Old Main and St. Thomas College
The University of Scranton traces its origins to St. Thomas College, established in 1888 by Bishop William O’Hara, first Bishop of Scranton. Bishop O’Hara’s vision was to provide higher education for the growing immigrant population of northeastern Pennsylvania, while promoting intellectual and spiritual development. Despite financial constraints that delayed its opening, St. Thomas College began operations in 1892 in a newly-constructed building on Wyoming Avenue, later known as “Old Main.”
St. Thomas College was originally operated by diocesan priests and seminarians. In 1897, administration was transferred to the Christian Brothers, a well-established teaching order who brought structured academic programs and a commitment to quality higher education. Under the leadership of the Christian Brothers, St. Thomas College expanded its curriculum to include a four-year degree program, leading to its first bachelor's degrees in 1901. However, during this period, the college lacked a state charter, and degrees had to be issued through affiliated institutions like La Salle College and St. John’s College in Washington, D.C. By 1923, St. Thomas College obtained its state charter, allowing it to grant degrees in its own name. Soon after, in 1927, it was accredited by the Middle States Association, marking a significant milestone in its academic legitimacy. This period also saw the expansion of extracurricular activities, including debate, dramatic arts, and athletics.
In 1942, the Jesuits assumed control of St. Thomas College, bringing a tradition of rigorous scholarship and a strong commitment to academic excellence and community engagement. Under their administration, the college saw academic improvements, faculty expansion, and the modernization of its infrastructure. In 1938, St. Thomas College was renamed the University of Scranton, reflecting its expanded academic mission. Following this period, the University significantly expanded its campus and academic offerings.
In 1938, University president Bro. Denis Edward, F.S.C., submitted a petition to the Court of Common Pleas requesting to change the name of the institution from St. Thomas College to The University of Scranton. The University operated under the new title from that time forward, although the name change was not recognized by the Pennsylvania State Department of Education until April 1942. As part of the name change, the University adopted a new insignia with the label “Sigillum Universitatis Scrantonensis,” or “seal of the University of Scranton.” In addition to the University motto “Religio - Mores - Cultura,” the emblem also featured a Lamp of Knowledge and a Holy Cross resting on Books of Learning. Acorns at the bottom of the seal signified strength.
Scranton Estate
The Scranton Estate and its adjoining 4.5 acres were gifted to the University by prominent industrialist Worthington Scranton in 1941. It was commissioned by Joseph Hand Scranton, one of the founders of the City of Scranton, in the late 1860s as a 25-room residence for his family at 4 Ridge Row.. The Estate is a classic example of the Second Empire architectural style. Designed by well-known New York architect Russell Sturgis, the house features stone masonry by William Sykes, woodwork carvings designed by William F. Paris, a solid mahogany staircase, and a Tiffany glass skylight. Construction is believed to have cost approximately $150,000. The house initially featured a tower, which was later removed, and two open porches, which have since been enclosed.
In December 1941, Worthington Scranton donated the Estate property to Bishop William J. Hafey for use by the University of Scranton, saying that he felt the Estate would be "most advantageously used for the development of an institution of higher learning so that the youth of this vicinity can get an education at a reasonable cost" (Scranton Times, November 19, 1941). At the time, the house and grounds were valued at $163,400. When the Jesuits arrived in Scranton in 1942, the Estate became their community residence. The first floor held a chapel (formerly the drawing room), reception parlor, a 5,000-volume library, and recreation room, while the second and third floors served as private rooms for the Jesuits.
In 1956, some of the granite wall surrounding the Estate was removed to make room for Loyola Hall. The stones were later used to fill in the mine shafts underneath the site of Alumni Memorial Hall. In early 1957, a small fire led to damage in the main parlor of the house. There was extensive renovation to the Estate in the 1960s, and the back porches were enclosed in the 1970s. Since 2009, the Estate has housed the University's Admissions Office. The Estate and its surroundings underwent significant landscaping renovations in 2016 following the demolition of Loyola Hall.
