Springfield College History

Since 1885, we at Springfield College have had a singular focus on educating students—in spirit, mind, and body—for leadership in service to others. We call it our Humanics philosophy. The world has changed since 1885, and we have, too. New academic programs, renovations, construction, and other major developments have ensured that we remain relevant to today’s students and society. One thing that hasn’t changed is our Humanics focus.

That means that we place great emphasis on helping students grow their whole person, enter fields that help others, and serve as leaders in their communities, organizations, and companies, at home and around the world. Offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, Springfield College is the best destination for those seeking a well-rounded education, strong academics, experiential learning opportunities, and active and fulfilling co-curricular and athletic involvement.

Logos and Seal

College Seal

The Springfield College seal includes the Luther Gulick triangle with the words “spirit,” “mind,” and “body” written within it. Within the triangle is the lamp of learning, and around the triangle is a circle that encloses the name of the institution and its founding year of 1885. The Luther Gulick triangle continues to represent the College and its Humanics philosophy of educating students in spirit, mind, and body for leadership in service to others.

Springfield College utilizes the seal for official business. For example, it’s imprinted on certain communications from the Office of the President, ceremonial documents, awards, and diplomas.

College Logo

The Springfield College logo, created in 2015, which includes the words “Springfield College” and an inverted triangle, exemplifies the College’s Humanics philosophy, which recognizes that an individual’s emotional, intellectual, and physical lives are interconnected. The inverted equilateral triangle utilized in the new logo dates back to former Springfield College faculty member Luther H. Gulick, a pioneer in physical education and recreation in the United States, who first introduced the symbol to the College in 1891.

Athletics Logo

Springfield College Athletics is represented by a block "S," which follows a storied tradition of the College utilizing numerous forms of this imagery for decades. The College chose to move forward with one consistent look that honors its history and uses two-toned coloring that helps Springfield College stand apart from other institutions.

1885

The School for Christian Workers opens with 18 students. Tuition is free and meals cost about $3 per week. David Allen Reed, a Congregationalist minister, is the founder of the school, which was originally located at Winchester Square in Springfield, Mass.

1887

“Body building” is coined by gymnasium department instructor Robert J. Roberts, considered the founder of the fitness movement. Roberts came to the college after a career at the Boston YMCA.

1889

The triangle is born! Luther Halsey Gulick, former director of the physical education department and “father of physical education and recreation in the United States,” creates the Springfield College triangle emblem seen in our logo today (and now lovingly referred to as the Gulick Triangle).

1891

College instructor and graduate student James Naismith invents “basket ball.” The first game is played between faculty and students at Springfield College, with students winning 5-1.

1895

William Morgan, Class of 1894, invents volleyball at the Holyoke (Mass.) YMCA. Originally named mintonette, the game is renamed volleyball at an exhibition game at Springfield College.

William Beckett, first graduate of Springfield College, and classmates

1906

William H.J. Beckett receives the first degree ever awarded by the College, a Bachelor of Humanics. Beckett is pictured in the center of the portrait, third row from the bottom.

1913

Former U.S. President William Howard Taft speaks at the dedication of Marsh Memorial Library, now home to the Office of the President.

1920

Springfield College receives the Olympic Cup from the International Olympic Committee for “merit and integrity, contribution to the progress of athletics, and clean sport.” We’re the only college to receive this honor.

1926

Stepping Up Day—formerly called Decapitation Day, or the day when freshmen no longer had to wear their beanies—begins as a tradition.

1927

Peter Karpovich, MD, joins the faculty. Karpovich becomes an internationally respected exercise physiologist, scholar, and researcher. Many of his philosophies still influence the development of our exercise physiology programs.

1933

Father of Modern Dance in the United States Ted Shawn H’36 teaches at Springfield College and forms the first all-male dance group, comprised of Springfield College students. The group founds Jacob’s Pillow, located in Becket, Mass., and tours the United States.

1939

Springfield College earns international recognition in a Jan. 23 Life magazine article, “Men of Muscle: From Springfield College Come Physical Directors for the Nation.”

1954

Springfield College officially becomes Springfield College. Names of the College have included School for Christian Workers (1885), YMCA Training School (1890), International YMCA Training School (1891), International YMCA College (1912), and finally, Springfield College.

1961

Irving Conrad, then president of the Student Government Association, creates Sti-Yu-Ka, a celebration each spring that celebrates the end of the academic year. The greased pole climb is a tradition that continues as part of the celebrations today.

1963

Springfield College is prominently featured in the Dec. 2 issue of Sports Illustrated as a school that “is making an unequaled contribution to American sports.”

1964

Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. gives the commencement address and receives an honorary Doctor of Humanics on June 14, despite outside attempts to persuade the College to rescind its invitation to King.

1968

The James Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame opens on the campus. The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame has since moved to downtown Springfield.

1972

Title IX is enacted on June 23. Congressional testimony is given by faculty member Mimi Murray ’61, G’67.

1982

Tom Waddell, MD, ‘59 founds the Gay Games, a quadrennial arts and athletic event open to anyone who would like to participate. This happens 14 years after Waddell competes in the decathlon for the United States at the Olympics in Mexico City.

1997

Springfield College chemistry professors Chun-Kwun Wun and Frank Torre help develop a rapid test that can detect killer E. coli bacteria before tainted food, such as a hamburger, leaves the warehouse on its way to consumers.

2010

A larger-than-life bronze statue of James Naismith is unveiled on Naismith Green.

2011

A tornado tears through campus on June 1, destroying many trees and International Hall, a residence hall on campus. Campus is quickly brought back to life and International Hall is fully restored to working order before students come back to campus in September.

2013

U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren delivers the Undergraduate Commencement address on May 19.

2017

The new Learning Commons will open on the campus and serve as an educational hub for students. With resources combined from the library, Academic Success Center, and Internet Technology Solutions, students will be able to access whatever they need academically in a technologically advanced—and beautiful—facility.