OWN Wikipedia article! If you do make an appropriate addition to the list, please insert it in the correct alphabetical order by last name.  Thanks.-->
*[[Roger Blough]] - former chairman and CEO of [[U.S. Steel]]
*[[Claude A. Buss]] - diplomat and professor at [[University of Southern California]] and [[Stanford University]]
*[[Julie S. Cabus]] - law enforcement
*[[Richard Caruso]] - founder and chairman of Integra Life Sciences
*[[David A. Day (missionary)|David A. Day]] - longest-serving Lutheran missionary in Liberia
*[[Tommy Dempsey]] - head men's basketball coach, [[Binghamton University]]
*[[Richard Dorman (academic administrator)|Richard Dorman]] - president of [[Westminster College (Pennsylvania)|Westminster College]]
*[[Puella Dornblaser]] - temperance activist
*[[Jay Feaster]] – former general manager of the [[Calgary Flames]], current executive director of Community Hockey Development for the [[Tampa Bay Lightning]]<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.rawcharge.com/2014/7/2/5865701/former-calgary-flames-tampa-bay-lightning-general-manager-jay-feaster-hired|title = The return of Jay Feaster to Lightning org|date = 2 July 2014|access-date = 27 June 2020|archive-date = 9 April 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190409114700/https://www.rawcharge.com/2014/7/2/5865701/former-calgary-flames-tampa-bay-lightning-general-manager-jay-feaster-hired|url-status = live}}</ref>
*[[Benjamin K. Focht]] - member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and the Pennsylvania State Senate
*[[H. B. Galbraith]] - former head football coach at University of Arizona
*[[Chuck Gillin]] - bishop of the [[Reformed Episcopal Church]]
*[[Adam Harris]] - representative for the 82nd District, Pennsylvania House of Representatives, 2003–2018
*[[James Jordan (conductor)|James Jordan]] - writer and conductor
*[[Dick Kauffman]] - professional baseball player
*[[David T. Little]] - American composer and drummer
*[[Camilla Luddington]] - actress
*[[Jackie McKeever]] - [[Tony Award|Tony]] Award-nominated singer and actress
*[[Harold Norman Moldenke]] - botanist and taxonomist
*[[Bob Mosher]] - television and radio scriptwriter
*[[Bill Muir]] - former [[American football]] coach
*[[Paul Musser]] - professional baseball player
*[[Merle Phillips]] - representative for the 108th District, Pennsylvania House of Representatives, 1980–2010
*[[Ashley Shade|Ashley L. Shade]] - director of research at the Institute of Ecology and the Environment within Le Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique
*[[John Strangfeld]] - former chairman and CEO of [[Prudential Financial]]

==Notable faculty and administration==
<!--Please put any new entries into correct alphabetical order by last name!  Thanks.-->
*[[Tom Bailey (author)|Tom Bailey]] - Author, editor, and former creative writing professor.
*[[Rick Benjamin (conductor)|Rick Benjamin]] - Adjunct professor of music at Susquehanna University and conductor of Paragon Ragtime Orchestra
*[[Gary Brown (running back)|Gary Brown]] - Former professional football player and former offensive coordinator of Susquehanna University football team
*[[Scot Dapp]] - Former head baseball coach at Susquehanna University
*[[Jim Garrett]] - Former head football coach at Susquehanna University, former college football player, NFL player and assistant coach/scout.
*[[Jonathan D. Green]] - President of Susquehanna 2017-present
*[[Jim Hazlett]] - Former head baseball and football coach
*[[Ralph Mitterling]] - Former head football coach at Susquehanna University
*[[Rocky Rees|William M. "Rocky" Rees]] - Former head football coach at Susquehanna University
*[[Glen Retief]] - South African author and English and creative writing professor
*[[Amos Alonzo Stagg]] - Former co-head football coach with his son at Susquehanna University
*[[Amos Alonzo Stagg Jr.]] - Former head football and basketball coach at Susquehanna University
*[[Edgar Wingard]] - Former head football coach at Susquehanna University

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==External links==
{{ccat}}
* {{oweb}}
* [https://suriverhawks.com/ Athletics website]

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