History of Harpur College

Our History, Our Story

A Legacy of Public Liberal Arts Excellence

1950 - Colonial Hall, Endicott: Triple Cities College
Pictured above: 1950 - Colonial Hall, Endicott: Triple Cities College is incorporated into the State University of New York, and changes its name to Harpur College.
Harpur College of Arts and Sciences is the historical and intellectual core of ßÙßÇÂþ»­ University. Its story began in 1946 as Triple Cities College of Syracuse University, created to serve returning World War II veterans.

In 1950, the institution joined the newly formed State University of New York system as one of SUNY’s first two liberal arts colleges—marking the official beginning of Harpur College.

Named for Robert Harpur, a Colonial-era scholar, teacher, and patriot, the college was envisioned as a public liberal arts institution that could stand alongside the top private schools in the Northeast. That ambition continues to guide Harpur’s mission more than 70 years later.

A Campus Finds Its Home

1954 - Groundbreaking for the Vestal Campus
1954 - Groundbreaking for the Vestal Campus of Harpur College (left to right): Charles F. Johnson (governor), Thomas E. Dewey, and William S. Carlson (president of SUNY).
In 1954, work began on a new campus in Vestal, N.Y., overlooking the Susquehanna River. For several years, students commuted between the original Endicott location—where classrooms ranged from Colonial Hall to temporary Quonset huts—and the developing Vestal site. The full transition was completed in 1961, setting the stage for future growth.

Becoming ßÙßÇÂþ»­

1961 - The campus moved across the Susquehanna River to Vestal
1961 - The campus moved across the Susquehanna River to Vestal. Growing enrollment and a reputation for excellence led to the selection of Harpur College as one of four doctorate-granting University Centers in the state system.
Harpur College became the State University of New York at ßÙßÇÂþ»­ in 1965, later known simply as ßÙßÇÂþ»­. The campus was designated one of SUNY’s four University Centers, and Harpur remained its largest academic division, anchoring the University’s identity with its commitment to the liberal arts and sciences.

Excellence in Liberal Arts and Sciences

Today, Harpur College offers nearly 40 areas of study across the arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences, supported by a wide range of interdisciplinary programs. Our graduate portfolio includes nationally recognized master’s and doctoral degrees, taught by distinguished faculty that include National Academy of Sciences members, Guggenheim Fellows, and award-winning scholars and scientists.

A Hub for Discovery, Creativity, and Innovation

Harpur students have access to modern science and computing labs, language technology facilities, expansive humanities offerings, multicultural studies, theater and performance programs, renowned music instruction, and distance learning resources. The college also connects students to multidisciplinary opportunities across the University’s professional schools, including nursing, community and public affairs, engineering, management, and pharmacy.