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The Institution is Founded
A legislative charter is granted by the State of New Hampshire to 11 New London citizens for the purpose of establishing a school in the town. The eleven men who were named as the academy’s incorporators were Joseph Colby, Anthony Colby, Perley Burpee, Jonathan Greeley, John Brown, Jonathan Herrick, David Everett, Samuel Carr, Walter Flanders, Jonathan Addison, and Marshall Trayne. -
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New London Academy
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Land is Purchased
Five acres are purchased by Anthony Colby, Perley Burpee, John Brown, and Walter Flanders for the Academy Building. A public subscription was initiated to pay for the building and the New London townspeople contributed $1,000. -
New London Academy Opens
New London Academy, a coeducational secondary school, welcomed its first students. It opens with a student body of twenty six young ladies and one ten year old boy. Susan Colby, daughter of Anthony Colby, is the first teacher and lady principal. -
The Second Class
Fifty four male students join the Academy under the tutelage of the male principal, Dyer Sanborn. The Academy building (as shown) is also built. -
Changes at the Academy
The New Hampton Literary and Theological Institution moves to Fairfax Vermont and the New Hampshire Baptists, with encouragement from former Governor Anthony Colby and New London’s Baptist minister, Ebenezer Dodge, assume responsibility for the Academy. The new Board of Trustees is made up of twenty-four members, three-fourths of whom had to be from New Hampshire but not from New London and three-fourths also had to be Baptists in good standing. -
Building of the Heidelberg
The Ladies Boarding House (later called Heidelberg) is built (on what is now the New London green) to accommodate up to forty female students and the female faculty. -
New London Literary & Scientific Institution
The New Hampshire Baptist Association makes a slight adjustment to the school’s name, changing it to the New London Literary and Scientific Institution. -
Colby Hall
Anthony Colby purchases the original town meeting house and moves it to campus. It is renovated to provide twenty double rooms for the male students and is called Colby Hall. -
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New London Literary & Scientific Institution
The New Hampshire Baptist Association makes a slight adjustment to the school’s name, changing it to the New London Literary and Scientific Institution. -
Brick Academy Building Dedicated
The new brick Academy building is dedicated. Located on the present site of Colgate Hall, the building provided dormitory space for one hundred female students as well as classrooms, laboratories, library, gymnastic facilities, chapel, dining room, kitchen, and laundry facilities. -
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Colby Academy
New London Literary and Scientific Institution is renamed Colby Academy in tribute to the on-going support of the Colby family of New London. -
Field Day
The first mention of an annual field day is made in the Colby Academy Voice although it is indicated that this is an annual tradition that the students look forward to. Activities include baseball, tug of war, football, and track and field events. -
Fire at the Academy
While students are gathering mayflowers in Sutton, a fire breaks out in the brick Academy building. Although the school records, most library books, and some furniture and belongings are saved, the building cannot be salvaged. After the fire, townspeople take in students until the old buildings are repaired. -
New Gymnasium
The gymnasium is built between Heidelberg and Colby Hall. -
Organized Sports come to Colby
Initially, there were four sanctioned sports teams at Colby Academy: baseball, football, track, and basketball. The Academy played other high school teams in the area including Tilton, New Hampton, and Claremont. -
Dedication of Colgate Hall
Colgate Hall housed female students, administrative offices, a library, dining room, kitchen, chapel, classrooms, and laundry. The male students continued to reside in Colby Hall. -
Ice Hockey
By the 1920s, the Academy added hockey to men's sports. -
Women's Sports
Academy women began a field hockey team. Field hockey was becoming increasingly popular and the US Field Hockey Association was founded in 1922. Women also became participants in the Academy's annual field day, playing in golf tournaments. -
H. Leslie Sawyer becomes Headmaster
Dr. Herbert Leslie Sawyer becomes Headmaster of Colby Academy. He would later become president of Colby Junior College in 1928. -
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H. Leslie Sawyer
Dr. Herbert Leslie Sawyer becomes Headmaster of Colby Academy. He would later become president of Colby Junior College in 1928. -
Colby School for Girls
Colby Academy is renamed the Colby School for Girls and incorporates two years of preparatory school and two years of college. -
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Colby School for Girls
After 90 years as a secondary school, Colby Academy trustees vote in 1927 to transform Colby Academy into a junior college and preparatory school for women. -
McKean Hall
McKean Hall is built, and is named for Dr. Horace G. McKean, Colby Academy’s headmaster from 1899 to 1905. -
Rise of Women's Sports
The College develops an equestrian program, field hockey, and all students participate in gym class. -
The First Junior College Class
Fourteen young women receive the first associate degrees conferred by Colby School for Girls. -
Colby Hall
A new residence hall is built and named Colby Hall in honor of the Colby Family. -
Shepard Hall
Shepard Hall is built in honor of one of the original New London families who were trustees of the Academy and the College. -
Athletics Association Formed
Colby Junior College students form an Athletic Association which is responsible for many of the events at the College including Mountain Day, Winter Carnival, and May Day. It also has several clubs under it including the Boot and Saddle Club, the Outing Club, and the Health Club. -
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Colby Junior College
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Colby Junior College
By an act of the New Hampshire Legislature, Colby School for Girls is changed to Colby Junior College for Women. The preparatory courses are phased out. -
Burpee Hall
Burpee Hall is built in honor of one of the Burpee family, one of the original founders of the Academy. It includes a new library and additional wings are added in 1934 and 1935. The hall houses the library collection until 1949. -
Colby Lodge
Colby Athletic Association Lodge is erected on the shores of Little Lake Sunapee. “The contractor took down the old Colby Hall and used the beams, which had been put into the building when it was the town’s first meeting house, as the framework of the new Lodge.” (Rowe, The First Century of Colby). -
President's House
The President’s Home, a gift from Mary Colgate, officially opens, and Dr. and Mrs. Sawyer are the first residents. -
Centennial Celebration
The Centennial Celebration is held, and it strengthens Colby Junior College’s place in the educational field. President Sawyer and Miss Doris Nielsen, President of the Class of 1937 seal materials in a copper box to be opened in June 2037. -
Page Hall
Page Hall is built, and is named for Reverend Charles L. Page, class of 1880 and a member and chair of the Board of Trustees for 40 years. -
Varsity Sports
By the end of the 1930s, there are two varsity sports: field hockey and basketball. -
Abbey Hall
Abbey Hall is built and dedicated to the memory of Charles Clinton Abbey, husband of Emily F. Abbey Gill, benefactress of colleges and secondary schools, especially those dedicated to the education of women. -
Colbytown Camp
Colbytown Camp, an interracial, interfaith institution, is established at Colby Lodge on Little Lake Sunapee as a summer retreat for refugee children from war-torn Europe. After the war, it becomes a place for disadvantaged young American girls, counseled by Colby Junior College students, to experience nature in a supportive environment. -
Eleanor Roosevelt visits Campus
Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt visits the College and gives a speech to the community at the Baptist Church. Her visit is arranged by the Committee of Public Affairs and brings wide publicity to the College. -
First Bachelor Degree Offered
The college offers its first bachelor degree after an amendment to the College Charter by the New Hampshire General Court grants Colby Junior College the privilege of “granting all degrees ordinarily conferred by senior colleges.” -
First Bachelor Degree Conferred
Ellen Marron and Phoebe Neal receive the first bachelor’s degrees conferred at Colby Junior College. They are Medical Technician students who have completed internships at accredited hospitals. -
Gordon Research Conference
The Gordon Research Conference begins. -
Sabbatical Leave
President Sawyer begins a sabbatical leave system for the faculty. -
Library-Commons Building
The Library-Commons building is designed and constructed on the south side of the Quad to provide dining room facilities and library space. The Fernald Library honors Josiah E. Fernald, Endowment Treasurer and senior member of the Finance Committee. -
New Sports
By the 1950s, the College adds cheerleading, skiing, and basketball to its list of sports. -
First Television
The first television is installed on campus so students can watch General McArthur speak before Congress. -
Best Hall
Best Hall is built and dedicated to the memory of Dr. Samuel M. Best, Chairman of the board of Trustees (1933-1968). -
Eugene Austin Appointed Colby Junior College President
Dr. Eugene M. Austin (left) is appointed President of Colby Junior College for Women. During his time at the College, president Austin improved benefits, raised salaries, established tenure, and aided in finding faculty housing near campus. -
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Eugene Austin
Dr. Eugene M. Austin (left) is appointed President of Colby Junior College for Women. During his time at the College, president Austin improved benefits, raised salaries, established tenure, and aided in finding faculty housing near campus. -
Portico facing quad added to Colgate.
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Sawyer Center
The Sawyer Center, a fine arts center dedicated to Dr. and Mrs. Herbert Leslie Sawyer, opens. -
Mugar Art Gallery Building
The Marion Mugar Art Gallery Building, an applied arts addition, adjoins Sawyer Center; a gift of Stephen P. Mugar, honoring his wife Marion Graves Mugar. -
The “old” Academy Building, built in 1838, is restored
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Ski Trips
In the 1960s, the Athletic Association begins sponsoring winter ski trips. -
Reicchold Science Center
The Reichhold Science Center opens — a gift of Henry R. Reichhold, parent and friend. -
Celebration of the 125th Anniversary of the College.
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Dr. Everett M. Woodman is appointed President of Colby Junior College for Women.
Everett Woodman (left) and neighbor M. Roy London stand in front of cornstalks. -
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Everett M. Woodman
Colby Junior College president, 1962-1972 -
HESS
The Sports Science Center, a new gymnasium, is built. This building is later known as HESS (Health, Exercise, and Sport Sciences). Today, it is known as Mercer Hall. -
Outstanding Historical Restoration
The College receives the coveted annual award for outstanding historical work in the United States from the American Association for State and Local History for the restoration of the old Academy Building. -
Austin Hall
The old gymnasium is renovated and refurbished as a residence for 33 students, and renamed Austin Hall in honor of former Colby Junior College president, Dr. Eugene M. Austin. -
Volleyball, tennis, and badminton are added as varsity sports.
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Dr. Louis C. Vaccaro is appointed President of Colby Junior College for Women.
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Louis Vaccaro
President of the College when it was known as Colby Junior College, Colby College-New Hampshire and Colby-Sawyer College. -
Colby College-New Hampshire
The Board of Trustees changes the name of the College to Colby College-New Hampshire. At this time the College is offering two, three, and four year degree options, and changes its name “to accommodate the diversity of interests among the students.” -
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Colby College-New Hampshire
The Board of Trustees changes the name of the College to Colby College-New Hampshire. At this time the College is offering two, three, and four year degree options, and changes its name “to accommodate the diversity of interests among the students.” -
Colby College Threatens to Sue
It is reported to the Board of Trustees that the college faces a lawsuit by Colby College, in Maine, regarding its name. Here is a mini pilsner misprint which has Colby College-New Hampshire's name with Colby College's seal. -
Colby-Sawyer College
The Board of Trustees, choosing to honor the College’s first president, Dr. Herbert Leslie Sawyer, votes to change the name to Colby-Sawyer College. -
Seamans Alumni House
With the help of the New London community, Colby-Sawyer College acquires Seamans Alumni House, the former Cranehurst Inn. -
With the new name for the College, came a new name for our athletic teams: the Chargers.
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Colby-Sawyer College
The Board of Trustees, choosing to honor the College’s first president, Dr. Herbert Leslie Sawyer, votes to change the name to Colby-Sawyer College. -
Windy Hill School
A child study lab school is established as a site for teacher internships and student practica. It is named Windy Hill School. -
Dr. H. Nicholas Muller, III, is appointed President of Colby-Sawyer College
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Nicholas H. Muller, III
Colby-Sawyer College president. -
In the 1980s, soccer and lacrosse were added and basketball returned, having been dropped for a couple of decades.
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Colby Homestead is purchased by the College.
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The Chargers Club is founded to support the athletics program at the College.
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Susan C. Cleveland Library/Learning Center
Dedication of the Susan Colgate Cleveland Library. Named for the granddaughter of the institution’s first teacher, long-time trustee, and benefactor. Two pre-Civil War barns attached to the Colby Homestead form the heart of the complex. -
Dr. Peggy A. Stock becomes the sixth President of Colby-Sawyer College.
She is the first woman to hold this position. -
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Peggy Stock
First female president of Colby-Sawyer College. -
The First Annual Women’s Symposium is held at the College.
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New Campus Center
The New Campus Center, located in the old Fernald Library building, is opened. Wheeler Hall, the lounge and dining area, is dedicated to Wayne K. Wheeler, Treasurer of the College (1937-1971). -
Award of Excellence
The Susan Colgate Cleveland Library/Learning Center receives the award of excellence in Library architecture from the American Institute of Architects and the American Library Association. -
Colby-Sawyer begins celebration of its Sesquicentennial Anniversary
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Career Development Center Opens
The Career Development Center and Counseling Services opens in the newly renovated Caretaker’s Cottage. The cottage was built in 1930 to house the farm manager of Colby Homestead. -
Academic Development Center Opens
The Academic Development Center opens its doors in the historic James House, which was originally built as a powerhouse for Colgate Hall. -
Susan Colby Day
New Hampshire Governor John Sununu declares this date as Susan Colby Day to celebrate the first principal of New London Academy and asks all citizens to recognize the many contributions Colby-Sawyer has made to the Granite State during its 150-year history. -
Colby-Sawyer to Admit Men
The Board of Trustees announces that Colby-Sawyer College will admit men beginning in the Fall of 1990, thus returning the College to its heritage of co-education. -
The core curriculum is reviewed and revised to bridge academic disciplines.
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The Ware Campus Center, formerly the Library-Commons building, is dedicated to Judge Martha Ware
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The Kelsey Tennis courts open
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The first co-educational class in Colby-Sawyer’s history as a college is admitted
Of 212 entering freshmen, 68 are men (32%). Photograph is from the class' five year reunion. -
Men's athletic teams are quickly formed, including soccer and basketball.
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The Annual Fund passes the one million mark for the first time, with a total of $1,058,707
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Hogan Sports Center
The Hogan Sports Center opens, and is dedicated to Daniel and Kathleen Hogan. -
The Board of Trustees votes to create a Resource Allocation and Priorities Plan to extend strategic planning efforts to academic programs
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Plans are implemented to consolidate programs and ensure program quality centering around the fields of Health, Humanities, and Human Services
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Mercer Field
Mercer Field is dedicated in honor of William and Ramona Mercer. -
Colby-Sawyer College graduates its first co-educational class.
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Rooke Hall
The dedication ceremony is held for Rooke Hall, a residence hall for 105 students, named in honor of the Rooke family. -
Baker Communications Center
Baker Communications Center is dedicated, named for Elbert H. Baker, distinguished in the communications industry and father of Martine Baker Anderson, Class of 1959. -
Dr. Anne Ponder becomes the seventh President of Colby-Sawyer.
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Anne Ponder
7th president of Colby-Sawyer College -
The Cleveland Colby Colgate Archives opens.
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Lawson Hall
Lawson Hall, a student residence hall, is dedicated and named in honor of Charles J. “Chuck” Lawson and his wife, Joan. Chuck served on the Board of Trustees for ten years, the last six as chairman. -
The Lodge
Beams from Colby Lodge on Little Lake Sunapee are used once again on campus to construct the Lodge, a student area with a snack bar and recreation room. -
Ice Storm
New London is in a state of emergency as the Northeast is gripped by an unusually destructive ice storm. Over 33,000 homes in the region are without power for several days. -
Old Academy building become Town Offices
Colby-Sawyer College donates the old Academy building, the school’s original building, to the town of New London. Following renovations, New London uses the building as its town hall. -
The Community and Environmental Science major is added to Colby-Sawyer’s programs.
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Kelsey Athletic Fields
The Kelsey Athletic Fields open in honor of Bob and Pat Kelsey. -
Danforth Hall
Danforth Hall, a residence hall for 102 students, opens. The hall consists of 10- and 11-person suites of double and single rooms, and also features a conservatory, a working greenhouse, and a seminar room. New Hall also houses the Institute for Community and Environment and provides a study center for Honors Program students. Additionally, the Patricia D. Kelsey Tennis Courts were relocated to an area of campus between the Lodge and the Colby Farm, with a commanding view of Kearsarge Mountain. -
Mercer Hall
The former Health, Exercise and Sport Sciences Center (HESS) building is extensively renovated and renamed Mercer Hall, in honor of benefactors William C. Mercer and Ramona Wells Mercer ‘41. Home of the Exercise and Sport Sciences Department, the building includes refurbished classrooms, laboratories, a renovated gymnasium, and office space for faculty, staff, and student assistants. -
The first endowed faculty chairs are created.
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The Lodge is renamed the Lethbridge Lodge in honor of trustee and friend, George “Bud” Lethbridge.
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The Curtis L. Ivey Science Center opens.
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The college’s largest capital campaign, *Confidently Colby-Sawyer: Succeeding Together*, exceeds its $40 million goal with a total of $42.6 million.
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The Athletics Hall of Fame is established to honor athletic excellence.
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Thomas C. Galligan is appointed Colby-Sawyer College’s eighth president.
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Tom Galligan
8th president of Colby-Sawyer College -
Burning of Seamans Alumni House
Seamans Alumni House is burned in a training operation by the New London Fire Department after it was determined to be an unhealthy working environment. -
First Fulbright Scholar in Residence
The college hosts Isaac Nyamongo of the University of Nairobi, Kenya, the college’s first Fulbright scholar in residence. -
Ice Storm
An ice storm hits, knocking out Colby-Sawyer’s power and sending students home early with finals to make up in spring semester. -
Global Beginnings
The first year of the new Global Beginnings program begins with students in Strasbourg, France and Florence, Italy. -
The Academic Development Center and Harrington Center move into the Susan C. Cleveland Library/Learning Center.
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New graphic design lab opens in Reichhold.
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Construction begins on the new Windy Hill School.
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Sue's Sugar House Opens
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The new Windy Hill school opens.
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Ware Center Remodel Begins
