College History

The College of Earth and Mineral Sciences at The Pennsylvania State University has achieved a long and distinguished history. From its origin in 1859, when earth science courses were offered in the agricultural program, to the establishment of the School of Mines in 1896 with its single major in mining engineering, to the creation of a College of Mineral Industries by Dean Edward Steidle in the 1930s, and to the present with the development of a comprehensive College of Earth and Mineral Sciences dedicated to the study of the total Earth, the College
has been at the cutting edge in advancing
knowledge.

The College of Earth and Mineral Sciences’ success is due to:

1. emphasis on excellence and the extraordinary freedom granted to faculty to
   pursue promising research and teaching initiatives
2. recognition that the best instruction is provided by people engaged in actively
   contributing to the development of important knowledge
3. sustained commitment to its academic and research programs without undue
   distraction by short-lived fads
4. openness to new ideas
5. willingness to accept diverse viewpoints on critical issues
6. the ability of our faculty and students to work in interdisciplinary teams

College of Earth and Mineral Sciences' Centennial Videos:

1. The Early Years I - EMS Centennial
2. The Early Years II - EMS Centennial
3. New Vigor, New Directions - EMS Centennial
4. Developing Research Power - EMS Centennial
5. A Powerful Force - EMS Centennial

The Penn State Obelisk

The Penn State Obelisk, standing on the Mall near Old Main, is an enduring symbol of the history and spirit of the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. It is exactly as old as the College itself, constructed in 1896 under the direction of Dean Magnus C. Ihlseng, as a collaborative effort of faculty, students, and the Pennsylvania building stone industry. William C.B. Alexander, a freshman in the mining program, took an extended bicycle journey through Pennsylvania, visiting many of the quarries that provided the stones. Some 281 stones from 139 locations were collected. Thomas C. Hopkins, associate professor of economic geology, assembled the stones in their natural geologic order. The Obelisk supported research on the durability and characteristics of building stone, displayed the various stones for builders and architects to examine and, since the stones were arranged in geological sequence, aided instruction in Earth Sciences.

When constructed, the Obelisk reflected the remarkable vision and commitment of the College’s founders. They were clearly dedicated to the three-part mission of teaching, research, and service to industry and society. They acted vigorously to shape the future of the College and its students. Today, the Obelisk is the symbol of a society that honors major contributors to the College, a society whose members reflect their commitment to the continuing achievement of the College through their involvement and generosity.