History
1846: The University at Lewisburg
Founded in 1846, Bucknell originally bore the name University at Lewisburg.
Checked 2026-11-01 · Sources: About Bucknell < Bucknell University Catalog
THE COLLEGE GAME · 2026
Bucknell Football
Patriot League · Program & school history
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History
1850: The first campus building
The preparatory department moved into today’s Taylor Hall, the first completed campus building, in 1850.
Checked 2026-11-01 · Sources: History & Traditions of Bucknell University
History
1851: The first Commencement
Bucknell’s first Commencement, on August 20, 1851, graduated seven men.
Checked 2026-11-01 · Sources: History & Traditions of Bucknell University
History
1852: The Female Institute
The Female Institute began instruction in 1852, preceding women’s admission to college courses in 1883.
Checked 2026-11-01 · Sources: History & Traditions of Bucknell University
History
1886: A benefactor’s name
The university was renamed in 1886 to honor benefactor William Bucknell.
Checked 2026-11-01 · Sources: About Bucknell < Bucknell University Catalog
History
1962: The College of Engineering
Bucknell formally established its College of Engineering in 1962, naming Herbert Eckberg its first dean.
Checked 2026-11-01 · Sources: History & Traditions of Bucknell University
History
2017: A third college
The School of Management became Bucknell’s third college in 2017.
Checked 2026-11-01 · Sources: History & Traditions of Bucknell University
History
1924: Memorial Stadium opens
The stadium opened October 18, 1924, as a memorial to Bucknell’s war veterans.
Checked 2026-11-01 · Sources: Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium - Bucknell University Athletics
History
1989: Honoring Christy Mathewson
The stadium was renovated and renamed in 1989 to recognize Christy Mathewson alongside its memorial purpose.
Checked 2026-11-01 · Sources: Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium - Bucknell University Athletics
History
2001: A new playing surface
Bucknell’s May 2001 announcement described installation of FieldTurf funded by Norm and Mary Lou Garrity.
Checked 2026-11-01 · Sources: Bucknell Installs FieldTurf in Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium - Bucknell University Athletics
History
A gift honoring Bob O’Dell
The 2001 Garrity gift also endowed the head football coaching position in honor of Bob O’Dell.
Checked 2026-11-01 · Sources: Bucknell Installs FieldTurf in Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium - Bucknell University Athletics
History
1883: The Lafayette beginning
Bucknell’s official account dates its first football game, against Lafayette, to 1883.
Checked 2026-11-01 · Sources: Football Travels to Lafayette for Patriot League Opener Saturday - Bucknell University Athletics
History
1935: The first Orange Bowl
Bucknell defeated Miami 26–0 on January 1, 1935, in the inaugural Orange Bowl.
Checked 2026-11-01 · Sources: Seventy-Fifth Orange Bowl to be Played Jan. 1; Bucknell Won First Game in 1935 - Bucknell University Athletics
History
Hook Mylin’s first Bucknell season
The Orange Bowl victory completed a 7–2–2 campaign under first-year Bucknell head coach Edward “Hook” Mylin.
Checked 2026-11-01 · Sources: Seventy-Fifth Orange Bowl to be Played Jan. 1; Bucknell Won First Game in 1935 - Bucknell University Athletics
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