Manor Junior College: in the beginning there was... (03/15/98)

Manor Junior College: in the beginning there was...

by Steve Greenbaum

JENKINTOWN, Pa. - In a small farmhouse on Fox Chase Road that once served as the home for American flagmaker Betsy Ross, St. Macrina College opened its doors to 11 female students of Ukrainian ancestry. Now, 50 years later, St. Macrina College is known as Manor Junior College, and there are some 650 male and female students of diversified background who attend the Catholic college seeking a liberal arts and career-oriented education.

Although the campus has dramatically changed over the years - Manor now has three main buildings on over 35 acres of grounds - the traditions that were established in 1947 by its founder, Mother M. Josaphat Theodorowych OSBM, are still observed today.

Mother Josaphat, the superior of the Ukrainian sisters of the Order of St. Basil the Great, was determined to establish a school of higher education that would embody the Basilian educational teachings. These teachings stressed the importance of seeking the fullness and meaning of life through the truths and wisdom of classical and Christian traditions.

Originally a four-year liberal arts college, Manor College served as a learning center for young Ukrainian women to pursue higher education while preserving the culture and ancestry of their forefathers. It was in 1959, after serious consideration, a decision was made to change the nature of the college from a four-year liberal arts college to a two-year junior college that conferred upon its graduates associate degrees in arts and in science. At this time, Manor College became Manor Junior College and was incorporated by the state of Pennsylvania.

As enrollment increased, the college expanded its facilities by adding the academic building, Mother of Perpetual Help Hall, in 1961. Today, this building also houses the auditorium/gymnasium, cafeteria, offices of continuing education, learning center, student services, a counseling and computer center and chapel. In 1964, due to the increased enrollment of out-of-area students, a dormitory was constructed. Then in 1968, the Basileiad Library-Administrative Building was dedicated.

The high point for the college came in 1967 when it became fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. In the fall of 1989, Manor became co-educational.

The college, a member of the Eastern Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference (EPCC), offers a variety of intercollegiate sports for men and women, including men's soccer and basketball, and women's volleyball, basketball and soccer.

Today, Manor Junior college has some 650 full and part-time students. The college offers career-oriented, two-year associate degrees, as well as transfer programs for the purpose of obtaining a baccalaureate degree through its three divisions: Liberal Arts; Allied Health, Science and Math; and Business. In all, there are 14 programs with 13 majors leading to associate degrees, six certificate programs, one diploma program and a transfer program.

The Professional Development Department supports the non-traditional student by offering part-time day, evening and summer classes as well as non-credit and professional development workshops and seminars geared to the community needs. Upon graduation 40 percent of Manor's students are enrolled in their chosen fields. The other 60 percent transfer to four-year institutions.

Other on-campus facilities include an athletic field for Manor's intercollegiate soccer program, the Dental Health Center and the Ukrainian Heritage Studies Center.