01 Oct HC Enrollment Hits 980

Huntington College announced a total fall enrollment of 980. That includes 838 undergraduates, 89 adults students in its EXCEL Program, and 53 students in the Graduate School of Christian Ministries. This is down slightly from last year’s enrollment of 1016 (the graduating class last spring was a record 234). Retention is good: 77% of last year’s freshmen returned for the sophomore year–among the highest figures in recent years. Overall, 85% of students eligible to return do so.

Homecoming is being held this weekend. It will draw attention to the 100-year anniversary of powered flight, in tribute to the Wright family. Bishop Milton Wright, father of the Wright brothers, was instrumental in founding Huntington College. As Bishop, he laid the cornerstone of the school’s first building in August 1896, and offered the prayer of dedication for the college in September 1897. A residence hall, Wright Hall, is named after Bishop Wright.